Cal-a-Vie Health Spa, Vista

A group of my friends surprised me with a trip to Cal-a-Vie for my birthday. We have all been to many spas before, but I must admit, Cal-a-Vie blew us away! The accommodations, food, classes, amenities (including the stunning new pool), service and grounds are magnificent. The small number of guests lends itself to an intimate experience – it was like my friends and I were in our own private piece of Heaven in the countryside of France. The program is designed beautifully as it provided a perfect balance between fitness, beauty and body treatments, time for myself and time with my friends. I was even able to fit in some meditation time in the gorgeous French chapel - I have my heart set on it since I just recently got engaged! What a dream wedding! Throughout my stay, I felt pampered with my needs met in every way. I hope this will become a birthday tradition as this was the best gift I could ever receive.

I can tell you how much I enjoyed my 4 night stay at Cal-a-Vie. It was the most amazing vacation. It was a beautiful property. Enjoyed the fitness program. Began each day with a vigorous hike on private trails with great views. Loved the gorgeous new pool and water activities. The treatments were a blessing. All inclusive package meant no surprise expenses and was actually more service and less $ on check out than other spas I have visited.

I was in the doldrums and needed a kick start to a healthier life. Cal-a-Vie delivers in every way. Beautiful and secluded, attentive staff, amazing food I signed up already for next year.

Cal-a-Vie was my first destination spa experience. Since it was just voted #1 destination spa by Travel + Leisure I figured it was the best choice..and I sure picked right! From the moment I woke up and did the gorgeous hike to the moment I went to sleep after a relaxing massage and delicious meal I felt great. The food is definitely amazing. The fitness classes are wonderful and perfect for any athletic or fitness level. I loved every treatment I got and all the staff is so nice. Not to mention the wonderful decor and detail put into the spa. Everyone was really nice, guests included, and you make friends with everyone immediately. We'd all share our thoughts on fitness classes and our favorite treatments during dinner time. Lots of fun. Left a new person. Will surely return.

My daughter and I have gone to several spas together and Cal-a-Vie is by far our new favorite! The food is so delicious and we learned that portions don't have to be big to be filling. I have food allergies and the chef made sure I could still enjoy the food! The variety of fitness classes made it easy for both of us to find something we enjoy. The instructors were friendly and helpful. I really liked how they were different ages and styles to make everyone feel comfortable. We loved all the French antiques and decor around the spa. The spa was full, but there were only 27 people - it was fun to be in that small group setting. We met another mother & daughter and even talked about meeting back at the spa next year! I can't wait to go back to this beautiful place and enjoy the San Diego weather.

This place is constantly under construction- so not relaxing. They have been building a pool for the last 3 years. I've had it- the staff is second rate and treat "high profile" guests better than "regular" guests- we're all paying over $1,000 a day. The fitness classes are a joke- My gym has more to offer with instructors that know what they're talking about. It's golden door for me from now on.

My stay at Cal-a-Vie far exceeded my expectations. I've always liked staying on properties near the beach, so I was skeptical about whether I would enjoy my stay as much as other resorts at which I've vacationed. Cal-a-Vie blew me away. From the French decor and beautiful rooms to the intimacy of only a handful of guests (there are 25 rooms total) to the chapel, shipped from France, where meditations are held, everything was spectacular. The morning hikes and fitness classes increased my energy and I learned that portion control is possible if the food is delicious. Spending all afternoon in body treatments is a great gift after a morning of rigorous exercise. I was so sad to leave; I want to go back.

I did like the food, the french decor, and the beautiful gardens. I also liked that there were not a lot of different classes during the day. The staff makes your daily schedule so you don't have to think about any of that. The hikes are also great. There was a lot of construction, the pool is not great, and the fitness staff is not very professional. I don't feel that this spa is worth the price when compared with others in the same range.