Marco Field Notes: Canyon Ranch

Canyon Ranch Woodside is, without a doubt, one of the most breathtaking wellness retreats I’ve ever experienced—and trust me, I’ve stayed at some of the world’s top-tier properties. Nestled in Northern California’s enchanting redwood forests, this place feels like a slice of paradise. The moment you arrive, you’re transported into a realm of tranquility and rejuvenation. Whether you’re nestled in a treehouse high in the canopy or wandering through the serene forest trails, every corner of this property is designed to help you relax, recharge, and reconnect.

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Pro Tip for Company Retreats: The treehouse-style accommodations, perched 35–50 feet into the redwood canopy, provide an inspiring, secluded atmosphere ideal for executive retreats or team-building getaways. The privacy, combined with jaw-dropping forest views, fosters creativity and focus. Plus, with only 38 rooms, including 24 in the trees, your team will feel like they have the entire forest to themselves—a true luxury.

After a busy day of meetings or brainstorming sessions, imagine your team unwinding in Canyon Ranch’s luxurious wellness facilities. The Himalayan salt sauna, eucalyptus steam room, and indoor saline pool are just what you need to melt away any stress and tension. I spent a couple of hours indulging in these amenities, and I can honestly say I felt transformed afterward—mind, body, and spirit.

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Pro Tip for Company Retreats: After a full day of intense strategy sessions or team activities, offering spa access is the perfect way to help your team relax, recharge, and refocus. A group sauna or steam room session could be the ultimate wind-down—and an experience they’ll remember long after they leave.

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Fitness is a big deal at Canyon Ranch, but it’s not your average hotel gym situation. The Training Zone offers a wide range of activities from yoga to high-intensity workouts, all with personalized fitness plans tailored to your group’s goals. I loved the outdoor options, especially the nature hikes and the forest fitness course that wind through the redwoods and offer panoramic views of the coast. These trails provide a perfect mix of physical challenge and mental rejuvenation, making every step feel like part of a transformative journey.

Pro Tip for Company Retreats: Whether it’s an early-morning hike or an outdoor fitness course, incorporating physical activities in the beautiful natural surroundings will invigorate your team. The combination of nature and exercise sparks deep conversations and creative problem-solving in a way that office environments just can’t match.

Canyon Ranch goes beyond just physical wellness. Their focus on spiritual wellness and personal growth adds an extra layer to the experience. I took part in a creative expression workshop, and it gave me a refreshing perspective I wasn’t expecting. They also offer expert-led talks, mindfulness sessions, and other activities to help you connect more deeply with yourself and your purpose—something that's increasingly valuable for team retreats, where both personal and professional growth are key goals.

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Pro Tip for Company Retreats: Incorporating activities that focus on mindfulness and creative expression can take your team’s retreat to the next level. It’s not just about work; it’s about connecting more deeply, both with each other and with themselves. These workshops and sessions provide a refreshing way to foster team cohesion and inspire new ideas.

Let’s talk about the food. Canyon Ranch is all about healthy, plant-forward, locally sourced ingredients that are just as delicious as they are nutritious. Every meal I had left me feeling energized and ready to tackle the day ahead. The communal dining space, The Hearth, provides a unique atmosphere where conversations flow and bonds are strengthened over shared, wholesome meals. The emphasis on food that fuels both the body and mind is just one more reason this retreat is so special.

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Pro Tip for Company Retreats: There’s something magical about sharing a meal, especially in a setting as beautiful as Canyon Ranch. Plan a team dinner at The Hearth to create lasting memories and foster deeper connections. The food is nourishing, the conversation flows naturally, and the experience is unlike any typical corporate meal.

And if you’re looking to mix business with adventure, Canyon Ranch Woodside offers a range of local excursions. From vineyard tours and mountain biking to equine therapy, these activities take your retreat to a whole new level. These aren’t just activities—they’re experiences that will leave a lasting impact on your team and provide them with stories to share long after the retreat is over.

Pro Tip for Company Retreats: Add an offsite adventure, like a vineyard tour or a mountain biking excursion, to make your retreat truly unforgettable. These unique experiences are not just fun; they’re opportunities for your team to bond in ways that just aren’t possible in the boardroom.

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Canyon Ranch Woodside isn’t just a wellness retreat—it’s an immersive experience that blends nature, luxury, and personal growth in ways you won’t find anywhere else. Whether you're planning a corporate offsite or simply seeking a place to recharge, this is a destination that will leave you inspired, rejuvenated, and connected to both yourself and those around you. With natural-lit meeting spaces and stunning dining backdrops for groups of up to 50 people, it’s the perfect location to foster creativity, focus, and collaboration.

Pro Tip for Company Retreats: For an even more exclusive experience, consider booking a midweek private buyout. Your team will have the entire property to themselves, allowing for a completely personalized retreat that’s tailored to your specific needs. It’s the ultimate way to ensure that every aspect of the retreat aligns with your goals.

Whether you’re seeking a peaceful escape for personal renewal or planning a corporate retreat that blends business with wellness, Canyon Ranch Woodside is the ideal destination. With its luxurious accommodations, personalized wellness programs, and the majestic redwood forest as your backdrop, it’s more than just a getaway—it’s an experience that will leave a lasting impact. Perfect for inspiring teams, rejuvenating spirits, and reconnecting with nature, this is a retreat you’ll never forget. Ready to elevate your next retreat? Canyon Ranch Woodside awaits.

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