For those with healthy bank accounts, weight loss can be more luxury than drudgery. World-class health spas combine nutrition and exercise with resort surroundings, spa treatments and a high staff-to-guest ratio that ensures personal attention. A stay at these spas is meant to be the beginning of a journey, not the destination, since one week or even six weeks may not be long enough to lose every extra pound.
Canyon Ranch
Canyon Ranch has two health resorts---one in Tucson, Arizona; and one in Lenox, Massachusetts. The Tucson property was the first to open, in 1979, after founder Mel Zuckerman was inspired by a month-long stay at a "fat farm" that helped him lose weight and change his lifestyle. The Lenox resort, in the Berkshires, opened 10 years later.
Both resorts offer health assessments and counseling by medical professionals; dozens of activities each day; exercise, swimming and spa facilities; and healthy, gourmet meals. The Tucson resort has a sleep lab to diagnose problems and a golf center with professionals offering instruction. The Lenox resort includes a ropes challenge course and skiing in the wintertime.
Canyon Ranch
8600 E. Rockcliff Road
Tucson, AZ 85750
800-742-9000
canyonranchtucson.com
165 Kemble St.
Lenox, MA 01240
800-742-9000
canyonranchlenox.com
Hilton Head Health Institute
The Hilton Head Health Institute, on Hilton Head Island in South Carolina, concentrates on fitness, nutrition and mental/emotional well-being to help its guests get started on the road to weight loss. Stays can range from three days to six weeks or more, though the institute recommends at least two weeks for the best results. The spa keeps guests busy, with 50 fitness activities available daily, along with cooking and nutrition demonstrations and group counseling sessions. All of these activities, plus gourmet meals and snacks, are included in the resort's all-inclusive packages. Guests stay in private rooms with a private bath, but they share a living space.
Hilton Head Health Institute
14 Valencia Road
Hilton Head Island, SC 29928
800-292-2440
hhhealth.com
Cal-a-Vie
Spread over 200 acres in the hills north of San Diego, Cal-a-Vie has just 26 guest villas inspired by the Mediterranean countryside. Stays range from three nights to one week, with spa treatments, gourmet cuisine, fitness classes, cooking classes and an emphasis on mind-body-spirit wellness. Yoga, qi gong and meditation join more than 100 exercise choices to bring relaxation as well as exertion. Workout clothes--sweats, shorts and T-shirts--are delivered to guests daily, taking the guesswork out of packing and dressing. The spa has a private, 18-hole golf course, a pool and tennis courts.
Cal-a-Vie Health Spa
29402 Spa Havens Way
Vista, CA 92084
888-373-8773
cal-a-vie.com
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