Nestled between rolling hills and vineyards, discover Cal-a-vie, a Southern California health spa that is evocative of the French countryside. Reminiscent of the Luberon region in Provence, the 450-acre property looks like a picturesque village with its charming craggy limestone buildings and lavender fields. This French Provencal spa is truly the ultimate experience as it combines luxurious European treatments with the California concept of fitness and nutrition.
32 spa villas and suites are artfully curated offering French cottage charm and “chateau chic” décor. Fit for a queen, suite number 7 boasts a beautiful canopy bed. I slept like royalty beneath its frames, and on its plush pillows. The customized wellness programs are offered as three, four or seven-night stays. The majority of their weeks are co-ed however, I chose to visit during a women’s-only week. They have a 5:1 staff-to-guest ratio meaning it is the ultimate pampering experience. Upon arrival a scheduling coordinator sets out to revitalize your mind, body and spirit by creating a personalized fitness, nutritional and spa program just for YOU.
My tailor-made fitness schedule included the likes of cardio barre, hiking, pilates, TRX and yoga. There are over 130 fitness classes to choose from. One day I chose to laze by the pool and do absolutely nothing except read my book. One of the best features about this spa is you can do as little or as much as you like. My most favorite activity was the introspective walking meditation through the Labyrinth space. It was a mindful and restorative experience that left me at peace.
Let’s talk food! It’s always on my mind. The program consists of a calorie-restricted diet of 1,200/1,500 calories offering seasonal produce harvested from their very own organic gardens. Think spa cuisine meets farm-to-table. Speaking candidly, yours truly was always hungry. If you experience low blood sugar, and are easily hangry like me I suggest bringing snacks. Note: the kitchen is always willing to make the guests anything extra that they like. They do not serve alcohol, so it’s a BYO sort of scenario. I came with wine in tow. Breaking bread together at the communal table was special. I formed lasting bonds with amazing women that I still keep in touch with to this day. I cannot say enough good things about Cal-a-vie! It is a little slice of French heaven located in Vista, California.
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