From the Journal
Stories from the Hillside
The kitchen, the chapel, the trails, and the quiet rituals that shape a stay.
Discover the Healing Benefits of Watsu Therapy
Some of the most profound forms of healing happen not through effort, but through surrender.
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40 Wellness Tips for 40 Years
Celebrate 40 years of wellness at Cal-a-Vie Health Spa. Discover expert tips on fitness, nutrition, spa rituals, and balanced living!
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40 Years of Wellness: How Wellness Trends Have Evolved Through the Decades
When Cal-a-Vie Health Spa first opened its doors on January 19, 1986, wellness looked very different than it does today.
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Grilled Greek Chicken Kebabs with Garlic Flatbread Recipe
Celebrate the Fourth of July with a fresh Mediterranean-inspired menu featuring grilled chicken kebabs, homemade garlic flatbread, creamy tzatziki, and a vibrant Greek salad.
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Inside the 17th-Century Chapel
The small stone Chapel between the olive grove and the herb garden was built in Dijon in the 1600s — and reassembled, stone by stone, on this hillside in 2006.
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The Quiet Power of a Morning Hike
Why the slow walk before breakfast — gravel underfoot, eucalyptus overhead — sets the tone for everything that follows at Cal-a-Vie.
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Raw Vegan Cashew Cheesecake Recipe
Discover a rich and creamy raw vegan cashew cheesecake recipe featuring a gluten-free chocolate chip cookie crust and natural ingredients.
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The Luxury of Darkness: How Star Bathing Supports Nervous System Recovery
Discover how star bathing, darkness, and nighttime wellness experiences at Cal-a-Vie Health Spa support nervous system recovery, sleep quality, and digital detoxification.
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Father’s Day Wellness Retreats: Men’s Health at Cal-a-Vie Health Spa
This Father’s Day, give the gift of restoration, movement, and meaningful time away.
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Sustainability at Cal-a-Vie Health Spa
Discover how Cal-a-Vie Health Spa integrates sustainability through composting, regenerative gardening, bee stewardship, organic growing practices, and farm-to-table wellness cuisine.
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Skin Longevity and Wellness: Why Radiance Begins with Rest and Balance
Discover how sleep, stress reduction, nutrition, hydration, and wellness practices support skin longevity and lasting radiance at Cal-a-Vie Health Spa.
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A Once-in-a-Lifetime Destination Wedding Experience at Cal-a-Vie Health Spa
Discover luxury destination weddings at Cal-a-Vie Health Spa with exclusive property buyouts, wellness experiences, customizable celebrations, and French-inspired elegance.
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A Wellness Retreat Experience at Cal-a-Vie Health Spa and The Havens Country Club
Discover the benefits of golfing at a wellness retreat and experience The Havens Country Club during your stay at Cal-a-Vie Health Spa.
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Roasted Beet Carpaccio with Goat Cheese & Chili Oil
This roasted beet carpaccio with goat cheese, white balsamic vinaigrette, and smoky chili oil is a vibrant, wellness-inspired appetizer that’s both elegant and nourishing.
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The Importance of Recovery: Elevating Wellness Through Advanced Recovery Modalities
Discover the importance of recovery and explore advanced recovery modalities available at Cal-a-Vie Health Spa. Learn how we support muscle recovery, relaxation, and overall wellbeing.
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The Anti-Inflammatory Lifestyle: A Retreat Approach to Whole-Body Wellness
Experience an anti-inflammatory lifestyle through nutrition, movement, and rest at a luxury wellness retreat. Discover how Cal-a-Vie supports whole-body wellness.
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The Benefits of Lab Testing: A Personalized Approach to Wellness
Gain deeper insight into your health with advanced lab testing. At Cal-a-Vie Health Spa, personalized data meets expert guidance to support a more informed and intentional wellness journey.
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Hiking Meditation: The Benefits of Walking Meditation in Nature
Discover the benefits of hiking meditation and walking meditation in nature. Learn how movement, breath, and stillness support wellness at Cal-a-Vie Health Spa.
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The Benefits of Creatine: Strength, Energy & Cognitive Support
Discover the benefits of creatine for strength, energy, and cognitive function, along with a refreshing “Creatini” mocktail recipe to support your wellness routine.
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Healthy Roasted Rack of Lamb with Beet & Parsnip Purée
A refined roasted rack of lamb recipe with beet and parsnip purée, white asparagus, and chimichurri. A healthy, elevated dish inspired by Cal-a-Vie Health Spa’s wellness cuisine.
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How to Stay on Track with Health Goals
Learn practical strategies for staying on track with your health goals, from setting SMART goals and building supportive habits to creating an environment that encourages lasting wellness.
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Understanding Lymphatic Drainage Therapy
Discover the benefits of lymphatic drainage therapy and how Cal-a-Vie Health Spa supports lymphatic health through specialized spa treatments, movement classes, and wellness retreats in California.
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Tuna Poke Bowl Recipe
Discover a fresh, nourishing Tuna Poke Bowl recipe with vibrant flavors, perfect for wholesome lunches or dinners inspired by Cal-a-Vie Spa.
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Why a Spring Wellness Retreat Is the Perfect Reset Before the Season Begins
Discover why a spring wellness retreat in California is the perfect reset before the season begins, with guided hikes, silent reflection, spa therapies, and restorative programming at Cal-a-Vie.
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Cashew Stuffed Mushrooms Recipe
Find the perfect healthy, delicious Super Bowl snack to impress your guests—these cashew stuffed mushrooms are creamy, savory, and completely dairy-free.
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Chocolate Covered Strawberries & Dates
Discover delicious recipes for chocolate-covered strawberries and dates with simple ingredients and easy steps. Perfect for any occasion!
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Love Yourself First: A Solo Wellness Retreat Worth Gifting Yourself
After the holiday rush, a solo wellness retreat offers space to pause and reconnect.
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The Power of Women’s Weeks at Cal-a-Vie Health Spa
There is something uniquely transformative that happens when women step away from daily demands and gather in a space for renewal, connection, and well-being.
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The Luxury of Stillness: A Private Retreat for the High-Performing Mind
At Cal-a-Vie Health Spa, silence, seclusion, and European elegance come together to create the rarest form of luxury: uninterrupted peace.
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New Year’s Resolutions Tips from Our Managers at Cal-a-Vie Health Spa
Let these tips from our health and wellness experts guide you toward a healthier, more balanced lifestyle this year. Here’s to a vibrant and fulfilling 2026!
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Celebrate the Season, the Cal-a-Vie Way
In the midst of cold fronts and countdowns, Cal-a-Vie Health Spa becomes your sanctuary. December and January unfold here beneath golden skies and crisp coastal light.
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STRAWBERRY RHUBARB STREUSEL
Sweet, tart, and warm, our Strawberry Rhubarb Streusel is a spa‑favorite dessert baked in individual ramekins. Bring this comforting Cal‑a‑Vie treat into your own kitchen this holiday season.
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Coconut Vanilla Bean Ice Cream
A creamy, dairy‑free twist on a classic. Our Coconut Vanilla Bean Ice Cream uses agave instead of refined sugar for a naturally sweet, spa‑approved indulgence.
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Pumpkin Mousse Recipe
Enjoy a taste of Cal-a-Vie at home this season with our light and creamy Pumpkin Mousse, served for dessert during our Thanksgiving celebration and perfect for your own holiday table.
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Why Wellness is the Greatest Gift
In a season of overdoing and overcommitting, the most powerful gift may be to hit “pause.” At Cal-a-Vie Health Spa, luxury lives in the details, felt in the breath, the body, and the nervous system.
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Cal-a-Vie Pumpkin Spice Matcha Latte Recipe
Have you tried matcha? At Cal-a-Vie, our guests enjoy freshly-ground matcha tea beverages during their stay. Try this Fall-inspired Pumpkin-Spiced Matcha Latte, a healthy twist on a PSL.
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Health and Wellness Retreats Before the Holidays
As the gentler, golden light of autumn moves in, nights get shorter, and calendars grow crowded.
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Find Your Fall Reset
Caught between summer memories and fall momentum, September is the month of quiet beginnings. As routines return and calendars fill, the world picks up speed.
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Pickleball at Cal-a-Vie Health Spa
Pickleball is quickly becoming a guest favorite at Cal-a-Vie Health Spa, offering a perfect balance of fitness and fun on our scenic outdoor courts.
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Garlic and Mushroom Pizza Recipe
with homemade pizza dough Yield: Serves 3 (⅓ pizza each) Active Time: 40 minutes Total Time: 2 hours For those who desire the comforting nostalgia of pizza while staying waistline friendly, our…
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Garden Pumpkin Soup Recipe
Crafted from pumpkins grown in our Southern California garden, this golden soup blends earthy pumpkin with vibrant turmeric for a dish that’s as nourishing as it is beautiful.
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Apple Spice Muffins Recipe
Yield: 18 (2-inch muffins) Active Time: 20 minutes Total Time: 45 minutes People love our muffins and are always surprised they are gluten-free.
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High Protein Guacamole
Elevate your snacking with a vibrant twist on a classic. This High-Protein Guacamole features edamame as the star ingredient, offering a fiber-rich, plant-powered boost.
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Sea Bass Veracruz Recipe
A nourishing balance of flavor and function, this Sea Bass with Wild Rice and Broccolini is rich in omega-3’s and perfect for those exploring grain-free options.
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Roasted Rack of Lamb Recipe
Created by our Executive Chef Felipe Gonzalez Varon, this Roasted Rack of Lamb with Sautéed Peas and Piperade brings the Cal-a-Vie wellness dining experience to your own kitchen.
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Cal-a-Vie Banana Almond Smoothie
Creamy, naturally sweet, and nutrient-packed—our Almond Banana Smoothie is a guest favorite at Cal-a-Vie Health Spa.
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Eggs Benedict Towers Recipe
Elevate your breakfast ritual with our signature twist on a classic. The Eggs Benedict Tower layers poached cage-free eggs over a bed of spinach, sweet tomato jam, and roasted sweet potato hash.
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Summer Fitness Tips to Keep You Active
Discover summer fitness tips at Cal-a-Vie: aquatic classes, outdoor movement, balanced routines, and nutrition to fuel your wellness journey!
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High Protein Chia Seed Pudding
Boost your day with vibrant chia seed pudding layered with raspberry protein yogurt. Healthy, delicious, and packed with nutrients!
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Healthy Summer Turkey Burger Recipe
Create juicy turkey burgers with homemade buns, herb mayo, almond coleslaw, and sweet potato fries for the perfect flavorful meal!
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How to Get the Most out of Your Cal-a-Vie Health Spa Stay
Set your intention, unplug, and soak in every moment. From sunrise hikes to candlelit yoga, here are 7 insider tips to make the most of your Cal-a-Vie Health Spa stay.
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Tips to Deepen Your Home Yoga Practice
Discover the benefits of a personal yoga practice and learn how to create a meaningful space for movement, mindfulness, and renewal right at home.
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Women’s Wellbeing Tips for Every Season of Life
Discover Women’s Week at Cal-a-Vie Health Spa—personalized wellness, expert-led classes, spa therapies, and a supportive community.
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Spring Pan-Seared Scallops Recipe
Elevate mealtime with seared scallops, roasted artichokes, pea sauce, carrot mash, and sweet potato hash for a gourmet dining experience.
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5 Calming Practices to Support Mental Wellness
May is Mental Health Awareness Month—a gentle reminder to slow down, breathe deeply, and care for your inner world.
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Pomegranate Passionfruit Chia Seed Agua Fresca
Looking for a refreshing, feel-good sip that’s as nourishing as it is delicious? Our Lead Dietitian crafted the perfect wellness drink: a Pomegranate Passionfruit Chia Seed Agua Fresca.
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Daily Nutrition Spring Reset
Discover the essentials of daily nutrition with expert tips from Cal-a-Vie dietitians. Learn how to balance macronutrients, boost vitamin intake, and more.
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Cheers to Friendship With A Galentine’s Day Mocktail
Celebrate Galentine’s Day with a refreshing, antioxidant-packed Strawberry Matcha Margarita! This vibrant, non-alcoholic mocktail is delicious & energizing.
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A Romantic Valentine's Day Dinner
Indulge in a romantic Roasted Rack of Lamb by Chef Felipe Gonzalez Varon. This gourmet dish is perfect for a luxurious Valentine’s Day dinner. Get the recipe!
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Super Bowl Snacks: Nutritious & Delicious Game-Day Bites
Enjoy the Super Bowl guilt-free with these healthy game-day snacks! From protein-packed chicken kebabs to flavorful carrot hummus and spiced nuts.
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Cozy & Nourishing Kale Soup for a Comforting Winter Meal
Warm up with this nourishing Kale Soup, packed with fresh veggies, protein-rich beans, and hearty greens. A quick and easy meal perfect for a cozy winter night!
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Winter Wellness Tips from our Fitness Experts
When the temperatures drop, it’s tempting to stay indoors and put your wellness routine on hold. But staying active and taking care of your body is even more important during winter.
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How Cryotherapy Complements Holistic Wellness Retreat Experiences
Wellness retreat experiences have evolved from simple spa getaways into structured resets for the body and mind.
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New Year’s Resolutions from Our Managers at Cal-a-Vie Health Spa
Boost wellness with our expert tips on nutrition, mindful eating, fitness, self-care, and more. Guide your journey to a healthier, balanced lifestyle in 2025.
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Turkey Lasagna Rolls with Basil Pesto and Toasted Garlic
This classic Cal-a-Vie entrée has been a favorite for almost a decade, and is always in demand. When it’s not on the menu, we hear about it from our guests.
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Boost Your Memory
15 foods to benefit the brain and enhance your cognitive function.
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Traditional Hummus
A snack that is amazingly simple, delicious, and nutritious.
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Embrace the Chill
Explore the many benefits of our newest amenity - Cold Plunge! Harness the power of cold immersion to rejuvenate mind, body, and spirit.
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Science-based Ways to Support Weight Loss, Naturally
If you have an intention and goal of shedding weight or dropping body fat, you are not alone.
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No Diet Day
How to Step Towards Body Acceptance and Optimal Health and Away from Diet Culture.
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Detox the Cal-a-Vie Way
Unlocking the Power of Natural Detoxification: Supporting Your Body's Resilience from Within!
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Unexpected Ways to Enhance Digestion
Read on for some simple tips and tricks to enhance digestion- the intention is to get more nutrient extraction from your meals, minimize gas and bloating, and improve overall well-being!
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New Year's Goals
This New Year Think SMART, Not Hard: How to Stick to Your New Year’s Resolutions!
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Perfect Appetizer for Entertaining
This is another favorite appetizer we serve during the winter and is a guest favorite with the added flavors!
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Functional Mushrooms for Wellness
What comes to mind when you hear the word “mushrooms”? Perhaps the fairytale-esque red mushroom with white polka dots on the forest floor, or your favorite cozy autumn dish with chanterelles.
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Pumpkin Coconut Pie
We love serving this dairy-free dessert during the holidays when pumpkins are in season.
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Garden Pumpkin Soup
It feels like fall when you serve up a bowl of our Garden Pumpkin Soup, even if it’s a balmy 75 degrees outside.
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Building and Maintaining Muscle After Fifty
Contrary to popular belief, it’s never too late to build or rebuild muscle and strength after fifty.
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Cashew-Stuffed Mushrooms
We love teaching guests how to make this appetizer in our hands-on cooking demo, and they are always impressed by how versatile cashew cream can be.
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Pineapple Piña Spritzer
Unlike many traditional cocktails, this mocktail contains no added sugar, the sweetness comes from pineapple!
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Peach Salad
Peaches in the summertime are perfectly sweet from the moment they’re picked. Shop at your local farmers market for “tree-ripened” peaches.
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Asian Chicken Salad
This salad is a vibrant reflection of our nutrition philosophy: It combines a spectrum of colors and flavors that offer an array of beneficial phytonutrients.
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The Most Popular Sport in U.S. History!
Pickleball has become the most popular sport in United States history! That must mean that people are having fun, and fun is a huge part of self-care.
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Strawberry Banana Smoothie
Make this classic summer favorite the Cal-a-Vie Health Spa way, void of any added sugars or unnecessary calories or ingredients.
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Barbecue Spiced Snack Nuts
This snack mix features a combination of sweet and savory -- with a little spicy kick -- that creates a fusion of flavors for any occasion.
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Your Best Bon Voyage: Healthy Eats While Traveling
Travel season is about to be in full swing! Follow our nutrition tips to stay on track with health goals and balanced eating, no matter where your travels take you.
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Grilled Chicken Kebabs
This Greek-inspired dish is fresh, colorful and full of flavor. Click here to learn more!
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Spring Green and a Beautiful History Lesson
Bonjour! If you missed the April Spring Green Tablescape and Antique Table Talk at Cal-a-Vie Health Spa’s Antique Boutique, please continue to read!
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Broccoli Frittata with Broccoli Balsamic Salad
Serve this delicious and nutrient-dense recipe at your next breakfast or brunch event.
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Shamrock Shakes: The Cal-a-Vie Way
Make the popular St. Patrick's Day treat the Cal-a-Vie Health Spa way, void of any added sugars or unnecessary calories or ingredients.
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Kale Salad With Persian Cucumbers and Salted Pepitas
The deep green color of curly leaf kale is such a treat to the eyes when you are eating this salad from our Cal-a-Vie Health Spa cookbook, Beautiful Living.
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Cold off the Press
At Cal-a-Vie Health Spa, we love olive oil! If you’ve ever been on our property, you know that there are tons of olive trees. Click here to learn more!
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Superpowers for Maintaining Fitness Motivation
Maintaining a fitness lifestyle requires motivation. Many find it in different ways, but here are our top three recommended superpowers that everyone can use!
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Searching for the Rainbow?
Click here to learn more on healthy recipes including kale and veggie soup!
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Valentine’s Day Recipe: Dark Chocolate “Love” Bites
Surprise your loved ones this Valentine’s Day with a healthy and delicious dark chocolate treat! This simple recipe will take no more than 10 minutes and requires little-to-no advanced culinary skill.
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Keep it Colorful - 10 Tips for Your Best Health
Click here to view our full list in adopting a new habit slowly in order to make it a consistent pillar of your healthy habits.
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1st and Win Game Day Menu
Game Day doesn’t mean junk food day. Here at Cal-a-Vie Health Spa, we like to inspire healthy options without sacrificing the fun foods you love.
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Chocolate & Wine: The Perfect Match
This Valentine’s Day, treat your loved ones with wellness in mind. Keep reading to learn why chocolate and wine deserve some love.
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Wedding Trends for 2022
With many couples being cautious to plan destination weddings, we can change that while keeping it close to home! Cal-a-Vie Health Spa will help you create and style your dream destination wedding.
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Cornish Game Hens
Cornish game hens are featured in fine dining restaurants, yet are easy for the home chef to prepare. Click here to view our full list of recipes.
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Thanksgiving Sidekicks
View our favorite side dishes that will not only provide you & your guests with a stunning plate, it will also deliver a healthy balance of nutrition & flavor.
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Trail Time: Good for the Mind & Body
Spending time in nature is so good for the mind and body, providing a host of physical and mental health benefits– an important part of the Cal-a-Vie Health Spa wellness experience.
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Healthy Snacking
We will be sharing our tips and tricks to stay on track with your health and nutrition goals, starting with snacks.
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Parsnip Apple Soup
Our delicious parsnip apple soup will warm your taste buds with a decadent smooth texture full of flavor without the use of heavy ingredients.
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Peaches & Cream Smoothie Recipe
Don't let your sweet tooth get in the way of your health! Click here and try our delicious, and most importantly nutritious peach and cream smoothie recipe.
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What Is a Crystal Bowl Sound Bath Experience?
Interested to learn a bit more about sound therapy? Click here to discover the benefits of this mental health treatment for your next visit to the spa.
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What Is the Autumnal Equinox?
This year, we will be graced by Fall on September 22, 3:20 PM EDT in the Northern Hemisphere-- the astronomical beginning of the fall season also known as the autumnal equinox.
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Refresh & Renew Your Immune System
Immune system support is on everyone’s radar these days. What is essential is supporting the immune system before illness strikes?
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Matcha: Immersed in Tradition & Nutritional Benefits
Interest to switch up your diet for a healthier lifestyle? Click here to learn more about matcha and all the health benefits that come with it.
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California's Blue Zone
Interest to learn more about the secrets that allow us to live a longer and happier life? Click here to read more about these Blue Zones around the globe.
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What is Cryotherapy and Is It Good For Me?
Have you ever heard of cryotherapy? Click here to read and learn more about this type of therapy, its benefits, and if this may be a good option for you.
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Summer Salad Series: Arugula
Find the perfect recipe for a fresh, summertime salad with California's delicious strawberries.
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Stretching Is Self-Care Your Body Needs
Don't forget to take care of your body! Click here to discover some of the best stretches you can do for your body's physical as well as mental health.
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Berry Coconut Smoothie
Need a new healthy obsession? Click here for the recipe for your new favorite smoothie!
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Elevate Your Performance with The Right Warm Up
Don't underestimate a good warmup. Click here to find out how a simple warmup can help your body become stronger and with fewer chances of getting injured.
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Tortilla Chips with Tomatillo Salsa
Looking for a tasty snack to make at home? Click here to find the best salsa and chips recipe!
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Coconut Vanilla Bean Ice Cream Recipe
July 18th is National Ice Cream Day! Celebrate this delicious day with a Cal-a-Vie Health Spa's homemade ice cream recipe from our Beautiful Living cookbook.
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Skin Foods
Looking for ways to keep your skin glowing? Click here to find the best foods you can add to your daily diet for better skin.
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Lemon-Lime Vinaigrette Recipe
Get a healthy dose of vitamin C with this tasty Lemon-Lime Vinaigrette recipe from our cookbook, Beautiful Living.
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Watermelon, Cucumber & Tomato Skewers
Stay hydrated with this delicious Watermelon, Cucumber & Tomato Skewer recipe from our cookbook, Beautiful Living.
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What Makes Pickleball So Fun and Popular?
Learn the basics of pickleball and why it became a favorite pastime all around the world.
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Summer Salad Series
Click here to uncover some of our favorite salad recipes for a refreshing summer salad.
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3 Simple Yoga Poses for Beginners
Yoga is a fantastic way to nurture the mind, body, and spirit. Whether you’re beginning your journey at Cal-a-Vie Health Spa or in your living room, here are three easy poses to try.
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How To Stay Motivated
Sometimes it is hard to motivate oneself, and we understand. Click here to read and learn more about ways you can try fixing this feeling.
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A Tranquil Start to 2020
Ready for the new year? Explore one of the best spots for a brief vacation before the year starts.
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Beyond the Journal
Bring these rituals into your stay
Every story here traces back to something you can experience on the hillside.