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Entertainment | 07/21/2009 11:00 pm

Top 10 Spas That Will Change Your Life

Ten spas so good, so mind-blowing … they might be called life-changing.

Photo Essay

Some spas have you at hello. They smell good, they look heavenly, they forbid you to use your cell phone. But not all of them take you to another place. These ten do. Whether they offer fantastically trained massage therapists in Bali, slather you in fresh-picked fruit in the Seychelles, or teach you to ride elephants, horses or a surfboard, these are our favorites because they’re capable of inspiring that once-in-a-lifetime trip and something unquantifiable: total inspiration. —Melisse Gelula

Editor’s note: Melisse Gelula has visited more than 100 spas on five continents. She is the former editor in chief of SpaFinderLifestyle.com, spa beauty editor at Luxury SpaFinder magazine and travel editor at Fodor’s guidebooks. As a travel, spa and beauty expert, Melisse has appeared on the Travel Channel, E! News, contributed to such magazines as Departures, Health and Organic Spa, and has been quoted widely in The New York Times, TravelandLeisure.com, CNN.com and more. She’s currently launching a well-being blog with another top spa writer called WellandGoodNYC.com. Wish to contact Melisse? E-mail her at melisse@wellandgoodnyc.com.

11 Reader Comments (so far…) Sign In or Register to comment

Melissa Bier

Rancho La Puerta, Tecate, Mexico! Wow!!!! To quote Tina Fey…"I want to go to there!"

By Melissa Bier on 07/22/2009 12:03 pm
Her Dellness

[quote]Melisse Gelula has visited more than 100 spas on five continents.[/quote]

Melisse, if you ever retire, could you recommend me for the position??

By Her Dellness on 07/22/2009 2:00 pm
Her Dellness
Aacckk!!! No edit button! Sorry!
By Her Dellness on 07/22/2009 2:01 pm
Belinda Joy

Fermes de Marie of all the spas featured is the one that draws me in the most! Unbelievable. I desperately need to get away for a spa weekend and allow myself to be pampered for once. Let someone else worry about pleasing me instead of me pleasing others….aah just the thought of it. And especially because I have never been to France and have always wondered if it is as quaint and beautiful as it appears on film and in print.  

One day I guess….one day.

By Belinda Joy on 07/22/2009 2:03 pm
Sharon R.

Melissa —> you would LOVE Rancho La Peurta — very serene, lots of opportunity for meditation, socializing, exercising or eating really good food (lots of beans and Beano is available everywhere :)).  A super resort for the single traveler when one wants to really get away! 

Belinda —> Fermes de Marie sounds very appealing. 

Cal-a-Vie is awesome and they are adding to that awesomeness every day. 

Ah … spa life.  So many choices, so little $! (speaking for myself:))

By Sharon R. on 07/22/2009 3:42 pm
Tracy Tajbl

I just returned from Rancho La Puerta in June.  What an incredible experience - it is truly a magical place that nurtures mind, body and spirit.  The classes are incredible, the grounds and casitas are beautiful and you leave relaxed and rejuvenated.  Best part is they really work to help guests take the Ranch home and make healthy changes to their lifestyles.  I met many return guests and I can’t wait to go back….

By Tracy Tajbl on 07/22/2009 6:45 pm
Thomas Toohey Brown
Pinehurst Resort Spa in North Carolina is a great close-to-home experience…
By Thomas Toohey Brown on 07/23/2009 8:25 am
date sexy

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By date sexy on 07/27/2009 8:10 am
Linda Franklin

There must be more spas in the U.S. that you can recommend. Do we really have to travel that far for enlightenment?

By Linda Franklin on 07/27/2009 9:30 am
Maura Brady

Linda, I went to Red Mountain in St. George, Utah a couple of years ago.  It was wonderful, and not as pricey as some spas can be.  You can find more information at www.redmountainspa.com

 

By Maura Brady on 07/30/2009 12:37 pm
Nititep JJamnongsri

be livable The silent and be calm with already still mind preservation again please oh ! I still never back and forth.

By Nititep JJamnongsri on 07/28/2009 8:14 am