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Balance on the Rocks
Mii amo is awash in some of Sedona’s most spectacular scenery, making it an ideal place to reflect on the interior and exterior worlds. New for 2008 is a quarterly celebration of the seasons—four Native American-inspired programs themed around the Spring Equinox, Summer Solstice, Fall Equinox, and Winter Solstice. Since each season coincides with the Ayurvedic doshas (e.g., fall/winter relates to vata), it’s a good time to reconnect with nature, adjust habits, and rebalance in order to move forward. (888) 749-2137, www.miiamo.com
—K.W.
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Caribbean Equilibrium
Retreat from the rat race on an endless peaceful beach, with nothing but pleasant choices: daily hatha yoga classes, an eco-tour of Mayan ruins or cenotes, a snorkeling, sailing, kayaking or biking excursion; or perhaps a session at the spa, which features healing Mayan therapies. Gentle waves lull guests to sleep in simple, thatched-roof, beachside cabanas; awake to sunshine dancing on the turquoise sea. Buffet-style meals feature fresh seafood and vegetarian dishes in a grand, marble-floored cabana cooled by continuous ocean breezes. Be sure to schedule time to see the spectacular ruins at Coba as well as the Mayan Calabasuchitl body treatment, which utilizes native plants and flowers. (888)515-4580, www.mayatulum.com
—B.H.
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Health Haven
Supportive and challenging, the no-frill program at the Oaks at Ojai helps you set realistic goals for a healthy lifestyle. Enjoy daily mountain hikes where the movie version of “Lost Horizon” was filmed and exercise classes, interspersed with navigating the arts-oriented town of Ojai, located only 90 minutes north of Los Angeles. The refurbished mission-style inn features aerobics studios, a garden swimming pool, and a relaxation sanctuary. Ideal for women and men, their budget-friendly daily packages include calorie-controlled meals and optional treatments. If you’re looking for a spa to get you and keep you motivated, the Oaks is the place. (800) 753-6257, www.oaksspa.com
—B.B.
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Yoga Getaway
It’s quite possible you could unwind anywhere in the Turks & Caicos, but with a visit to Como Shambhala Parrot Cay, you’ll also find your center. Known for their yoga retreats that feature such yogis as Rodney Yee and Erich Schiffman (who is offering what promises to be a stellar retreat in 2008), Como Shambhala prides itself on assisting guests on their path to well-being. At the spa, indulge in the Abhyanga package, which starts with an Abhyanga massage and is followed by Swedana (herbal steam), Ubtan (a body mud mask), and finally with the oh-so-balancing Shirodhara. In between yoga classes and spa treatments, take a dip in the infinity-edge pool overlooking the clear turquoise waters. Simply divine. http://comoshambhala.bz
—M.B.W.
Invigorate
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Red Rock Sanctuary
Located in Ivins, Utah, Red Mountain Spa is aptly named for the miles and miles of russet rock mountains and sandstone formations, which surround this spa resort. Considered one of the country’s best hiking spas, Red Mountain offers three levels of hikes daily on over thirty different trails. Hikers can wind around wind-swept cliffs, hike up volcano craters to ancient Anasazi petroglyphs, and through fragrant pine forests. There’s also climbing, biking, fitness, and yoga classes, and a brand new spa. Guests who want to know their ideal training zone (to burn fat at its maximum and work out at peak performance) can have a Cardiovascular/Metabolic Assessment. (877) 246-HIKE, www.redmountainspa.com
—M.G.
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Southwestern Stimulation
Whether it’s your first visit to Canyon Ranch or your tenth, a trip to the Southwestern-style campus inevitably feels like a fresh start. Since 1978, Canyon Ranch has offered what is perhaps the largest variety of programs, classes, and lectures in the country. Learn to manage stress levels, fine-tune your golf game, hike the breathtaking Sonora desert, or take an African dance class. A front-runner in the wellness movement, Canyon Ranch’s medical department recently introduced “Biophysical 250 Blood Draw,” in which guests’ blood is assessed for 250 different biomarkers. But Canyon Ranch doesn’t scrimp on spa pleasures. Sample Watsu or fine-tune your physique with Muscle Melt. Canyon Ranch is sure to inspire the kind of lifestyle changes that last long after checkout. (800) 742-9000, www.canyonranch.com
—K.S.
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Desert Vitality
Miraval Resort, located just thirty miles north of Tucson, is a rejuvenating desert landscape set in the shadow of the Santa Catalina Mountains. The spa offers invigorating challenge opportunities for those who want to test the limits of their physical strength and risk tolerance. Activities include “Out on a Limb”—facing your fears of the unknown by stepping on a log thirty feet above the ground and “Quantum Leap”—climbing a 35-foot pole to take a stand. In addition to a variety of massages, the spa offers excellent acupressure Oriental body treatments. (800) 825-4000, www.miravalresort.com
—J.M.Z.
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Mexican Hideaway
Founded in 1940, Rancho La Puerta, the original destination fitness resort and spa evolved from rustic roots into a dessert oasis of gracious Mexican-style haciendas and villas with superb food and a succinct menu of high-caliber spa services. The multitude of activities includes hi-octane cardio and strength classes; mellow meditation and T’ai Chi; all levels of dance, yoga and hiking; plus arts & crafts and cooking classes. Be sure to take the breakfast hike to Las Estrellas, the spa’s organic vegetable garden as well as the sunrise hike to Mt. Kuchumaa. After a few days of running to classes, most guests find their way into one of the hammocks or hot tubs scattered throughout the property. (800) 443-7565, www.rancholapuerta.com
—B.H.
