Driving up the private, winding road across a large wooden bridge spanning a running stream, guests soon realize that they have entered another world. Cal-a-Vie: The Spa Havens is situated on 200 acres of rolling terrain, blanketed with wildflowers and dramatic stands of oak and olive trees. It is a haven for visitors seeking a respite from the cares of the world. Tranquility is omnipresent. Guests are beckoned to relax and recharge.

In an area blessed by spring-like weather-temperate and sun-drenched year 'round-Cal-a-Vie is lovingly designed with an attention to detail and aesthetics. The rustic elegance of the 24 Mediterranean-style villas, combined with the beauty of the surrounding landscape, brings to mind a Provençal village. Beauty from the natural environment is deliberately integrated into the design to enhance and heighten the effects of both the therapeutic and fitness programs. A soothing pond with running water simulates a natural spring; boulders from the foothills around the property are placed in groups, offering a sense of stability and meditative calm. A lovely garden terraced into the southern face of the property and a scrolling northern panorama of farm-dotted hills with majestic mountains in the distance add to the picture-perfect view.

Each guest is assigned one of the twenty-four guest cottages, complete with either a sun deck or a balcony that opens onto an expanse of breathtaking wilderness. Nature enters through each shuttered window not only in visual glimpses but also in the fragrant wafts from bougainvilleas, sweetheart roses, jasmine, lavender, and citrus blossoms. Flower boxes resting on hand-hewn corbels brim with petunias, begonias, lobelia, and geraniums add to the already intoxicating effect. The grounds are awash in purple agapanthus; flowering pear, plum, crepe myrtle, and jacaranda trees captivate the senses with their delicate beauty and fragrance.

Walking along the pathway to the cottages, at the southern end of the pool enclosure, guests pass a rose garden filled with an enchanting variety of blooms. This "International Friendship Garden" was created by Cal-a-Vie to honor our loyal supporters and past guests by planting a rosebush in their name. The fence surrounding the pool is covered in a thicket of climbing roses, their sweet scent floating over guests reclining on chaise longues enjoying the warm rays of the California sun.

Provence is evoked not only in the landscape, but also in the décor. Each cottage is individually decorated with imported chintzes and floral prints in a neutral palette with accents of color. French antiques fill the room, including intricately hand-carved over-sized headboards, armoires, benches, desks, and night tables in light oak, dark walnut, and pine. After a day of vigorous workouts, guests willingly sink into the luxurious down comforters and pillows, covered in toile, of their king-size bed. The large, cheery bathroom features mirrors with carved, silver leaf frames, pewter faucets from an antique design, and tiled floors in a simple mosaic pattern.

The compound also has three rooms where guests can gather and mingle in between classes and treatments. The Morning Room is the center for tea and "revitalizer" breaks. Pale yellow walls, a cool sisal rug, and blue and white antique plates welcome even those who are not morning people. Wicker chairs with cushions made from Provençal fabrics invite guests to take a mini-break during the day's activities. The Dining Room has a beamed cathedral ceiling, from which hangs an antique French iron chandelier. In the corner is an imposing stone fireplace, with a decorative blue and gray design painted above. Individual orchid-laden antique tables are set, with slipcovered chairs in taupe check. French doors at the far end of the room allow light to stream in, and they open onto an outdoor dining area. The Evening Room is a cozy place where guests can gather for "mocktails" and mini-lectures on stress management, health, fitness, and nutrition. The mosaic-tiled Bath House is comprised of massage rooms that open onto private decks for optional outdoor treatments; separate hydrotherapy and thalassotherapy rooms; wet and dry saunas; and a jacuzzi.

The four-to-one staff/guest ratio makes Cal-a-Vie one of a kind. Guests are given the utmost attention from the minute they arrive. Evaluations and questionnaires are analyzed by staff members to determine a guest's course of fitness classes, therapeutic treatment, and nutrition throughout the week. Guests and staff members work together to ensure that desired goals are met while at Cal-a-Vie. More importantly, guests leave rejuvenated and armed with the knowledge they need to continue on a course of more healthful living. They leave calm, cool, and collected, thanks to Cal-a-Vie.