Discovering the Cali Spa Life in Vista

In a world of destination spas, Cal-a-Vie in Vista, CA, can certainly hold its own in this ever-growing luxury sector. This small but mighty 500-acre health spa makes each occupant of its 32 villas feel as if their every wish can and will come true. Just driving up to the Italian-style villa to check in was like being embraced by a distant-and-soon-to-be-favorite relative.

As they showed me to my unlocked room (they don’t have keys!), I was immediately taken with the immense quiet and feeling of welcoming solitude. It wasn’t forced, just naturally sedate. I soon learned that I was one of 25 guests staying for the week who had traveled from Washington, Boston, Texas, New York, Australia – and a few locals from neighboring La Jolla. 

Waiting for me on my cozy and immensely comfortable bed was a gift and a handwritten note welcoming me to the spa. I was given a brief description on who my fellow guests were with their first names and city of origin, and a schedule for the remainder of the day.

I arrived in time for lunch, so I headed over to the outdoor dining room where a table had all the guests’ names written on elegant little plaques. The idea is that you sit wherever you like. I’d foolishly assumed I would be dining alone, as I was flying solo on this trip. But within minutes of sitting down, I met Paige; a Cal-a-Vie regular on her fifth visit and traveling with her bestie. Soon we were all talking like old friends and enjoying a lunch of Harissa Chicken Salad and Hibiscus Poached Pears for dessert. While this is by no means a weight loss spa, the menu is loosely based on a 1200-calorie day. However, if you finish your meal and find you are still hungry, they will gladly serve you all over again. Or, if you would like a double portion of protein, or don’t eat raw fish, etc. they will happily accommodate your every whim.

After lunch I had a bit of downtime to explore the grounds before my first treatment started. Around every winding path there seemed to be another perfect spot to read, to write in your journal, listen to the fountains or watch the turtles in the man-made lake. 

While I arrived midday, a typical full day at the spa looks something like this. Overnight oats and coffee are available as of 6:30 am after which almost everyone meets for a morning stretch before embarking on your choice of walk, hike or nature trek all at different levels of
fitness and duration. While none is usually longer than a few miles, the undulating hills will get your heart pumping. After the walk, breakfast is served at 7:30 am during which you order off a menu that has something for everyone and beverages galore. Caffeine junky? No problem. Lactose intolerant? Covered. Ceremonial Grade Matcha? Duh. As we were eating, the excitement was palpable, we were about to be given our individual itineraries for the day. What was in store for me I wondered? The heavy card stock arrived with my name at the top, and I felt like an
avocado toast eating member of the Bridgerton family. “Oooooh, I get a head and scalp elixir!”, “I have a Gratitude Yoga and TRX!” 

The day continues with offerings such as interval weight training, guided meditation, pickleball, Ballet at the Barre, aerial yoga, HIIT and Club Box. Educational classes were also on offer as well as keynote speakers such as me. 

While this might sound strange, the activities weren’t as randomly selected for you as it may sound. Prior to your arrival, a scheduling consultant spends a good 30 minutes or more on the phone with you finding out what you like, and what you don’t. Then, you talk about spa treatments. 

The resort packages are all inclusive. So, my four night-stay included all food, all activities, and a good number of spa treatments that you can mix and match for similar value. But even the schedule is just a suggestion. My first day had Zumba on it for some reason, but I opted for the TRX instead. And even the spa treatments can be moved around if they’re able. The level of service and kindness was truly exceptional. This magical place
seamlessly blends a five-star service experience without an ounce of pretension, and the word “no” is not in their vernacular. I was tempted to ask for a unicorn one day just to see what they would do.

As the afternoon unfolds, you embark on your spa treatments. I had a hair and scalp massage one day that was so mind-blowing, I scheduled it again the next day. I take my work very seriously. 

The great thing about this environment is that you can go to dinner in your spa robe, workout clothes, with your hair in a towel, and everything in between. The only night I “dressed up,” I had on Ugg boots with my lounge pants as we were doing a candlelit labyrinth walk after dinner. And it was awesome. 

Dinner started each night at 7 pm with appetizers starting around 6:30 pm and while Cal-a-Vie’s own wine was always available for purchase, it was only imbibed by a few. 

From the sunrise hike to the candlelit labyrinth there is something for everyone. The activities are all wisely curated during the first part of the day, with the spa treatments in the afternoon. This all-inclusive resort starts with three-night packages, and while I stayed four, I could easily have extended my stay to last the week. 

Cal-a-Vie seamlessly offers enough activities from sunrise to sunset so that you never feel bored – or pressured. You can do all or nothing, but something about this environment leans into the doing everything side of things, and isn’t quite the lounge-by-the-pool kind of getaway. You certainly can partake of said lounging, it just feels like anything beyond a poolside read before aqua aerobics is somehow leaving adventure on the table.

You are never bored and always looked after. From roaring fires in the dining room and sweet notes left in your keyless room to the respectful guests that become dear friends from the first hello, it’s got you covered. I cannot recommend this enchanting place enough. I miss it already and plan to go back as often as I can. There are so many little touches that make this spot unique – the daily complimentary laundry service, the morning call asking if you are coming to breakfast or if you would like a tray sent to your room, and the valet parkers who remembered to charge your car without ever mentioning it. 

Hey, just for fun, ask for a unicorn and let me know what color it is when it arrives.