Luxury Wellness Retreats: The New Navy SEAL Prep
In the year 2024, the definition of luxury wellness has taken a drastic turn. No longer are destination spas and high-end retreats focused solely on relaxation and pampering. Instead, they have transformed into rigorous programs that push guests to their physical and mental limits.
Imagine waking up at 5:30 a.m. to stretch for 30 minutes, followed by a vegan and organic breakfast. Then, embark on an hours-long hike where you will hear words like “verticality” and snack on precisely six almonds, not seven – to avoid being gluttonous. In the afternoon, take a cold plunge in water cooled to a painful 55 degrees, all while feeling the throbbing in your body from the intense physical activities of the days prior.
One such destination leading this new wave of luxury wellness is the Ranch, nestled in the Santa Monica Mountains of Malibu, California. For 14 years, the Ranch has been offering a unique experience to 25 guests at a time, helping them destress, detox, and rid themselves of life’s anxieties.
“It’s not like any other place,” said Gillian Steel, a frequent visitor to the Ranch. “They manage to be both stylish while pushing you. You meet the most interesting people and get a week to yourself at the same time.”
In late April, the Ranch will be opening a second property in the Hudson Valley of New York, offering the same transformative experience in a new location.
The owners, Sue and Alex Glasscock, emphasize that the natural world is the most important amenity at the Ranch. Guests are encouraged to immerse themselves in nature, eat food from the garden, drink more water, sleep better, and take time off from their devices.
But this luxury wellness experience comes at a price. The Ranch Malibu can cost more than $9,000 a week, depending on the package, while the Ranch Hudson Valley will range from $2,575 to $6,900 per person. However, the exclusivity and transformative experience are worth the investment for many guests.
As wellness has evolved, places like the Ranch have played a pivotal role in changing the definition of destination spas. While other spas offer high-tech, medicalized programs, the Ranch stands out for its simplicity and communal approach.
“We want to take what we consider the important aspects of health, wellness, and longevity and immerse everyone in all of them for a week or three days,” said Sue Glasscock. “Most people want a silver bullet, but there is no such thing.”
In a world where luxury wellness retreats are more akin to Navy SEAL prep than five-star resorts, the Ranch offers a unique and transformative experience for those seeking to push their limits and reconnect with nature.
