Best New Southern California Spas for Recharging

Healthy trekkers can now find spas and wellness facilities at even modest hotels from Bangor to Baton Rouge, but Southern California has always been ahead of the curve — Two Bunch Palms first opened as the Desert Spa in 1940, and the famed Golden Door was unveiled in 1958 — and advances keep on coming. New retreats continue to open, while favorites update, expand and innovate. Below, seven havens worth checking into.

Cal-a-Vie Health Spa

The 500-acre expanse outside San Diego is designed to feel like Provence, down to the French Country furnishings, grape vines and lavender.

It has also long been favored by such Hollywood stars as Julia Roberts and Shailene Woodley. Oprah Winfrey famously lured away one of the spa’s chefs years ago, and one can see why, as the menu, featuring caviar and chanterelle puree, is not one of deprivation. There is wine served twice a week, though most of the cabernet and merlot grown in Cal-a-Vie’s private vineyard is used to source vinotherapy treatments. The spa is not only filled with antiques, sold in a shop on the premises, but buildings from France have been brought over that date back hundreds of years, including a chapel from the 17th century. Ten miles of private hiking trails were recently added, and this is one of the few destination spas that has an 18-hole golf course on the grounds. It also boasts an impressive 5-to-1 staff to guest ratio. Due in February are three new six-bedroom villas; from $5,300 for a three-night package, cal-a-vie.com

Carrara Treatment Wellness & Spa

Dreaded rehabs with stern shrinks and spare surroundings have little in common with this luxe new sanctuary from recovery guru Richard Taite, who founded Cliffside Malibu. Opened Jan. 1, Carrara Treatment Wellness & Spa has one location in Malibu and two in the Hollywood Hills, with settings and splendor to rival an Aman resort.

Facials with gold-infused products to stimulate collagen, stretch sessions, lymphatic healing and deep tissue massage are on the program along with intense therapy, hypnotherapy and fitness classes, and each facility only takes six guests at a time. You don’t have to have an addiction — stress and burnout will work as calling cards — but you do need to have funds; from $121,000, 30-day minimum stay, carraratreatment.com