Entire home

"2025 Best Retreat Center in San Diego County"

Photo gallery for "2025 Best Retreat Center in San Diego County"

Miscellaneous
Terrace/patio
Outdoor dining
Property grounds
Property grounds
2 bedrooms1 bathroomSleeps 2800 sq ft

Popular amenities

  • Hot tub
  • Parking available
  • Outdoor space
  • Kitchen
  • Laundry
  • Air conditioning

Explore the area

Map
Julian, CA
  • Julian Town Hall
    ‪4 min drive‬
  • Julian Historical Society
    ‪4 min drive‬
  • William Heise County Park
    ‪8 min drive‬
  • San Diego, CA (SEE-Gillespie Field)
    ‪62 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

2 bedrooms (sleeps 2)

Champagne Room

1 Queen Murphy Bed

Italy Room

1 Queen Sofa Bed

1 bathroom

Champagne Room and Italy Room Bathroom

Soap · Towels provided · Toilet · Shower only · Shampoo · Hair dryer

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchenette
Balcony
Garden

About this property

"2025 Best Retreat Center in San Diego County"

"2025 Best Retreat Center in San Diego County"

The first time offered! Experience the Unparalleled Views of The Inner North Star Retreat Center. This property is now available when Retreats are not scheduled.


Article: Inner North Star Retreat Center: Best Retreat Center in San Diego County of 2025

Nestled atop a breathtaking 20-acre mountaintop in Julian, California, Inner North Star, LLC has earned its title as the Best Retreat Center in San Diego County of 2025. Founded by Michelle Dutro, an Air Force veteran, former firefighter, and seasoned wellness practitioner, the retreat is a sanctuary designed to restore the mind, nurture the spirit, and guide individuals on a transformative journey toward personal fulfillment. With over 20 years of experience in wellness, biofeedback, and stress reduction, Michelle has created a retreat destination that not only offers physical rejuvenation but fosters profound personal growth and healing.

A Sanctuary for the Soul:
The Inner North Star Retreat Center offers a stunning combination of serene beauty, luxurious accommodations, and transformative experiences. Located in the picturesque town of Julian, this hidden gem serves as an ideal getaway for those looking to disconnect from daily stressors and reconnect with their purpose and passion.

The Stay:
The Champagne Room: Inspired by the glamour of the Roaring Twenties, complete with sparkling chandeliers, plush velvet furnishings, and a spa-inspired bathroom with a luxurious steam shower and reflexology foot massager.

The Italy Room: A charming space that captures the essence of Old World charm, featuring Venetian plaster walls, rustic Italian wine crate accents, and a cozy kitchenette.
These thoughtfully designed spaces elevate the overall retreat experience, creating a memorable escape for all who visit.

A Natural Paradise:
What truly sets Inner North Star apart is its surroundings. The property offers panoramic views of Julian's mountains and rolling hills, creating a sense of peace and connection with nature. Guests can explore the area’s meticulously maintained walking trails, where the beauty of the natural landscape is evident at every turn. At night, the retreat center is a magical display of colors that sets it apart from any other venue.
In addition to the stunning daytime views, Julian was recently designated as a Dark Sky Community, making it one of the best locations in California for stargazing. As night falls, the property transforms into an ethereal space, with tree-lined paths that change colors, offering a magical experience. The combination of breathtaking scenery and captivating night skies makes this retreat unlike any other.

A Venue for Every Occasion:
Whether you're looking to host a wellness retreat, a corporate leadership gathering, an intimate elopement, or a family reunion, Inner North Star provides the perfect backdrop. The retreat center offers customized farm-to-table plant-based dining, served on the expansive deck with sweeping views of the surrounding mountains. Additionally, wellness experiences like restorative yoga, guided meditation, and a cold plunge are curated to enhance personal well-being and deepen the connection to self.

For those seeking a more private experience, Inner North Star also offers exclusive bookings for private getaways and corporate retreats. The flexibility of the retreat center makes it a top choice for those who need a peaceful and secluded environment for team-building, strategic planning, or reconnecting with loved ones.

Wellness and Recreation at Its Best:
The retreat is designed not just for relaxation but also for fun and play. Guests can enjoy a variety of outdoor games, including bocce ball, horseshoes, ladder toss, and cornhole, which encourages connection and joy among guests.

For those seeking quiet reflection, more than ten unique sitting areas are scattered across the property, including hammocks and luxurious zero-gravity recliners positioned perfectly to soak in the panoramic views. The whimsical fairy garden and tranquil meditation space offer the perfect spots for introspection, peaceful conversation, or simply enjoying the sounds of nature.

Conclusion:
Inner North Star, LLC has rightfully earned its place as San Diego County’s Best Retreat Center of 2025. With its luxurious accommodations, unparalleled natural beauty, and transformative wellness offerings, it is the perfect place to rejuvenate, reflect, and find clarity. Whether you need a restorative retreat, a peaceful getaway, or a venue for a special event, Inner North Star provides an experience that will nourish your soul, inspire your spirit, and create lifelong memories.


Best of Best Review

Property manager

Michelle Dutro

Languages

English

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Hot tub
Kitchen
Air conditioning
Laundry
Outdoor space
Mountain view

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House Rules

Check in after 3:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 25
Check out before 11:00 AM
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Children

Adults only
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Events

Events allowed: family gatherings, birthday parties, weddings
All events must have prior approval before booking
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Pets

No pets allowed
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
Maximum nights - 14

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
Parties and events (including family gatherings, birthday parties and weddings) are allowed on site. Maximum attendees: 16
Note from host: All events must have prior approval before booking
This property uses solar energy, plus eco-friendly cleaning products
Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher

About the area

Julian

Located in Julian, this holiday home is in a rural area and in the mountains. Julian Town Hall and Julian Historical Society are local landmarks, and some of the area's attractions include California Wolf Center and Laguna Mountain Recreation Area.
Map
Julian, CA

What's nearby

  • Julian Town Hall - 4 min drive - 4.1 km
  • Julian Historical Society - 4 min drive - 4.1 km
  • Volcan Mountain Wilderness Preserve - 8 min drive - 7.1 km
  • William Heise County Park - 8 min drive - 6.0 km
  • Lake Cuyamaca - 10 min drive - 12.7 km

Getting around

  • San Diego, CA (SEE-Gillespie Field) - 66 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Lake Cuyamaca - ‬11 min drive
  • ‪Julian Brewing Company - ‬5 min drive
  • ‪Julian Pie - ‬13 min drive
  • ‪Julian Pie Company - ‬5 min drive
  • ‪Dudley's Bakery & Restaurant - ‬13 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is "2025 Best Retreat Center in San Diego County" pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at "2025 Best Retreat Center in San Diego County"?

Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.

What time is check-out at "2025 Best Retreat Center in San Diego County"?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is "2025 Best Retreat Center in San Diego County" located?

Situated in the mountains, this holiday home is within 3 miles (5 km) of Julian Historical Society, Julian Town Hall and Julian Pioneer Museum. Eagle and High Peak Mines is 2.7 mi (4.3 km) away.

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About the host

Hosted by Michelle Dutro

Host profile image
Hello! As a S. CA native, I love everything this area has to offer. Julian is one of the few places that has a true four season experience and yet only an hour from San Diego. After 7 years of construction, this property is truly everything I hoped to offer in a Retreat Center - getaway.

Why they chose this property

Julian feels like it is right out of a Hallmark movie. With one stop sign in town, you truly feel like you have dropped into a mining town from 100 years ago. I love a place that makes you feel like you a million miles away from the hustle and bustle of life...yet still close enough to come for weekend getaway.

What makes this property unique

There are many things on this property that you will not find anywhere else, largely due to the fact that we are a Wellness Retreat Center, listed here just during the times that we are not hosting a retreat. That said we have the only Cold Plunge and Hot Tub in Julian. We offer the most spectacular view you will find anywhere, and the lights at night that change colors along our paths (see photos) make this place truly magical. Now for the lodging - you will be staying in a 1920's themed Champagne Room, and your living space in an old world charm Italy Room with views of the Vineyard. It's an experience you will never forget.

Languages:

English
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