|
"I've
gone from sedentary to 60 mph on my first full day at Cal-a-Vie,
and it feels good to get my body revved up. Now I'm taking
a break from my strenuous morning schedule —
Day
One includes a 6 a.m. wakeup, 6:15 a.m. hike, a fitness
talk, a cardio resistance class, a spinning class and water
aerobics. I've showered, and I'm bundled in a soft terry-cloth
robe, taking in the mountain view—and the softly jasmine-fragranced
air from my private deck perched 40 miles north of San Diego.
Cal-a-Vie
(Cal-a-Vie means "California life" in French) is both a
vigorous and pampering retreat spa frequented by stars such
as Kathleen Turner and Larry Hagman along with the well-heeled.
I'm only here for a "petite week," so I'll miss
Paula Abdul, who arrives two days after I depart. One guest
who is on a serious weight-loss regimen in advance of her
50th birthday is spending 20 weeks here this year.
The
all-female fitness staff's energy - upbeat, never condescending
- makes Cal-a-Vie a standout among its competitors. I am
especially fascinated by Leslie, a corkscrew-haired blond
glamazon with a fascinating back tattoo and the most streamlined
figure—even after two, or is it three, kids. When
I comment that it must be great that her job serves as a
daily workout, she informs me that all the trainers do their
own workouts at lunch, explaining that all the teaching
and talking keep them from working in their prime cardio
range. That explains the abs of steel.
A
Houston mother and frequent guest notes, "We would
never meet in real life." And she's right. But with only
24 guests on 200 acres, Cal-a-Vie is an intimate environment,
made more so by the fact that most of us pad around in our
robes or spa-issued gray sweats (which look good on no one).
Our predominantly female group includes several mother/daughter
duos, a filmmaker, a lawyer, several entrepreneurs, two
couples, a few retirees, a foundation director, an architect,
a fashion designer, a banker and one very disciplined female
dynamo—a CFO; more than half are repeat guests.
Many
of us reveal very personal information during our tenure.
We bond over our mutual lack of fitness and admiration of
the staff. That's why when half of us depart mid-week, there's
a moment of genuine sadness, authentic hugs, goodbyes and
e-mail exchanges.
While
the jumpstart to my (nonexistent) fitness routine is welcome,
I must admit I look forward most to the treatments —
and the food. There's hydrotherapy in a deep tub overlooking
a ridge covered in succulents. Natalie, who is a prettier,
more petite version of actress Lisa Rinna, gives a marvelous
deep tissue massage. Sarah gives me a reflexology session,
and I drift off into sleep. The Vichy evokes memories of
being a kid in a sprinkler. The facial and hot stone massage
are top-notch. I even get my roots touched up in the beauty
salon one afternoon. There's also afternoon yoga classes
and labyrinth walking.
Guest rooms at the spa are attended to several times
daily. (photo Courtesy of Cal-a-Vie). |
In
between all the activities, I retire to my room. Window
boxes brimming with pink flowers flank the wooden door.
Inside, the beamed ceiling soars, there's an armoire, a
chaise, a single orchid, an inviting bed (not that I'll
spend much time in it) and a sunny country French décor.
There's no TV and no one locks their door. The room is attended
to several times daily and my laundry — the robes,
towels and sweats I am plowing through on what seems like
an hourly basis — is always neatly folded in three
piles on the window seat in the marble bathroom. I never
want to leave.
I
confess I've brought in contraband: a chocolate bar (I contemplated
bringing alcohol, but resisted). Turns out I'm not even
tempted, so good is the food. There is no decision making:
All your meals are served in three courses based on caloric
intake (from the profile I filled out prior to my visit
and from the intake interview held upon arrival). Chefs
Steve and Jason prepare gourmet food that is incredibly
fresh (California produce is the nation's best), flavorful,
creative and filling.
My
favorite lunch meal includes wild rice and barley chicken
salad with tarragon vinaigrette and a smoothie. My favorite
dinner is chilled lobster salad and fettuccine pasta. Lourdes'
huevos rancheros is my favorite breakfast (and Lourdes herself
my favorite server/cook). A couple of times I challenge
the kitchen just to see what happens. I send back
a cookie and ask for "something orange that is not
an orange." I am presented with six slices of a beautiful
nectarine that is fanned on a doily atop a white plate.
When I crave something salty, I am sent exactly seven sesame
rice crackers (I find myself obsessively counting, which
I attribute to the counting I am doing in the fitness classes).
Hoping
to make a few healthful changes to my at-home dining, I
meet with Ileen, who gives me a nutritional analysis after
I fill out a typical two-day diary. She avoids "tsk-tsking"
me, but rather, takes an accurate read on my personality
and career and makes suggestions I could truly implement
back home. Everyone is so unfailing gracious and motivational
it seems almost criminal to fall off the wagon once I depart.
On
my final day, I head to the boutique looking for the spa's
cookbook, but alas, it's sold out. I smile at the workout
togs stitched with the phrase "blissfully unaware."
I haven't even left the property and already Cal-a-Vie withdrawal
has set in.
If
You Go: The greater San Diego area, has the finest weather
in U.S year-round, so let your schedule dictate a visit.
Cal-a-Vie, www.cal-a-vie.com, (866) 722-4283."
|
