--- title: "Kate Berlant and Jacqueline Novak Visit Golden Door in California" url: https://newscentral.site/kate-berlant-and-jacqueline-novak-visit-golden-door-in-california/ language: en publisher: "News Central Site" section: "Travel" published: 2026-10-22T14:30:00.000Z updated: 2026-10-23T09:47:49.077Z id: 4c75cc93-bacc-46de-9b71-d8fd410efc3e source: "Conde Nast Traveler https://www.cntraveler.com/story/seeking-nirvana-at-the-golden-door-with-kate-berlant-and-jacqueline-novak" attribution: "Link to https://newscentral.site/kate-berlant-and-jacqueline-novak-visit-golden-door-in-california/ and name News Central Site when you quote or summarize this story." --- # Kate Berlant and Jacqueline Novak Visit Golden Door in California Two comedians recently stayed at the Golden Door wellness retreat in California to experience its unique offerings. The Golden Door in California has long been renowned for its luxurious wellness retreats, but two comedians, Kate Berlant and Jacqueline Novak, have recently experienced its unique offerings firsthand. As hosts of the popular podcast Poog, which delves into topics such as wellness, beauty, and travel, they were sent on an assignment to write about this esteemed destination. Berlant has been keeping busy with her latest stand-up comedy special, "Parmesan, which premiered on HBO in October, while Novak is gearing up for the launch of her next tour in November. The comedians' shared enthusiasm for luxury items and spa experiences led them to explore the Golden Door's offerings, as they frequently collaborate on their podcast to acquire high-end amenities for free. The idea of visiting the Golden Door had been floating around Berlant's mind for years, thanks to a recommendation from a well-known actress who had attended the resort after a period of indulgence over the winter holiday. Her glowing testimonial was echoed by another attendee, a millionaire who brought his mother along to celebrate her 70th birthday. The Golden Door has been offering its unique blend of zen gardens, sunrise hikes, gourmet meals, and spa treatments since 1958, long before it became fashionable for luxury resorts to focus on wellness. Berlant's initial impression was that the resort might be a place she'd only visit in the afterlife, but now that she's experienced it firsthand, she's beset with fear of never returning. Novak notes that their podcast Poog is an ongoing conversation about wellness, beauty, and travel, which has brought them closer to the Golden Door. The two comedians frequently analyze hotel features while on tour, and a core tenet of their podcast is trying to acquire luxury items or spa experiences for free. As part of their assignment, Berlant and Novak were tasked with sharing their experience at the Golden Door with readers. Their shared enthusiasm for the resort's offerings led them to introduce themselves in front of a group on the first night, where they referred to it as our white whale, a term that was met with confusion. Their introduction was followed by an announcement from a woman who revealed it was her 118th visit to the Golden Door. This unexpected revelation only added to the mystique of this exclusive retreat, which has captivated the attention of many celebrities and wellness enthusiasts over the years. The experience at the Golden Door left an indelible mark on Berlant and Novak, with both comedians still discussing its merits long after their visit. In the following sections, they will delve deeper into their experiences, sharing insights into the resort's unique offerings and what made it such a memorable trip for them. The serene ambiance of this resort is palpable even before arrival, thanks to meticulous planning and attention to detail by its staff. A leisurely call weeks prior to our visit allowed them to gather crucial information about our preferences and needs, including dietary requirements and allergies. They also took note of our interest in various activities, such as intuitive pottery and Taiko drumming, which would be available for us to try during our stay. In fact, the staff's diligence extended to even the smallest details, like whether we preferred spring water or alkaline water in our rooms daily, and whether we wanted a Keurig coffee maker in addition to the French Press already provided. It became clear that this resort was not just about relaxation but also about stripping away distractions and allowing guests to focus on their well-being. To achieve this, they provide clothing for guests to wear during their stay, eliminating the need to pack anything except underwear. They even offer to pick us up and drop us off at the end of our visit, taking care of all logistical arrangements with ease. Upon arrival, we were escorted across a wooden bridge to the famous golden door, a stunning entrance that sets the tone for the tranquil experience that awaits inside. The Golden Door's unique approach to guest management is evident in its website warning against soliciting donations or bothering notable guests. Upon checking into our rooms, we discovered a printed list of all guests' names and cities of origin, which sparked an instant online search by one of us. This revealed that we were sharing space with individuals from diverse backgrounds, including billionaires, authors, Gestalt therapists, oil heiresses, and venture capitalists. The list seemed to be provided as a way to avoid awkward encounters, allowing guests to research and prepare themselves for interactions with others. In fact, the Golden Door's confidence in providing this information was evident in its decision to give everyone the opportunity to add their email to a shared contact list before the end of the week. This preemptive measure aimed to prevent guests from trying to secure each other's contact details once they had departed. While there were no celebrities from film, television, or stage present during our stay, some well-known figures from the finance world did attend. One guest, who referred to himself as a handsome financier," even requested that he be addressed by this title if he were to be mentioned in any future publications. The communal meals at Golden Door were a highlight of the experience for Kate Berlant and Jacqueline Novak. In fact, they ended up taking every meal with their group, which added to the sense of camaraderie. One aspect that made the dining experience feel almost like middle school was the freedom to choose where to sit, but Jacqueline tried to offset this by sitting with different people each time. She even joked about wishing they assigned seats for each meal. Kate and Jacqueline were part of a co-ed week at Golden Door, which is one of three options offered by the spa. The majority of weeks are women's weeks, while others are men's weeks or co-ed. Going as a couple was not necessarily a cost-effective option, as the $13,000 rate applies per person. However, Kate noted that couples were allowed to share a room and that one couple was celebrating their anniversary during their stay. The spa attracts people from all walks of life, including those seeking solace in times of grief or desperation. The idea is that Golden Door can help guests reset and recharge, which may seem like a tall order but seems achievable given the serene surroundings. Jacqueline confessed to fantasizing about returning to Golden Door someday as someone with more financial resources and problems, allowing her to indulge in the spa's amenities without worrying about the cost. This was seen as a humorous way of acknowledging the allure of the place. The food at Golden Door has received high praise from guests, including Kate and Jacqueline. They were particularly impressed by the accommodating staff, who prepared special dishes for them on request. For instance, when Kate asked for more food after returning from a hike, she was served sourdough pancakes within seven minutes. Kate recalled that in the past, Golden Door used to weigh and measure guests upon arrival, but this approach has since been abandoned. The current focus is on providing excellent service and catering to individual needs, as evidenced by their willingness to prepare special meals for Kate and Jacqueline. The thick coconut yogurt and berries were a particular favorite of Jacqueline's, while Kate enjoyed the variety of dishes available during mealtime. Overall, the food was seen as an integral part of the Golden Door experience, with staff going out of their way to ensure that guests' dietary needs are met. The Golden Door's sprawling farm is home to almost all of its ingredients, sourced directly from its lush grounds. This emphasis on foraging has created an Edenic paradise that guests can explore at their leisure. Walking through the garden feels like strolling down the aisles of a grocery store built by nature itself. Guests rave about the freshness and quality of the food, with many citing standout dishes such as the best iced tea and tempeh they've ever had. Even the little flowers in the drinks come from the garden, adding to the sense of immersion in nature. The attention to detail is evident in every aspect of the Golden Door experience. In addition to the high-quality ingredients, guests also appreciate the reduction of decision-making that comes with the Golden Door's daily rhythm. Rather than having to choose what to eat four times a day, meals are carefully planned and presented as part of the overall experience. This simplification is a major contributor to the sense of relaxation and tranquility that pervades the resort. Guests have the option to participate in various activities throughout the day, from Pilates classes and water volleyball to butterfly tours and hiking excursions. The schedule is carefully printed out each morning, allowing guests to choose how they spend their time. Whether it's exploring the garden, hanging at the pool, or floating up to the art studio, there's always something to do. The Golden Door's activities extend beyond physical pursuits, with classes in Japanese calligraphy, Ikebana, and Archery available for those interested. Guests can also learn taiko drumming or explore their Aura through various workshops and sessions. These optional activities add to the sense of immersion and discovery that characterizes the Golden Door experience. Guests have praised the resort's staff for going out of their way to ensure that guests' dietary needs are met, even when it comes to specific requests such as gluten-free or vegan options. This attention to detail is just one aspect of the Golden Door's commitment to creating a truly personalized and transformative experience. In addition to its many activities and amenities, the Golden Door also offers a range of treatments and therapies designed to promote relaxation and rejuvenation. Guests can choose from massages, facials, and other treatments, or opt for more holistic approaches such as meditation and yoga. The resort's emphasis on nature and self-discovery has led some guests to joke about wanting to extend their stay indefinitely. With its sprawling grounds, delicious food, and wide range of activities, the Golden Door is a true retreat from the stresses of modern life. The Golden Door's serene atmosphere and tranquil surroundings have a way of making guests feel like they're in a state of suspended time. This is reflected in the comments from some visitors, who likened their experience to being at summer camp for adults. In the early days of their stay, Jacqueline Novak observed that people would often remark on how it felt like they were in kindergarten again, indulging in treats while announcements were made over a loudspeaker. Kate Berlant added that everyone wore identical Yakuta robes, which only added to the sense of communal simplicity. As guests relaxed into their surroundings, they began to notice small details that contributed to the peaceful ambiance. Some people had hair wet from showers or pool time, and others looked tired but content. It was as if they'd finally found a way to unwind and let go of their worries. The daily routine at The Golden Door included communal activities and gentle reminders about upcoming events. A staff member would often emerge with updates on the next day's schedule, which added to the sense of anticipation and shared experience. One of the most memorable moments for Jacqueline Novak was the nightly walk after dinner to the golden gates. Guests would knock three times and set intentions, a ritual that seemed both poignant and reassuring. Kate Berlant jokingly wondered if this practice actually increased glucose sensitivity or reduced it, but the intention behind it was clear. Despite their initial booking of only four nights, Jacqueline Novak felt a pang of sadness as departure loomed. She sent an email to The Golden Door begging to extend their stay, which they eventually agreed to. This unexpected extension allowed them to fully immerse themselves in the resort's tranquil atmosphere and enjoy its many simple pleasures. As they settled into their extended stay, Kate Berlant realized that she'd been worried about feeling trapped after just four nights. Instead, she found herself embracing the wholesome and uncomplicated aspects of life at The Golden Door. Whether it was a night swim, a leisurely breakfast on the patio, or a self-love coach's evening ritual, every moment felt like a chance to recharge and reconnect with oneself. The experience at The Golden Door ultimately proved to be a transformative one for both Kate Berlant and Jacqueline Novak, who left feeling refreshed and rejuvenated. As they looked back on their time at the resort, it was clear that its tranquil atmosphere and communal spirit had created a truly special experience, one that would stay with them long after they departed. --- Source: [Conde Nast Traveler](https://www.cntraveler.com/story/seeking-nirvana-at-the-golden-door-with-kate-berlant-and-jacqueline-novak) Published by News Central Site: https://newscentral.site/kate-berlant-and-jacqueline-novak-visit-golden-door-in-california/