In the seclusion of the Californian desert, We Care Spa offers holistic wellness programmes and a legacy of vibrant health
Located in a tranquil part of Desert Hot Springs, California, We Care Spa’s programmes are designed to heal body, mind and spirit. A coveted sanctuary for A-list celebrities and biohacking enthusiasts, it is one of the first champions of once fringe, now widely accepted healing modalities including juice fasting, colonics and reiki. In fact, the roots of the retreat reach back to 1986, when founder and yoga master Susana Belen was searching for ways to heal mentally and physically following a divorce.
“She read every book and met every doctor she could,” explains Christopher Ryan, We Care Spa’s Brand Manager, “but she wasn’t finding the results she wanted to live a happier, healthier life.” A keen traveller and student, Susana was inspired by the ways different cultures around the world have managed stress and promoted wellness over centuries, sometimes millennia.
Embracing a cleanse of complete liquid nutrition combined with meditation, breathwork, colonics and massages, Susana regained control of her health. The drastic improvement in her quality of life did not go unnoticed by her friends, family and yoga clients. “She invited some to stay at her home for a week,” says Christopher. “They followed the same cleanse with such unanimous success and We Care Spa was born. As word spread through Southern California, Susana’s daughter, Susan, came home to help grown the vision.
“There were two bedrooms in 1986 when the spa was founded. Today we welcome 40 guests a week,” says Christopher. Stuccoed villas and glass pavilions, draped in bougainvillea and fragrant jasmine, are spread across the 20-acre oasis. “The visual of this lush sanctuary growing out of the dry desert is a testament to the magic of this programme,” he explains.
We Care Spa’s idyllic location, luxurious amenities and the beneficial effects of its programmes have seen A-list celebrities, such as Venus Williams, Tom Ford, Matt Bomer and Julianne Hough, embark on their own cleanses. But, despite the acclaim and success, it still honours the principles on which Susana, now 85 years old and still teaching at the retreat, founded We Care Spa. “We believe everyone has the potential to feel vital and healthy,” says Christopher, “and, as long as we care for people on their journey, we’re doing the right thing.”
www.wecarespa.com