Cal-a-Vie Health Spa and Resort

Our stay at Cal a Vie was divine in every sense of the word. The Havens family has built one of the finest Spas & Fitness resorts in the world. And the warm glow of Texas hospitality is apparent from the moment you are greeted at reception by the valet to the moment you check out and sadly leave. Each employee beams with the same enthusiasm and passion as the owners and they go out of their way to cater to your every need even making a huge effort to greet each guest by name throughout your stay. The Havens and their staffs passion for detail is just astounding. I can’t remember staying at another world class resort where the owner and his family make each guess feel so welcome. It is just astounding. Now on to some details of our stay: Combing fitness and spa activities was a real treat for us as I favor the fitness activities, and my partner prefers the spa amenities. For activities there is a daily list of hour by hour fitness classes from which to choose. Some of my favorites included Weight Intevals/cardio, matt pilates, boxing, spin, various types of yoga, balance and trapeze yoga (yes you have to try the flying trapeze yoga which is easy, safe and fun!). We were encouraged to try new classes and each trainer was supportive and helpful and it was a great opportunity to go above and beyond my normal fitness routine. All the trainers are outstanding which included Kyle, Tamara, Victoria and Emily to name just a few. The sound bath was a real treat and probably the best I have ever heard and the early morning walk-- and they do mean early morning-- was a fun and challenging way to get the blood flowing and see the extensive property from atop the surrounding hills. And after the challenging fitness classes how better to prepare for the evenings activities then to enjoy a wonderful massage. All of the masseuse/masseur are wonderful but I particularly enjoyed the firm touch of Brad who was a seasoned veteran. Now on to the food. Each meal is a work of art. And the staff can cater to any dietary needs. I was looking for extra protein at breakfast and dinner and after a quick chat with F&B managers Leonard and Spencer they were consistently able to individualize a meal plan that was perfect for the entire stay. Their knowledge of food and hospitality was incredible and they oversaw every meal and were more attentive to the guests than the staffs at most Michelin restaurants I visited in the past. Everything is farm to table and no processed food or sugar is anywhere to be found at the resort. The menus vary each day and whether it’s a Asian Chicken Salad for beef tenderloin the presentation is amazing and the healthy ingredients wonderful. They also grow many of their own fruits and vegetables. One evening we were treated to the most incredible food demonstration by Chef Varon as he explained and then prepared each course for us with detailed explanation as we watched the prep and cooking on big screen tv’s so we didn’t miss anything. Cal a Vie also has it’s own vineyards and the wines pair wonderfully with the meal we shared after the demo. We also loved the way you can opt to share every meal at large guest tables so that by the time our stay ended we felt like the other guests were old friends as we chatted about the days activities and classes. The rooms are spacious and well appointed at the entire resort. The furnishings are all imported from France and are unique and classic. From the most unique napkin rings (they never repeat for the entire stay) to lovely fresh flowers that are refreshed daily, to the tapestries hanging on the walls and French chandeliers and antique dinning tables, you certainly get a feeling of what it would have been like to live as French Royalty many centuries ago. And with the focus on health and fitness and spiritual rejuvenation every aspect of our stay was truly spectacular. We certainly felt lucky to be able to spend time at Cal a Vie and were the beneficiaries of the Havens’ generosity of spirt and pursuit of excellence which gives true meaning to the word hospitality.

Here I am on my last night of 7 at Cal a Vie. I almost hesitate to write this review because I don’t want hordes of people coming here to ruin the experience. The setting is spectacular. The rooms are comfortable, clean and lovely. The exercise class schedule is diverse and the teachers are fabulous. The food is good. I would say great but you have to remember you are eating spa food on a low calorie menu. The spa treatments are mixed. They could use some work assessing their staff here. I get services at home and know what to expect. Some are not up to par here in all cases. Overall, fantastic experience and I will be back. Again and again. The guests at Cal a Vie are friendly as are the staff. The staff go out of their way to please and make you happy. GREAT experience.

I had an incredible experience at Cal-a-Vie. I stayed for 3 nights and did the La Petite plan which included all my meals, accommodations and 5 spa treatments (I did add a couple of additional treatments). All of the staff was amazing, they went above and beyond, providing personalized attention to each guest. They offer a wide range of fitness classes, spa treatments, and informative nutrition sessions. I loved the delicious meals and especially enjoyed the cooking demonstration. Meals are catered to each guests’ dietary requirements. I left feeling relaxed, refreshed, and grateful for the amazing experience. I highly recommend for anyone seeking a relaxing and rejuvenating health experience. I look forward to my next visit! - M. Taylor

I have been to them all, from the Golden Door to Fitness Ridge and everything in between. This was my tenth visit to Cal a Vie, and I won't even consider going anywhere else now. From the moment you enter, you feel treasured, and loved. The food, which has always been excellent, was the best ever. The staff is so accommodating,the rooms luxurious and perfect, the classes and services are just wonderful. I am 80, start the day with the walk, and am always sure to do TRX and Circuit training, before I choose from the many classes and programs. There is no pressure. This visit, I loved the crystal bowl meditation sessions. I also did a couple of stretch classes, which I should really do every day. There are many. For the more dedicated, there is a range of classes to satisfy even the most ambitious muscle building, cardio enhancing, stretching, yoga-ing, kick boxing soul. You name it. Cal a Vie has it. For the second time I had the pleasure of being here when Louis Van Amstel of "Dancing With The Stars" was the guest presenter, giving us ninety minutes of his fun and exhilerating dance classes every morning. He is a delightful man, and shared meals and time with us all week. I am a dork, and he is very tolerant. When I arrived, I was having a difficult time with my right hip. By the end of the week, the massage therapists had cured that. All the services are sublime. I particularly love the scrub and seaweed wrap. Scheduling is wonderful, and strategizes, so you can make the most of your stay. One of my favorite things is that Cal a Vie furnishes guests with sweats and jerseys, so you really can show up with nothing more than socks, underwear and shoes. Such a luxury! The entire staff is top notch, They do their jobs with such love and care, and their service is truly spiritual. They GIVE. The people I have met there, from a school teacher whose dream and life savings brought her, to the CEOs of major corporations, celebrities, and people of every age and background, are welcoming, and many have become lifelong friends. I don't like groups. I have loved every one I became a part of at Cal a Vie. The first time I came, I was probably in my early fifties. There was a woman here who was SEVENTY! I was astounded. Now I know, and I will still be visiting Cal a Vie, until I am scheduled to leave this heavenly place and try another. I imagine it will be similar in spirit: loving and peaceful., and breathtakingly beautiful. Thank you, Cal a Vie for being such a lovely part of my life.

I just returned from my 6th visit to Cal a vie, and it was as wonderful as always. The rooms are lovely, food healthy and delicious, and exercise options are plentiful. The thing I enjoy the most about coming here is meeting such wonderful groups of people every single time. It’s the perfect place to come alone, warm, friendly, and inviting.