ESCAPE - Summer 2024

EMBRACE THE SEASON

FINDING INSPIRATION FOR SUMMER WELLNESS

As the vibrant hues and the warmth of summer beckons, it's time to awaken our spirits to the rejuvenating energy of the season. At Cal-a-Vie Health Spa, we believe that wellness is not just a destination but a journey. What better time to embark on this journey than amidst the beauty and vibrancy of summer?

Summer is a season of renewal, a time when nature bursts forth with new life and possibilities. Take inspiration from the blossoming lavender, grevillea, and the budding Jacaranda trees as they remind us of the importance of growth and transformation. Just as nature sheds its winter coat, we too can let go of the old and embrace the new. Whether it's adopting a new fitness routine, trying out fresh and healthy recipes, or committing to a mindfulness practice, let this season be a catalyst for positive change in your life.

As we transition into the busy days of summer, it's the perfect opportunity to slow down and savor the simple pleasures. There's something magical about the longer days and warm evenings that invites us to connect with nature and ourselves. Whether it's basking in the sunshine during a morning yoga session or indulging in a leisurely hike through the scenic hills, let the beauty of summer inspire you to embrace a more balanced and joyful way of living.

At Cal-a-Vie Health Spa, we're dedicated to providing you with the tools and support you need to nurture your body, mind, and spirit. From immersing  in our new offering of cold plunge Therapy to reconnecting with your pelvic floor or allowing our skilled team to guide you through life transitions like menopause, our holistic approach to wellness is designed to help you feel your best, inside and out. Read on to learn more and let us be your partner on this journey to vibrant health and wellbeing.

We have much to be inspired by, primarily the stories and journeys we have the honor of witnessing as our guests take time for themselves, renewing and nourishing their bodies and minds. We are also enthused by the recent recognition from Women’s Health magazine as the Best Overall Retreat for Total Rejuvenation, The Hollywood Reporter as the Best Spa in Southern California, and by receiving a Members’ Choice Award from Andrew Harper.

As you embrace the season ahead, remember to take time for yourself, nourish your body and mind, and find inspiration in the simple joys of summer. Together, let's make this a season of growth, renewal, and boundless possibility.

We hope to welcome you to Cal-a-Vie Health Spa soon for an inspirational life-changing experience.

Beautiful grounds, EXCELLENT staff, responsiveness. Instructors are well trained and very willing to help individuals succeed at their level and ability.

ESCAPE - Summer 2024

GUEST COMMENTS

Cal-a-Vie is a full immersion for health, body, mind, soul & spirit. I got back in touch with me and the ability to find and create joy.

A perfect place to rest & recalibrate, Cal-aVie is full of activities, treatments, a gorgeous setting and a place to meet new & old friends. I’d come alone or with others and the experience is heavenly. Can’t wait return.

Cal-a-Vie exceeded all of our expectations. We visited for a group meeting and every aspect of our visit was personalized and terrific. I can’t wait to tell my friends about how wonderful it is. - Jane B - - Loredana C - - Meredith L - - Sarah B -

NEW LA SOCIÉTÉ DE L’ORANGERIE MEMBERS

The LA Société de L’Orangerie is a special group of guests who are celebrated for their support to Cal-a-Vie Health Spa with their number of stays reaching 70 nights or more. Each member receives their very own orange tree in our orange grove with a plaque that includes their name, a special nameplate at their meals, and a treatment on us at every stay. We extend a warm welcome to our new members!

2023

LINDA C | OCTOBER 18TH • BERNADETTE R | OCTOBER 19TH

ELLEN W | OCTOBER 27TH • RAYLENE D | NOVEM BER 27TH

SUSAN M | DECEMBER 21ST 2024

TONYA C | JANUARY 11TH • ERIN S | JANUARY 11TH

KATHARINE S | February 22ND • ARLENE D | MARCH 21ST

Presenters & Theme WEEKS

UPCOMING SPECIAL GUEST SPEAKERS

MOM & TEEN WEEK

June 9th - 16th, 2024

MAHJONG WEEK

July 21st - 28th, 2024

ZUMBA WEEK with JESSICA EXPOSITO

August 18th - 25th , 2024

PILATES WEEK

November 10th - 17th, 2024

PICKLEBALL WEEKS

June 23rd - 30th

August 11th - 18th

October 27th - November 3rd

DONNA FLAGG

July 28th - August 4th, 2024

YOGA WEEK

September 8th - 15th, 2024

MINDSET MATTERS

July 7th - 14th, 2024

BEAUTY WEEKS with SAM BROCATO SALON

August 4th - 11th

November 3rd - 10th, 2024

WELLNESS WEEK

October 6th - 13th, 2024

We are excited to add to the list of accolades and prestigious awards for Beautiful Living Cookbook which include:

USA Today 10Best - Best Gift for Foodies

Gourmand World Cookbook Awards - Best Hotel Cookbook

Benjamin Franklin Award - Gold Winner

Independent Publisher Book Awards - Bronze Winner

American Advertising Awards - Silver Addy

Pelvic Floor

THE BENEFIT OF A STRONG CORE

Emilie Miller FITNESS INSTRUCTOR

Pilates Week at Cal-a-Vie is not just about honing Pilates skills, but about cultivating holistic health. That begins with strengthening the core, and what is the core’s foundation?

The pelvic floor (PF). Connecting to and toning your PF requires patience, but it can improve the quality of your life systemically. Pelvic floor weakness and tightness can contribute to health issues in men and women, including low back pain, bladder dysfunction, excess stomach fat, painful sex, anxiety, and depression.

Before we can strengthen the PF, we must strengthen our brain’s connection to it.

3 Tips to Reconnect to the Pelvic Floor

1. We need to strengthen our brain’s connection to the pelvic floor before we can strengthen the pelvic floor itself. At Cal-a-Vie, we demonstrate how awareness is the first step in creating change.

When it comes to awareness of the pelvic floor, it helps to first locate the pelvic floor in our body. Do you know where your pelvic floor is? It is a dome-like hammock of 16 muscles that originate and insert at 4 bony landmarks in our pelvis: the pubic bone; tailbone; and the 2 “sit bones,” or ischial tuberosities.

Action item: Even though our pelvic floor is dome shaped, for purposes of locating and activating it, it is helpful to think of the pelvic floor in a diamond shape, with the 4 corners of that diamond being the above 4 pelvic bony landmarks. By simply palpating, aka touching, these 4 bony landmarks with your fingertips, you are aiding your brain in becoming aware again of your pelvic floor.

Beyond Yoga Racerback Cami

Strut This Legging

Shashi Pilates Socks

Beyond Yoga Spacedye Midi Legging

Beyond Yoga Weekend Pullover

Beyond Yoga Rebalanced Tank

2. Sit cross-legged (or however comfortable) on a soft, inflated ball, the size of a volleyball. Sitting on the ball should not hurt. It allows you to feel those 4 “corners” of the PF and the space between the corners. That space is your pelvic floor and its contact with the ball reconnects your brain to your PF.

Your PF moves with your diaphragm. Inhaling, your diaphragm puts downward pressure on your PF, causing its 4 corners to spread away from each other. Exhaling, your diaphragm lifts, causing the 4 corners to lift and pull towards each other. If your PF is tight and weak, movement may be diminished.

3. Sitting on your ball, eyes closed, visualize those 4 corners spreading away from each other on your inhale. As you exhale, visualize the 4 corners moving towards each other and up the center of your body.

As you visualize this movement, you may start to feel stirring in your pelvic floor muscles. Take care not to clench. Clenching can weaken the pelvic floor. Truly strong muscles are those that can relax, too, and clenching muscles prevents relaxation. With awareness of the location of your pelvic floor, and your diaphragm’s connection to the pelvic floor, each breath taken has the potential to strengthen your pelvic floor.

By locating your PF, and connecting it to your breath, it will begin to strengthen. Join us at Cal-a-Vie’s upcoming Pilates Week in connecting to the deepest layers of your strength. You have no idea how strong you really are... but you will!

Allow our certified instructors to guide you through the full series during your next retreat at Cal-a-Vie Health Spa.

Manduka Yoga Mat

Shashi Pilates Socks

Beyond Yoga Daydreamer Pullover

Beyond Yoga Botanical Print Legging

SUMMER FASHION

Heather Worth RETAIL DIRECTOR THE PERFECT

OUTFITS FOR FUN AND RELAXATION

Allow the sophisticated and contemporary fashion discoveries at the Cal-a-Vie Boutique to ignite your wardrobe with both style and comfort for the summer days ahead. Discover simple yet timeless pieces to enhance your collection with effortless elegance. Click items to shop.

Tkees Jo Sandal Hazelton $95

Ramy Broo Dorothy Dress $ 345

Chan Luu Bolide Earrings w/Pearls $ 175

Portside Telescope Boater Hat $ 121

Velvet Razi Embroidered Lace Top $ 225

Tiffany & Fred Woven Leather Flap Crossbody $ 329

Birds of Paradis Everett Short Creamsicle Stripe $228

Varley Maple Dress $168

Birds of Paradis Clover Blouse Red Jacintos $ 278

MINDING YOUR MENOPAUSE

Alexandra Dusenberry LEAD REGISTERED DIETITIAN

Menopause.

What feelings does that word bring up? Is it fear around the symptoms you’ve been told about, by the women who have forged the path before you?

Is it frustration, amid this unpredictable transition? Some women feel empowered, acknowledging how strong and resilient they are! Commitment to healthy choices supports this transition and will reduce risk of the health concerns and diseases that increase as our hormones decrease- weight gain, heart disease, high cholesterol, osteoporosis, and cognitive decline.

Keys for the heart:

• Omega-3 fatty acids help increase HDL cholesterol and reduce inflammation associated with cardiovascular disease. Eat 12 ounces of oily fish per week (salmon, sardines, anchovies, herring, mackerel, fish roe), or prioritize supplementation.

• CoQ10- a critical nutrient for heart function. Best sources include meat, fish, and nuts.

• Foods: olive oil, eggs (with the yolk), pumpkin seeds, and avocados which are help reduce vaginal dryness or skin dryness.

Keys for the bones:

• Minerals- calcium, vitamin D and K, magnesium, phosphorus, and collagen! Dairy products, dark green veggies, beans and legumes are foods to incorporate. For nature’s collagen source, try bone broth, which contains amino acids that help with joints, ligaments, and tendons.

• Prioritize resistance training / weight bearing exercises to stimulate bone maintenance and building.

Keys for the brain:

• Lion’s Mane- this functional mushroom can increase nerve growth factor, and has potent antioxidant properties. Find it at the grocery store, farmer’s market, or grow your own! If you are not a mushroom fan, you can also opt for supplementation- one of the top brands is Mushroom Revival.

• Turmeric- this spice is brain-protective to defend against oxidative stress. It has been shown to reduce beta amyloid plaque in the brain, which is one of the suspected drivers of cognitive decline such as Alzheimer’s disease. Doses of 500mg daily are effective- this means 1 teaspoon of the dried spice, or opting for full spectrum turmeric capsules such as Turiva.

Natural Weight Support

About 70% of women report undesired weight gain in menopause. It may seem like weight gain is inevitable, but it doesn’t have to be! Weight management is a complex and individual experience, but there are some general recommendations that support any woman.

• Keep blood sugar balanced and stick to moderate carbohydrate intake- we become more insulin resistant during menopause, so eating less carbohydrates is helpful.

• Avoid eating carbohydrates without protein or fat- when carbs are consumed by themselves (such as a bagel, crackers, or fruit), they can cause a glucose spike and crash that results in lower energy, more hunger, and cravings. Instead, pair a carb with a protein or healthy fat- a hard boiled egg, Greek yogurt, protein powder, almond butter, walnuts, or avocado.

• Apple Cider vinegar before meals- 1 tablespoon of vinegar diluted in 2-4 ounces of water, consumed right before a carb-heavy meal can reduce the glycemic impact of that meal, and prevent glucose spikes.

For weight loss support, look to HiPhenolic, which provides a complex of benefits that aid in weight loss. It contains polyphenols (beneficial plant compounds) from lemon verbena, hibiscus flower, and green coffee bean extracts which can increase satiety hormones like GLP-1, and reduce hunger hormones like ghrelin.

Reduce Symptoms

Common menopausal unpleasantries include hot flashes and insomnia. Spicy food, hot beverages, caffeine, and alcohol are triggers to minimize. Managing stress is key, as cortisol spikes can be a significant trigger for hot flashes. Herbs such as black cohosh, red clover, and dong quai have shown to reduce symptoms in some women. Having proper “sleep hygiene” improves sleep quality! Try to implement the following to maximize sleep.

• Be mindful of caffeine timing- cut off by 12:00pm. Stick to herbal teas such as rooibos or blue butterfly pea flower in the afternoon. Chamomile tea and passionflower tea are fantastic before bedtime for relaxation.

• Keep 1-3 hours between dinner and bedtime. It is hard for the body to digest and have optimal sleep quality simultaneously.

• Consider magnesium an hour before bed. It helps support restful sleep, relaxes muscle tension, and provides a calming effect.

• Sleep by Arrae assists with achieving deep sleep without causing morning drowsiness, and contains zero melatonin. It features chamomile, valerian root, holy basil, and hops to gently lull you to sleep.

May this information empower you to make nourishing choices through menopause. Supporting your brain and body will allow you to make the most of your years in menopause and help you feel your best in the years beyond!

Nutrition Supplements

Alexandra Dusenberry MS, RDN has completed Menopause Nutrition Education, certified by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.

(Click to shop) Lion's Mane Focus Gummies

Healthy Recipe

CRAB CAKES with NAPA CABBAGE SALAD

DECADENT FLAVORS WITH AN ABUNDANCE OF OMEGA 3

Crab cakes, a delightful seafood specialty, offer a symphony of flavors that are both familiar and surprising. The sweetness of the crab is perfectly complemented by the creamy, smoky Chipotle mayo. Whether enjoyed as an appetizer or the main course, crab cakes are a culinary treat that promises to delight the palate. Our Executive Chef, has prepared a recipe to capture the flavors and benefits of these tasteful ingredients.

DIRECTIONS:

CRAB CAKE:

1. In a small bowl, mix mayonnaise, egg, and lemon juice.

2. In a medium bowl, lightly toss together crabmeat, chives, parsley, cayenne pepper, lemon zest, dry mustard, and brown rice. Gently fold in mayonnaise mixture.

3. Cover and refrigerate for 1 hour.

4. Portion crabcakes, sear in sauté pan, finish in oven for 5 min or until hot inside.

5. Serve immediately.

NAPA CABBAGE SALAD:

Toss Napa cabbage with orange vinaigrette and shredded carrots, paint plate with Chipotle mayonnaise. Place Napa cabbage on plate, add cucumber and orange segments finish salad with toasted slivered almonds. Place hot crab cake next to salad and serve.

INGREDIENTS:

CRAB CAKE:

3 lb. Jumbo lump crabmeat

½ cup homemade mayonnaise (or avocado based mayonnaise)

1 egg, beaten

¼ cup brown rice puffs, (blended and turned into a powder)

3 Tbsp fresh chives, chopped

1 ½ Tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

2 ½ tsp lemon juice

½ tsp cayenne pepper

2 Tbsp of dried mustard

1 tsp lemon zest

NAPA CABBAGE SALAD:

3 heads of Napa cabbage (thinly sliced)

2 oranges segmented (around 4 segments per plate)

1 carrot shredded

1 cucumber cut in half and thinly sliced into half-moons. (8 cucumber slices per plate)

1 recipe of orange vinaigrette 2 to 3 Tbsp per plate (see recipe on bottom)

¼ cup of toasted almond slivers

1 tsp Chipotle mayonnaise per plate (see recipe on bottom)

ORANGE VINAIGRETTE:

1 cup orange juice

2 Tbsp white balsamic vinegar

¼ cup honey

2 Tbsp dijon mustard

½ cup water

1 tsp sea salt

1½ cups avocado oil

In a blender, combine all the ingredients except for the avocado oil. Blend on high speed to mix the ingredients. With the blender running, slowly pour the oil in a slow, steady stream to emulsify. Set aside in the refrigerator.

CHIPOTLE MAYO:

1 12oz jar of avocado mayonnaise

3 Tbsp Chipotle peppers in adobo sauce

2 Tbsp lemon juice

1 tsp kosher salt

Mix all in a food processor for 1 minute, scrap down and repeat 1 more minute. Serve up to 1 week.

WINE PAIRING TIP:

We recommend paring these summer flavors with our 2018 Château Cal-A-Vie Sauvignon Blanc. Picked at its aromatic ripeness having notes of white peach, gooseberry and a hint of jalapeño, we aged the wine in concrete eggs for a full savory multilayered mouthfeel.

Click here to purchase

Take the Plunge

DISCOVER THE REMARKABLE BENEFITS OF COLD THERAPY

Samantha Mansell SPA & BEAUTY DIRECTOR

Long awaited cold shock is here! This popular trend has made its way to Cal-a-Vie Health Spa. You may be wondering what does cold plunging do for the body. The concept of utilizing cold as a tool for therapy is nothing new. Humans have been using ice and

cold to treat injuries throughout the ages. As decades have advanced the science behind the benefits of cold therapy has brought us to the moderately new trend of cold plunges.

Here are a few stand out benefits

#1 Sooth Sore Muscles

Decreases swelling, inflammation, constricts blood vessels, improves circulation, and improves your overall blood flow.

#2 Immune System

Exposure to cold water can trigger your lymphatic system, eliminating waste and toxins and aid in fighting future illnesses.

#3 Builds Resilience

Building up a routine of cold plunging can even help you develop better self-control and gain more energy. Sitting in chilled water acts as a physiological stressor, putting your body in a temporary survival mode.

#4 Improves Energy Levels

#5 Boosts your Metabolism

Cold water kicks metabolic rate into high gear anywhere from 8% to 80% higher as your body works to keep itself warm.

#6 Supports Weight Loss

As your body shivers it gets energy to keep your body warm in the cold from brown adipose tissue; this process from your body burns calories faster.

#7 Improve Your Mood & Mental Health

Ice bath releases endorphins, the feel-good hormone providing an invigorated, clear-headed, pick-me-up.

Thanks to a hormone and neurotransmitter called norepinephrine cold water exposure helps to regulate focus, attention, and mood.

BRING THE SPA HOME

Turn your bathtub into a sanctuary and soak away the stress, aches, and pains of daily life. This CBD bath soak with Dead Sea Salt and lavender relaxes mind and body for a spa-like experience at home. Finish with our moisturizing CBD body balm for everyday self-care.

#8 Strengthen Hair & Skin

Because cold constricts blood vessels, ice baths may temporarily reduce redness and puffiness in your face and tighten pores, soothe itchy, irritated skin on the face and the rest of the body.

#9 Better Quality Sleep

Ice bathing relieves stress and improves your mood, making your sleep more peaceful. Additionally, ice baths in the morning have been suggested as a potential way to positively influence the circadian rhythm, which is the body's internal clock, signaling your body to start the day.

Every reason to add cold therapy to your daily routine. Take the Plunge into Cal-a-Vie Cold Water Therapy!

CANTIQUE BOUTIQUE

Beryl Dusenberry, Interior Designer , A.S.I.D, NCIDQ, Prof.

and Luis XVI were more curvature in their shape, such as the bombe, and serpentine before the Regence and Neoclassical straight-line period. There is absolutely no wrong place for placing a French commode. They are a stunning piece in every room. A pair of commodes in the entry commands attention. In the dining room they are perfect for storing linens and silver or creating that extra space for a buffet. The living room commode is perfect for creating a libation reprieve, or the den, perfect for storing and displaying books and art, in the bath as a lovely accoutrement with an added gorgeous sink and of course, the bedroom, storing our personal possessions. Commodes can vary from the heavily ornamented to the simple provincial. The French commode is a fine example of form and function, and if you can find a much cared for antique commode, the added history and provenance is a bonus!

Shop Cal-a-Vie Antique Boutique for latest shipments of elegant pieces for every room.

ommode meaning “convenient” in French, is the term the French have used for centuries for one of the most versatile pieces of furniture today, the “chest of drawers”. The French commode may have originated in the late 1500’s, but it was during the reign of King Louis XIV and Louis XV in the1700’s when the “commode” gained its design popularity through the craftsmanship of exceptional ébénistes. The petit commode, or “commode sauteuse”, from the verb, sauter, meaning “spring into the air” in French, refers to the slender curved cabriole legs supporting 2 drawers. This commode morphed into the 3 and 4 chest of drawers. The most famous talented cabinet maker was the Sun Kings very own André-Charles Boulle, of course the many talents of Cressent, Risenburgh, Riesener, (Marie Antoinette’s favorite), Vandercruse, Hache and Doirat do not go unnoticed, their pieces have sold up to two million dollars at auction. During the 17th and 18th century, oak and fir were used to create the structure and walnut for the drawers. The exotic woods: burlwood, kingwood, satinwood, tulipwood, bloodwood, ebony, and rosewood were used for the veneers and marquetry (patterned design inlays). Tortoise shell, ivory and horn were also used for the intricate marquetry. Commodes in the 18th century were incredible works of art that also highlighted “ormolu mounts”, handcrafted decorative features in gilt, brass, bronze and pewter. The crafted mounts were attached to the exterior legs, body and drawers, including the hinges, drawer pulls and keyhole escutcheons. The ormolu exhibited shapes such as winged sphinxes, putti, florals, ribbons, scrolls and exotic animals. The creation of the commode was taken very seriously and strict standards during the mid-18th century required the “makers stamp”. Everyone involved in the creation of a specific piece had their specific duty. If a cabinet maker got caught making his own cast mounts, for example, he would be violating the gild rules and would be subject to penalties and confiscations, only the Kings ébéniste was exempt from the rules. Designs were influenced from Italy, and the Orient, with hand painted scenes as well as a lacquered finish known as “japanning”. Designs under Louis XV

GROUP RETREATS

UNIQUE TEAM BUILDING & BONDING EXPERIENCE

Susan Gaines DIRECTOR OF SALES EMAIL: GROUPSALES@CAL-A-VIE.COM

The perception of wellness has shifted from being solely an individual pursuit. Major corporations and renowned institutions now place a premium on health and wellness, integrating it into their ethos.

At Cal-a-Vie Health Spa, we provide an ideal backdrop for groups, boasting exquisite meeting facilities and distinctive event venues that leave a lasting impression. Allow us to curate an exceptional retreat for your group of 8 or more, blending fitness, nutrition, and rejuvenating spa therapies. Our tailored programming fosters group bonding and contributes to collective wellness objectives, ensuring an unforgettable experience. Take the first steps towards creating lasting memories and book your life-changing retreat with us today!

LUXURY WEDDINGS

If you are looking to blend lavish European style with exceptional scenery, the award-winning Cal-a-Vie Health Spa is a venue in which dreams are made of. Celebrate your wedding with an unforgettable experience where couples can exchange vows in our 17th century candle lit chapel imported from France, then transition to the L’Orangerie Reception Hall for a magnificent reception.

A wedding at Cal-a-Vie Health Spa is completely secluded, ensuring ultimate privacy with a buyout of our 32 room property for a minimum of three nights (or more, if you desire).

Your wedding party will have access to our comprehensive wellness program complete with unique group activities, luxurious spa treatments and gourmet cuisine.

Allow our professional staff to make your dreams come to life at Cal-a-Vie Health Spa. Click here to Book

NOT TOO EARLY TO BOOK

SUMMER GETAWAY, THANKSGIVING, CHRISTMAS & HOLIDAYS AT CAL-A-VIE HEALTH SPA

cavinfo@cal-a-vie.com

888-373-8773

29402 Spa Havens Way Vista, California 92084