Destination Spa Vacations with Michelle

Spa Finder Readers' Choice Awards 2007

Spa Finder, Inc., the global spa resource, recently announced the winners of its 2007 Readers' Choice Awards, revealing spa-goers' favorite spas in the world - by continent and region - as well as their top picks for the best spas in 23 specific categories. Based on thousands of votes submitted by Spafinder.com visitors and readers of Luxury SpaFinder Magazine, the awards represent the most complete consumer assessment of the global spa market.

"Our Readers' Choice Awards have become the industry's premier awards program - a sort of 'Academy Awards' for spas," said Spa Finder, Inc. President Susie Ellis. "Given how many people voted this year and how many different spas were considered, this is a huge honor for all of our 2007 winners."

Several Destination Spa Group Members were honored this year. While I agree with all of the choices, I have included some additional suggestions for each category.

Crystal Award Winners - Favorite Spas in the World (by Continent)

• Asia: Chiva-Som, Hua Hin, Thailand

Favorite Spas by Country/Region

• Mexico: Rancho La Puerta, Tecate
• Thailand: Chiva-Som, Hua Hin

"Best" Spas for...

Affordability:

• Deerfield Spa, PA
• Fitness Ridge Resort & Spa, UT
• Oaks At Ojai, The, CA
• Red Mountain Spa, UT
• Regency Resort & Spa, FL
• Spa Eastman, Canada
• [Michelle's additions: Birdwing Spa, MN; Copperhood Inn & Spa, The Heartland Spa, The Hills Health Ranch, Tennessee Fitness Spa]

Best Boutique Spa (25 Rooms or Fewer):

• Cal-a-Vie, CA
• Fitness Ridge Resort & Spa, UT
• [Michelle's additions: Birdwing Spa, MN]

Brand:

• Canyon Ranch
• Golden Door

Cooking Classes:

• Cal-a-Vie, CA
• Canyon Ranch, AZ, AZ
• Canyon Ranch, MA, MA
• Lake Austin Spa Resort, TX
• Rancho La Puerta, Mexico
• Red Mountain Spa, UT
• [Michelle's additions: Chiva-Som, Golden Door, Regency House (daily)]

Cuisine:

• Cal-a-Vie, CA
• Canyon Ranch, AZ, AZ
• Canyon Ranch, MA, MA
• Chiva-Som, Thailand
• Lake Austin Spa Resort, TX
• [Michelle's additions: Copperhood Inn & Spa, Golden Door, Green Mountain at Fox Run, Green Valley Spa, Rancho La Puerta (fresh from the farm!), Spa Eastman]

Fitness Program:

• Cal-a-Vie, CA
• Canyon Ranch, AZ, AZ
• Canyon Ranch, MA, MA
• Golden Door Spa, CA
• Lake Austin Spa Resort, TX
• Oaks At Ojai, The, CA
• Rancho La Puerta, Mexico
• Red Mountain Spa, UT
• [Michelle's additions: Green Valley Spa; really all Destination Spas compared to Resort Spas!]

Going Solo:

• Canyon Ranch, AZ, AZ
• Canyon Ranch, MA, MA
• Green Mountain at Fox Run, VT
• Lake Austin Spa Resort, TX
• Rancho La Puerta, Mexico
• Red Mountain Spa, UT
• [Michelle's additions: all Destination Spas are perfect for going solo as the atmosphere is very bonding and everyone gets to know each other; you can dine with other solos and will definitely get to know others participating in activities]

Hiking:

• Cal-a-Vie, CA
• Canyon Ranch, AZ, AZ
• Fitness Ridge Resort & Spa, UT
• Golden Door Spa, CA
• Rancho La Puerta, Mexico
• Red Mountain Spa, UT
• [Michelle's additions: Copperhood Inn & Spa (Catskills), Echo Valley Ranch & Spa, Green Valley Spa (similar hikes to Red Mountain & Fitness Ridge), Mountain Trek (the name says it all)]

Interior Design:

• Cal-a-Vie, CA
• Lake Austin Spa Resort, TX
• [Michelle's additions: Hosteria Las Quintas]

Luxury:

• Cal-a-Vie, CA
• [Michelle's additions: Golden Door]

Best Medical Program:

• Canyon Ranch, AZ, AZ
• Canyon Ranch, MA, MA
• [Michelle's additions: Chiva-Som]

Men:

• Canyon Ranch, AZ, AZ
• Canyon Ranch, MA, MA
• [Michelle's additions: Echo Valley Ranch, Fitness Ridge, Red Mountain, Mountain Trek, Rancho La Puerta]

Mind-Body-Spirit:

• Golden Door Spa, CA
• Rancho La Puerta, Mexico
• Red Mountain Spa, UT
• [Michelle's additions: Chiva-Som, Green Valley Spa]

Water Sports:

• Lake Austin Spa Resort, TX

Weight Loss:

• Cal-a-Vie, CA
• Golden Door Spa, CA
• Green Mountain at Fox Run, VT
• Hills Health Ranch, The, Canada
• Oaks At Ojai, The, CA
• [Michelle's additions: Deerfield Spa, Fitness Ridge, The Heartland Spa, Mountain Trek, Regency House, Tennessee Fitness; again all Destination Spas are appropriate for weight issues as they are life enhancement facilities]

Yoga:

• Canyon Ranch, AZ, AZ
• Canyon Ranch, MA, MA
• Rancho La Puerta, Mexico
• [Michelle's additions: The Kerr House]

A complete listing of Readers' Choice Award winners is featured in Spa Finder's 2008 Global Spa Finder, the definitive worldwide spa directory, and can be viewed at: http://www.spafinder.com/spaguide/readerschoice/2007.jsp

$50 Spa Treatments during Spa Week

Everyone from the spa newbie to the spa aficianados needs to check this out. It is time to get out and try some spa services at reasonable prices thanks to SpaWeek. Next week (September 17-23) is the kick-off for SpaWeek 2007 on the West Coast while the East Coast must patiently wait until October 15-21st. During the week, participating spas will be offering $50 treatments that are normally $75-$250.

Yes, you are seeing this correct. In an effort to offer spa treatments to the masses, SpaWeek has organized over 400 spas to offer discounted treatments for this very special week. A list of the participating spas and the treatments they offer is posted on www.spaweek.org. After registering, you can research your options. Here is a sample of some of the treatments I found intriguing. If only there were more Central US locations...

• 50 Min Age Defense Facial Treatment
• 45 Min Detoxifying Pomegranate Body Treatment
• 55 Min Ocean View Egyptian Foot Awakening With Exfoliating Foot Scrub & Reflexology Massage

Once you see a treatment you want, call the spa directly to make your reservation. Call ASAP for the best selection and be sure to let them know that you are coming for SpaWeek. The spa will ask for your credit card number to secure the reservation. Present or not, you will be charged, so clear your schedule and arrive with enough time to relax beforehand and make the most of it. When it comes time to tip, do so on the full value of the service, not the discounted $50 SpaWeek rate.

If you yearn for more after you've indulged in SpaWeek, a spa vacation may be in order. If you want to relax and enjoy some spa services a Resort Spa may be right for you. If you want a full immersion spa experience, check out a Destination Spa. You will enjoy a full range of activities, healthy spa cuisine, a vast array of customized spa treatments, discovery classes and time for some R&R.

Welcome Fitness Ridge Resort & Spa

Great news - Destination Spa Group has expanded! We've recently added Fitness Ridge Resort & Spa to our collection. Spa enthusiasts now have 25 locations to choose from.

A little bit old school, Fitness Ridge Resort & Spa offers a seven-day, results-oriented health fitness and weight loss program. The week is fully structured and designed for guest interaction and support. Owner Cameron Kelsch states, "Guests affectionately refer to us as a compassionate boot camp. They come to exercise, eat healthy, and renew themselves in the spectacular, natural, red-rock setting."

Anyone seeking a weight management program should consider Fitness Ridge. It is the focus and passion of the spa. And with its structured program, small number of guests, and supportive environment of staff and guests, the program is designed for success.

Similar to other Destination Spas, Fitness Ridge offers a schedule chalked full of activities. The highlight is the hiking amongst the spectacular red rock canyons.

Sample Schedule

• 6:30am Hike
• 9:30am Breakfast
• 10:15am Cooking Demo
• 11:30am Water Aerobics
• 12:45pm Lunch
• 2:00pm Total Toning
• 3:00pm Cardio Circuit
• 4:00pm Gentle Stretch
• 5:30pm Dinner
• 6:15pm Evening Lecture

Spa aficianados may know Fitness Ridge by their former name, The Body Shop. It is the same program and located in the same area, but with one major improvement - a brand new building. With a new name and new facilities, Fitness Ridge opened it's doors in 2007.

The spa is located in picturesque Southeastern Utah. The high desert climate, dramatic red rocks, calm blue skies, clean dry air and stunning vistas provide an ideal setting for a Destination Spa. And now there are three to choose from: Green Valley Spa, Red Mountain Spa, and Fitness Ridge Resort & Spa.