Local Retreats

For a society that reportedly continues to grow ever more self-centered, it seems almost ironic that a nearly universal problem is a lack of adequate attention to personal wellness: in body, mind, and spirit. Taking time out of hectic schedules and from the responsibilities of daily life to decompress for a day or two - escape from the pressures of external influences to concentrate completely on internal well being - can be easy to postpone because of “higher” priorities. Carving this sort of personal time is best achieved when approached like all other of life's pressing matters, by scheduling it in on a regular basis.

Sometimes respite means a trip of major proportions, perhaps across the country or to another part of the world. But for habitual attention to body, mind, and spirit, whether it is a weekly or monthly appointments with and for self, a ready list of local retreats (a true retreat necessitates removal from everyday surroundings) that provide a haven from the real world should rank alongside other information essential to health, such as contact information for insurance, doctors, and dentists.

It's true that escape does mean different things to different people. For spa dwellers, it means total seclusion from outside influences; for the urban sophisticate, a reprieve of the more energetic kind provides the unwinding. What all efforts to regroup share is the removal from everyday familiarity. And in San Diego you don't have to go far to experience total release.

Escape To Estancia

Perched on bluffs overlooking the Pacific, the ten-acre site out of which the Estancia resort was carved was originally owned by the Scripps family. In 1948, the parcel was purchased by Bill and Ruth Black, who founded Blackhorse Farms for training thoroughbreds. Opened for all to enjoy in 2004, the resort has already hosted the likes of Diane Keaton and the Lakers.

Veering off the well-traveled North Torrey Pines Road that connects the village of La Jolla with the research centers that have put San Diego on the biotechnology map, you enter the dirt- and gravel-covered drive of the resort and immediately transition from one dimension — that of hustle, bustle, and intensity — into one of peace and tranquility.

Crafted in the California Rancho style, the resort produces an initial rustic ranch impression that belies the luxurious opulence that abounds throughout Estancia. With a crackling fire that emanates from a large central fireplace lined with tiles and black wrought iron, the lobby preserves the main ranch house feel that must have existed here before transformation into a luxury resort. Rooms are more than wallow-worthy, with plush beddings and linens that beckon diving into and prove almost irresistible to leave.

But temptations to leave the room do abound at Estancia. The resort’s main Adobe El Restaurante, self-described as “chic-casual,” features a well-crafted, eclectic menu that has already delighting food writers and critics from near and far.

And then there is the spa — a must-do for any sanity-restoring retreat — and the spa at Estancia is uniquely memorable. Treatment rooms surround an intimate courtyard with fireplace and pools. Guests choose between indoor and private outdoor garden settings for treatments. The spa caters to both men and women and provides the ultimate stress relief experience. (858/550-1000, www.estancialajolla.com) — Marie Larrabee

An Urban Escapade

Downtown San Diego used to be a single-purpose destination — whether it was the opera, a Civic Center event, or dinner at one of a several choice restaurants, there was little to lure members from outlying suburban communities for longer than a few hours. That has all changed dramatically. The many avenues of downtown now beat with a pulse that is eclectic, sophisticated, and decidedly upscale. Restaurants are plentiful and bustling; shopping and theatres are accessible and chic. And right in the middle of this urban renaissance is the venerable Westgate Hotel.

Built in 1970, the Westgate has evolved over time with the cultural oasis that downtown has become. It has always represented chic sophistication. In fact, downtown has almost transformed itself into a landscape finally worthy of this landmark property. Rooms are ample and comfortable, replete with 18th century antiques, tapestry fabrics, and subtle wallpaper. The surroundings more befit a European palace than the beach town that has always underscored San Diego style. On any given day, the lobby and meeting rooms are dotted with cultural movers and shakers, hosting benefits and events for the city’s esteemed charitable and cultural entities.

Before it became fashionable to pair the finest cuisine with the finest of hotels, the Westgate’s Le Fontainebleau was winning awards and culling clientele from among the fussiest of foodies. Sunday brunch — with more than 50 gourmet items and live entertainment — is simply divine. Theatre aficionados can enjoy pre and après theatre dining specials featuring meals dedicated to the greatest theatre cities of all time.

When not out and about soaking up all that downtown has to offer, visitors can indulge in one of many spa treatments available onsite. Guests can maintain fitness via yoga and other group classes or make an appointment with one of the fitness center’s personal trainers. Or get out and walk. This destination provides for an authentic urban experience of the downtown’s highlights: the Gaslamp Quarter, Horton Plaza, the harbor, and Seaport Village, all are within walking distance of The Westgate Hotel. (619/238-1818, www.westgatehotel.com) — Shawn Miller

Say Spahhh

The Mediterranean-style Cal-a-Vie retreat has recently been transformed by its new owners, Terri and John Havens, into an exquisitely sophisticated Provençal-flavored health spa that is flawless in the care of its guests.

For openers, the four-to-one staff/guest ratio makes Cal-a-Vie an oasis of pampering. Prior to their stay, visitors are given a questionnaire to complete so that fitness and nutrition goals are met. Inside the kitchen, a floor-to-ceiling menu with guest food preferences and sensitivities speaks volumes to the spa’s impeccable attention to detail.

Twenty-four cottages are each equipped with French antiques, Frette linens and robes, and breathtaking views of the mountains that surround this vista location. Two sets of workout wear are provided in the room twice daily, eliminating the need to pack. Personal laundry is done on a daily basis; guests wear workout clothes or even bathrobes to meals. Casual comfort is de riguer.

But lest you think the workout clothes are just amenities, know that physical and spiritual fitness are the raison d’etre for Cal-a-Vie. Exercise begins with either a 6:45am hike or brisk walk. After breakfast, morning classes begin — kickboxing, mat Pilates, spinning, yoga, body sculpting, Tai Chi, or a number of other options. Although not mandatory, most guests accomplish a minimum of four hours of exercise a day. But a guest could also opt to walk the labyrinth and just meditate quietly or stretch out on a lounge chair and read some of the poetry provided in each room.

After lunch comes the big pay-off. Each day guests can indulge with their choice of massage, facials, hydrotherapy, and scalp massages. After all that exercise and the multiple treatments, most are more than ready for dinner. Chef Steve Pernetti prepares lovely low-fat meals, served in the pretty cathedral-ceiling dining room. Pernetti also gives guests a cooking lesson in the spa kitchen.

After a week of being stretched, scrubbed, rubbed, polished, and pampered, it is hard to exit the gates and re-enter the rat race. Ah, but there’s always the same time next year to look forward to. (760/945-2055, www.cal-a-vie.com) — Shana K. Wilson