Photo: Cal-A-Vie
SAN DIEGO, Calif. - Escaping Houston on an oppressive summer day was heaven in itself.
I arrived in San Diego to crisp blue skies, a subtle warm breeze and humidity so slight that taking a deep breath felt pure and invigorating.
Two sun-tanned young men greeted me at the airport wearing big smiles and aviator sunglasses.
"Is this your first time to Cal-A-Vie?" one of them asked, referring to the luxury health spa owned by Houstonians Terri and John Havens. "You'll love it. It's like heaven."
I had heard that from other Houstonians who had visited and returned rested, recharged and even spiritually awakened. They described it as a French chateau in Southern California where everyone speaks English, eats farm-fresh food, explores every imaginable fitness option and gets pampered with spa treatments.
Now, I was about to see what the fuss is all about. Would I find my own nirvana over the course of a brief visit?