Deprivation can be a good thing every once in a while, and in a world where we tend to live on stimulation overload, there are times when powering down can be healing, and even necessary. That is why Hollywood starlets, CEOs and VIPs all choose to spend time at the Ranch at Live Oak Malibu, a 7 day wellness retreat that is structured more like an extreme bootcamp within a five-star resort setting. This luxe take on the ashram-modeled detox, most specifically the hardcore Ashram in neighboring Calabasas where I once did my time…quite impressed, and a bit shocked that I actually made it through the entire week, not having defected by hitching a ride home in a passing Mercedes – is perched three miles above the Pacific Ocean, providing 16 guests per week access to 200 miles of hiking trails in the magnificent Santa Monica Mountains, votive-lit exercise haciendas, a pool, horse stables, and delicious- yet sparse- organic vegetarian cuisine from chef Rob Dalzell.
Founders Sue and Alex Glasscock instruct their guests to start weaning off sugar and processed foods one month prior to their stay, in order to prepare for days that begin with a morning kale shake and yoga at 5:30am, and continues with 10 hours of activity- which includes, challenging hikes and core exercises such as TRX- sans sugar, meat, dairy, gluten, caffeine, and alcohol- and usually wraps up around 8pm, when you literally fall into bed and sleep hard.
There is an upside to all the sweat, delirium, and constant food cravings shared with your partners-in-detox, and it’s manifested in daily hour-long restorative massages given by true energy healers, epic lookouts on the winding trails, chic private bungalows with views of the ocean and Frette sheets- definitely a plus from my days at the Ashram where rooms were communal-but the best takeaway is complete mental clarity and awareness…not to mention all those pounds and inches that will have evaporated off your body. For those who may want a slightly lower dose of re-calibration, the Ranch 4.0 will be launching in September, which is an abbreviated four-day stay at the nearby Four Seasons resort in Westlake Village. But don’t think you’ll be getting off easy…their no option policy remains, meaning no checking out from any activity, whatsoever. However, you will only be required to get physical for 8 hours instead of 10…what a relief. www.theranchmalibu.com
