To be frank, I’ve never been especially interested in a wellness or spa vacation. I’m not really into yoga or meditation. I enjoy working out, but I never hit the gym when I’m traveling. I have a couple favorite massage therapists at local day spas so I rarely book those at hotels, either. For self care generally I hike or kayak or garden, I need to be outdoors.
I also love to eat, and I find it hard to imagine a vacation without wine. So I worry about feeling deprived.
But when I toured the brand new Canyon Ranch Woodside last January, I felt like this place was designed for me. After months in a pandemic and all my 2020 travel plans cancelled, I was seriously ready for a wellness boost. The resort is less than a hour’s drive away, virtually all activities are outdoors, and is set up to allow easy social distancing for the small number of guests. So I felt comfortable booking myself a 2 night/full 3 day stay right after Thanksgiving.
The staff provided trays if you preferred to eat in a chair by a firepit.
Lots of seating areas all over the property, like this one next to the pizza oven where orientation is held.
This private space overlooks a labrynth below.
(By “full” stay, I mean 3 days full of activities. Not checking in at 4 pm and being hustled out before lunch. Guests are welcome to arrive as early as noon and start activities, and stay until late in the afternoon on their last day. And I could easily have stayed another day, as I didn’t get to try all the activities I had hoped to.)
So how did it work out?
Would I get enough to eat? Yes, I could order as many menu items as I wanted and have as much as I wanted. I went with an open mind and even tried things that normally I wouldn’t care for (like sweet potato hash browns, which tasted just like regular hash browns). All the food was farm to table fresh, creative, and flavorful. I hiked with the chef one day, and learned just how passionate she was about her food and the guest experience.
My introduction to the fantastic food were these tacos at orientation.
The hiker’s breakfast. I asked for more of those muffins every day.
I couldn’t decide between steak or salmon so I had both!
Would I get wine? This wellness resort knows the local demographic well. Not only do they have a nice wine list, but an indoor/outdoor bar with pizza oven. We could take our wine anywere on property, and it was common to see guests relaxing out by firepits with a bottle or glass.
It’s small, but it’s sufficient!
Hanging out on the top deck at sunset. Heaven for introverts!
Would I spend a lot of time outdoors? The resort takes full advantage of the property’s acres of redwood forest, with activities like Qigong in the Forest and Outdoor Functional Fitness. Even in my room I felt immersed in the woods, since I had floor to ceiling windows and a balcony in the treetops. Every morning excursions are offered off property to local parks and farms, an artist residency, and, of course, a winery.
Watching the sunrise from bed.
Over 400 sq ft of relaxing and well-lit private space.
The treehouses suites are stacked in groups of two, with a king room on top and double queen on the bottom.
The forest trail is used for fitness and relaxation. This natural fairy circle is the perfect place to meditate.
The Santa Cruz mountains offer lots of parks with hiking trails, and expert guides will make sure you don’t miss anything interesting…
…like this surprising sandstone feature.
Our goal: a view of the ocean. (Yes, it’s out there.)
Did I get a massage? Yes I did, and it was one of the best ones I ever had. I also spent some time relaxing by the indoor/outdoor pool (gotta love sunny winter days in California), foam rolling in the gym, and riding an exercise bike on the third story deck with a view of the redwoods.
The wall at the end opens completely to an outside patio with chaise lounges. Even in December it can get warm on a sunny day!
It sure was easier to be motivated to work out with this setup.
Did I do yoga or meditation? No, but I participated in a breathing workshop, a creative sketching class, and the free coaching sessions offered by staff and the guest speaker. (If you ever get the chance to take a private walk in the woods with a life coach, do it!) I am not one to sit still for long, but it was easy to have some quiet contemplation on a bench tucked out of sight by a seasonal waterfall just for that purpose.
The treehouses encircle the resort with the forest trail far below.
I had a Qigong lesson down in that circle.
This Buddha is not what it seems.
Canyon Ranch Woodside exceeded my expectations, and I cannot wait to go back, especially with a friend. The location halfway between San Jose and San Francisco is perfect for a staycation for Bay Area residents, and an easy addition to a northern California sightseeing tour. I think it would be perfect for honeymooners to spend a few days here to decompress together before heading off on other adventures. I also met babymooners expecting their first child.
I didn’t miss indoor dining at all!
I am happy to share with clients my insider tips on how to prepare and what to expect, plus local travel planning and sightseeing tips for out of town visitors. My clients also receive Virtuoso amenities, which include an upgrade on arrival if available, and a $100 activity credit. Just send an email to suzette@suzettemacktravel.com.
