Hit the Reset Button

The Ranch Malibu Is Renewal Personified

By Hailey Bethke | Photography courtesy of The Ranch Malibu

What does it mean to be well? From green juices to red light therapy, there is no shortage of practices promising better health. However, wellness is not solely about adding new habits; it also requires refinement and rebalancing to achieve actual vitality.

An award-winning wellness refuge crowns the Santa Monica Mountain range, elevated not only in its location but also in its methodology. The Ranch Malibu is one of the most sought-after destinations in the world for a complete mind-body-soul reset, promoting a return to the core human needs of fulfillment, purpose, and peace.

Bespoke wellness experiences may be trending, but The Ranch has been well ahead of that curve. Since its inception in 2010, The Ranch has offered a comprehensive wellness program guided by the fundamental cornerstones of movement, connection, rest, and nature.

En route to the property, I catch glimpses of the Pacific Ocean as my driver navigates through the winding canyon roads. A discreetly marked entrance with the brand’s signature “R” emblem marks the gated entrance, where the organic garden and central ‘Ranch House’ sit just beyond.

One of the most beautiful aspects of The Ranch is its high level of customizability. Some guests arrive to work on body composition and weight loss. Others are craving a technology-free week or intentional rest from a demanding career. Some come with specific objectives, such as reducing caffeine or processed sugar intake, improving sleep quality, or building muscle. Many simply recognize that it’s time for renewal.

Unlike other wellness programs in the area, you won’t have to share accommodations with other guests or endure minimal amenities. Each guest is given a private ensuite cottage designed for comfort and relaxation. The atmosphere evoked childhood memories of summer camp but through a refined, adult perspective. Part nostalgia, part luxury, thoughtfulness touched every detail—including a framed photograph from home on my bedside table and bars of spearmint rosemary soap crafted from the on-site organic garden.

Days at The Ranch begin early, following a routine that quickly becomes second nature. It starts with a 5:30 a.m. wake-up call, followed by a morning stretch in the property’s beautiful private gym. After breakfast, we prepare for a four-hour hike. Each trek is truly stunning, led by experienced guides who bring their unique blend of positivity, love for the outdoors, and extensive knowledge of the trails. The best part? We rarely encountered anyone outside our group except for the occasional mountain biker or hiker. It was just us and the breathtaking views—an experience of serene outdoor luxury.

After completing our morning activities, we would soak our feet and enjoy a nourishing lunch before planning our afternoon schedules. Our afternoons typically consisted of a sports massage alongside optional fitness and yoga classes. Many guests added various services, such as IV therapy, Wim Hof masterclasses, energy work, and the ultra-popular 100-minute massage. This sacred afternoon quickly became one of my favorite parts of the day—a blissful period to read in the sauna before taking on the cold plunge or journaling among the garden’s citrus trees.

Everyone gathered again for a family-style dinner, which was made brighter by the camaraderie and beautifully plated dishes. The menu ranged from pozole verde to zucchini soup and eggplant cannelloni, with each meal skillfully prepared by the talented kitchen staff and sourced entirely from the property’s organic garden. To close the evening, I habitually found myself sipping a cup of blue chamomile tea (here’s an insider secret: a small bowl of Ranch granola is a perfect sweet treat) before heading back to my cottage for a restful night of sleep.

By day two, our group mused over how natural this routine had become—a testament to our innate adaptability and the underlying current of transformation.

While some may feel excited by the daily challenge of a four-hour hike, early wake-up call, and general technological detox (there’s no cell service on property outside of the cottages), it’s completely understandable if that feels overwhelming. Know that your unique needs are valued, which is why there are dozens of opt-ins for your experience. Morning coffee and is available for those who wish to indulge, and two-hour hikes are offered daily as an alternative to the standard four-hour hike. For those who easily lose weight on a low-calorie diet, the kitchen happily provides larger portion sizes; similarly, they happily work to accommodate dietary restrictions or preferences, and recently added eggs as a breakfast menu option.

You can deep-dive the metrics to meet your health goals, including complimentary body composition scans and optional cholesterol testing, or focus solely on how you want to feel. Moreover, the hikes are based on total time rather than speed, allowing you to choose your preferred pace to maximize your movement.

This commitment to customization and continuous evolution is one of the qualities that I found most endearing. Of course, The Ranch also adheres to its timeless values and signature experiences that make guests return year after year.

The Ranch offers a space for reflection and newness to come in. It’s a special type of vortex to simply lean into being in a world of doing. At home, few of us would allocate four hours to hiking, let alone reserve time to sit and contemplate our thoughts. Similarly, finding a community that encourages you to push your limits is rare. There is no judgment here—only support to help you move forward, face challenges, and listen to your body.

I travel often, and this is far from my first wellness retreat. That being said, The Ranch receives my highest recommendation and praise. Before leaving the property, I had already encouraged several friends and family members to book their stay. “You just need to come here to experience it!” I texted, alongside stunning photos from the daily hikes, vibrant meals, and immaculately kept property.

I met several returning guests during my stay, which further highlighted The Ranch’s appeal. This clientele can travel anywhere in the world, many frequently visiting five-star luxury resorts, yet they choose to repeatedly return to The Ranch. Why? Its exclusive location is the epitome of privacy, offering all the proper support to disconnect and experience mind-body-soul rejuvenation. The exceptional staff, who quickly feel like family, breathtaking hikes, stunning property, and results-oriented programming all contribute to its allure.

Looking back, my time at The Ranch was one of the best decisions I’ve made for myself. In a world where life’s pace moves quicker than ever, it’s essential to carve out time to pause and reset. Be willing to deviate from your standard routine, embrace challenges, and surrender to slow moments. If you arrive with an open mind, you’ll leave feeling restored with a renewed sense of balance and the quiet luxury of feeling whole.

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Reclaim your well-being at The Ranch Malibu, an award-winning, results-driven retreat designed for those seeking lasting transformation in the breathtaking setting of the Santa Monica Mountains. The Ranch’s Signature Program begins at $9,200 for a 6-night, 7-day Signature Stay. For more information and to book your stay, please visit TheRanchLife.com. Here you can also find information about the brand’s New York retreat, The Ranch Hudson Valley.

A special thank you to all the staff who made this experience so exceptional: Bobby, Vinny, Zion, Nikki, Rika, Allyson, Melissa, and the entire team!