• There are not many discounts to be found at spas. But sometimes rates vary seasonally — try desert resorts in the summer and beach resorts in the winter.
  
• Arrive early to make the most of your visit and ask for a tour at the outset.
  
• Destination spas are excellent for those traveling alone.
  
• Request the "most requested" treatments.
  
• Bring comfortable hiking shoes and a hat to protect you from the sun.
  
• Before you get to a destination spa:
  • Drink 8-10 glasses of water a day.
    
  • Start eating more fruits, beans and vegetables.
    
  • Cut down on sugar and salt.
    
  • Try to walk two miles per day.
    
  • Consult your doctor.

Cal-a-Vie
29402 Spa Havens Way
Vista, CA 92084
866-772-4283
www.cal-a-vie.com
Cal-A-Vie is located 30 miles north of San Diego.

• "European Plan," $5,395, includes 16 treatments
  
• "California Plan," $4,995 includes six treatments
  
• "Thalassa" treatment, $280, 120 minutes

Rancho La Puerta Reservations (U.S. office)
P.O. Box 463057
Escondido, CA 92046
800-443-7565
www.rancholapuerta.com
Rancho La Puerta is located in the Mexican desert, three miles south of the California border. Travel & Leisure rated it "Best Spa" in 2002 and a week there costs about $2,500 per person.

SpaHalekulani
Halekulani Hotel
2199 Kalia Road
Honolulu, HI 96815
800-367-2343
www.halekulani.com

SpaHalekulani packages:

• Elegant Passage, $390, 2-1/2 hours, foot-pounding ritual followed by a massage of your choice with steam shower and a facial
  
• Heavenly Journey, $640, 4 hours, foot pounding ritual followed by a deluxe body treatment, massage of your choice and light refreshments on the Spa Terrace as well as a facial

• Exfoliation, $180
  
• Pedicure, $65
  
• The "furo," the spa's version of a traditional Japanese soaking tub, can be added to any massage for an extra $50 for 30 minutes. "Nonu" massage, $255, 120 minutes with steam shower

Red Mountain/Green Valley Spa
St. George, Utah
Red Mountain rates about $300/night, $3,500/week; Green Valley $425-$600/night with three-night minimum, spa treatments extra
www.thetravelnetwork.com

Pritikin Longevity Center and Spa
19735 Turnberry Way
Aventura, FL 33180
800-327-4914
www.pritikin.com
Offers one-, two- and four-week stays; four-day retreats starting at $1850; treatments include a 14-day series of herbal enemas called "Basti"; week-long package rates range about $2,000-$3,000/couple

Chiva Som
11th Floor, Modern Town Building
87 Sukhumvit 63
Bangkok 10110, Thailand
Phone: +66 0 2711 6905 10
www.chivasom.com
Amid the exquisite beachside surroundings of Thailand's royal resort of Hua Hin — voted Best Destination Spa in the World by readers of Conde Nast UK

Glen Ivy Hot Springs Spa
25000 Glen Ivy Road
Glen Ivy, CA 92883
888-CLUB-MUD (2582-683)
www.glenivy.com