Top 10 Spas: U.S.

1. Canyon Ranch Spa, Tucson, Arizona  
Canyon Ranch claims best in show once again. How could this premier destination spa, with its state-of-the-art 80,000-square-foot Spa Complex and Golf Performance Center, possibly improve? By introducing a new leader whose credentials match the spa’s golden reputation. Dr. Richard H. Carmona, the 17th U.S. Surgeon General of the United States, is the spa’s new vice chairman. The shocking staff-to-guest ratio of 3:1 means physicians, psychologists, exercise physiologists, movement therapists, and acupuncturists are at your beck and call. And for readers who want to make Canyon Ranch a more permanent part of their lives, look to the new six-acre oceanfront Canyon Ranch Living Miami Beach (www.canyonranchmiami
beach.com), the nation’s first healthy living community. (800) 742-9000 or (520) 749-9655, www.canyonranch.com

2. Lake Austin Spa Resort, Austin, Texas
Readers have ranked Lake Austin high among the country’s best. This Texas Hill Country spa combines total luxury with the warmth of a friend’s lake home. And this friend likes to cook! During the weeklong Culinary Experiences program that begins on the second Sunday of every month, tour the massive flagship Whole Foods Market in Austin and kick up your heels at a cowboy breakfast. At the 25,000-square-foot LakeHouse Spa, guests cherry-pick from more than 100 treatments including the relaxing LakeHouse Lavender Signature treatment using lavender plucked from their Healing Gardens. New fitness options include challenging BodyPump and BodyFlow classes. (800) 847-5637 or (512) 372-7300, www.lakeaustin.com

3. Spa Grande at the Grand Wailea Resort, Maui
The resort and golfing mecca of Maui has another irresistible draw: the massive 50,000-square-foot Spa Grande. A pioneer in children’s spa treatments (last year they performed more than 6,000 on children ages 6 to 12), now Spa Grande is making spa going even more of a family affair with the Family Spa Suite. Imagine getting his-and-hers Lomi Lomi massages while your children delight in Chocolate-Coconut massages. Parents should reserve time to hop between the Hawaiian mineral salt and the papaya enzyme specialty baths at the spa’s signature Terme Wailea Hydrotherapy. (800) 888-6100 or (808) 875-1234, www.grandwailea.com

4. Sanctuary Spa Camelback Mountain, Paradise Valley, Arizona
At this Arizona boutique escape the architecture is modern, the spa treatments Asian, and the setting pure Paradise (Valley, that is). Wake up in your luxurious spa casita and play tennis on one of five championship courts. Soothe sore muscles with A Thousand Rains ceremony, which delivers mineral-rich freeze-dried seawater straight to your tub. (800) 245-2051 or (480) 948-2100, www.sanctuaryaz.com

5. Spa at La Costa, Carlsbad, California
After a $140 million renovation, the 400-acre Spanish Colonial-style La Costa Resort and Spa has a fresh new look. Take a break from the two championship 18-hole golf courses to indulge in a Spanish Herbal Body Rub. Devotees should not miss the Chopra Center. (800) 729-4772 or (760) 931-7570, www.lacosta.com

6. The Spa at Mandarin Oriental, Miami
Sixteen new Spa Lifestyle Rooms, with private verandas and forever views, have been added to this sleek Miami hotel and spa overlooking Biscayne Bay. Air purification systems render rooms allergy-friendly. Also included: an in-room fitness program and personal lifestyle consultants. (866) 888-6780 or (305) 913-8332, www.mandarinoriental.com

7 Spa Montage, Laguna Beach, California
The mighty Pacific Ocean takes center stage at this coastal California resort featuring oceanfront facilities with floor-to-ceiling views of the sand and sky. Drink in the sea air with a Thalassic Beach Walk or the heart-pumping Beach Bootcamp. (949) 715-6000, www.montagelagunabeach.com

8. Spa Gaucin at St. Regis Resort, Monarch Beach, Dana Point, California
Basking in this spa’s natural California light to the tune of the three-story waterfall, the two of you can head to the Couples Suite for a Mediterranean Meltdown. Toss a coin in Spa Gaucin’s signature Well of Desires and with it, therapists say, you cast away your cares. (800) 722-1543 or (949) 234-3200, www.stregismb.com

9 The Greenhouse, Arlington, Texas
A women-only spa since its creation in 1965 by Stanley Marcus (of Neiman Marcus fame), The Greenhouse lures spa-savvy female readers along with celebrities, from Elizabeth Taylor to Cindy Crawford. Want something unique? Try steeping in the all-natural scent of a Japanese Hinoki cypress tub. (817) 640-4000, www.thegreenhousespa.net

10. Spa Ojai, Ojai Valley Inn and Spa, California
Exotic treatments and artistic expression merge at one of California’s most luxurious sun-kissed spas. Choose from several enrichment classes, and try the spa’s signature Kuyam mud treatment combining cleansing mud and guided meditation in a communal (up to eight men or women) setting. A $90 million renovation has only solidified the spa’s reputation as a favorite Hollywood haunt. (805) 646-1111, www.ojairesort.com       


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