The Ashram vs the Ranch: A tale of two retreats

Feeling frazzled and flabby, with late-night snack attacks and zero motivation to move, I was desperately seeking a reset. Enter: two back-to-back weeks of wellness wonder at The Ashram, Calabasas and The Ranch, Malibu, both located near Los Angeles. Both retreats promised to reboot my mind, body, and soul. Here’s my firsthand account of this rejuvenating journey this June, comparing everything from food to fitness, and more.

Daily schedule

Both the Ashram and the Ranch are six-day health and wellness retreats (Check-in Sunday afternoon, Check-out Saturday morning) that emphasize hiking in nature, clean plant-based diet, resistance training and yoga. Urging us to unplug and engage fully in the program, both retreats offer the same action packed daily schedule:

5:30 am: Wake-up and morning stretch/yoga

6:00 am: Stretching | Foam Rolling | Restorative Yoga

6:45 am: Breakfast

7:45 am: Depart for hike (2 hour or 4 hour)

1:00 pm: Lunch & Rest

3:00 pm: Pool Time

4:00 pm: Fitness Class

5:00 pm: Restorative Yoga

2:00 pm – 6:00 pm: Massages & Treatments (individually scheduled)

7:00 pm: Dinner

9:00 pm: Lights Out

Both retreats aim to recalibrate our circadian rhythms with early wake-up calls at 5 or 5:30 AM. At The Ashram, you wake up to the melodic sounds of a guitar and a staff member serenading you awake with a luxurious song. At The Ranch, a gentle chime and a swift “Good morning” greet you, making it surprisingly easy to get out of bed. Both methods were sweet and effective in starting the day on a positive note.

Overview

The Ashram

The Ashram is a cozy, intimate retreat that accommodates up to 12 guests at a time. This smaller group size creates a more personal and connected environment, allowing for deeper relationships to form among participants. The 10-acre property itself is more compact, fostering a sense of community and togetherness.

The Ashram was originally founded by Anne-Marie Bennstrom & Kat Bennstrom in the 1970s, inspired by the vision of creating a retreat that promotes physical and spiritual well-being. The retreat quickly gained popularity, attracting celebrities like Cindy Crawford, who have sought its transformative experience.

The Ranch

The Ranch, on the other hand, is a sprawling 200-acre estate that hosts 24 to 27 guests. While still maintaining a sense of exclusivity, the larger group size provides a slightly more dispersed social atmosphere, with lots of time for solitude. The expansive property offers ample space for guests to explore and enjoy the luxurious amenities without feeling crowded.

Inspired by The Ashram, The Ranch was established by Sue and Alex Glasscock in 2010 with the goal of creating a luxury wellness retreat that combines rigorous physical activity with relaxation and detoxification. The retreat has quickly become a favorite among celebrities, with notable attendees including Minka Kelly and Mandy Moore.

Accommodations

The Ashram

The Ashram’s accommodations are reminiscent of a house-like cocoon, where everyone stays together in a close-knit setting. The rooms are clean, sparse, and almost Scandinavian in nature, emphasizing simplicity and functionality. At first, I was apprehensive about sharing a bathroom, but it felt like being in a well-maintained, well-cleaned family home. It was no big deal at all! In fact, stripping away some of the luxuries helped me see the magic of simplicity. Each guest is provided with a bathrobe and bright red sweatpants and sweatshirt to borrow at any time of day. 

The Ranch

In contrast, The Ranch offers accommodations that feel more like a five-star hotel dedicated to health and wellness. Each guest enjoys a separate room, providing a high level of privacy and comfort. The rooms are beautifully appointed, blending luxury with a serene ambiance, and feature en-suite bathrooms and premium amenities. I loved the lavender exfoliating soap bar left in the shower—made on property, like all the soaps and shampoos. Each guest receives a robe, a steel water bottle, and a ranch tote, all labeled with their name. Communication is facilitated through walkie-talkies, where upcoming activities are announced.

Food

Both The Ashram and The Ranch are dedicated to plant-based, dairy-free dining, emphasizing the health benefits of clean eating. However, the culinary experiences at these retreats are distinct in their execution and quality.

The Ashram

The Ashram offers an unfussy, clean & simple approach to its cuisine. While the food is prepared with evident care and affection, many ingredients are organic store-bought, which slightly diminishes the gourmet appeal. The inclusion of eggs at The Ashram provides a welcome protein boost for those who prefer it in the morning, and an optional protein shake add-on is available at both retreats.

The Ranch

At The Ranch, meals are a sophisticated affair. The fully staffed kitchen delivers intricate, delectable dishes that delight the palate while maintaining a strict 1400-calorie cap. Every ingredient is meticulously sourced, with many coming directly from The Ranch’s organic garden. The attention to detail and quality is palpable in every bite, making dining here not just a meal but a luxurious experience.

Pro Tip

If you tend to feel depleted with a large calorie deficit coupled with a high dose of exercise, I highly recommend bringing a protein supplement, vitamins, and other health-boosting supplements like ashwagandha to ensure you’re getting the support your body needs.

Water, Water, Water

Hydration is a key focus at both The Ashram and The Ranch. Both retreats offer a comprehensive herbal tea bar, encouraging guests to flush and detox throughout the day. The Ranch makes an incredible freshly made ginger turmeric tea with CCF (cumin, coriander, fennel) ingredients each morning, which quickly became a personal favorite. The Ranch offers a cup of steaming black coffee each morning at The Ranch (no caffeine at The Ashram). Additionally, both retreats provide a daily dose of electrolytes to replenish hikers who are sweating and losing valuable minerals daily. 

Staff

The Ashram

The Ashram’s staff exudes warmth and approachability. Their nurturing presence creates a familial atmosphere, making guests feel right at home from the moment they arrive. They are not just service providers but mentors who genuinely care about your well-being. On the morning of my first hike I remarked, “I feel like I have four moms taking care of me, helping me get ready. For once, I can stop being the mama bear.”

The Ranch

On the other hand, The Ranch’s team operates with a level of professionalism and precision akin to a five-star resort. Every interaction is warm, but polished, and the staff’s expertise is evident, from the knowledgeable fitness instructors to the highly skilled chefs. This level of service adds a layer of sophistication to the overall experience.

Hiking

Spending time in nature hiking is a core component of both retreats. Guests are asked to pack hiking or trail-running shoes, and a hydration backpack, which come in very handy! Both retreats offer hiking poles and provide support Kinesio taping for knees and ankles, along with blister care, ensuring guests can tackle the trails comfortably and safely. Both retreats make the guests feel like they can both enjoy the quiet solitude of the wilderness while being held safely by the hiking staff, who are always nearby.

The Ashram

The Ashram offers challenging hikes through the picturesque Santa Monica Mountains, with each trail offering breathtaking views and a sense of accomplishment. The hikes here are slightly longer and more demanding, catering to those who seek an intense physical challenge. However, the hikes can be tailored to suit individual needs as necessary. The daily hiking snack is: five almonds, a prune, and fresh fruit topped with salt and coconut water, providing a simple but effective energy boost. Trails are marked with orange cones, giving hikers a sense of freedom while ensuring safety.

The Ranch

The Ranch offers a standard two-hour and four-hour hiking option daily, allowing guests to choose based on their fitness levels and preferences. Snacks at The Ranch vary daily and include treats like sweet and spicy nut mixes, quinoa tahini balls, and berry oat cookies, all made from organic whole-food ingredients. Trails are marked with orange flags, providing both a sense of adventure and security.

Yoga

The Ashram

The Ashram’s yoga sessions are deeply rooted in traditional practices, focusing on spiritual growth and inner peace. The intimate classes are held in a geodesic yoga dome atop a hill, creating a unique and serene environment. Teachers Samantha and Lou Lou pour their heart and soul into every session, incorporating breathing techniques like kundalini and other heart-opening practices. The combination of intentional post-Savasana exercises, moving music, and the overall ambiance often left me in tears of gratitude and release, a testament to the profound emotional impact. The Ashram offers yoga both before breakfast and after dinner, along with a beautiful sound bath and energy healing workshop during the week.

The Ranch

In contrast, The Ranch offers restorative yoga every evening before dinner. While the yoga here is also soothing and beneficial, it feels less all-encompassing and deep in comparison to The Ashram. The sessions are held in a state-of-the-art studio with high ceilings, providing a tranquil backdrop but lacking the same emotional depth.

Fitness Classes

The Ashram

The Ashram’s fitness classes, although varied and intense, are spontaneously planned with little arch planning from Monday to Friday as a holistic five-class set. On days with longer hikes, fitness classes were often omitted entirely. This spontaneity could be refreshing, though it might be frustrating for those looking to build muscle and strength methodically.

The Ranch

The Ranch, on the other hand, excels in its fitness programming. Classes are meticulously planned and executed, featuring the latest fitness trends and techniques. The high-end equipment, such as the FitBench and TRX, elevates the experience. Every class felt intentional and comprehensive, thanks to the fantastic instructors, who ensured that each session contributed to sustainable strength building.

Massages

The Ashram

At The Ashram, the massages are therapeutic and healing, focusing on relaxation and recovery. The skilled therapists use a combination of techniques to alleviate stress and tension, providing a holistic approach to wellness. Massages here are standardized at one hour each day, ensuring a focused and consistent treatment without overwhelming choices.

The Ranch

The Ranch, however, takes the massage experience to a whole new level with a diverse “playbook” of treatments. From energy healing, acupuncture, and cupping to chiropractic care, the options are extensive. You can also extend your massages to 100 minutes from the standard 50 minutes. The Ranch even offers advanced wellness options like NAD infusions and cholesterol and body composition testing. The breadth of choices ensures that each guest can tailor their experience to their specific needs.

One of my favorite treatments at The Ranch was the colonics session provided by Fatima Rivas. Colonic hydrotherapy, or colonics, is a procedure that cleanses the colon by flushing it with water. This treatment is believed to remove toxins, improve digestion, and promote overall well-being. The experience, though unconventional, was fascinating—like watching “poop TV,” as you could see the waste being expelled from your body, leaving you feeling lighter and rejuvenated.

Amenities

The Ashram

The Ashram, though a tad rustic in its charm, provides all the essentials for a comfortable stay. It features a geodesic yoga dome, private massage suites, above-ground hot tub, make-shift cold plunge, and a small but lovely swimming pool that hosts water volleyball games. Despite my initial reservations, the water volleyball sessions turned out to be one of my favorite activities, filled with laughter and camaraderie. 

The Ranch

The Ranch boasts a giant swimming pool, sunken hot tub, infrared sauna, two cold-plunge pools, a massage treatment “village,” and an energy-healing suite. The state-of-the-art gym and a beautiful garden where they grow their produce elevate the overall experience, providing both luxury and functionality.

Planning When to Visit

The ideal time to visit either retreat depends on your weather preferences:

Spring (March-May): Temperatures range from 50°F to 75°F, with mild weather and blooming flowers.

Summer (June-August): Expect warmer temperatures between 65°F and 85°F, perfect for outdoor activities but can get hot.

Fall (September-November): Cooler temperatures between 55°F to 75°F, with crisp air and colorful foliage.

Winter (December-February): Temperatures range from 45°F to 65°F, cooler and potentially rainy, but still mild compared to other regions.

Cost

One of the most significant differences between The Ashram and The Ranch is the cost. A week-long stay at The Ashram costs approximately $6,000, while The Ranch is considerably more expensive at around $12,000 per week. This higher price at The Ranch reflects the more luxurious amenities, individualized services, and gourmet dining experiences offered. Additionally, when you factor in the costs of optional treatments and wellness options, the total cost at The Ranch can become quite substantial.

Journey of a lifetime

Naively, I went in thinking that this would be a great way to lose weight and start working out, but it was that and so much more. I gained insight into my body, mind, and heart. I dissected and understood wellness trends, especially the importance of body composition over simple weight measurement, muscle hypertrophy, nature, spirituality, and nutritional science. I came back with a newfound zest for being the best version of myself possible.

After having the honor of experiencing both, I feel The Ashram and The Ranch offer unique and enriching wellness experiences, each with its own charm and appeal. The Ashram, with its nurturing staff, challenging hikes, traditional yoga, and heart-warming ambiance, provides a down-to-earth, heart-opening retreat. The Ranch, with its gourmet meals, professional staff, luxurious amenities, and extensive wellness options, offers a sophisticated, high-end wellness journey.

Personally, I found the combination of starting with a week at The Ashram followed by a week at The Ranch to be the perfect blend of heart-opening and strength-building experiences. If you can afford the time, this two-week wellness journey will leave you feeling rejuvenated, empowered, and ready to take your health to the next level. However, if you have to choose just one, rest assured that either retreat will provide a refreshing and inspiring boost to your well-being.

Contact information

The Ashram

Address: 2025 McKain St, Calabasas, CA 91302  

Phone: (818) 222-6900  

Website: The Ashram

The Ranch  

Address: 12220 Cotharin Rd, Malibu, CA 90265  

Phone: (310) 457-8700  

Website: The Ranch

At a glance