As a busy mom with two kids under 10 it feels like space for me is a precious commodity that is often fleeting. I am so envious of my single friends who get to travel to Bali in pursuit of a spiritual experience. I want that too, but have to find it closer to home and thank goodness I live in a city like Los Angeles that is bustling with holistic healing around ever corner. There are meditation classes, spa treatments, and yoga classes designed to care for your well being in your daily life. We are so lucky!

But what about when you want to escape your everyday life and get away from it all? This is why "wellness retreat Los Angeles" is something I often find myself searching for or "where is the best infinity pool within a 2 hour drive of Los Angeles?" I want to connect with like minded individuals, do yoga, explore my spirituality and eat healthy meals. But finding weekend getaways that check all the boxes has been harder than expected. Which is why I wanted to share my top 10 wellness retreats near Los Angeles.

And if you are looking for a spiritual experience without the stress of packing, I host monthly hypnosis workshops right in my backyard in Los Angeles. I'm very excited to have just launched a 3 hour long FLOATING hypnosis sound bath to create a mini retreat for those who live locally. I'll share more about this fully immersive experience below but first let's dive into some other amazing wellness retreats within driving distance of LA.

Types of healing retreats in Los Angeles

There are so many different types of retreats out there. Finding the right one to meet your needs can be the challenge! I can remember spending hours looking for a retreat center for my mom, sisters and I for my 40th birthday. I found all sorts of options but none of them quite hit the mark of the intimate, personal retreat center I was looking for. Finally through word of mouth I found out two of my favorite yoga instructors were hosting retreats and it turned out to be a perfect fit. I'll share more about the best retreats I've experienced near LA shortly, but first lets narrow down what type of retreat you are really looking for.

Luxury retreats

Luxury retreats offer an unparalleled experience, combining relaxation with indulgence to create a transformative getaway. These retreats cater to those looking to immerse themselves in an environment where every detail is designed to nurture the mind, body, and spirit. Here are some defining features of a luxury getaway:

Opulent accommodations: Lavish suites, private villas, spa, or exclusive resort spaces with breathtaking views and top-tier amenities. Such as infrared sauna, fitness center & spa services and salon offerings.
Gourmet cuisine: Chef-prepared meals featuring locally sourced, organic ingredients, often tailored to individual dietary preferences.
Personalized programs: Tailored yoga, tai chi, spa and fitness classes designed to meet your unique needs and goals. Schedule a body treatment like hot stone massage or enjoy amenities like steam room, salon services and more.
Exclusive experiences: Private excursions, special spa treatments, guided meditations in serene settings, or even one-on-one sessions with renowned wellness experts.

Indulging in a luxury retreat provides a deep sense of renewal and luxury, allowing you to live your best life feeling completely revitalized.

Budget-friendly retreats

Taking time to retreat and recharge is essential for maintaining a balanced life, but it doesn't have to break the bank. Budget-friendly retreats offer the same rejuvenating benefits as their pricier counterparts without the hefty price tag. These retreats focus on simplicity, connection, and self-care, making them accessible to all. Here are some common elements you’ll find:

Minimalist accommodations: Think cozy cabins, tents, or shared spaces that focus on comfort and natural beauty. Think of something like walking down hiking trails aka forest bathing.
Local, organic meals: Simple, nourishing food sourced from local farms or prepared by participants.
Group activities: Meditation sessions, yoga, and nature walks that foster community without additional costs.
DIY workshops: Learn new skills like journaling, mindfulness, or herbal remedies from other retreat-goers or guides.

By choosing a retreat that aligns with these principles, you can find the inner peace and renewal you seek, all while staying within your budget.

Activity-specific retreats

Activity-specific retreats are perfect for those looking to immerse themselves in a particular practice or interest while enjoying a transformative getaway. These retreats are designed to deepen your experience and connect you with like-minded individuals. Whether you're drawn to spiritual growth, physical health, or exploring the great outdoors, there's a retreat tailored to your needs. Here are some common elements of activity-specific retreats:

Yoga retreats: This special type of wellness retreat includes daily yoga sessions focused on emotional well being and health. Most yoga retreats take a holistic approach leaving your body and soul feeling rejuvenated.
Detox retreats: Cleanse your body with specialized diets, fasting, and detoxifying treatments, dry sauna, infrared saunas, eucalyptus steam room, complemented by yoga and gentle exercise.
Health-focused retreats: Incorporate balanced nutrition, fitness routines, and wellness education to promote overall well-being.
Outdoor adventure retreats: Engage in activities like hiking, kayaking, or rock climbing while surrounded by the nature.
Writers Retreats: A gathering place for writers to focus on their craft. Guest can support one another and find focus away from home to get their writing projects rolling or completed!

These retreats allow you to dive deep into your passion, whether it's spiritual, physical, or adventurous, leaving you rejuvenated and inspired.

Top 10 recommendations for wellness getaways in Los Angeles

Los Angeles and its surrounding areas offer a rich array of holistic health retreats, perfect for rejuvenating your mind, body, and spirit. Whether you’re seeking luxury, spiritual growth, or a nature-centric getaway, here are my ten top wellness retreats, including one for those willing to travel a bit further.

1. Modern Hypnotherapy Day Retreat

Located in the heart of Los Angeles, Modern Hypnotherapy’s retreat is ideal for those looking to align their subconscious mind with conscious goals. The workshops include hypnotherapy sessions, sound healing, breath work and even floating sound baths. Themes include shared goals like, Hypnosis for your Health, Hypnosis for your Love Life and Hypnosis to Achieve Your Financial Goals. In the newly launched Floating Hypnosis Sound Bath you can expect to gather under a tree for some journaling to better understand yourself, and then float in the pool for a guided sound bath and group hypnosis journey. It's a fully immersive experience! You can find the best day retreat for you here.

2. The Ranch Malibu

The Ranch Malibu offers a secluded, all-inclusive retreat in the rolling hills of the Santa Monica Mountains. This retreat focuses on fitness, health, and detoxification, with daily hikes, plant-based meals, morning yoga, and strength training in their state of the art fitness center. The Ranch’s rigorous program is designed to help you disconnect from daily stress and reconnect with your health in a stunning natural setting. Check out their spa and additional amenities here.

3. Two Bunch Palms

Located in Desert Hot Springs, Two Bunch Palms is known for its healing hot springs, spa and tranquil atmosphere. This mid-range retreat offers various wellness programs, including daily yoga and meditation. The property’s natural hot springs provide the perfect environment for relaxation and rejuvenation, making it ideal for those looking to detox and heal in a peaceful desert oasis.

4. The Den Meditation

For a spiritual retreat within the city,The Den Meditation offers meditation-focused retreats in Los Angeles. This budget-friendly option includes daily guided meditations, mindfulness workshops, and breathwork sessions. Perfect for those new to meditation or looking to deepen their practice, The Den focuses on spiritual growth and inner peace, offering a supportive community setting.

5. Ojai Valley Inn

This wellness resort is located just 90 minutes from Los Angeles. The Inn is renowned for its world-class full service spa, which offers a wide range of treatments, including reiki sessions, detox programs, yoga, and outdoor activities like tennis and golf. The retreat’s serene environment, nestled in the Ojai Valley, makes it an ideal destination for those looking to unwind and reconnect with nature while enjoying top-notch amenities. Book one of their incredible body treatments or check out their full menu of massages & wellness services here. The Ojai Valley Inn holds a special place in my heart because it was where my husband asked me to be his official "girl friend":)

6. Jennifer Pastiloff’s Writers' Retreats

I love Jennifer Pastiloff’s retreats in Ojai! She blends yoga, writing, and spiritual exploration. Her retreats are designed for those looking to connect deeply with themselves and others. Every time I attend one of Jennifer's retreats I leave feeling restored and motivated to be my full authentic self! With a focus on self-expression, healing, and community, this unique retreat experience is perfect for those interested in personal growth and spiritual awakening. Jennifer usually hosts her retreats at a private home that includes complimentary access to a pool and hot tub. You can get in touch with Jennifer here.

7. El Capitan Canyon

This is one of my families favorite places to connect with nature. We took the kids here for spring break and it felt like a little retreat for our family. iPad were away and we got to see the kids play with sticks! Just north of Santa Barbara, El Capitan Canyon offers a unique glamping experience that combines the outdoors with luxurious comfort. Set in a picturesque canyon, this retreat is ideal for nature lovers who want to experience the beauty of the California coast while enjoying wellness activities like hiking, forest bathing, beach yoga, star gazing, camp fires and sound baths. With cozy cabins, safari tents, and yurts, El Capitan Canyon offers a rustic yet refined retreat experience, perfect for those seeking a nature getaway. While there is no private beach, you can easily ride your bike from the camp grounds to the beach within 15 minutes.

8. Dolphinsgate Aquatic Sanctuary

Dolphinsgate Aquatic Sanctuary, in the heart of Los Angeles offers truly unique spiritual retreats focused on healing through water. Guests enjoy cacao, intention setting, aura cleansing, water massages and mineral baths at this intimate wellness center. I experienced my first floating sound bath here and it was pure heaven! I can't wait to go back. If you love it as much as me you might even add this incredible retreat to your bucket list. You can travel with them to Tahiti to swim with the hump back whales!

9. Colin Kim’s Yoga Retreats

Colin Kim is my favorite yoga teacher and we love him so much that my husband and I asked him to be the officiant at our wedding! His yoga retreats are truly spectacular! His retreats are designed for yogis of all levels, focusing on physical alignment, breathwork, and mindfulness. You can expect opportunities for personal growth in a supportive and serene environment. Colin Kim’s retreats are perfect for those looking to deepen their practice and connect with a like-minded community. You can reach out to Colin here!

10. Esalen Institute

For those willing to travel a bit further, the Esalen Institute in Big Sur offers an unparalleled retreat experience. Perched on the cliffs overlooking the Pacific Ocean, Esalen is known for its transformative workshops, natural hot springs, and stunning coastal scenery. This retreat center offers a wide range of programs, from spiritual growth and Shamanic healing to yoga, massage, and art. With its emphasis on holistic living and personal growth, Esalen is a must-visit destination for anyone seeking deep healing and transformation in a breathtaking environment.

Choosing the right retreat for you

These wellness getaways offer something unique for everyone, whether you’re looking for luxury, spiritual growth, or a nature-centric adventure. Los Angeles and its surrounding areas, provide so many options to suit your wellness needs and preferences. Things to consider as you begin your research:

Are your dates flexible?
What's your budget?
Is connecting with others high priority or important to you?
Is time to disconnect from others and connect with yourself important to you?

By answering these questions you can decide if you want to find a wellness center that connects you to others in a group setting or if something more personalized would be a better fit for you.

Final thoughts on LA wellness retreats

I love a wellness retreat and try to make space for myself to do them at least once a year. Each one has made a special imprint on my heart and mind. There is nothing better than gathering around a table to eat with strangers and stepping away feeling nourished physically and spiritually. I manifested my dream home at a wellness retreat. I reconnected to my voice and got back into doing musical theatre thanks to a spiritual retreat. So many powerful changes have happened in my life when I created the space to get clear on my goals.

As I host my Los Angeles mini day retreats I share little gems I've gathered on my journey. Community is an important value to me so I strive to create that for you when you come to my home for a group hypnosis workshop or mini day retreat. And if you find that you are burnt out being around other people, perhaps one on one hypnotherapy sessions are the best choice for you. Either way, I will hold space for you. Hypnotherapy is a powerful tool to help you achieve your goals and integrating hypnosis into your life can be a wonderful way to retreat from the day to day overload we all experience.

If you are curious to see how hypnosis can help you improve your health mentally or physically, I offer complimentary consultations. You can book anytime here!

A Hypnotherapist's Guide to Wellness Retreats in Los Angeles