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70 2 0 1 5 T R A V E L G U I D E T O C A L I F O R N I A CA.SPAS & WELLNESS eco-conscious day spa, the specialty is a cedar enzyme "bath." Guests immerse themselves to the chin in warm, finely ground cedar, rice bran and plant enzymes. Heated by natural fermentation, the treat- ment is said to aid digestion, improve circulation and relieve muscle tension. Or visit the 40,000-square-foot spa at Sonoma Mission Inn atop an ancient thermal mineral spring that flows from 1,100 feet below and was revered by Native Americans for its healing powers. Soak in the mineral baths and Watsu pool, indulge in a signature spa treatment or just relax by the fireplace. 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 Califor- nians, 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 under- ground Hopi-style kiva and swimming in natural stone pools. Massages are avail- able, gourmet vegetarian fare is served, and sleeping quarters are private accom- modations, 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.) 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 philos- ophy, relaxation and opulence. Guests pre-arrange completely customized four- to seven-day packages with fitness options as diverse as Pilates, fencing, dance and archery. Best of all, each stay includes facial treatments, herbal wraps, mani- pedis, and daily in-room 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 seasonal sugar rub (think Pixie tangerine, pumpkin, or fig), lemongrass lavender pedicure or river-rock massage. Ultimately, California's spa culture prom- ises visitors far more than relaxation; it ensures that this time you won't need a vaca- tion from your vacation. You'll return home refreshed and recharged—that is, if you can bring yourself to return home at all. » FIND YOUR SPA 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 Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa fairmont.com/sonoma White Lotus whitelotus.org Golden Door goldendoor.com The Oaks at Ojai oaksspa.com PRACTICING YOGA in Joshua Tree National Park, below; spiral walk at Meadowood, right. GREG EPPERSON/SHUTTERSTOCK ; MEADOWOOD SPA . OPPOSITE: PECHANGA CASINO