San Diego, CaliforniaVista
Cal-a-Vie Health Spa
Provencal spa village
Provencal spa village
It runs as a self-contained French country village where guests follow a set rhythm of morning workouts and afternoon bodywork.
What it’s good at
Notable
An imported seventeenth-century French convent chapel anchors villas filled with European antiques.
What they say
Also in Condé Nast Traveler.
This idyllic wellness retreat in Vista, California, 45 miles north of downtown San Diego, looks right out of the French countryside, set among rolling hills, vineyards, and lavender fields.
Tucked away
A place apart: the property is the destination.
In the secluded Vista hills, across private trails, lavender fields, and vineyards with nothing walkable outside.
The rooms
Villas are furnished with French antiques and open onto private sun patios. Bathrooms hold deep travertine tubs.
The lap pool
Bring a swimsuit.
The outdoor Olympic-length lap pool is heated to 86 degrees Fahrenheit, lined with shaded stone pergolas and loungers.
The spa
The fitness pavilion
Dedicated studios across the 17,000-square-foot fitness pavilion host sessions in boxing, Pilates apparatus, and TRX.
At the table
Executive Chef Felipe Gonzalez Varon crafts farm-to-table spa meals using produce from on-site organic gardens and apiary honey.
How it began
John and Terri Havens bought the 1980s resort in 2000 after winning a week here at a charity auction.
San Diego
More like this
Rancho Valencia Resort & Spa
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The Inn at Rancho Santa Fe
“Historic Spanish revival hideaway”
The app
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Our shorthand
How we rate hotels.
The medals
Gold
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Silver
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
Bronze
They did this well. You’ll notice.
Listed
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Design
Built around a vision. Even the door handles have a designer.
Luxe
Cared for at every turn. The bath is drawn before you ask.
Local
It could only be here. You wake up knowing where you are.
Social
Where the city goes out. The bar is full and the night is young.
Heritage
A building with a story. Once a palace, a monastery, a station.
Wellness
You leave feeling new. Rest, sweat, soak and sleep like a stone.
Classic
The city grew up with it. Same rituals, same regulars, same bar.
Resort
A world of its own. Something to do from breakfast to nightcap.
The scene
Lively
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Central
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Secluded
A place apart: the property is the destination.