Questions
Everything guests ask most.
Short answers for planning your stay. For anything more specific, reservations can help directly.
The Cal-a-Vie experience
What makes Cal-a-Vie unique?
Cal-a-Vie Health Spa is an all-inclusive wellness destination in the hills of northern San Diego County. Stays are tailored to your goals, with luxury accommodations, chef-crafted meals, daily spa treatments, and fitness, nutrition, and mindfulness programming.
Can a group have a private party or event?
Yes. We host private groups and retreats with programming tailored to the needs of the group.
I will be coming by myself. Will I feel out of place?
Not at all. Many guests visit solo and enjoy a mix of shared meals, classes, treatments, and quiet time on their own.
Can you describe a typical day?
A day may include fitness, spa treatments, meals, walks, talks, and quiet moments around the estate. Everything is optional and your schedule is personalized.
Do you provide spa services on a walk-in basis?
No. Cal-a-Vie is reserved for staying guests, which preserves the privacy and exclusivity of the experience.
How often do guests return?
Cal-a-Vie has a return guest rate of more than 65%. Longtime guests are celebrated through the resort's orange tree tradition.
Planning your stay
Can I bring my teenager?
The minimum guest age is 16. Mom/Teen Week may be a good fit for families planning a shared wellness stay.
Are packages all-inclusive?
Yes. Packages include accommodations, gourmet meals, fitness classes, nutrition workshops, and spa treatments. Tax, gratuities, optional upgrades, and added treatments are separate.
What are the arrival patterns?
Seven-night stays run Sunday to Sunday. Four-night stays run Sunday to Thursday or Wednesday to Sunday. Three-night stays run Thursday to Sunday. Other arrival days may be available through reservations.
What types of rooms are available?
The property includes 25 spa villas, 7 suites, and 3 Maisons for families or private groups seeking more space.
Are accessible rooms available?
Yes. Spa Villa Room #1 and Maison 400's Room #405 are designed to meet ADA standards.
Can special diets be accommodated?
Yes. Vegetarian diets and other dietary needs can be accommodated. We recommend a pre-arrival conversation with the chef and registered dietitian.
Is wine or alcohol served?
Guests may enjoy cocktails or wine in the privacy of their room. Cal-a-Vie also offers two wine tasting events each week and a wine menu.
What should I bring?
Bring workout wear, swimsuits, hiking and fitness shoes, socks, toiletries, medication, sunscreen, and seasonal accessories. Robes, jackets, slippers, rain gear, and daily laundry service are provided.
Movement, amenities, and policies
Will the fitness program challenge active guests?
Yes. The program adapts from gentler movement to advanced classes, with more than 120 fitness and wellness offerings.
Are there activities beyond fitness?
Yes. Guests may enjoy sound baths, stargazing at the Observatory, cooking demonstrations, speaker events, art therapy, life coaching, meditation, breathwork, and yoga.
Is there a pool and fitness center?
Yes. Cal-a-Vie has an Olympic-sized pool, aquatic classes, multiple studios, and a state-of-the-art fitness facility.
Can I include golf?
Yes. The Havens Country Club, Cal-a-Vie's sister property, is adjacent to the resort and available to guests for 9 or 18 holes or driving range use.
Are pets allowed?
Cal-a-Vie is not pet-friendly. Fully trained, qualified ADA service animals are exempt.
What is the smoking policy?
Smoking is not permitted on property except in designated villas, subject to availability. Fees apply for designated smoking villas and violations.
Arrival and logistics
How do I get there?
Complimentary transportation is provided to and from San Diego International Airport. For private flights, the team can meet guests at Carlsbad / Palomar Airport. Cal-a-Vie is also an easy drive from Los Angeles, Orange County, and San Diego.
Is parking available?
Yes. Guest parking is available in multiple lots and is complimentary.
Are EV charging stations available?
Yes. Multiple EV charging stations are available for guests.
Can I store luggage?
Yes. The front desk can hold luggage before check-in or after check-out.
Can I see the week's schedule in advance?
Your Fitness Concierge reaches out roughly ten days before arrival with the classes planned for your stay.
What is the weather like?
San Diego County has a Mediterranean climate, with daytime temperatures averaging around 72 degrees for much of the year.