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.

Top 10 Reasons to Vacation at a Spa

ver the years, we've all seen at least one of Letterman's Top 10 lists and laughed out loud. Where does he (and his writers) come up with the material?

I recently read over 1800 sweepstakes entries for our Spafinder sweepstakes, "Why do you deserve a Destination Spa Vacation?". Several stuck out as definite contentenders, including one that was a clever Top 10 list. It could be on Letterman! It reminded me of a list that we developed for a Letterman appearance several years ago. Needless to say the producers didn't bite. I hope you enjoy it and laugh out loud!

Top 10 Reasons to go on a Destination Spa Vacation

10. Rest and relaxation (duh!)

We know this is the #1 reason people go to spas, but now we also know that going on a Destination Spa Vacation really works! The Cornell Destination Spa-goer survey revealed that you will be more energized and ready to roll after a Destination Spa Vacation. 

 

9. No make-up, jewelry, shaving or dress-up required.
You can even eat dinner in your sweats or robe if you want.

 

 

8.  Your pants will still fit after the vacation!
The chefs prepare amazing delicacies that will satisfy your tastebuds and your waistline.

7. You can act like a kid again

- hike, dance, bike, eat lunch with your friends, hoola hoop, take an afternoon nap, and even play in the mud (treatment).

6. Falling asleep in class or on the job is a good thing!
Yoga or meditation class that is...

5. No cell phones, e-mails, Facebook or Twitter.

4. No lugging around your purse or wallet - everything is included! Meals, accommodations and spa services all on one reciept.

3. You can let loose on the dance floor during the hip-hop or bellydancing classes and no one has to know.

2. Tuck-in massages.

And the #1 reason to go on a Destination Spa Vacation is... The (natural) high and afterglow.  No surgery, medicinal plants, or magic pills needed! You'll take years off of your age and have a bounce in your step with all of the good you've done for yourself on vacation!

Spa Favorites

Once someone discovers that I work in the spa industry, I'm flodded with questions and comments filled with envy. Especially after they realize that I have visited all the Destination Spas and many Resort Spas. As you can imagine, "What is your Favorite Spa?", is the question I hear the most.

I can honestly say that I don't have one favorite. Destination Spas are very unique and have a lot to offer. It really depends on my "vacation mood" (what I want at that time). Usually, I'm looking for a spa with a wide variety of fitness activities and warm weather. However while I was pregnant I wanted just the opposite. This is why I usually turn the table on the person asking, and ask them, "What are YOU looking for? Never mind what MY favorite spas are.

Because I know that doesn't satisfy most people, here is a list of my favorite things at each of the Destination Spas. In my opinion, it is what each of them does best!

Birdwing Spa - Outdoor nature setting of 350 acres with abundant wildlife. The spa is on a migratory path for birds so you can see a wide variety of birds, including white pelicans in the warmer months. For one of a kind accommodations, check out the "Barn Suites".

Cal-a-Vie Health Spa - Luxury at its best! 4:1 staff to guest ratio, 2 spa treatments per day and even the fitness rooms have chandeliers and a water feature. I left Cal-a-Vie feeling very pampered!

Canyon Ranch in Lenox - The setting (NE estate) plus the incredible list of offerings in every department (fitness, health services, spa treatments, and food). This is where I had my first Healing Energy session.

Canyon Ranch in Tucson - Again, the incredible list of services. A full medical staff is available for any type of check-up or consultation PLUS a golf pro is available to help work on your swing. That's diversity!

Chiva-Som - It has to be the blend of culture and beautiful ocean setting into the program. During my visit, I met with a monk, participated in morning tai chi on the beach every day, experienced my first acupuncture session and went for a spiritual bike ride.

Coastal Trek - The personalized hiking program and fabulous local cuisine! The program is intimate and the hiking opportunities are endless. That makes for a great week of hiking with your guides. And the owner is a sustainable chef, so the food is a spectacular example of local cuisine.

Copperhood Inn & Spa - Owner participation. This husband and wife duo run the show at Copperhood. Elizabeth leads daily hikes and bike rides and her husband is in the kitchen cooking up local (CSA) cuisine.

Deefield Spa - The word that comes to mind is charm. It has the feeling of a bed and breakfast - versus a stuffy hotel - and yet they have some of the most innovative programs (e.g. Yo-Wei).

Echo Valley Ranch & Spa - The Thai tradition. They have staff from Thailand who perform traditional Thai spa services and treat guests to a Thai feast & entertainment one night during the week. Try the authentic Thai suite for something truly unique and special.

Fitness Ridge - The freindly commraderie and peer pressure of the group and staff. You truly feel like you are part of a weight loss family at Fitness Ridge. And the beautiful scenery in SW Utah can't be beat for outdoor activites.

Golden Door - The traditions that continue today after 50 years, starting with the 7 day women only (most weeks) program.

Green Mountain at Fox Run - The mindful approach that is evident in every aspect of the program. Educational classes are just as important as the fitness classes here and there is a tremendous amount of alumni and staff support. I love that there are several Registed Dietitians involved with the no-diet approach at GMFR.

The Heartland Spa - The midwest country setting. Another spa with a barn - this one is used for the fitness workouts and spa treatments. And it's connected to the main building with an underground tunnel - very nice for the winter months!

The Hills Health Ranch - The Ranch setting, complete with horseback rides on the acres of Queensland adjcent to the property. I went for a ride every day during my stay!

The Kerr House - The TLC! Breakfast in bed, harp music played for dinner, personalized yoga program and numerous spa treatments for 8 guests. That's right only 8 guests at a time, so the program is very specialized to your needs/wants.

Lake Austin Spa Resort - You guessed it, the lakeside setting. In the morning there is a fog/mist that settles in that creates a very special atmosphere. The most memorable moments from my visit all involve the lake - morning yoga on the deck, a canoe/hike/swim adventure and swinging in the hammock by the lake. Ahhhh....

Mountain Trek Fitness Retreat - The hiking adventures. Each day brought something totally different. Day 1, we saw a family of bears. Day 2, had us crossing a river in a (hand) pulley bridge. Day 3, brought us to a spectacular waterfall.

New Life Hiking Spa - Hiking with the owner. Jimmy LeSage went out hiking - as he often does - with us every day! After 20+ years of working in the spa industry he has a lot of insight to offer while working up and down the trails.

The Oaks at Ojai - Dance classes. I'm a bit of a closet dancer, since I never took dance lessons as a little girl. So I take advantage of any chance I get to boogy and call it exercise! The Oaks offers several dance or dance-inspired "exercise" classes, including hip-hop, ballet, and jazz.

Rancho La Puerta - It has to be the 70+ activities. Rancho La Puerta is the original Destination Spa and the one that created the spa fitness schedule. However, it is the Mexican location and ideal year-round weather call my name every winter.

Red Mountain Spa - Snow Canyon is their "backyard"! The canyon offers an amazing place to hike, discover, bike, climb or meditate. I've been there several times and thoroughly enjoyed the outdoor activities during every visit!

Regency House Spa - The vegetarian health program. Even my husband who grew up on meat and potatoes, enjoys going meatless here. Chef John will have you begging for recipes! OK - AND the fantastic beach setting.

Spa Eastman - The French connection. Everyone speaks English and French, but French is the primary language which gives the spa a certain je ne sais quoi. And for those who enjoy wine, dinner offers a nice selection of French wines!

Tennessee Fitness Spa - The camplike feeling. I've often heard Destination Spas likened to camp for adults, but TFS is probably the one most appropriately coined adult camp. It's rustic charm, great program and reasonable price bring people back year after year just like camp!

There you have it - all of my spa favorites. I'd love to hear what your favorite Destination Spa(s) are!

 

Destination Spa Vacations: a long-lasting effect vacation!

« Spa: it’s a lifestyle, not a luxury ». This is the title of a press release recently issued by International Spa Association (ISPA). In the actual economic climate, many consider vacations as a luxury they can’t afford. But as many others, I think it should rather be seen as a precious investment in your own well-being, if not, survival.

« Spas are not about luxury - they’re about re-charging your battery, taking time to re-new, and learning how to take care of yourself,» said President Lynne McNees in ISPA’s press release. « Spas are about health, reducing stress and aging gracefully. The key is to take the information you learn at the spa, and incorporate it into your daily routine at home.»

ISPA was giving the results of a recent research, the 2008 ISPA Global Consumer Study:

« The No.1 reason people around the world spa is to relax and relieve/reduce stress. 
In 11 of the 15 countries surveyed, overall wellness and health was one of the top three reasons consumers spa.
In eight of the 15 countries surveyed, healthcare practitioner recommendation was one of the top three motivators for visiting a spa. »

Spa Finder Magazine and the New York Times also discussed the subject lately:

« In late November, a couple of months after the global financial crisis leaped to the top of news reports, spa lovers browsing at Spafinder.com were showing new interest in a concept fit for jittery times. Along with the usual search terms, like “day spas” and “massage,” a newly prominent word was typed into the site’s search engine three times more often than it had been in the summer. That word was “stress.” wrote Michele Higgins in the New York Times.

Destination spas take spa vacations to another level by offering a wide range of activities to enhance the relaxing and therapeutic effects of spa treatments. For example, you may have a choice of fitness activities scheduled every day, workshops and conferences on stress management, healthy nutrition, yoga, meditation, etc. These activities are included in most overnight stay package and they definitely can make a difference on what’s left of your vacation once it’s over. That’s where spa vacations can have a serious impact on your life. And that’s why I would never compare a destination spa to a spa located in a hotel, may it be located in the nicest hotel or destination in the world! Not that there’s no interest in it; we’re just not talking about the same kind of benefits.

In her post “Spa vacations, for the health of it!”, Michelle Kleist (Director for DSG) talks about a Cornell Survey on Destination Spa Vacations:

« Cornell Survey found that a destination spa vacation had many positive mental and physical effects, including: Increased energy levels; Improved abilities to resolve challenges; Improved relaxation; Improved ability to handle everyday life; Improved concentration; Improved ability to handle business affairs. So instead of forgoing your vacation this year, re-tool and invest in yourself at a Destination Spa. »

OK. I did convinced you that destination spa vacations were not a luxury but the answer to a serious need. Now, here’s the good news: there’s a section for Destination Spas Specials on DSG website. Find all about it right here! Think about it this way: if you need it, you deserve it!

Lucie Octeau
Blog Writer
Spa Eastman

Luxury Destination Spas of California - my personal journey

Posted by Debra Koerner
I have found when life seems unmanageable there is always a reprieve ready to blow in new opportunity.  I experienced this recently as Golden Door extended to me the chance to explore their unique environment.

After wrapping up a meeting in Las Vegas, I took a deep breath and headed for Escondido, California to enjoy an impromptu four day retreat.  Jim, my driver, was waiting for me at the San Diego airport and so my spa journey began.  Settled in a long valley in the coastal mountains of Southern California, Escondido, which means "hidden" in Spanish, lies about 40 miles northeast of San Diego.  After a short drive, we pulled up to the golden doors where a quiet guide was waiting for me.  We walked together through the doors and across a bridge which angled to the left after a few yards, we paused just before the bend and I asked her why the bridge was not straight  She replied that there is a belief in Japanese culture, that evil spirits can only travel in straight lines, so the bend in the bridge ensures that those spirits are left behind and only good spirits follow you on your journey.  As I continued to the entrance and made the turn on the bridge, I sensed a weight lifting from my shoulders.

Golden Door founder and spa visionary, Deborah Szekely, first opened  the golden doors in 1958.  Spurred by vision and a passion to offer a transformative experience for those needing a healthy respite, she continues to inspire as she leads a weekly class for guests.   A firm  believer in a combination of healthy cuisine, fitness and revolutionary treatments, Deborah’s passion for health, continues to transform the lives of 40 guests per week at the beautiful California spa.

Unlike many vacations, a destination spa experience is meant to change your life in a healthy way.  It offers the opportunity to reconnect and realign your inner self with what you desire.  For myself, I was looking for healthy tips to bring home to improve my overall fitness level and well-being.

Each morning began with a guided three and a half mile hike through avocado groves and bamboo gardens.  Upon our return, a light and healthy breakfast would be waiting for us in our room.  I placed myself on the mid-level calorie plan and was happy to discover how completely satisfying and delicious 1300 calories a day can be.  While you are never denied food, the program will support you in meeting personal goals.  Chef Dean Rucker and his staff do an amazing job creating fresh and fortifying meals and they offer a weekly cooking class so guests can learn to incorporate healthier eating at home.

After breakfast, I had a choice of different fitness activities from cross training and fit ball sculpt to lighter choices like Tai Chi and gentle Yoga.  I teamed up with Lacey, my personal fitness guide, to create a program I would be able to continue at home.  She was very motivating and helped me realize that a little effort can go along way if done correctly.  One change I will bring home with me is to purchase a fit ball stand and to use this as my computer chair.  All day I will be working my core.

After our poolside lunch, things would wind down as guests prepared for various spa treatments like; in-room massage, herbal wraps, facials and pedicures.   One of the things I loved about the program was the flexibility offered. Some guests really focused on fitness while others chose to take the time to relax and enjoy the manicured grounds and the treatments. 

In my spare time, I wandered through the 377 acres and enjoyed the many Japanese influenced landscaped areas and artifacts.  I especially enjoyed seeing the organic gardens and koi pond.

During my stay in Escondido, I also had the opportunity to tour Cal-A-Vie Health Spa, another exclusive Destination Spa nestled in 400 private acres in Vista, California.  Both Golden Door and Cal-A-Vie are considered luxury spas, appealing to more affluent clientele.  Cal-a-Vie was the original spa to implement the concept of "mini-stays" as an alternate to full week spa program and many spas have followed with 3 or 4 day stays to accommodate today’s busy traveler.

Offering a 5:1 staff to guest ratio, the Cal-A-Vie guest is assured a great experience by engaged employees.  During your stay, each visitor is assisted in customizing a program based on personal goals for health and self-renewal.  With this in mind, guests are offered over 90 fitness and educational classes to help them achieve their goals.

Known for the incredible cuisine, guests enjoy creations from Executive Chef Jason Graham.  Many are shocked to find that it is not only delicious, but very healthy.  Meals and activities can be enjoyed while surrounded by the rustic elegance the environment offers.  I passed many vibrant and colorful landscaped areas while touring the spa and enjoyed eating a kumquat right off the tree.

During my visit, I sensed a definite effort to embed European history into the experience and landscaping.  On property is a 400 year old chapel which was brought from France.  Aimed at expansion, Cal-A-Vie has big plans to host private weddings, business groups and currently
appeals to athletes by having an Olympic length pool, basketball courts and by being the only destination spa to offer a private eighteen-hole golf course.  The photo on the right captures a nice crop of lavender.

When asked what differentiates Cal-A-Vie from other spas, the Vice President of Operations stated "our golf course, our fitness programming and our food". After my visit to Cal-A-Vie, I would have to concur...he has much to be proud of.

Needless to say, I was sad to leave California, especially when faced with the Kentucky blizzard of  '09.  I will hold my memories for a long time and always be thankful for my time spent inside the Golden Doors and within the lush landscaping of Cal-A-Vie.

Mineral Spring Spa History

For the last three years, I have been wanting to visit the West Baden Springs Hotel & Spa in West Baden Springs, IN. While not a Destination Spa, it is a significant property with a great spa history.

 

Early resort developments

The intriguing history of Southern Indiana's West Baden Springs Hotel extends to 1778 when George Rogers Clark is said to have discovered the area's mineral springs and salt licks. The supposed curative powers of such springs combined with the idyllic landscape of Southern Indiana have been a draw throughout the years to people searching for relief from the stresses of the workaday world.

The region's reputation as a mineral springs resort area began with the building of the first French Lick Springs Hotel in 1832. Another hotel followed in the nearby town of Mile Lick--later renamed West Baden--in 1855. By the late nineteenth century, seven rail lines brought guests from all over the U.S. to the Springs Valley to relax and take the cure.

Creation of "The Eighth Wonder of the World"

In 1888, Lee W. Sinclair acquired controlling interest in the West Baden hotel and within a few years was its sole owner. He transformed it into a sophisticated resort, adding an opera house, a casino, a two-deck pony and bicycle track and a full-size baseball field. All the guests escaped harm when a fire destroyed the entire hotel building in less than two hours in June 1901. Sinclair used this tragedy as his opportunity to build the hotel of his dreams--a circular building, topped by the world's largest dome, built as much as possible of non-flammable materials and decorated like the grandest spas of Europe. In September 1902, the wondrous new hotel was open for business.

College Years

The hotel was purchased by Ed Ballard in 1923. for one million dollars. Following the stock market crashed in 1929, Ballard closed the hotel in and in 1934 he sold it to the Jesuits for one dollar. To transform the hotel for use as a seminary, the Jesuits removed many of its elegant appointments and eventually dismantled the building's four Moorish towers rather than invest in their repair. Known as West Baden College, the seminary operated until June 1964 when declining enrollment led the Jesuits to close the facility. In 1966, the Jesuits sold West Baden to a Michigan couple who donated it to Northwood Institute, a private college, which operated on the property until 1983.

Hotel Restoration

While the colleges did not maintain the West Baden property in the same lavish style it exhibited during the hotel era, the landmark was relatively well cared for until 1985 when Northwood sold it to Marlin Properties, a real estate development firm based in Los Angeles, CA. Marlin declared bankruptcy before redeveloping the hotel. The property was tangled in years of litigation before a Los Angeles federal bankruptcy court judge resolved an issue of contested ownership.

Meanwhile, the elements had taken their toll on the neglected hotel. Although the property was listed as a National Historic Landmark in 1987, it was closed to the public in 1989 for safety reasons. Through an anonymous contribution, the Historic Landmarks Foundation of Indian purchased West Baden Springs Hotel in 1996 for $250,000.

Restoration resumed at the West Baden Springs Hotel in the summer of 2006. Reopened as a hotel in May 2007 for the first time since 1932, the hotel offers 246 rooms/suites, reduced from the original 508 small guestrooms (created in a time before queen-sized beds and television, when visitors spent little time in their rooms).

The Visit

A couple of weeks ago I finally had the opportunity to experience this remarkable property while visiting the area. From the moment I drove through the gates, I was marveled by the structure. The small town of West Baden Springs has a gem on its hands. Great care has been taken to restore the inside, especially the remarkable dome, as well as the outdoor grounds.

During my very short visit, I arranged to visit the spa. The menu offers a full variety of services which I wanted to try. The signature baths feature a native mineral spring bath (Sprudel) unique to The Spa at West Baden. Unfortunately my time was limited and I'm seven months pregnant, so I couldn't indulge and my husband was not willing to give up a massage for it. So I embarked on a pedicure while he enjoyed a sports massage. Both services were performed well and left us wanting more from West Baden Springs. The spa is a small part of the hotel, but it is great to see that they have kept the spa tradition alive at this truly remarkable and rich resort.

Green Travel Tips

You don't need to sacrifice creature comforts or go off into the middle of nowhere to be a green traveler. All that's required is an effort to preserve and protect the environment of the place you're visiting. It's easier than you might think; just abide by the 3 R's in this order: Reduce, Reuse and Recycle.

Choose a green hotel

There are a number of Web sites that list environmentally friendly hotels, B&B's and lodges around the world.  Here are a few questions to ask before making your reservation:

• Is the hotel locally owned and operated? If not, is it at least staffed by local employees?

• What kind of recycling programs does the hotel have (aluminum, plastic, paper, gray water, composting)?

• Do guests have the option to reuse towels and sheets instead of having them changed every day?

• What programs does the hotel have to reduce consumption? Examples include energy-efficient lighting, low-flow toilets and showers, and alternative energy sources like solar or wind power.

• How does the hotel contribute to the local community?

Destination Spas have always had the environment in mind and have green practices in place that have been there from the start. Of course, they are always trying to improve so even more efforts have been made in recent years.

When traveling to a Destination Spa or otherwise, here are a couple of ideas to help you travel green.

1. Pack a coffee mug and beverage container. Ask for your coffee in your own travel mug and reduce coffee cup waste. Fill your beverage contaner with local water (if suitable for drinking), or buy large size beverages and use your personal beverage container when needed. You not only reduce waste by not buying several small size containers, you save money by buying larger quantities. Almost all of the Destination Spas provide water bottles to their guests to use while at the spa.

2. Bring your own cotton carry bags for groceries and other purchases, and reduce throwaway plastic bags. These are also good for keeping your shoes separated from your clothing, and also act as a dirty laundry bag. Many Destination Spas provide these bags as gifts during your stay. You can use these for many purposes after leaving the spa. I personally use these for all my shopping bags.

3. Purchase bio-degradable soap, shampoo, and laundry detergent prior to leaving as these may not be readily available at your destination. Reusable containers can be used to bring only what you require for the duration of your tour, thereby reducing additional weight and space in your luggage.

4. Bring sealable containers that can be used for snacks, lunches and leftovers. These are great when hiking or biking, train or bus journeys, or just day tripping around. Buy snacks in bulk and bring only portions you will need for the day.

5. At the hotel or resort, take short showers and participate in the green laundry program by re-using sheets and towels instead of having them changed each day.

6. When you leave the room, turn off the air conditioning, heat, television, lights or any other electric devices.

7. Walk, bike or utilize public transit whenever possible. This not only saves you money and is environmentally friendly, it also provides the best opportunity to experience the culture and meet the locals. Many destinations also have great transit connections from the airport to the city centre, eliminating the need to take expensive taxis.

8. When renting a car, choose the smallest vehicle that can comfortably accommodate you. Decline any "free" upgrades (which will cost you more in gas). Rent a hybrid car.

Choosing Your Next Vacation

 As you contemplate where your next vacation is going to be, many things might run through your mind.  Things like location, budget and duration.  These traits, while important, can be very limiting.  What if instead, you prioritized your list by writing statements like, I want to feel better about myself, I want to learn more about nutrition or I want to reestablish my connection to a loved one.  Taking time to consider what your internal motivations are is a great way to start the selection process.  Once you have determined what experience you are hoping to have, then you can begin to factor in the more mundane aspects of travel planning.

 Take some alone time to assess where you are emotionally, mentally and spiritually.  Try to discover where you feel supported and where you might need a boost.  Here are a few thoughts to assist with this process.   

Improved self-worth: 

Imagine starting your vacation planning and looking for locations that offer educational classes, healthy eating and fitness all geared towards improving your self-esteem.  Would you like to participate in activities with like-minded individuals who positively reinforce others?  Does the thought of actually losing weight on a vacation get you excited?    Improvement in self-perception leads to many positive changes for yourself and for those around you.  If self- esteem is your goal, see what type classes the different locations offer and if they have a focus on internal development.

Renewal: 

Often we hear others say, “It’s going to take me a week to recover from my vacation.”  This does not have to be the case.  When you need to escape from the crazy world, there are options that will recharge rather than further deplete your energy stores.  Destination spas offer a variety of treatments and classes specifically geared towards regeneration.  Many of the locations were designed specifically to be sanctuaries creating a space for personal growth.  If renewal is your goal, ensure your choice has spa services and other activities like yoga, tai chi and meditation.

Healthy reconnection

Relationships are sacred.  In our daily lives, we have the potential to forget this.  Becoming distracted and more focused on “what’s for dinner” or “it’s your turn to do homework with the kids” can lead to relationship erosion.  When taken for granted, the fire can begin to dim or fade completely.  Couples should make it a priority to take time to connect in meaningful ways throughout the year.  Planning a private health focused trip could be the perfect choice for a healthy reconnection.  Inquire about couple’s activities and special events.

All of our destination spas offer unique experiences.  They are just waiting for you decide what desire you want fulfilled.

Contributed by Debra Koerner