Stepping into We Care Spa in Desert Hot Springs, California, is like entering a sanctuary dedicated to profound wellness and rejuvenation. Before my own six-day journey, whispered tales of “liquid fasting,” “colonics,” and a transformative “checkout salad” painted a vivid, if slightly mysterious, picture of this legendary retreat. Known within wellness circles as a haven for those seeking deep change, We Care Spa promised an experience unlike any other.

What I soon discovered is that We Care Spa has been a pioneering force in the health spa industry since 1986. Celebrities, wellness devotees, and individuals at pivotal life junctures have long recognized We Care as the original destination for unparalleled detoxification. Its reputation as a leading detox spa in the US, and globally, is well-earned, offering a unique protocol not found elsewhere.

Let’s delve into the heart of the We Care Spa experience, and yes, colonics will be a recurring topic – in the most positive and enlightening way!

An Oasis of Wellness in the Desert Landscape

Spanning over 20 acres against a dramatic mountain backdrop, We Care Spa emerges as a true oasis in Desert Hot Springs. While the area may not be conventionally associated with luxury, We Care offers an exclusive and deeply restorative experience within its secluded grounds.

Its discreet location often leads first-time visitors, myself included, to almost miss the unassuming turn-off. This hidden gem is nestled on the original property of founder Susana Belen, a testament to its intimate and personal beginnings. During recent expansions, We Care has blossomed into a comprehensive wellness retreat, now accommodating around 40 guests. It’s a literal spa oasis, brimming with holistic wellness amenities, a dedicated juice bar crafting personalized beverages, and an abundance of chlorophyll, mirroring the vibrancy of its two pools. Every aspect of We Care is designed to engage and support guests throughout their cleansing journey. From daily rebounding and vibration machines for lymphatic support to a spectrum of holistic offerings, boredom is simply not an option.

We Care Spa boasts over 40 exceptional spa treatments, a fact I can personally vouch for. Combined with spiritual healing sessions, these offerings are thoughtfully designed to foster a complete holistic detox experience. The attentive and intuitive staff excel at creating personalized itineraries, catering to individual goals and health needs, whether guests are embarking on a one-day refresh, a three-day reset, a five-day immersion, or an extended two-week transformation.

Susana Belen: The Guiding Light of Holistic Health

When choosing a health and wellness retreat, especially one incorporating intensive programs like colonics, the credibility and philosophy of its leaders are paramount. At We Care Spa, guests are fortunate to be guided by Susana Belen, revered as “The Gandhi of Good Health,” a true wellness visionary.

In her late 80s, Susana embodies the principles she advocates, a living testament to over three decades of dedicated practice. She remains an active presence at We Care, connecting with guests, experiencing her own weekly colonics, and leading insightful workshops on nutrition and lifestyle transformation. Susana’s radiant wellbeing extends beyond the physical, embodying a profound spiritual connection to health. Her daily sunrise rebounder session exemplifies her commitment to vitality and serves as an inspiration.

I had the privilege of hearing Susana’s inspiring story firsthand. In the 1970s, Susana, an Argentinian immigrant in Palm Springs, faced the challenges of divorce, single motherhood to four children, and a new language, all while experiencing chronic illness. A friend’s suggestion led her to a chiropractor who introduced her to cleansing and colonics. “Within two weeks, I was transformed,” Susana recounted. “My despair turned to laughter, my thoughts became clear, and I felt like a new person. I knew I had to explore this further.”

Driven by this profound personal transformation, Susana’s journey into holistic healing began. She immersed herself in self-study, spirituality, and a deep calling to help others. She started teaching yoga, sharing nutritional wisdom, and delivering spiritual talks throughout the desert, while also working as an interior designer.

Word of Susana’s healing approach spread rapidly, and her vision evolved into creating a sanctuary where people could come directly to her for yoga, wellness lectures, and extended healing journeys. This vision culminated in the birth of We Care Spa. This is a condensed version of her remarkable journey, but it captures the essence of her dedication and the spa’s foundation.

The Core of Healing: We Care’s Detox Protocol

We Care Spa’s detox program is rooted in Susana’s core belief: by eliminating emotional, spiritual, and physical toxins, the body’s innate healing capabilities are unleashed. This care spa philosophy emphasizes nourishing the body while providing digestive rest, rather than deprivation.

The “food-as-medicine” approach utilizes a nutritive liquid fast, supplying easily absorbed vitamins and nutrients. This process encourages autophagy, where cells focus energy on eliminating damaged or inactive cells, reducing inflammation. By minimizing digestive energy expenditure, the body redirects resources to vital healing and repair processes.

Complementing the liquid fast is a structured schedule of daily colonics, a signature element of the We Care Spa experience (reassuringly, just one per day). These sessions facilitate detoxification, lessen potential Herxheimer reactions, and promote a profound microbiome reset.

Every element of We Care’s program, from shakes and teas to detox drinks, is carefully formulated to enhance the effectiveness of colonic sessions and “clean the whistle,” as they say. Adhering to the pre-program guidelines, the daily protocol, and post-fast instructions is crucial, as each step plays a vital role in the overall detox process. It’s astounding to consider that the intestines can hold up to 25 pounds of waste – a significant burden to release!

Here’s a glimpse into We Care Spa’s daily liquid nutrition regimen:

Morning Routine

• Lemon Water
• We Care Food-N-Zymes
• We Care Organic Green Food
• We Care Organic Detox Drink
• We Care Regulator Plus (with aloe, apple juice, water chaser)
• 2-3 Thermoses of water by noon
• Alkaline Kangen Water
• We Care Blood Purifier Tea
• We Care Liver Kidney Tea
• Post-colonic Daily Probiotic

Midday Routine

• Yerba mate tea (hot or iced “slushie” style)
• Vegetable Juice (Green or Carrot)
• We Care Blood Purifier Tea
• We Care Liver Kidney Tea
• We Care Power Greens
• We Care Organic Detox Drink
• We Care Regulator Plus (with aloe, apple juice, water chaser)
• 2-3 Thermoses of water by 4 PM
• Alkaline Kangen Water

Evening Routine

• Soup
• We Care Food-N-Zyme
• Alkaline Kangen Water
• We Care Regulator Plus (with aloe, apple juice, water chaser)

Five Transformative Days at We Care Spa

My immersion into the We Care Spa wellness vortex arrived at a crucial juncture in my health journey. While not grappling with serious illness, subtle imbalances were impacting my skin, hormones, and digestion. My healthcare team, after exploring various approaches, recommended a “serious shift,” leading me to We Care.

With their endorsement, I embraced the We Care program fully, ready for whatever lay ahead. Upon arrival, I joined an orientation with my “fasting family,” a diverse group of women from across the globe, ranging in age from 30 to 70. We received an overview of the grounds, walking paths, spa amenities, and our liquid diet for the coming days. Then, it was time to begin the colonic experience, robes and open minds in tow.

The atmosphere resembled a chic wellness summer camp, fostering rapid connections with my fellow fasters. These individuals were among the most engaging I’d encountered in a long time. Our days were spent in the communal kitchen or by the poolside juice bar, preparing detox concoctions, exchanging “flavor hacks,” ensuring we followed our wellness checklists, and sharing treatment experiences and colonic “ratings” with an unexpected level of camaraderie. For those seeking solitude, We Care provides in-room detox kits, allowing for a more introspective experience.

Surprisingly, the liquid fast itself was not challenging. The consistent intake of nutrient-rich liquids minimized hunger pangs, and the structured schedule left little time to dwell on food cravings. This provided a unique opportunity to examine my relationship with food and its role in my daily life, freeing up mental space and time previously occupied by meal planning and consumption.

The most remarkable aspect was the sustained energy and overall well-being I experienced. It felt as if I had transcended physical limitations, connecting with others on a deeper, more authentic level. Susana clarified that while We Care Spa is sometimes perceived as a weight loss retreat, its true purpose is far more profound. “This process may seem primarily physical, but the transformation is much deeper. Releasing toxins impacts the mind, body, and spirit, fostering empathy and a heightened awareness of others’ needs.”

Regarding colonics: While I’ll avoid graphic details, I encourage anyone curious to consult their healthcare provider and consider this experience. As someone familiar with enemas, colonics were a new, albeit initially intimidating, frontier. However, the hydrotherapists at We Care were exceptionally knowledgeable, supportive, and reassuring. They educated me throughout the process, creating a sense of shared journey.

Beyond the physical cleansing, they identified and addressed “old matter” and “emotional releases,” which resonated deeply. I genuinely felt lighter, as if past burdens were lifted. Engaging in such an intense bodily process fosters a profound sense of self-awareness and vulnerability.

Over the days, I progressed from novice to understanding my body’s needs before, during, and after sessions, discovering strategies for optimal results. Pro tip: vibration machines combined with castor oil on the stomach in the infrared sauna proved to be a winning combination for enhanced cleansing.

And now, the spa treatments…

Must-Experience Treatments and Sessions

No account of We Care Spa would be complete without highlighting some of the exceptional treatments that elevate it to a truly remarkable destination.

Here are standout treatments I would eagerly return for:

System Recovery Master Treatment: Envision 90 minutes of dry brushing, followed by a warm castor oil wrap, cocooned on an amethyst mat, accompanied by a soothing foot or scalp massage. Pure bliss.

The System Recovery treatment is a cornerstone of We Care’s detoxifying spa offerings and a profoundly euphoric experience. It effectively reduces abdominal discomfort while stimulating liver and bowel detoxification. This treatment is an absolute must-try, leaving you wishing you could incorporate it into your daily routine at home.

Deep Tissue Massage + Cupping: Finding a truly effective deep tissue massage has been a challenge since the pandemic. While I prioritize self-care and recovery, I sometimes question if it adequately supports my intense workout regimen.

The We Care Deep Tissue Massage surpassed all expectations. My therapist demonstrated an intuitive understanding of my body, pinpointing areas of tension and their root causes. Utilizing cupping techniques on both the front and back of my body, I experienced significant myofascial release, resulting in noticeable cupping marks – badges of honor worn proudly around the spa.

Sacred Healing & Journey Session: Spirituality is deeply interwoven into the We Care Spa experience. The desert itself is a powerful energy vortex, attracting healers from around the world, drawn by an inexplicable calling.

My session with a Shaman was transformative. For 60 minutes, we engaged in profound inner-child work, moving and releasing energy throughout my body. The experience was deeply moving, leaving me feeling profoundly renewed and transformed.

(holi) facial: Agent Nateur, a beloved brand within the wellness community, is featured at We Care Spa. Jena Covello’s clean, botanical skincare line has become a sought-after element of the We Care experience.

My facial incorporated all the (holi) staples (available in their gift shop), and the resulting glow was immediately noticed by my fellow fasters. It was the perfect post-detox treatment, especially given that skin is a major detoxification pathway, often requiring extra care during cleansing.

Sustaining the Healing Journey at Home

After five days, the We Care Spa rhythm felt like my new normal, making the prospect of returning to the Los Angeles frenzy daunting. The concept of “chewing” seemed almost foreign.

We Care emphasizes a gradual reintroduction to solid food over a period equal to the duration of the fast. As someone prone to all-or-nothing approaches, I knew this would be my biggest challenge.

Fortunately, We Care provided their Complete Rejuvenation Kit, facilitating a smooth transition back to familiar detox routines without shocking my system.

For five days post-retreat, I mindfully reintegrated solid foods, focusing on chewing thoroughly (apparently, a skill I had been neglecting for years), eating consciously, and choosing easily digestible, wholesome foods. I continued incorporating their Detox Drink into my nightly routine, a practice that has significantly improved my digestion – a testament to its popularity among We Care alumni.

I sought Susana’s advice on maintaining the We Care vitality at home. Her wisdom was simple yet profound: “Dedicate five days a week to reading, walking, and eating wholesome food. Incorporate a liquid fast one day a week, and allow yourself one day to eat whatever you desire. Avoid martyrdom; life should be enjoyed!”

Final Reflections on the Transformative Fast

Words cannot fully capture the profound impact of my time at We Care Spa. While it represents a significant investment, I believe its long-term benefits outweigh other potential health expenditures throughout the year. For me, it undeniably facilitated a significant shift, precisely what I was seeking, a sentiment echoed by my healthcare team.

Ultimately, We Care Spa is committed to empowering individuals with lifelong nutritional and lifestyle education, providing accessible tools for optimal living. Susana’s mission is to empower people with proactive, accessible health strategies to prevent chronic illness.

Since returning home, I feel fundamentally different – clearer, more energized, and healthier than I have in years. My perspective on life has shifted. I am prioritizing simplification, eliminating unnecessary complexities, a practice that can be challenging in the vibrant chaos of Los Angeles. While my daily environment may not replicate the expansive desert landscape or include sunrise rebounder sessions, I have reconnected with my body as my ultimate guide, attuned to its needs and my own.

And yes, a colonic is scheduled for next weekend.

Experience the transformative power of We Care Spa and receive 10% off your next detox program with code CHALKBOARD. This offer is valid through the end of 2024. Prepare to embark on a journey of profound renewal.

*Disclaimer: The Chalkboard Mag and its content are for educational purposes only and not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Consult with a qualified healthcare provider for any health concerns and before making any decisions related to your health or treatment.