Accolades for Cal-A-Vie Health Spa, north of San Diego, have run high since it was purchased in 2000 by a Houston couple who have dedicated themselves to perfecting every aspect of the swank resort. It is an effort that has been roundly applauded in the latest Condé Nast Traveler's Readers Choice awards.
The luxury spa, owned by Houstonians Terri and John Havens, was ranked as the No. 1 resort in Southern California, No, 2 resort in the country and No. 6 resort in the world. The full 2015 list of "The Best Hotels and Resorts in the World: Readers' Choice Awards" can be found here.
Originally from New Orleans, the couple (he is president of Houston-based Seismic Exchange) fell in love with the spa on their first visit in 1998 and soon purchased it. Since that time, they have transformed the 200-acre property into a country French-flavored paradise with devotees that range from Hollywood to the White House to Houston.
“Terri’s Southern hospitality and commitment to wellness led us to develop Cal-A-Vie into what it is today," John said in a statement. "We could not be prouder of the fact that we have been able to cultivate our vision for Cal-A-Vie into an unparalleled luxury wellness experience for our loyal guests."
The Condé Nast 2015 rankings are just the latest in a steady run of awards including being named the top destination spa by both Andrew Harper Reader's Choice Award and Travel + LeisureWorld.
Two Texas properties, both in Austin, were also in the ranking of 100 top places in the world to recharge the batteries. Lake Austin Spa was ranked No. 64 by Condé Nast Traveler readers and Travaasa Austin came in at No.74.
Cal-A-Vie owners Terri and John Havens.
TBD if the Carnival Tropicale will actually have horns.Photo courtesy of Carnival