Best Spas for 2011

When it comes to spas, it's that unique quality--as well as the destination--that makes the place worth visiting, whether it's for detox, health and wellness or simply for relaxation and rejuvenation. In this age of ecotravel, for example, there's the Costa Rica spa that started the carbon-neutral trend, and even a UNESCO World Heritage site getaway in the rainforests of St. Lucia. If you're looking to revamp your eating habits while touring Israel, a spa dietician just outside Jerusalem will create a personalized plan for you. Or opt for the unexpected with Japanese hot-spring waters high up on the mountains of Switzerland. We can't, of course, leave out the sumptuous beach spa resorts, be it in Bali or Punta Mita. And there's more, from a South African spa started by jeweler Laurence Graff to a chic inn in California's Russian River Valley. With impeccable service, singular treatments and gorgeous surroundings, each of these nine spas has an edge that sets it apart from the rest.

MORE FROM DEPARTURES: 2011'S BEST GADGETS

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Miraval, Tucson

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The new integrative program at Miravalin Tucson, called 8 Weeks to Optimum Health, starts with two in-depth medical consultations to identify what's getting in the way of making you feel good, whether it's weight, chronic disease or stress. This intel is then used to pair you with wellness experts and itineraries at Miraval to bring about change. The effort continues when you return home, with weekly check-ins that we found to be a key factor, as they are so thoroughly administered.

MORE FROM DEPARTURES: SIX INCREDIBLE NEW SPAS

Jim Nicolai, M.D., heads the program. His job is to pull from Western and Eastern medicine and the supplements aisle--to customize a wellness practice that involves the right nutritionist, psychologist, fitness trainer, et al. Why all the experts? "Our current health-care system is not designed to help people with the day to day of what it takes to live a healthy life," says Andrew Weil, M.D., who created the program. "When people see their doctors, it's often because illness or disease has already occurred." The program starts at $425 a person per night, which includes accommodations and meals; miravalresorts.com.

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The new integrative program at Miravalin Tucson, called 8 Weeks to Optimum Health, starts with two in-depth medical consultations to identify what's getting in the way of making you feel good, whether it's weight, chronic disease or stress. This intel is then used to pair you with wellness experts and itineraries at Miraval to bring about change. The effort continues when you return home, with weekly check-ins that we found to be a key factor, as they are so thoroughly administered.

MORE FROM DEPARTURES: SIX INCREDIBLE NEW SPAS

Jim Nicolai, M.D., heads the program. His job is to pull from Western and Eastern medicine and the supplements aisle--to customize a wellness practice that involves the right nutritionist, psychologist, fitness trainer, et al. Why all the experts? "Our current health-care system is not designed to help people with the day to day of what it takes to live a healthy life," says Andrew Weil, M.D., who created the program. "When people see their doctors, it's often because illness or disease has already occurred." The program starts at $425 a person per night, which includes accommodations and meals; miravalresorts.com.

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Spa

Rank #2  |  Average: 4

Eh. Amazing!

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Comments

[Candide33]

05:55 AM on 03/18/2011

I wonder if that first one really means you stay there 8 weeks? Sounds good except that it is in a desert.

[whyus]

06:16 PM on 03/17/2011

Or, your own hot tub in the back yard.

[BcemXAHA]

06:10 PM on 03/17/2011

Remede Spa, in Mexico is amazing. So is the Carmel Forest just outside of Haifa, perched a top of a mountain overlooking the breathtaking beauty of the Mediterranean sea. Expensive but oh so worth it.

[wishfulslinkings]

12:51 AM on 03/18/2011

Please do tell more. Are they relaxation or weight loss spas?

[BcemXAHA]

11:37 AM on 03/18/2011

The Remede spa was all about luxury, anti aging treatments, luxurious accommodations, literally heaven on earth, lots of amazing facial masks skin scrubs, etc...Carmel Forest in Haifa also was about luxuries and pampering with lots of very well prepared gourmet organic foods, not as luxurious as the Remede. I highly recommend both though.

I believe that both have a website.