Recognized by magazine readers as their favorite American and International spas in 29 categories, Spa’s 2010 Silver Sage Readers’ Choice award winners deserve a nod of appreciation. Spas worldwide vie to offer guests the best, and this honorary distinction is proof plus that these spas have surpassed their goals. Some of 2010’s highlights include the following spas listed in order, with the top favorite spa listed first.
Favorite Affordable Spas
With the current economy, finding an affordable spa has become more important than ever. The winners in this category did more than offer an occasional off-season discount. They were distinguished by prioritizing relaxation and healing over opulent design and marble bathrooms. Two winners, Glen Ivy and Ojo Caliente, both have natural minerals springs as well and mud pools and baths, enabling guests to spend an entire day of healing for less than the usual cost of a spa therapy.
At Ojo Caliente, free access is given to resort and camping guests. The Oaks at Ojai in Quebec and Red Mountain Resort and Spa in Utah regularly offer special deals and provide activities, nutritious meals and plans for guests to follow upon their return home.
The top five spas in this category include: Glen Ivy Hot Springs in Corona, California; Ojo Caliente Mineral Springs Resort and Spa in Ojo Caliente, New Mexico, an hour’s drive from Santa Fe; The Oaks at Ojai in Ojai, California; Spa Eastman in Eastman, Quebec, Canada; and Red Mountain Resort and Spa in Ivins Utah.
Favorite Cruise Line Spas
In 2009, more than 13 million passengers traveled the high seas. What better way to relax and take advantage of free time between meals and activities than visiting the ship’s spa.
The five best cruise line spas included: Carnival Cruise’s Cloud 9 Spa; Princess Cruises Lotus Spa; Vitality at Sea Spa from Oasis of the Seas by Royal Caribbean International; The Norwegian Cruise Line’s Mandara Spa; and Celebrity Cruises’ Aquaspa.
Favorite Destination Spas
The favorite destination spas in the United States and internationally were recognized for their commitment to wellness. The idea behind a destination spa is to rejuvenate and restore health with relaxing spa therapies, exercise programs and good nutrition. The environment must serve as an all-inclusive wellness destination.
The top ten destination spas in the United States include: The Oaks at Ojai in Ojai, California; Canyon Ranch in Tucson in Tucson, Arizona; Cal-A-Vie Health Spa in Vista, California; Golden Door in Escondido, California; Miraval Arizona in Tucson, Arizona; Mii Amo, A Destination Spa At Enchantment in Sedona, Arizona; Biggest Loser Resort At Fitness Ridge in Ivins, Utah; Lake Austin Spa Resort in Austin, Texas; Red Mountain Resort & Spa in Ivins, Utah; and Canyon Ranch in Lenox in Lenox, Massachusetts.
The top five international destination spas include: Ste. Anne’s Spa in Grafton, Ontario, Canada; Rancho La Puerta in Tecate, Baja California, Mexico; Coastal Trek Lodge in Courtenay, British Columbia, Canada; Kamalaya Wellness Sanctuary & Holistic Spa in Koh Samui, Thailand; Grail Springs Health & Wellness Retreat in Bancroft, Ontario, Canada; and Monart Destination Spa in Enniscorthy, County Wexford, Ireland.
The Favorite Medical/Wellness Spas
Today’s medical consumers spend millions of dollars on alternative healthcare, including stays at medical and wellness spas. The top five winners in this category include: the Chopra Center for Wellbeing in Carlsbad, California; Canyon Ranch in Lenox, Massachusetts, and Tucson, Arizona; California Health & Longevity Institute at the Four Seasons Hotel Westlake Village, California; Wellmax Center for Preventive Medicine in La Quinta, California, and Clinique La Prarie in Clarens-Montreux, Switzerland.
Favorite Spas for Couples
Planning a honeymoon or romantic getaway? The top winners in the United States include: The Spa At Two Bunch Palms at the Two Bunch Palms Resort & Spa in Desert Hot Springs, California; Spa L’Auberge in Del Mar, California; The Spa At The Carneros Inn in Napa, California; Honua Spa at Hotel Hama-Maui & Honua Spa in Hana, Maui, Hawaii; and Halele’A Spa at the St. Regis Princeville Resort in Princeville, Kauai, Hawaii.
The top international favorites include: Willow Stream, The Spa At The Fairmont Banff Springs in Banff, Alberta, Canada; The Spa at Four Seasons Resort Whistler in Whistler, British Columbia, Canada; Spa Aqua at Live Aqua Cancun in Cancun, Quintana Roo, Mexico; The Spa at Esperanza at Esperanza, An Auberge Resort in Cabo San Lucas, Baja California Sur, Mexico; The Mini Aveda Concept Spa At The Caves at The Caves in Negril, Jamaica; and Fern Tree, The Spa at Half Moon in Montego Bay, Jamaica.
Resource:
Your Top Spas, Spa Magazine, Worldwide Guide 2011 Annual Issue, November, 2010: 63-89.
Elaine Moore - I'm a retired medical technologist and medical writer with more than 30 years experience working in hospital laboratories. Currently, I ...
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