It’s spectacular, heaven-sent Ojai location, coupled with the wisdom and skills of owner/director Rita Rivest, added to an experience I’ll never forget. In a nation of high falutin’ super spas, the elegant simplicity of Sage Hill celebrates what matters most—balancing mind and body. A personalized fitness and nutritional program helped me replenish, refresh and, most importantly, reconsider how to steward my own natural resources.

In only five days I miraculously replaced sugar, wheat and caffeine with nutritious and delicious foods. Who knew? And it wasn’t torture; it was fun. I sure didn’t know that Soy Chai tea could ward off my addiction to French Vanilla CoffeMate. Or that half an hour of dancing and singing on a trampoline to Aretha Franklin could edge me back toward my favorite jeans. Or that watching a pair of hawks twirl above the blue Pacific could so easily quiet my mind.

Invigorating walks in the mountains of Ojai, yoga and a daily massage session woke up the me I want to be. Rita sent me home with a grocery list and recipes — all simple enough — to ensure continued success. (She will also make personal visits to your home to help you stock your kitchen with healthy goodies.) You’ll leave feeling pampered and powerful and back at the top of your game. And if you can find something more exhilarating than the lavender foot massage after a long day’s hike — call me, I can’t wait to hear about it.