The Best Wellness Retreats in California for 2025
Hello, fellow wellness warriors and burnt-out humans looking for a lifeline. California isn’t just about sunshine and avocado toast (although it has a long history of that too and I’m there for it!) It’s a wellness wonderland with some of the best wellness practitioners and wellness retreats in the world that’s about to become your personal transformation playground.
As someone who’s dragged herself through countless life transitions, I’ve learned that sometimes you need to completely unplug to truly reconnect. So today I wanted to share with you the best wellness retreats in California in 2025 from one burnt-out human to another haha.
Why Wellness Retreats in California are Your 2025 Salvation
California’s wellness retreats aren’t just vacations – they’re your ticket to hitting that cosmic reset button. From the mystical deserts of Joshua Tree to the serene mountains of Lake Tahoe, and from the wonderful Mexican influence of Southern California to luxurious accommodations or more rustic ranch Malibu options, these retreats offer more than just Instagram-worthy backdrops. They’re about deep personal growth, hot springs, spiritual reconnection, wellness programs with a holistic approach and maybe – just maybe – finding that inner peace you’ve been chasing since your last terrible Tinder date.
10 Wellness Retreats in California That Will Transform Your Life
3 Day Hello 2025! New Year’s Eve Wellness Holiday for Women in California, USA
Modern life can feel like a hamster wheel. That’s where this glorious co-ed retreat in Big Bear comes in to save your sanity. It’s a perfectly crafted weekend escape that manages to pack all the good stuff (daily yoga, meditation that actually works, and sound healing that’ll make your cells dance) into three transformative days. What makes this retreat different from your typical wellness escape is that it’s all about simplicity and real results – no crystals required (unless you’re into that sort of thing). You’ll get cozy in either shared or private rooms in a gorgeous Airbnb (because transformation doesn’t require sleeping on a yoga mat), feast on three delicious daily table meals (that are actually filling) in the beautiful dining room, and learn practical tools you can use long after you’ve returned to the real world. The best part? This retreat gets that you need both yang energy (hello, motivation!) and yin surrender (aka learning to chill), creating the perfect balance for burnt-out humans seeking relief. Whether you’re a meditation newbie or a seasoned zen master of the golden door, Sandy and her team have designed this experience to meet you exactly where you’re at.
Duration: 3 Days
Price: From $2,284
Closest Airport: Big Bear City Airport
Airport Pick-up Included: Yes
Skill Level: All levels welcome
Vegan Friendly: Options available (ask organizers)
Book now!
4 Day Digital Detox Retreat in San Diego, California, US
Let’s talk about your relationship with your phone – you know, that toxic ex you can’t seem to quit. This four-day digital detox retreat in SoCal is basically rehab for your screen addiction, but make it luxe. Nestled in a ridiculously gorgeous property called Cactus Blossom Retreat (complete with salt water pool, hot tub, and views that’ll make your Instagram-deprived heart skip a beat), this is where burning out meets its match. The genius part? They’re not just taking away your phone – they’re replacing your doom-scrolling habit with breathwork that actually works, meditation that won’t bore you to tears, and conversations that go deeper than your last LinkedIn update. Think cold plunges (because nothing says “I’m alive!” like voluntary freezing), mindset workshops that don’t feel like corporate BS, and the kind of community building that even introverts can get behind. The hosts aren’t some zen masters who’ve never seen a deadline – they’re reformed corporate warriors who’ve been in those toxic trenches and found their way out. Whether you’re on the brink of a meltdown or just need to remember what life was like before you became a human email machine, this is the kind of wellness resorts I’d call the secret sauce of happiness: meaningful connection (and not the WiFi kind).
Duration: 4 Days
Price: from $900
Closest Airport: San Diego International Airport
Airport Pick-up Included: No
Skill Level: All levels
Vegan Friendly: Yes
Book now!
4 Day Personal Yoga and Meditation Retreat in Nevada City, California, USA
Picture 700 acres of rolling California hills where you get to be the director of your own wellness story. The Expanding Light Retreat isn’t your typical “follow-the-leader” daily practices – it’s more like spiritual boot camps where you actually want to try everything. This four-day escape lets you create your own perfect blend of “om” and “ahh,” mixing Ananda yoga (which goes way beyond your basic downward dog) with meditation that actually sticks. Want to learn some wild-sounding but incredibly effective Energization Exercises from Paramhansa Yogananda? They’ve got you covered. Prefer to spend your afternoon by the lake contemplating life’s mysteries or hiding in a comfy chair with a good book in the natural surroundings? Nobody’s going to guilt-trip you about it. The vegetarian meals made of local ingredients are so good you’ll forget meat exists, and the staff radiates the kind of joy that makes you wonder what they’re putting in the water. Between the spiritual guidance (only if you want it), devotional chanting (surprisingly addictive), and enough flexibility to make a yogi jealous, this retreat is the perfect setting for anyone who needs a reset but hates being told what to do.
Duration: 4 Days
Price: From $600
Closest Airport: Sacramento International Airport
Airport Pick-up Included: No
Skill Level: All levels
Vegan Friendly: Yes!
Book now!
3 Day Backpacking and Hiking Holiday with Daily Yoga in Yosemite National Park, California, USA
This isn’t your neighborhood yoga studio’s idea of “getting back to nature” – we’re talking full-on wilderness immersion with a side of zen — a totally unique experience. For three days, you’ll ditch the chaos of civilization to explore Yosemite’s lesser-known treasures for miles of private hiking trails, guided by folks who know the backcountry better than most people know their Netflix queue. Camp under stars that’ll make your jaw drop, practice yoga in Mother Nature’s most epic studio (hello, May Lake views!), and maybe even bag a peak or two. The best part? You don’t need to be Bear Grylls or a human pretzel to join – this is entry-level backpacking meets accessible yoga, and they provide literally everything (yes, even the yoga mat you’ll be doing warrior pose on). Plus, all those dollars you’re spending? They’re funding youth summer camps, so you can feel extra good about your wilderness therapy session. Fair warning: after practicing pranayama in the high Sierra’s natural beauty, your regular yoga class might feel a bit… indoor-sy haha.
Duration: 3 Days
Price: From $1,475
Closest Airport: Fresno Yosemite International Airport
Airport Pick-up Included: No
Skill Level: Entry-level backpacking
Vegan Friendly: Yes
Book now!
3 Day Weekend of Connection Retreat in Los Angles, California, USA
Think finding wellness experiences in Los Angeles is about as likely as finding parking in Venice Beach? Think again. Tucked away in a historic Jefferson Park mansion (yes, a literal mansion), the Sivananda Center is serving up tranquility with a side of vintage charm. This three-day wellbeing retreat is basically a masterclass in dropping the judgment – both of yourself and that person who cut you off on the 10 freeway. No TV, no booze, no chaos — just pure, unfiltered zen in a space that feels more like a peaceful European monastery than LA. You’ll sleep in rooms with actual character (hello, grand staircase!), feast on fresh vegetarian food from an organic farm that doesn’t taste like punishment, and maybe finally figure out what this whole “inner peace” thing is about. The best part? You’re still in the heart of LA, but in a protected bubble where the only drama is choosing which inspirational book to read from their massive library while lounging in their shady garden. It’s the perfect urban escape and a unique way for people who want to dip their toes into the whole ashram experience without committing to a month in India. Plus this is one of a wonderful handful of affordable wellness retreats in California!
Duration: 3 Days
Price: From $350
Closest Airport: LAX
Airport Pick-up: No
Skill Level: All levels
Vegan Friendly: Yes
Book now!
3 Day Inner Greatness Women’s Retreat – Push to Pause in Joshua Tree, California, USA
Ever notice how “me time” keeps getting pushed to the bottom of your to-do list, right below “organize that drawer of random cables” and “finally learn TikTok dances”? Sandy Duarte’s women-only retreat in Joshua Tree is here to change that narrative and give you the perfect escape to focus on healthy living and your physical health. This isn’t your typical “day spa with extra steps” – it’s a deep dive into stillness that actually sticks. Set against the mystical backdrop of Joshua Tree (where even the trees look like they’re practicing yoga), this retreat is all about activating that parasympathetic nervous system you probably forgot you had. Through meditation, mindfulness practices, outdoor activities, and workshops that don’t feel like corporate team-building exercises, you’ll learn how to pause in the peaceful surroundings without feeling guilty about it. The best part? These aren’t just random wellness trends – they’re battle-tested tools that Sandy herself uses to navigate life’s chaos. Whether you’re struggling to find your groove or just need a reminder that you’re actually pretty awesome, this retreat is like a permission slip to put yourself first.
Duration: 3 Days
Price: From $2,297
Closest Airport: Palm Springs International Airport
Airport Pick-up Included: Can be arranged for a fee
Skill Level: Open to all, they are very inclusive wellness retreats
Vegan Friendly: Check with the organizer if the culinary offerings can accommodate
Book now!
3 Day Vino and Vibe Business Mastermind Retreat in Temecula, California, USA for Women
For those looking for a luxurious retreat in the socal wellness retreats, this isn’t your typical stuffy mastermind retreat experience – it’s a grape-fueled gathering of ambitious women ready to manifest their empire in California’s wine country. Set in a luxe private home where every room is named after wine, this retreat combines serious business strategy with the kind of soul work that pairs perfectly with a sunset wine tasting. You’ll spend your days diving into manifestation workshops, mindful meditation, and spiritual health, but with a side of business planning, then wind down with meditation sessions and sisterhood bonding that goes way deeper than LinkedIn connections. Fair warning: this isn’t a therapy session with wine – it’s for boss babes who are ready to level up their already awesome lives while surrounded by endless vineyard views in a sacred space with like-minded women who get it. Think of it as a business accelerator that actually feeds your soul (and your wine palette).
Duration: 3 Days
Price: From $1,599
Closest Airport: Los Angeles International Airport
Airport Pick-up Included: yes
Skill Level: All
Vegan Friendly: Ask the organizer
Book now!
Your Wellness Journey Starts Now
Life is too short for burnout and bad vibes. These retreats aren’t just vacations – they’re investments in yourself. Whether you’re looking for spiritual growth, business inspiration, or just a damn good reset, Wellness retreats in California will never ever be a bad idea!
Pro tip: Book early. These spots fill up. Your future self will thank you. Promise.
Amélie is a health and wellness junky. Certified yoga instructor with Yoga Alliance in the Vinyasa and Ashtanga styles, she has a Yoga Instructor Certification – Level I (300 hours) and Yoga Instructor Certification – Level II (200 hours) under her belt. She also has a certified Open Water Diver certification with PADI and SSI Scuba Schools International Freediving Level I certification with SSI Scuba Schools International. She’s been vegan for over 15 years and is obsessed with anything wellness-related.