Having covered the wellness industry for more than 25 years, I’ve admittedly grown a bit skeptical of bold claims and ever-evolving advice. Time and time again, I come back to the same conclusion: the fundamentals are what truly sustain us. It’s eating well, moving regularly, prioritizing sleep, and building community. Yet so often, we find ourselves chasing quick fixes that promise results but rarely deliver lasting change.
So, when I first heard about We Care Spa (Desert Hot Springs, CA), a well-known retreat centered on cleansing and renewal, I approached it with some hesitation. Cleanses have never been my go-to. I’ve long believed in nourishing the body through habits that are realistic and sustainable. Still, curiosity—and a recent, indulgent week eating my way through Switzerland—made the idea of a reset sound appealig. I’d experienced something similar years earlier at Chiva-Som (Hua Hin, Thailand), where I reset my eating habits and carried those changes forward for years. Now, navigating perimenopause and its subsequent weight gain, it felt like the right time to explore something new.
By the time I landed in Palm Springs, I was already feeling the effects of the pre-fast guidelines. In other words, I was really hungry! In the days leading up to my visit, I had swapped my usual meals for fruit and lightly steamed vegetables, eliminating everything from caffeine and alcohol to grains and dairy. As someone who bakes sourdough weekly, giving up bread was no small feat, but I was committed.
Upon arrival at We Care Spa, the program was clearly outlined: a nutritive fast supported by herbal teas, fresh juices, soups, and plenty of water. The idea is to give the digestive system a rest, allowing the body to refocus its energy on repair and restoration. One element of the program I chose to skip was the daily colonics. While many guests swore by their benefits, I couldn’t ignore the lack of medical endorsement. Fortunately, I didn’t feel my experience was diminished without them. I still noticed meaningful changes, including enhanced energy, clearer skin, and an eight-pound weight loss by the end of the week.
What surprised me most was how far the experience extended beyond fasting. My days were filled with educational sessions on inflammation and gut health, yoga and breathwork classes, and a range of spa treatments. A Magnesium Detox, Thai Massage, and Raindrop Therapy felt deeply restorative, while an evening Transformational Fire Ceremony offered a chance to let go of what no longer served me. Susana’s Circuit introduced a mix of wellness technologies, from microcirculation support and a foot detox to infrared light therapy, all designed to complement the body’s natural processes.
Set across 20 tranquil acres, the property itself invites a slower pace. Bougainvillea, creosote bushes, and citrus trees are found throughout the lush landscape, while unexpected features such as a labyrinth, meditation pyramid, and quiet reflection spaces encouraged me to pause and reflect on the experience. My Executive Suite overlooked the desert and surrounding mountains, with thoughtful touches that supported both rest and movement, including a soaking tub, air purifier, in-room wellness equipment, and a private patio.
The story behind We Care Spa is as personal as the experience itself. Founded in 1986 by Susana Belen, the retreat grew out of her own journey to wellbeing. After a period of personal upheaval, the newly divorced mother of four sought healing through alternative therapies, and ultimately redefined her relationship with food, movement, and wellness. She later began sharing what she had learned with others. What began as her home with a handful of rooms has since evolved into a thoughtfully designed retreat, expanded in partnership with her daughter, Susan, into a 28-room destination that still feels deeply rooted in its original purpose. Susan worked with renowned interior designer Debbie Fogel of Fogel Interiors on the update of the guest rooms and and public areas, and she sourced Buddhist and Hindu sculptures, found throughout the grounds, from around the world. I especially enjoyed a Wander and Wonder tour of the property with general manager Jim Root, a wealth of knowledge in the spa industry.
Today, We Care Spa offers three structured programs designed to meet guests where they are: the Restoration Package, a seven-night immersive experience; the Renewal Package, a five-night reset; and the Revival Package, a shorter, two-night introduction. Each includes accommodations, hourly liquid nutrition, daily yoga and Pilates, wellness classes, colonics, and unlimited access to the resort’s facilities.
Now celebrating its 40th anniversary, We Care Spa remains committed to its foundational philosophy. In a time where quick-fix solutions, from biohacking to GLP-1s, dominate the conversation, it offers something more enduring. To me, it felt like a recalibration. I left feeling lighter, yes, but more importantly, clearer and more connected to the habits that actually support long-term wellbeing. It was a much-needed reminder that getting back to the basics is oftentimes the most effective.
