For years I’ve dreamed about experiencing the Golden Door. Rated as the World’s Most Iconic spa by Conde Nast (article below), is certainly appealing and note-worthy, though I knew there was much more behind “the door” even beyond their noteworthy and very prestigious ranking. It took an unfortunate tragedy in my life to lead me to this golden property, for which I further understand what a magical chance this was to finally check in at the Golden Door.
This is, by no means, just a place to go and be pampered- though fear not- you will be pampered…til you can’t be pampered no more. Though the real beauty about this place is so much more than the pristine grounds and architecture, The Golden Door offers some of the best classes and treatments a gal could ask for. The Door is, simply put, transformational. In one day, I went on a 5 mile sunrise hike, had a massage, got a pedicure, had a full hour reiki private session, learned Fencing, took a meditation class, attended a sound bath and called it a night. I mean seriously? This is how we should live each and every day. (clearly I’m still basking in the golden glow of this place)
Just before the holidays I lost my best friend in the world-my one and only sibling, my brother. His passing was not only sudden it was a complete and utter heartbreak. I shut down- not eating, not sleeping, and completely dehydrated unless you count endless caffeine, so I guess you could say I was past dehydration, if you want to be real about it. Needless to say the grieving was taking quite a toll on me-body, mind and soul. Fortunately, I knew that if I was to continue on in this life without him I needed to find a way back to me. Back to life. Find a way, a reason to go on without him.
This lead me down the freeway to a small town in North County San Diego, to the Golden Door. I checked in on December 30th for 4 nights of checking out, to check in. And that’s exactly what I did- I checked IN. It was time to rest, relax, cry, grieve and write to get it all out. I have for so long eagerly awaited my chance to come to this beautiful retreat away yet at this time I was overwhelmed with such grief and thus filled with anxiety about what this experience would be. How could I possibly grieve around 30 random women I’ve never met before? As I had been in hiding since his passing, unable to talk to even those I love the most In my life. I truly was shut down and checked out.
To my surprise, It was as if the magic began the moment I stepped through the doors. From the breathtaking awe inspiring grounds, to the thoughtful detail that went into everything for my stay. Fully customized just for little ol’ moi. I’ve never in my life been so cared for and felt so supported. And this was just from Golden Door and its staff. The most beautiful gift was In the company I kept. Every. single. Woman. was amazing- truly phenomenal women. It’s as if we were bonded in sisterhood day one. Never have I shared such intimate vulnerable, emotionally provoking connection with women of all ages in my life. We all quickly came to realize that we all had our own lives at homes and challenges in life that came with it. And we were here to celebrate, grieve and honor one another-strangers or not, it didn’t matter. In fact, that amazing gift of holding space for one another was remarkable. Exactly what I needed to bear witness to- the beautiful gift of humanity and an authentic connection. To hug, to show love and support for someone you just met. I have never felt so supported in my life. I know this is precisely what I was asking for following the loss of my brother, as I had lost faith and hope in this world. I must say with complete gratitude that thankfully the Golden Door offered me the golden opportunity of a lifetime to connect, to heal and to commune with loving, kind souls who I will forever appreciate.
Thank you Golden Door for helping to heal this broken heart of mine and for the beautiful community of women who happened upon one another to enjoy this life together. I am forever grateful.
To explore your own transformative, golden experience- Check out what’s behind that beautiful door.
https://goldendoor.com
https://www.cntraveler.com/story/the-golden-door-is-the-worlds-most-iconic-spa
