Cal-A-Vie Health Spa
Where: Vista, California
The Details: Opened in 1986, the storybook-like wellness resort—located just 40 miles north of San Diego International Airport—is dotted with 32 French Provencal-style villas lined with travertine tile, outdoor patios, European antiques, and Frette linens; a labyrinth; two pools; an on-site culinary garden; nearly 200 mind-body-spirit-and fitness classes offered; an antique shop; and an observatory.
The Big Draw: “Cal-a-Vie Health Spa is known for our incredible hiking,” says owner Terri Havens. “We have over 100 acres of hiking trails. To watch the sun come up on a cool crisp morning and breathe in the fresh air of being away from the city is an amazing way to start your health journey. This supportive community atmosphere can enhance motivation and accountability. Sunny Southern California also allows you to do an extensive amount of activities outside—something hard to find this time of year in other places.”
Why Go Now: “Another favorite reason I like to visit in the fall is to get in shape for the holiday season,” adds Haven. “I know starting in November, there are going to be a lot of gatherings. It is great to get prepared with a focused environment for wellness, personalized fitness programs, nutrition workshops, and group classes that cater to various fitness levels. Cal-a-Vie Health Spa’s location promotes relaxation, allowing for mindful eating and the all-important self-reflection ensuring you feel your best as the holidays approach. The real favorites are the detoxifying treatments and spa services that help rejuvenate your body, making it much easier to stick to healthy habits.”
Fall Nutrition Hacks: “As we approach the cooler temperatures of the fall harvest season and our circadian rhythm changes with daylight savings time, we can enhance our immunity naturally through nutrition,” says Alexandra Dusenberry MS, RDN, Lead Registered Dietitian Nutritionist. “Think of adding fermented foods such as kefir, miso, and sauerkraut to boost your gut-driven immunity. Our Gut-Healing Buddha Bowl Cooking Class weaves in the benefits of many probiotic-rich foods. These warming spices not only mentally take us into the fall season, but they also support digestion and reduce inflammation: ginger, cinnamon, and turmeric. Incorporating these supplements (turkey tail, zinc, and vitamin D) may also help boost your immunity. Our dietitians work with guests one-on-one to create and optimize protocols for their ideal supplementation needs.”
Spa Time: Check-in for seasonal treatments such as a pumpkin spice body peel and wrap utilizing a cinnamon vanilla brown sugar scrub, or a pumpkin spice facial packed with vitamin A and other major nutrients for youthful, glowing skin.
Get the Look: Antique Chic
Los Poblanos Historic Inn & Organic Farm
Where: Albuquerque, New Mexico
The Details: Masterminded in 1932 by celebrated architect John Gaw Meem (affectionately known as the “father of Santa Fe style”) the bucolic, 45-room property encompasses 25 acres of lavender fields, a working farm, a restaurant, a spa, and a farm shop with a selection of handmade lavender apothecary goods and gourmet pantry items.
Why Go Now: “Los Poblanos is spectacular in the fall, as this is peak harvest season with an abundance of late-season produce making its way to our on-site restaurant, Campo,” says Sarah Sheesley, Director of Marketing. “From the three sisters [corn, beans, squash] to tomatoes, chile, and peppers, our Rio Grande Valley Cuisine truly shines. Fall in New Mexico brings cool mornings and evenings, but the days are still warm and sunny. It is also migratory bird season along the Rio Grande with cranes overhead and golden cottonwoods. [Peak colors are in early November.] Every season at Los Poblanos brings something unique, and everything we do is tied to the seasons, so anytime a guest stays they will get a different experience that is strongly connected to the land and a sense of place.”
The Big Draw: “One of our guiding principles is la vida generosa, or ‘the generous life,’ a philosophy embodied in the decorative tile designed by John Gaw Meem for the farm in 1934,” says Sheesley. “Artwork representing San Ysidro, the patron saint of farmers, appears across the farm and throughout the historic buildings representing the synergy between a thoughtful farmer and what the soil offers in return. We invite our guests to enjoy la vida generosa through luxurious hospitality and life’s simple pleasures. This could mean anything from restorative spa treatments, nourishing, organic meals, craft cocktails or an exceptional glass of wine, educational tours and lectures to naps in the shade and simply enjoying expansive views.”
Don’t Miss This: Rose Greely Garden. “This historic garden tucked behind the Hacienda Spa is a true gem,” adds Sheesley. “It was designed in 1932 by landscape architect Rose Greeley and bursts to life every spring with roses, peonies and more. It is a lovely, peaceful spot for guests to enjoy. The Library Bar is also an exclusive guest amenity open Sunday through Wednesday in our historic La Quinta Library built in 1934. It features a special cocktail, wine, and spirits list, as well as a beautiful space. Los Poblanos is nationally recognized for having an exceptional bar program and the Library Bar showcases our most select menu.”
Farm-Grown Goodness: “Every guest room is stocked with lavender amenities (soap, lotions, shampoo, conditioner and more) that is made with essential oil distilled on-site. Our certified-organic Grosso lavender fields are cultivated as part of our agricultural preservation project, and chosen for their high yield of and quality of oil. We use a traditional steam distillation process to extract the oil. This offers a direct connection to the land and an extra relaxing experience.”
Get the Look: Modern Farmhouse
Cuthbert House
Where: Beaufort, South Carolina
The Details: The storied 10-room mansion—originally built for the Cuthbert Family in 1790—once served as living quarters for the Union Army during the Civil War and has played host to notable guests including dignitaries and humanitarians. The idyllic riverfront inn was added to the National Historic Register of Places in 1972, and was painstakingly overhauled in 2023 by husband-and-wife duo Suzanne and Chris Ramm. The sparkling new design includes a library lounge and bar; an updated Chef’s kitchen; a hand-painted mural by local artist Lynne Fensterer; and guest perks from complimentary daily breakfast and cruiser bikes to an evening social hour with wine and appetizers.
Preserving The Past: “We wanted to respect the history of the home while giving our guests a five-star experience,” says Suzanne. “We used very traditional-feeling tile and quartz in the bathrooms so they blended in with the older features of the rooms and would age well. We created oversized showers with benches and beautiful full glass walls to give you a spa feel as you enter the bathroom.”
Continuing the Story: “As each guest arrives, we take the time to tour them through the house showing them various architectural details that we uncovered during the restoration,” adds Chris. “We love to tell the stories surrounding the property and show people the wall in the upper hall with John and Mary Cuthbert’s portraits and family tree. We have many historical documents and photographs that are in an album for our guests to see. We strongly encourage our guests to take a carriage, golf cart, or walking tour to learn more about this interesting town.”
Why Go Now: “With lovely weather and a great small-town vibe at its peak, fall is a paradise in Beaufort,” says Lori Bentley, general manager. “Any time of day, from sunrise to sunset, visitors can enjoy a relaxing walk downtown or along the beach. Hunting Island is a great day trip with its miles of beaches and historic lighthouse. This time of year is still great for visiting the local farmers’ market and stocking up on delicious homemade and unique preserves, baked goods, and exceptional local gifts ahead of the holiday season. And, Waterfront Park, overlooking the bay in Beaufort’s Historic District, is an idyllic setting for all the Shrimp Festival activities. During the festival, there is always something going on for foodies, music and art lovers, as well as those who enjoy running 5Ks.”
Coastal Palette: “When we purchased the home, the rooms were darker, with more prominent colors. Looking at the bay, we wanted that serene, calming feeling to be inside the house, too, because that’s certainly the feeling you get outside on the porch,” adds Suzanne. “We went with the colors of nature–soft blues and greens, and neutral tones so that it will be a peaceful place where you want to experience a relaxing vacation.”
Designer Notes: “The rooms all have unique designs and color palettes,” says designer Laura Bischofberger of J. Banks Design Group. “There are three categories of room types: Federal, Victorian, and Lowcountry. We were true to the era with selections for the Federal and Victorian rooms. The Lowcountry rooms have a nod to historic elements, but with timeless coastal details. The uniqueness of each room truly represents the genuine character of Cuthbert House.”
Get the Look: Cozy Coastal
