The Ranch Malibu is a structured fitness and wellness retreat on a historic working ranch in the Santa Monica Mountains, about three miles above the Pacific. It suits active adults who want a tech-free week of long daily hikes, fitness classes, yoga, massage and clean, plant-forward food.
What it's like
The Ranch Malibu sits on a historic working ranch in a canyon in the Santa Monica Mountains, about three miles above the Pacific, with wilderness on every side. It's a tech-free setting by design, and days are spent on the trails rather than on your phone.
It's small and structured. The original program is limited to just 21 rooms, so you move through the week with a modest group, and the schedule is set for you from morning to evening. Guests stay in private, minimalist cottages built for deep, quiet sleep. There's also a sister property in New York's Hudson Valley.
The Ranch was named California's best wellness retreat at the 2025 World Spa Awards.
The programs
- Original Retreat: the signature week-long program, starting on a Sunday. Guests are encouraged to arrive the day before.
- 3 and 4-night retreats: a shorter version of the signature program.
- Multi-week retreats: for people who want longer to settle in, with optional extra treatments.
- The Ranch Private: a one-on-one version of the original retreat, with as much or as little group time as you like.
- Seasonal retreats, such as a spring program on the Backbone Trail.
A typical day
Every retreat includes a daily guided hike of either two or four hours through the mountains. Fitness classes fill much of the rest of the day, from a morning stretch to strength and conditioning, followed by restorative yoga. Each full day also includes a therapeutic, deep-tissue massage.
Between sessions, you can use the infrared sauna, hot and cold plunge pools and heated outdoor pool. A body composition assessment, cooking demonstrations, wellness talks and seasonal guest speakers round out the program. Daily laundry is included.
Food
The food is organic and plant-forward, and it's free of alcohol, dairy, gluten and processed sugar. Meals and snacks are all provided, and the cooking demonstrations show you how to keep eating this way at home.
Who it suits (and who it doesn't)
The Ranch is a great fit for active adults who want a real physical challenge, a break from screens and a clear, structured week, whether to kick-start fitness, lose weight or simply reset.
It's not for anyone looking for a gentle spa holiday. The hiking is a big part of every day, and the food rules are firm. If you'd like to set your own pace, a resort-style wellness stay will suit you better.
Getting there
Fly into Los Angeles International Airport. You arrange your own transport on arrival day, while a return shuttle to LAX leaves the ranch at 10am and arrives by about 11:30am, so the retreat suggests booking flights for 1pm or later.
Frequently asked questions
How long are the retreats?
The signature program is a week, with 3 and 4-night options and multi-week stays.
How hard are the hikes?
Daily guided hikes last two or four hours in the mountains, so a reasonable level of fitness helps.
Is there alcohol or coffee?
The menu is free of alcohol, dairy, gluten and processed sugar. Ask the team about current caffeine policy.
Is a massage included?
Yes, one each full day of your stay. See current dates on the official Ranch website.
