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»CA.SPAS & WELLNESS THE OAKS AT OJAI, left, is the place to go for healthy weight loss and conscious eating. Guided hikes in the mountains and water aerobics are also on the menu. » FIND SPA YOUR Om Sweet Om When yoga came to America, some of the first studios appeared in Hollywood and San Francisco. The practice has since become a way of life for countless Californians, and hundreds of top-notch centers, from ritzy to rustic, cater to beginners and gurus alike. One of the world's most renowned yoga retreats is tucked into the Santa Ynez Mountains above Santa Barbara. At the White Lotus Foundation Center, guests spend their days doing sun salutations in a canyon with ocean views, hiking through old-growth oaks, meditating in an underground Hopistyle kiva and swimming in natural stone pools. Massages are available, gourmet vegetarian fare is served, and sleeping quarters are heated yurts or creekside camping under the stars. (Tip: Yurts 1 and 2 are closest to the center and, more importantly, to the hot tub and sauna.) 70 2 013 travel guide to c al ifo r n i a Health First When the sublime Golden Door opened in Escondido in 1958, it was a pioneer among American spas. It's since become one of the world's finest health resorts, regularly hosting Hollywood's biggest stars. Golden Door specializes in fitness, Eastern philosophy, relaxation and opulence. Guests pre-arrange completely customized three-, four-, or seven-day packages with fitness options as diverse as Pilates, fencing, dance and archery. Best of all, each stay includes facial treatments, body wraps and daily inroom massages. Another excellent (and more affordable) option is The Oaks at Ojai, where healthy weight loss and conscious eating are emphasized, and activities include hula hooping, Qi Gong, hiking and roller blading. Indulge in a pomegranate sugar rub, lemongrass lavender pedicure, or river-rock massage. Ultimately, California's spa culture promises visitors far more than relaxation; it ensures that this time you won't need a vacation from your vacation. You'll return home refreshed and recharged—that is, if you can bring yourself to return home at all. CA Kabuki Hot Springs kabukisprings.com Two Bunch Palms Resort & Spa twobunchpalms.com Hacienda Hot Springs haciendahotsprings.com Esalen esalen.org Tassajara Hot Springs sfzc.org/tassajara Indian Springs indianspringscalistoga.com Meadowood meadowood.com/spa Osmosis osmosis.com White Lotus whitelotus.org Golden Door goldendoor.com The Oaks at Ojai oaksspa.com THE OAKS AT OJAI; FRANKIE FRANKENY chin in warm, finely ground cedar, rice bran and plant enzymes. Heated by natural fermentation, the treatment is said to aid digestion, improve circulation and relieve muscle tension.