70 | A SOLO RESET

Finding refuge and restoration on a getaway.

Healthy habits picked up on a much-needed

getaway to Cal-a-Vie Health Spa

Our increasingly fast-paced lifestyles have most of us longing for simpler days, and the majority of us are in desperate need of a break. A long, hibernation, don’t-wake-meup kind of break.

When I overpacked my duffle bag with swimsuits and yoga pants before making the drive to CAL-AVIE, a health spa in San Diego, I felt completely exhausted by the world. Work assignments were piling up, the news cycle was causing me stress, and I was worried about juggling the heaviness of it all. I was overwhelmed to the point of contemplating if my mini-vacay would result in more stress, after having taken time away from my list of to-dos.

But then I reminded myself that it’s okay to take a break. People often praise the importance of self-care, but most don’t make it happen for themselves. Well, I did. And let me tell you, it was pure magic.

Before I took off for my solo retreat to Cal-a-Vie, I did my fair share of Instagram-stalking and review reading. The verdict: I was certain I’d fall in love with this place. Guests raved about the serene setting, friendships made, and even went so far to say their trip was life changing—I wasn’t let down.

The property boasts of citrus groves, lavender, and vineyards. The rooms exude a luxuriously cozy vibe. There are lush gardens, perfectly prepared plates, and fellow travelers who are also looking for a healthy escape. My three-day stay was a major mood booster. A dream vacation when I needed it the most.

During my stay, I was intentional about picking up habits I could replicate back home. I knew I’d want to tap back into the stillness I was feeling once life ramped up again and my schedule was scattered. Here are my key takeaways.

Tend to Your Body

We all know exercise is beneficial, but if you’re anything like me, you’d rather go for Sex and the City reruns than a 5k after wrapping up your work day. I get it. But when I prioritized movement, I felt more centered and less stressed.

While there are several fitness classes offered at Cal-a-Vie, I found that the morning hikes served me the best. I’m not an early bird, but I got myself up and joined other guests for the 6:30 am hike on my second day. The hike was led by Kyra Oliver, the Assistant Fitness Director at Cal-a-Vie. Oliver and I talked, along with one other guest, as we led the pack up the property’s steep hillsides. The three of us were so deep in conversation that I hardly paid attention to my fatigue. It was inspiring to start the day off with other intentional people who

were also practicing self-care.

Oliver is a believer in morning exercise because it reduces the risk of something else getting in the way. She also thinks that exercising with other people is one of the best decisions you can make. “When you start to work out with other people, it motivates you to simply show up, which is sometimes the hardest part,” says Oliver.

Since returning back to my reality, I’ve made a conscious effort to plan morning and afternoon walks with my sister. I look forward to the little breaks each day, and find that it’s a good way to connect with someone while squeezing in some TLC.

Eat Intentionally

The culinary team at Cal-a-Vie works directly with on-staff dieticians to craft meals with wholesome ingredients. One approach I found refreshing was that the staff doesn’t preach trends or hot topics when it comes to food. Instead, they focus on promoting a whole-foods based diet that’s rich in variation. Rather than worrying about the latest fad, I’ve learned from these dieticians and refocused my attention on dishing up colorful meals throughout the day.

“During my stay, I was intentional about picking up habits I could replicate back home. I knew I’d want to tap back into the stillness...”

Another mealtime habit I picked up is the importance of being present while eating. I live alone, so while having a conversation at the table isn’t in the cards for me, I’ve gotten creative with what it means to be present. I use my time during dinner to taste each bite of food I’ve prepared, reflect on my day, and practice a calming activity, like reading or listening to a podcast. It’s much more enjoyable to unwind at the table rather than rush off to the next thing.

Relax and Reset

In between workouts, organic meals, and spa services, I was reminded that sometimes all we need is to slow down and reconnect with ourselves. For me, it took a morning hike, mindful eating, and some pampering, along with the little things—crisp hotel slippers, tea before bed, and a quiet turndown service—to feel reset. While there will always be lingering to-dos, I hope this reminds you to make time for yourself, no matter where you are, even if it’s brief.