After living in France for over three years, I can attest that the French are experts on the bien-être (well-being) lifestyle. Cal-a-Vie Health Spa in California is a French Provencal-style resort spa nestled in the rolling hills of Vista, just an hour from downtown San Diego. This gorgeous retreat seamlessly combines a French approach to wellness with a unique Californian take on holistic health, fitness, and nutrition (plus, luxurious spa facilities!).
The History of Cal-a-Vie Health Spa
Philanthropic Francophile owners Terri and John Havens transformed more than 200 acres at this secluded estate into an elegant health spa reminiscent of a French Provencal-style village. The estate now features three home-style residences and 32 luxurious rooms and suites for guests.
Everywhere you look, historic architecture has been restored to dazzling effect. Dotted amongst sun-kissed lavender hills, majestic oak trees, and organic vineyards sits a 400-year-old chapel imported from France, reconstructed on property stone by stone. Now, it’s a candlelit meditation sanctuary. L’Orangerie, a 300-year-old reception hall, today hosts Cal-a-Vie’s organic wine tasting and gut-healing kitchen demonstrations in a peaceful setting surrounded by manicured gardens.
Ultimately, being at Cal-a-Vie doesn’t feel like you’re at a spa resort in Southern California — it feels like a true getaway to the historic south of France.
What Is a Wellness Resort?
A wellness resort or health spa is a vacation destination that goes beyond your typical holiday to promote physical, mental, or spiritual well-being. This can be facilitated through activities, treatments, workshops, and other sessions to help you truly take a break from your normal day-to-day routines.
#1 On the List of Best Wellness Resorts in the U.S.
From the moment of my arrival, I knew I was about to experience something extraordinary. The gate swung open, revealing a grand, tree-lined road winding its way up the hill and leading me to the main building to check in.
Cal-a-Vie’s commitment to guest services was made immediately evident with their 5:1 staff to guest ratio — every detail was taken care of before I could even open my mouth.
Throughout my stay, it became incredibly clear why Cal-a-Vie wins so many awards. Not only was it named North America’s #1 Destination Health Spa by Travel + Leisure, but THE Oprah is also a fan. Of all the California wellness resorts — and even wellness resorts in the U.S. as a whole, it stands out in a league of its own. It truly is a health spa unlike any other.
Cal-a-Vie Health Spa’s Life-Changing Wellness Experiences
After a light and nutritious lunch on the garden patio, I met with my cheery scheduler, who expertly guided me in choosing spa treatments, wellness talks, meditations, fitness classes, and ceremonies.
With over 120 fitness classes, 10 miles of hiking trails, a multitude of spa and beauty treatments, and a variety of yoga modalities and meditations to choose from, I was spoiled for choice. We finally honed in on a balanced schedule, starting with more challenging workouts in the morning and mindfully winding down as the day went on. For the next four days, my schedule became a testament to Cal-a-Vie’s five pillars of holistic wellness for life transformation: fitness, nutrition, mindfulness, relaxation, and reflection.
Fitness
The modern, light-filled fitness studios are located in what looks more like a Provencal chateau than a gym. With so many mood-boosting fitness classes led by master instructors, it was effortless to achieve an endorphin-fueled calorie deficit, and my jeans certainly felt more spacious than when I arrived.
From early morning hikes through oak tree groves to Trapeze Yoga, TRX, pickleball lessons, Barre Magic and dance fusion — it’s safe to say I got my heart rate up. It wasn’t all just cardio, either — many of my favorite classes were restorative fitness, including Pilates, Barre, hip and back-opening yoga, rolling, and sunny afternoon walks through the vineyards.
There are also options to hone your practice further in any style of fitness you desire. I realized my body was feeling more cracks and creaks than I remember in my 30s, so I chose to refine my yoga poses with a private lesson and set myself up for safe strength-building. Cal-a-Vie goes the extra mile to make sure recovery is memorable, too. In between classes, I relaxed in art-filled rooms under chandeliers, noshing on garden fresh veggie trays and other snacks from their kitchen.
Nutrition
An unmistakable element of French bien-être is dining pleasure. Cal-a-Vie combines culinary delight with dietician-designed menus of seasonal whole foods and herbs sourced from its organic gardens. Every meal is a fine dining experience, with white tablecloths and friendly service creating a luxurious ambiance. Meals are gorgeously plated and the vibe is just right.
I enjoyed breakfast in the dining room against the backdrop of a cozy fire. Weather permitting, lunch was al fresco on the patio beside a babbling brook. Hor d’oeuvres are served in the Garden Room before an elegant dinner in the main dining room. One evening, we even dined in the historic L’Orangerie and tasted Château Cal-a-Vie Wine made from its on-site organic vineyards.
And beyond the nutritious food I ate at the resort, Cal-a-Vie made sure we were set up for the future, too. I took copious notes at dietitian-led talks like Super Skin Foods, How to Heal Your Gut, and Functional Foods for Longevity. Upon request, the resort also shared their delicious, nutrient-dense antioxidant recipes. And to continue the experience at home, personalized nutritional counseling including lab testing is also available for guests who want to make Cal-a-Vie cuisine a new lifestyle.
Mindfulness
In today’s busy culture, it’s more important than ever to develop daily practices that create a sense of spaciousness and inner peace through mindfulness. Cal-a-Vie delivers an array of stress-reducing options, like meditative art, mala bracelets, and walking meditations through a candle-lit labyrinth under the stars.
All experiences are designed to cultivate a profound and lasting sense of relaxation — an unshakable inner island of calm. I discovered that the magic happened in the moments between classes. Whether it was soaking up some sun by the pool or strolling along the duck pond, I stumbled on profound a-ha moments when I took the time to do nothing but simply be. These in-between moments allowed me to integrate all that I had learned, and I experienced a revived sense of well-being.
Relaxation
In true French style, the best place to relax at Cal-a-Vie is undoubtedly the spa. It’s a unique bespoke experience unlike any other. The waiting area became a highly anticipated event. The oxytocin bonding between guests was on high before being whisked away to be utterly pampered. Cal-a-Vie felt like the adult summer camp of my dreams. Like the spa was just for us — and it was, as it’s exclusive for guests.
All Cal-a-Vie packages generously include multiple spa treatments, varying based on which one you choose. For example:
3-Night La Petite Package:
- Two Cal-a-Vie Swedish Massages
- The signature L’Orangerie Facial
- Reflexology and a Foot Scrub
- Your choice between leg rejuvenation or a hair and scalp treatment
7-Night California Package
- Six 50-minute Cal-a-Vie Swedish Massages
Guests may supplement their package with additional treatments from the Cal-a-Vie spa menu, featuring antioxidant-rich vinotherapy, watsu aquatic massage, Vichy scrubs, and a variety of wrap therapies including CBD, seaweed, and lavender honey.
Reflection
It’s easy to reflect in such a serene environment where you feel utterly cared for. I strolled alongside culinary gardens, walked the labyrinth solo, and stared into the distance at blooming lavender hills. I quieted my mind during a chakra meditation and a crystal bowl sound bath.
Every time I allowed the supportive staff at Cal-a-Vie to guide me, I relaxed more deeply into an extended meditative state of reflection. There was a point I realized just how conditioned I was into thinking I needed to do everything myself. I decided to let that go and lean into trusting life and people more. The Love Letter Meditation and Gratitude Yoga was transformational and came at just the right moment — I realized just how much love I was withholding from myself.
There were also moments of pure wonder. At Cal-a-Vie’s private observatory, a professional astronomer gave a talk about the cosmic web and our connection to the stars. He explained how neuron and galaxy networks are undeniably similar. Moments after, I marveled at the stars myself and saw a baby galaxy forming through a telescope— a star nursery of sorts.
Cal-a-Vie Accommodation: Villas, Suites, and Residences
True to a French Provencal-style village, Cal-a-Vie’s 32 rooms (25 spa villas and 7 suites) are dotted throughout the property amongst the vineyards, ponds, gardens, and oak trees. Every guest accommodation offers effortless luxury with French-inspired romantic art and elegant classical furniture.
Even after I’d checked out, just reminiscing about the luxurious king-sized beds, Italian Frette linens, antique furnishings, grand tubs, and sundrenched balconies was enough to make my shoulders drop and put a smile on my face.
Cal-a-Vie also recently debuted three luxury home-style residences for group stays and retreats. Each spacious residence accommodates up to 10-12 guests for ultimate privacy and luxury. The residences feature a blend of fine modern amenities and priceless antiques, including imported 17th and 18th-century limestone-carved fireplaces.
My Cal-a-Vie Transformation
So, did I leave Cal-a-Vie Health Spa in California transformed, as promised? Absolutely. I walked out — no, floated out — a different person than I was when I arrived. Most importantly, it was a sustainable transformation that helped me form new habits and perspectives on life.
I checked out of Cal-a-Vie empowered with cutting-edge health information, energized from a nurtured-dense diet, strong from fitness, and relaxed with a profound sense of renewal. I left with not only a strong body but also an open mind, open heart, and an effervescent joie de vivre.
Getting There
If you’re looking for a California wellness retreat or a destination spa near San Diego, Cal-a-Vie should be on your list.
Round-trip transportation to and from San Diego International Airport (SAN) is provided, which takes about one hour. And if you’re flying private, Cal-a-Vie provides transport from Palomar Airport (CLD). Or if your retreat at Cal-a-Vie is part of a larger trip, rent a car from a place like Enterprise or Budget and drive in from the San Diego airport.
