Destination Spa Vacations

DESTINATION SPAS ARE AWARD WINNING

The votes have been tallied "And the award goes to..."

In the spa travel world, Fall is Awards season, similar to Spring in the entertainment business (Think Grammy, Golden Globe, Academy, Emmy, Tony awards).The big players in the spa travel world - SpaFinder, Spa magazine, Travel & Leisure, and Conde Nast Traveler - have all recently announced their award winners and Destination Spa Group members have been atop all the lists. And several other websites and publications have followed suit.

So if you want to know which spas are the Best of the Best, these awards give you an idea of what other people think. Because you know I'm biased :o)

The big highlights are ...

• Top 3 Destination Spas went to our members for Conde Nast Traveler 2009 Spa Awards.
• 7 of 10 spots for Favorite Destination Spa in Spa Magazine went to our members.
• Lake Austin Spa Resort was ranked #3 in Small Mainland US Resorts by Conde Nast Traveler.
• 6 of 10 spots for Favorite Destination Spa in Travel & Leisure went to our members.
• SpaFinder's Best Spa in North America went to Canyon Ranch in Tucson.
• SpaFinder's Best Spa in Mexico went to Rancho La Puerta.
• Seven spas were named Most Affordable spas by several different media outlets.

Here is a summary of all the awards...

Favorite Destination Spas
Cal-a-Vie Health Spa - SPA magazine
Canyon Ranch in Tucson - SPA magazine, Conde Nast Traveler #5, T&L#7
Canyon Ranch in Lenox - Conde Nast Traveler #1, T&L #4
Golden Door - SPA magazine, T&L #8
Lake Austin Spa Resort  - SPA magazine, Conde Nast Traveler #2, T&L #5
The Oaks at Ojai - SPA magazine, T&L #9
Red Mountain Resort & Spa - SPA magazine, Conde Nast Traveler #3
Rancho La Puerta - SPA magazine, T&L #6

Best Spa in North America:
Canyon Ranch in Tucson - SPAFINDER

Best Spa in Mexico:
Rancho La Puerta - SPAFINDER

Best Small Resorts in Mainland USA:
Lake Austin Spa Resort - Conde Nast Traveler Readers Choice Awards

Affordable Spas:
The Biggest Loser at Fitness Ridge - SPAFINDER
Green Mountain at Fox Run - SPAFINDER
New Life Hiking Spa - SPAFINDER
The Oaks at Ojai - SPAFINDER, SPA magazine, MSNBC, Girlfriend Getaways
Red Mountain Spa - SPAFINDER, SPA magazine, MSNBC, Girlfriend Getaways
Spa Eastman - MSNBC, Girldfriend Getaways
Tennessee Fitness Spa - SPAFINDER

Boutique Spa:
Cal-a-Vie Spa - SPAFINDER

Cuisine & Cooking Classes:
Canyon Ranch, Lenox - SPAFINDER
Canyon Ranch, Tucson - SPAFINDER
Lake Austin Spa Resort - SPAFINDER
Rancho La Puerta - SPAFINDER
Red Mountain Resort & Spa - SPAFINDER
The Oaks at Ojai - SPA magazine

Eco/Green Spas:
Rancho La Puerta - SPA magazine
Spa Eastman - SPAFINDER

Going Solo:
Canyon Ranch, Tucson - SPAFINDER, SPA magazine
Golden Door - SPAFINDER, SPA magazine
Green Mountain at Fox Run - SPAFINDER
Lake Austin Spa Resort - SPAFINDER
The Oaks at Ojai - SPAFINDER, SPA magazine
Rancho La Puerta - SPAFINDER
Red Mountain Resort & Spa - SPAFINDER

Fitness Program:
Cal-a-Vie - SPAFINDER
Canyon Ranch, Lenox - SPAFINDER
Canyon Ranch, Tucson - SPAFINDER
Golden Door - SPAFINDER
The Oaks at Ojai - SPAFINDER
Rancho La Puerta - SPAFINDER

Hiking:
Canyon Ranch in Tucson - SPAFINDER
The Biggest Loser @ Fitness Ridge - SPAFINDER
Golden Door - SPAFINDER
New Life Hiking Spa - SPAFINDER 
Rancho La Puerta - SPAFINDER
Red Mountain Resort & Spa - SPAFINDER

Medical/Wellness Spa:
Canyon Ranch in Tucson - SPA magazine, SPAFINDER

Mind-Body-Spirit:
Chiva-Som - SPAFINDER
The Oaks at Ojai - SPAFINDER
Rancho La Puerta - SPAFINDER
Red Mountain Resort & Spa - SPAFINDER

Weight Loss:
Fitness Ridge Resort & Spa - SPAFINDER
Green Mountain at Fox Run - SPAFINDER
New Life Hiking Spa - SPAFINDER
Rancho La Puerta - SPAFINDER
Red Mountain Spa - SPAFINDER
The Oaks at Ojai - SPAFINDER
 
Winter Sports:
The Hills Health Spa & Guest Ranch - SPAFINDER

Yoga:
Canyon Ranch in Tucson - SPAFINDER
Rancho La Puerta - SPAFINDER
Red Mountain Resort & Spa - SPAFINDER

And so you can see, I'm not the only one who thinks Destination Spas really are the best of the best. They continue to dominate all the top awards and welcome many return guests year after year. If you want my biased opinion about any of them, contact me via e-mail or 888-772-4363.

SPAFINDER READERS NAME BEST SPAS

Once again, Destination Spas have topped the list of Reader Choice Awards for SpaFinder Inc. Not only did one of our members win Best in North America (Canyon Ranch) but Rancho La Puerta also took home the award for Best in Mexico. Given the economy, I think I should point out that 6 of our members were voted for Best in Affordability. Who says you can't afford a Destination Spa Vacation? Start packing, because you can!

Best Spa in North America:
Canyon Ranch in Tucson (Arizona, USA)

Best Spa in Mexico:
Rancho La Puerta (Baja Mexico, Mexico)

Best for Affordability:
The Biggest Loser at Fitness Ridge (Utah, USA)
Green Mountain at Fox Run (Vermont, USA)
New Life Hiking Spa (Vermont, USA)
The Oaks at Ojai (California, USA)
Red Mountain Spa (Utah, USA)
Tennessee Fitness Spa (Tennessee, USA)

Boutique Spa:
Cal-a-Vie Spa (California, USA)

Cooking Classe:
Canyon Ranch, Lenox (Massachusetts, USA)
Canyon Ranch, Tucson (Arizona, USA)
Lake Austin Spa Resort (Texas, USA)
Rancho La Puerta (Baja California, Mexico)
Red Mountain Resort & Spa (Utah, USA)

Cuisine:
Canyon Ranch, Lenox (Massachusetts, USA)
Canyon Ranch, Tucson (Arizona, USA)
Lake Austin Spa Resort (Texas, USA)
Rancho La Puerta (Mexico)
Red Mountain Resort & Spa (Utah, USA)

Environmental Practices:
Spa Eastman (Quebec, CANADA)

Fitness Program:
Cal-a-Vie (California, USA)
Canyon Ranch, Lenox (Massachusetts, USA)
Canyon Ranch, Tucson (Arizona, USA)
Golden Door (California, USA)
The Oaks at Ojai (California, USA)
Rancho La Puerta (Baja California, Mexico)

Going Solo:
Canyon Ranch, Tucson (Arizona, USA)
Golden Door (California, USA)
Green Mountain at Fox Run (Vermont, USA)
Lake Austin Spa Resort (Texas, USA)
The Oaks at Ojai (California, USA)
Rancho La Puerta (Baja California, Mexico)
Red Mountain Resort & Spa (Utah, USA)

Hiking:
Canyon Ranch in Tucson (Arizona, USA)
The Biggest Loser at Fitness Ridge Resort & Spa (Utah, USA)
Golden Door (California, USA)
New Life Hiking Spa (Vermont, USA)
Rancho La Puerta (Baja California, Mexico)
Red Mountain Resort & Spa (Utah, USA)

Mind-Body-Spirit:
Chiva-Som (Thailand)
The Oaks at Ojai (California, USA)
Rancho La Puerta (Baja California, Mexico)
Red Mountain Resort & Spa (Utah, USA)

Weight Loss:
Fitness Ridge Resort & Spa (Utah, USA)
Green Mountain at Fox Run (Vermont, USA)
New Life Hiking Spa (Vermont, USA)
Rancho La Puerta (Baja California, Mexico)
Red Mountain Spa (Utah, USA)
The Oaks at Ojai (California, USA)

Winter Sports:
The Hills Health Spa & Guest Ranch (British Columbia, Canada)

Yoga:
Canyon Ranch in Tucson (Arizona, USA)
Rancho La Puerta (Baja California, Mexico)
Red Mountain Resort & Spa (Utah, USA)

There are several smaller Destination Spas that did not receive mention (Birdwing, Copperhood, Echo Valley Ranch, Coastal Trek, Regency, The Heartland, Mt. Trek, Kerr House, Deerfield). This is primarily because they do not see as many visitors and thus don't get the votes necessary to win such awards. At the very least, they deserve honorable mention in the Destination Spa categories (fitness, cuisine, yoga) and almost all of them fall into the Affordable category. You can see my list of Favorites in my Spa Favorites blog post.

Tell me -- What's your favorite and why?

THE BIGGEST LOSER RESORT

Attention all Biggest Loser fans! Have you been wanting to go to a place like The Biggest Loser Ranch and finally get rid of those unwanted pounds? Now you can - and it is at one of our Destination Spa Group spas!

Fitness Ridge Resort & Spa is now The Biggest Loser Resort at Fitness Ridge. It really is a perfect fit as Fitness Ridge's program was always "Loser-esque", offering a comprehensive weight-loss experience that focuses on exercise, healthy nutrition and education.

Loser fans and wannabes will love the program as it is similar to the infamous Biggest Loser Ranch. The goal is to provide the same sort of structured and nurturing environment as the contestants on  "The Biggest Loser". I wonder how often Bob & Jillian will be making appearances?

The Biggest Loser Resort at Fitness Ridge offers a minimum one-week weight loss program, but guests are welcome to stay as many weeks as they wish. The average day consists of at least six hours of physical exercise, which includes a wide variety of aerobic alternatives – from hiking in the majestic Snow Canyon State Park, to swimming, to kickboxing, to mat Pilates.

Similar to other destination spas, there is an emphasis on exercise and movement, but there is also a focus on helping people change their lives through education. An essential piece to Biggest Loser success, the fitness program and education series are designed to prepare guests to begin a new, healthier way of living when they leave the resort.

During their stay, guests are treated to three delicious meals a day, prepared by a trained, on-site chef and dietitian. The low-fat, low-calorie meals are prepared with an emphasis on creativity and flavor so that participants find it hard to believe that the calorie count comes in at 1200 per day. Imagine spinach and roasted red pepper fritattas for breakfast, couscous stuffed peppers with white bean and vegetable soup for lunch, and chicken breast with roasted root vegetables for dinner. And don't forget dessert. Yes, dessert is always served, including everyone’s favorite chocolate covered strawberries.

Following the daily fitness schedule, guests are encouraged to relax and pamper themselves in the resort’s full-service spa. All services are geared toward relieving tension and restoring energy, balance and focus. Although I have a feeling the Tuesday evening schedule will include tuning into "The Biggest Loser" on NBC.

Destination Spas on Facebook

It seems like everywhere I've turned lately, Facebook is advertised or mentioned. Even while watching the NBA All-Star game the other night, there was an advertisement for Facebook. I've personally been using facebook for about a year and have posted pictures from my Destination Spa Vacations to share with all my friends and have recently added company pages and groups for Destination Spas. 

If you are on Facebook, check out the company pages: Destination Spa Group & Destination Spa Vacations AND the groups: Destination Spa Group & Spa Vacations. You'll be able to find out about spa specials and events, view photo albums, and discuss all things spa with other group members. Become a FAN today and join the groups!

You can also find several of the Destination Spas on facebook. Rancho La Puerta, Red Mountain, Mountain Trek and Fitness Ridge all have company pages. And Green Mountain at Fox Run, Fitness Ridge, and Spa Eastman all have groups that you can join.

If you are not on Facebook - try it out. But be warned, it is addictive. Sign up and keep it as simple and private as you'd like. You can set limits as to who can access your information. Once you have an account, check out all of the Destination Spa chatter from news and specials to what activities and treatments rank high amongst the groups.

Destination Spas Win SpaFinder Awards

SpaFinder, Inc recently announced the winners of its prestigious 2008 Readers' Choice Awards, revealing spa-goers' favorite spas across the globe - by continent and country/region - as well as their top picks for the best spas in 25 specific categories. "As our industry's version of the 'Academy Awards,' our goal is to shine a global spotlight on those deserving spas that offer truly exceptional experiences to their guests," said SpaFinder, Inc. President Susie Ellis. Several Destination Spas are included in the list of deserving spas.

The 2008 awards are based on over 250,000 votes submitted worldwide by SpaFinder.com visitors and readers of SpaFinder publications, representing the most complete consumer assessment of the global spa market available today. In all, ballots were cast for over 1,500 different spas around the world by visitors who have used these properties personally in the past three years.

SpaFinder Crystal Award Winners for 2008

Most coveted are SpaFinder's Crystal Awards, which recognize the most extraordinary spa on each of six continents. Notably, this year marks the first time that a non-US spa took home the North America award. It is one of our own members - Rancho La Puerta. Congratulations!!

SpaFinder Country/Region Winners for 2008

Awards are given for the top spa in each of 27 countries and regions. Destination Spa Group is proud to represent Destination Spas in four countries - USA, Canada, Mexico, and Thailand. Of the four countries, Destination Spas took the top award in three. In the United States, Canyon Ranch in Tucson took the top spa spot this year. And Rancho La Puerta (Mexico) and Chiva-Som (Thailand) held onto their top honor for their respective countires.

SpaFinder Category Award Winners for 2008

To help spa consumers identify the best spas for their unique goals, SpaFinder asks its readers and web visitors to name their picks for the best spas across 25 specific categories - from "best accommodations" and "best cuisine," to "best for men" and "best urban hotel spa". Destination Spas dominated these awards with several winning in each category.

Best for Accommodations

• Cal-a-Vie (CA)
• Lake Austin Spa Resort (TX)

Best for Affordability

• Fitness Ridge Resort & Spa (UT)
• The Oaks at Ojai (CA)
• Red Mountain Spa (UT)
• Spa Eastman (Canada)

Best Boutique Spa

• Cal-a-Vie (CA)
• Fitness Ridge Resort & Spa (UT)

Best Brand

• Canyon Ranch
• Golden Door

Best Cooking Classes

• Canyon Ranch in Lenox (MA)
• Canyon Ranch in Tucson (AZ)
• Lake Austin Spa Resort (TX)
• The Oaks at Ojai (CA)
• Rancho La Puerta (Mexico)
• Red Mountain Spa (UT)

Best Cuisine

• Canyon Ranch in Lenox (MA)
• Canyon Ranch in Tucson (AZ)
• Golden Door (CA)
• Lake Austin Spa Resort (TX)
• Rancho La Puerta (Mexico)

Best Fitness Program

• Cal-a-Vie (CA)
• Canyon Ranch in Lenox (MA)
• Canyon Ranch in Tucson (AZ)
• Fitness Ridge Resort & Spa (UT)
• Golden Door (CA)
• Rancho La Puerta (Mexico)
• Red Mountain Spa (UT)

Best for Going Solo

• Cal-a-Vie (CA)
• Canyon Ranch in Lenox (MA)
• Canyon Ranch in Tucson (AZ)
• Golden Door (CA)
• Lake Austin Spa Resort (TX)
• Rancho La Puerta (Mexico)

Best for Hiking

• Canyon Ranch in Tucson (AZ)
• Echo Valley Ranch & Spa (Canada)
• Fitness Ridge Resort & Spa (UT)
• The Hills Health Ranch (Canada)
• Rancho La Puerta (Mexico)
• Red Mountain Spa (UT)

Best Interior Design

• Cal-a-Vie (CA)
• Lake Austin Spa Resort (TX)

Best for Luxury

• Cal-a-Vie (CA)

Best Medical Program

• Canyon Ranch in Lenox (MA)
• Canyon Ranch in Tucson (AZ)
• Chiva-Som (Thailand)

Best for Men

• Canyon Ranch in Lenox (MA)

Best for Mind-Body-Spirit

• Golden Door Spa (CA)
• Rancho La Puerta (Mexico)
• Red Mountain Spa (UT)

Best for Weight Loss

• Cal-a-Vie
• Fitness Ridge Resort & Spa (UT)
• The Oaks at Ojai (CA)
• Rancho La Puerta
• Red Mountain Spa

Best for Winter Sports

• Canyon Ranch in Lenox (MA)
• The Hills Health Ranch (Canada)

Best for Yoga

• Canyon Ranch in Lenox (MA)
• Canyon Ranch in Tucson (AZ)
• Rancho La Puerta (Mexico)

While these are well deserved and admirable distinctions, it is important to note that many of the smaller Destination Spas such as Coastal Trek, Green Mountain at Fox Run or The Kerr House were not recognized. With fewer guests going through their doors (as compared to larger properties) and smaller advertising budgets, they are often overlooked in such polls. Many if not all of them are also deserving of such awards.

A complete listing of Reader's Choice Award winners can be viewed at: http://www.spafinder.com/spaguide/readerschoice/2008.jsp.

For more details on all of the true Destination Spas, call 888-772-4363 or visit www.destinationspavacations.com.

T+L Top 10 Spas

Travel + Leisure recently announced their awards for Top 10 US & Canada Destination Spas. And once again, Destination Spa Group members dominate the list. Cal-a-Vie has won top honors for the first time with Golden Door close behind. Both Canyon Ranch properties, Lake Austin Spa Resort, and The Oaks at Ojai were also honored again this year.

Travel + Leisure's Top 10 U.S. & Canada Destination Spas

1 - Cal-a-Vie, Vista, California

2 - Golden Door, Escondido, California

3 - Mii amo, A Destination Spa at Enchantment*

4 - Miraval Resort*

5 - Mayflower Inn & Spa*

6 - Canyon Ranch in the Berkshires, Lenox, Massachusetts

7 - Canyon Ranch, Tucson, Arizona

8 - La Costa Resort, Carlsbad, California*

9 - Lake Austin Spa Resort, Austin, Texas

10 - The Oaks at Ojai, Ojai, California

* Typical of reader's choice awards there are several properties that do not meet the true standards and definition of Destination Spas.

When researching Destination Spa Vacations, look for Destination Spa Group membership to ensure an authentic and exceptional experience.

America's 10 Healthiest Spas

Health Magazine has identified America’s 10 Healthiest Spas, which includes several Destination Spa Group members. A panel of 6 judges put the finalists through a rigorous analysis. The criteria insisted on "good-for-you" gourmet food, fun fitness activities, the latest skin treatments, gorgeous natural settings, plenty of guidance for living a lower-stress life, and programs that help you maintain healthy habits when you return home.

Canyon Ranch
Tucson, AZ and Lenox, MA
800-742-9000 or www.canyonranch.com

 

The Golden Door
Escondido, CA
800-424-0777 or www.goldendoor.com
* Watch the blog as I will be visiting Golden Door this week.

 

 

Green Valley Spa and Resort
St. George, UT
800-237-1068 or www.greenvalleyspa.com

Cal-a-Vie
Vista, CA
www.cal-a-vie.com

Lake Austin Spa Resort
Austin, TX
800-847-5637 or www.lakeaustin.com

 

In addition to the United States, Health Magazine evaluated spas across the border. Only two were recognized and deemed outstanding enough for honorable mention. Bonus: They’re both excellent values. Both were Destination Spa Group members as well – Rancho La Puerta in Mexico and Spa Eastman in Canada.

Mexico: Rancho la Puerta
Tecate, Baja CA
www.rancholapuerta.com

 

Canada: Spa Eastman
Eastman, Quebec
www.spa-eastman.com

 

 

For more information about Health magazine's article visit http://living.health.com/2008/06/18/americas-healthiest-spas/. For more information about the true Destination Spas.

Girlfriend Getaways at Destination Spas

Time with friends. We all enjoy it and yet most of us don't make enough time for it. Why is that? Not only do we enjoy it, but it's good for our health. Study after study shows that people who have close confidants have better immune systems, stronger cardiovascular health and less depression and anxiety — not to mention the fact that they have more fun. Spending time with a buddy should be a no-brainer. Instead, busy adults log numerous hours at work and manage a household, often shoving fun and friendship down to the bottom of the list. It is time to change that!

Women have been much slower to adopt the idea of annual girlfriend getaways compared to men. But in the last couple of years that has changed. "We have definitely seen a growing trend in girlfriend getaways," said Valerie McDermott, cofounder of www.million-dollar-mama.com, a travel resource for women who want to organize girlfriend getaways.

In response, many companies are now offering "Girlfriend Getaway" packages, especially spas.  It is easier - and more enticing - than ever to plan a spa vacation with your gal pals. Almost all of the Destination Spas offer group rates (6-10) and special packages throughout the year.

This morning, The Today Show featured Lake Austin Spa Resort in their travel segment about Girlfriend Getaways. The expert offers some tips on planning a group vacation and a few fun options.

So how can you carve out time for pals?

Take a lesson from me, you have to put a date on the calendar. The Spa Dames™, as we affectionately call our spagoing group of girlfriends, have to start planning at least 9 months out so that we can find a week that works for everyone. Once you have a date, try to make it an annnual date. 

Empowering Healthy Children

We've all heard about the "obesity epidemic" among children in the United States. Nearly one-third of children and adolescents aged 6 to 19 years are considered to be either at risk for overweight or overweight. To help fight the epidemic and promote healthy lifestyles at a young age, several Destination Spas have teamed up with organizations and created a health program for children in their communities. Since the children can't go to to the spa, the spa is coming to the children!

As part of an ongoing commitment of corporate social responsibility in the local community, Chiva Som's Health & Education staff regularly visits local schools to teach students the importance of good nutrition, fitness, personal hygiene and massage therapy. Where was that when I was in school? Check out the pictures from a recent exercise training session for 305 students at Da Run Suk Sa School. They are proof that living healthy is also a lot of FUN!

Follow-suit at home and involve the whole family in building healthy eating and physical activity habits.

• Encourage healthy eating habits
• Encourage daily physical activity
• Discourage inactive pastimes

Most importantly, be a positive role model. Children are good learners and they learn what they see. Choose healthy foods and active pastimes for yourself. Your children will see that they can follow healthy habits that last a lifetime.

Canyon Ranch on Martha Stewart

Although I didn't see it, I've heard from several people that yesterday's Martha Stewart's television show was very Destination Spa-like. It even featured one of our own - Dr. Richard Carmona from Canyon Ranch.

The theme of the show was taking care of your body and soul. Although, the mind seems to be missing, it certainly sounds like spas. In keeping with the body and soul theme, the program was full of ideas for living a healthier, happier, and more meaningful life. The cooking segments included healthy recipes for lunch and warding off colds, while the rest of the show featured several health experts sharing tips on achieving optimal health. Dr. Brent Ridge shared tips on getting a good night's sleep, Terri Trespicio discussed the importance of forgiveness, and Mary Tedesco (Martha's personal trainer) led a fat-blasting workout to jump-start your metabolism. Add a massage and some relaxation time, and you have a snapshot of a day at a Destination Spa.

During his segment, Dr. Carmona, who was the 17th surgeon general of the United States and is now the vice chairman of Canyon Ranch, discussed how to achieve optimal health for ourselves and our communities.

How to Achieve Optimal Health and Wellness:

• To start, pick a physical activity that you like to do and do it!
• Eliminate high-risk activities. Wear your seat belt, and do things that can reduce the cost of health care.
• There needs to be a cultural transformation. Community leaders such as rabbis, priests, teachers, and principals need to make a long-term commitment to health-literacy, and then spread the word.
• Knowledge about health risks is easily accessible, so we all need to take on the role of a leader if we can.
• The greatest predictor of health status in a community is socioeconomic status. People need access to fresh fruits and vegetables, and it has got to be safe to go outside.
• Work within your community to provide opportunity. Write to your assemblymen and demand a supermarket that provides fresh fruits and vegetables.

Take the message to heart - nuture and care for your body and soul! Collectively, we can make a difference.