Several California wellness destinations have been recognized in USA Today’s 2025 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards − including one near Salinas known for its stunning views and customizable retreats.
Mount Madonna Center in Watsonville received honors in two categories, placing No. 4 for both Best Meditation Center and Best Yoga Retreat Center. Located on 380 acres in the Santa Cruz Mountains about 34 miles north of Salinas, the center offers views of Monterey Bay and a wide range of customizable retreats focused on yoga, meditation, and wellness. Daily rituals include sunrise and sunset ceremonies at the mountaintop Hanuman Temple, vegetarian meals, nature hikes, and spiritual gatherings.
The Spa at Séc-he in Palm Springs placed No. 2 in the Best Day Spa category. The 73,000-square-foot facility features a suite of luxury wellness offerings, including private mineral baths, halotherapy salt caves, float therapy, quartz bed massages, and aromatherapy steam rooms. Guests can also access a fitness center, wellness lounges, and dining at the on-site Málmal Café and Pál Bar.
Other California spas recognized included:
Best Day Spa
Best Hot Springs
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Best Yoga Retreat Center
Best Wellness Retreat Center
Best Spa Resort
Best Meditation Center
List of the best gyms nationwide
How were the lists determined?
The USA Today 10Best awards are determined by public voting and highlight leading travel, wellness, and leisure destinations. Voting for the 2025 awards occurred throughout June, and winners were announced on July 9.
For a full list of 2025 winners, visit 10best.usatoday.com.
This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun: Salinas-area retreat shines in national USA Today 10Best Awards: See list of winners
Reporting by James Ward and Elizabeth Roberts, Salinas Californian / Palm Springs Desert Sun
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
