Columnist Muriel Stevens: Golden Door opens a new world

Wednesday, June 27, 2001 | 8:29 a.m.

What is it about the Golden Door in Escondido, Calif., that sets it apart from all the other spas here and abroad that I've experienced? Its magic begins with the drive through the golden doors at the entrance. It's a short ride from the door to the luxurious health center. The vista on all sides is captivating, yet it is but a glimpse of what's to come.

Golden Door is no mythical Shangri-La that promises eternal youth only if you remain. It offers, instead, a combination of pampering, exercise and programs designed to rejuvenate body, mind and spirit. It takes just the short walk to your room for the impact of this glorious place to kick in.

It was Golden Door's founder, Deborah Szekeley, who conceived the idea of a "for women only" fitness spa that would serve a limited number of guests (currently a maximum of 39 at a time). Blessed with boundless energy and creativity and a passion for fitness, Szekeley's dreams were realized in 1958 when she independently opened the Golden Door. But first came Rancho La Puerta.

In June 1940 Szekeley and her husband, Edmond Szekeley, founded Rancho La Puerta fitness resort in Tecate, Baja California, Mexico ($7.50 per week, bring your own tent). Nine years later, with its reputation established, the facility grew. Rustic housing was provided and prices increased to $25 per week. As the Ranch grew, so did the young entrepreneur's dream of a Zen-influenced spa that would provide programs tailor-made for each guest.

Still active and involved as she approaches her 80th birthday, Szekeley is an inspiration for all who know her. And it's easy to get to know her; she's interested in everyone and usually available. I had an opportunity to speak with her the evening she addressed our group. We gathered in the dining room after everyone returned from the Door's nightly ritual -- a walk to the Golden Door's entrance and back.

"After 61 years it is a debt of honor to come here weekly to talk to the guests," she said. With us she talked about what she has learned over the years. Sometimes she speaks about her many career changes. At age 60, with her son Alex sharing the many Golden Door responsibilities, she felt, as she said, "redundant." She became involved in local politics, made a run for Congress, still serves on numerous boards and provides her home for fund-raisers for her favorite causes.

"At 79 I'm working as much as ever," was her reply when a guest asked if she was considering retirement. Among the wisdom imparted during her time with us: "Capture time, we have managed to give away all of our time," and "Periodically, I look at my calendar to see how I'm treating myself." On staying young: "Everyone I know who's in their 90s says they don't have time to be 90."

The Door's incomparable peaceful and serene setting surrounds guests with beauty. Its design and philosophy takes its inspiration from the legendary ancient Japanese Honjin inns. Each room is spacious. From every window there is a beautiful scene. Among my favorite sights were the sand garden outside my bathroom window and the blaze of flowers, everywhere.

Breakfast is served in the room, in bed if you like (I like). On the tray is your day's schedule. Each day is an interesting mix of alternating massage and beauty treatments with fitness activities. Do them all, or not. It's the guest's choice.

During the summer months there are theme programs. It was hiking week during my stay and many of the guests had come for the special hikes (in addition to the daily offerings) and to meet Carolyn Scott Kortge, author of "The Spirited Walker: Fitness Walking for Clarity, Balance, and Spiritual Connection." This self-proclaimed "klutz" entered her first walking competition at age 46. She is an award-winning journalist and former race walker who took bronze and silver medals from the USA Track and Field Association's National Master Championships.

The days go quickly at the Golden Door. Each day's program brings new awareness of oneself. I'd worried when I realized I would have to navigate steps to reach some of my classes. I was still recovering from recent knee surgery and had not yet done stairs, but with "you can do it" encouragement from Julie, my personal trainer, I managed to walk the distances, handle the steps and learned how to ice my knee like a pro.

As soon as Julie became aware of my problem she took over. The ice pack was waiting for me when I returned to my room. The Golden Door excels at personal care. There are four staff members for every guest. It's like having a genie without having to rub a lamp.

Looking at some of my schedules now, I'm amazed at how many things I managed to do in one day, and to love doing them. There was always the temptation to laze on the chaise lounge in my bedroom with a book, but I rarely did. Everything I experienced was so wonderful, I had to experience everything at least once and then I was hooked. Yoga with Linda was a joy. Tall and willowy, Linda walked like a gazelle, spoke and sang with a lovely voice and convinced us that with practice we, too, could twist and stretch and reach our goals. Easy for me, I didn't have any. I was happy I was flexible enough to get down on the floor.

There were things I couldn't do. I couldn't make the climb to the labyrinth, a replica of the the famous floor labyrinth that was laid in Chartres Cathedral sometime between the 12th and 13th centuries. I'll save that for the next time.

There were activities until the moment of departure, but as always it was our choice whether or not to do them. As Deborah said, "People come here to feel better. It's not a PR pitch." No, it isn't. I expect my euphoric high to last until my return next year.

Food and nutrition are a vital part of any spa stay. I'll share Golden Door menus and dining insight in Friday's column.

For additional information about the Golden Door call (800) 424-0777 or visit goldendoor.com.