Tag Archives: luxury spa

Cal-a-Vie Spa. San Diego, California

French name, French architecture and French elegance? Yes please!

This crème de la crème spa is a stunning oasis nestled in the hills just north of San Diego with the most breathtaking location in the city. Cal-a-Vie has the most luxurious spa I have ever seen and soon you will as well.

Like Golden Door, they tailor every program to suit your personal fitness goals. There is a 5:1 staff-to-guest ratio. Over the top? Nah, I would say it is just perfect for a fussy guest like our readers. We all deserve a little pampering, right?

The staff at this spa truly understands the complexities of each individual, which is why they create a customized program upon your arrival to take advantage of your days at Cal-a-Vie. They tend to focus on every aspect of your wellness including mind, body, and spirit.

Additionally, you will discover that they have the most incredible fitness in the nation, which can include yoga, spinning, boxing, tai-chi, walks, golf among other classes.

In addition to the unmatched spa amenities, the 18 hole Ted Robinson-like golf course is conveniently located a few feet away from the spa, making this a perfect destination if thinking about jet setting with your man.

Still have a few dollars left in your wallet after the Summer travels? If you do, please go to Cal-a-Vie and get a Thai massage for me. Thank me after.

 

Photographs courtesy of the property.

Lake Austin Spa. Austin, Texas

 

Someone once told me that Lake Austin has the looks of a luxury first-class spa, but the warmth of a friend’s lake house. He was right. If you’re living in Dallas and in need of an escape from the heat, Austin is the perfect driving distance. The oasis waits only 3 hours away!

Nestled along Lake Austin, the scenic and peaceful view provides the perfect backdrop to unwind. While sometimes 2 glasses of wine do the trick, once in a while a spa weekend is just necessary and Lake Austin won’t disappoint.

The spa itself is gorgeous and the staff makes you feel like you are the only guest that matters to them. You can literally do anything you want. For example, I took an awesome paddle boarding class with yoga moves (insane, right?) that made my abs feel like they were on fire, followed by a relaxing sauna session and a light yet surprisingly satisfying 330 calorie scrumptious dinner. My favorite was the wild mushroom tortellini with cavolo nero, pesto, pine nuts and slowly melting Parmesan cheese.

If you’re traveling with a girlfriend or parent, stay in one of the premier rooms, which comes equipped with lake views and two queen beds. Traveling as a couple? Opt for the Premier Hot Tub Cabin, which comes with 1 king-sized bed, zen garden, and hot tub.

It was named the #1 destination spa in North America by the readers of Condé Nast Traveler in 2010 and 2008, as well as one of the top ten spas in Travel + Leisure’s World’s Best Awards. That should say it all, I rest my case.

 

Photographs courtesy of the property.

Mayflower Inn & Spa. Washington, Connecticut

If you live in the Northeast and you are looking for a top-notch spa, but don’t feel like getting on a plane? Then look no further. Grab your car, drive a short 2 hours from New York or Boston to the Mayflower Inn & Spa and prepare to get blown away by this over the top Manor home in Connecticut.

Make sure you don’t judge this book by its cover. At first glance, you will see many old money couples and perhaps a few faces that look like they are frozen from so much Botox, but once you step into this Inn, I promise, you will feel right at home. The crisp and clean décor reminds me of the house I’ve never had, but always dreamed of. Each room is its own tiny world of luxury and coziness. What I like about Mayflower Inn is the fact that the programs are not as rigid as many of the other options, yet you still have the same tailor made programs you desire.

Got some money to burn? Stay in Grace Suite Room 10, it is 1200 sqft of pure luxury that also come with private balconies and luxurious marble and mahogany bath accommodations with walk-in showers and deep soak tubs.  Another “don’t miss” at the Mayflower Inn is their luxurious amenities. They offer you robes, slippers, plush towels, warm-ups and t-shirts during your visit. There are also stations all around the spa with fresh fruit, healthy snacks and drinks (and as a born snacker, that was the olive in my martini.)

You are offered two dining options, The Mayflower Grille or The Tap Room, the second being the more casual of the two options. It’s the perfect place to meet up with friends for a bottle of Cabernet after a solid day of pampering.

 

Photographs courtesy of the property.