Destination Detox
As the Ashram honors its 50th anniversary in 2024, we reflect on its legacy of pioneering the first-ever ‘boot camp’ retreat
By Jessica Varone
The Ashram, renowned for its soulful wellness retreats, celebrates 50 years of transformative experiences in 2024. Nestled in the Santa Monica Mountains of California, The Ashram is a “Place of Peace” for those seeking profound personal growth, offering a retreat that transcends conventional luxury with its emphasis on soulful connections and inner transformation.
Over the years, numerous health retreats have emerged globally, many inspired by the program at The Ashram. However, what distinguishes The Ashram is the deep commitment and heartfelt dedication of its staff. Each staff member operates from a place of genuine care and willingness to attend to the individual needs of their guests. This atmosphere of warmth and love forms the true essence of The Ashram, offering a transformative experience that is unparalleled elsewhere.
The intimacy of the retreat is part of its charm, inviting only a dozen guests at a time to immerse themselves in a journey of self-discovery amidst the rustic serenity of nature. Accommodations are modest, yet the luxury is found in the immersion of shared experiences and the nurturing touch of the staff.
Every day starts with The Ashram-style alarm clock — a gentle knock on your door or, depending on your instructor, the soothing strum of an acoustic guitar cover song serenading you at 5:30 a.m. Guests individually head to sunrise yoga in the original 1986 geodesic dome, followed by a small yet invigorating breakfast — veggie tacos with fresh pico de gallo salsa and sprouted tortillas — my favorite was the buckwheat pancakes with berry compote on Day Four. The day's main event is a four-hour hike, 10 to 12 miles long, through the beautiful and demanding Santa Monica Mountain terrain that surrounds The Ashram. The afternoon and evening consist of a daily sports massage, pool volleyball, and restorative yoga.
Cindy Crawford, reflecting on her experiences, encapsulates the essence of The Ashram's allure: "I first went to The Ashram when I was 28, heartbroken from a divorce. I was welcomed by Cat’s open arms and shown my tiny room. Waking up early for yoga in the dome, I looked around at the eleven strangers sharing this experience with me, nervous about what I had signed up for. The Ashram isn’t easy; it definitely takes us all out of our comfort zones."
Here, the absence of everyday vices like bread, alcohol, coffee, and the digital tether of the internet facilitates a deeper connection between oneself and the environment. By “Toxic Tuesday,” the body begins to feel the brunt of this abstinence. Even so, spirits are lifted by the supportive Ashram staff, who encourage and nurture guests through the toughest moments.
As the week unfolds, The Ashram's philosophy becomes clear. The physical exertion dovetails with an internal journey, and by the final day, guests emerge not only fitter but also spiritually revitalized, having traversed 70-75 miles and undergone a profound personal transformation.
With April 2024 marking its 50th anniversary, The Ashram is set to celebrate a significant milestone. This landmark reflects its enduring legacy as the original wellness retreat, a pioneer that has inspired countless others. Its approach has remained steadfast since its inception by Catharina Hedberg and Anne-Marie Bennström, who sought to combine healthy eating, physical activity, and a connection to nature to cleanse the body, still the mind, and nourish the soul. “50 years of The Ashram really means that our guests feel like they are coming home time and time again,” reflects Catharina.
The Ashram sought to introduce a new and challenging concept to its program in California. During the months of May, June, and October, guests are invited to enjoy a week of hiking the entire Backbone Trail, spanning 70 miles through the Santa Monica Mountains. Each day's hike begins where the previous day's journey ended. In the late afternoons, the participants return to The Ashram for much-needed massages, restorative yoga sessions, delightful dinners, and a well-deserved good night's rest. This unique and invigorating experience, set in the Ashram's own backyard, promises to be a remarkable and rewarding adventure for both new and returning guests.
The Ashram continues to be a haven for those seeking to reset their lives, whether it's to confront personal challenges or simply to experience the profound peace that comes from this unique form of self-care. The sense of compassion and community that permeates the experience is often cited as its most compelling feature, a luxury that transcends the conventional and touches the essence of what it means to be well.
