Hello Randy!
Wow! This is a tall order, but not only is it doable, there are places
on this list that I think may even exceed your expectations?who knew
that such paradise on earth existed? Your requirements truly are
unique in combination! And as I?ve searched for just the right places
for you in just the right areas, I?ve been impressed (okay, and yes,
I?ve done quite a bit of daydreaming, too!) by the caliber of the
settings and services of such spectacular spas! I want to go to one of
these places!
All right, Randy, be prepared! As you look through this answer, I?m
guessing you will want to hop on a plane (or in your Bentley)
immediately, if not sooner! The virtual tours alone have made me antsy
for a relaxing vacation right now! Ah, well, a girl can dream anyway.
I think you will really enjoy what you see. I?m excited to share my
findings with you! (Have I mentioned that these places are amazing?!)
Okay, here we go!
***********
LAS VEGAS
***********
This is a really great one. Since Vegas is one of your favorite
places, I really wanted to make sure to get a good place for you
there. So, here it is!
Canyon Ranch SpaClub at the Venetian
http://www.canyonranch.com/spaclubs/venetian/index.asp
The site boasts about Canyon Ranch?s facilities:
?Our 69,000-square-foot state-of-the-art facility features a health
and wellness center; massage, skin care and body treatment rooms; gyms
and weight rooms; therapeutic pools; and the centerpiece of the
facility ? a three-story rock-climbing wall.?
http://www.canyonranch.com/spaclubs/venetian/all_about.asp
And please check out this link to learn more about their health and
wellness services:
http://www.canyonranch.com/spaclubs/venetian/health_wellness.asp
The section specific to nutrition can be found here:
http://www.canyonranch.com/spaclubs/venetian/health_rates.asp?ListMode=Menu&TID=12
Here?s a little bit from that page. ?At Canyon Ranch SpaClub you can
improve your Nutritional Intelligence. Our registered dietitians help
you assess your personal goals and establish a healthier eating
pattern. Learn how to balance your meals for energy and vitality or
develop a practical weight-loss plan. We can create an optimal
supplement program for you or teach you to use nutrition to help
manage a health concern.?
It also goes on to list the nutrition services available, including a
Lifetime Nutrition Consultation:
?Need a few great nutrition tips to maintain your good health? Meet
with a registered dietitian to optimize your food choices and eating
patterns based on your current lifestyle and life cycle. Take home
nutrition suggestions designed with convenience in mind. A Lifetime
Nutrition Consultation will help you optimize your energy, enhance
your vitality and maximize your health potential.?
For your information, Canyon Ranch has other locations, including
Tuscon, AZ, Lenox, MA (in the Berkshires), and even on the Queen Mary
2 cruise ship (please refer to http://www.canyonranch.com) that look
VERY relaxing, but I know that you are especially interested in being
close to the action in Vegas, so the Venetian location is perfect for
you! And because of its location, you?re right on the strip!
Here is more information about Canyon Ranch from a different source:
VacationIdea.com
http://www.vacationidea.com/spas/las_vegas_spa_canyon_ranch.html
And, in case you?re interested in knowing more about other spas
available to you in the Vegas area, please reference the information
found at the following link:
VacationIdea.com
http://www.vacationidea.com/las_vegas/las_vegas_spas.html
And here is another interesting page that discusses spas in Vegas. It
is from the Press and Research Department of the Las Vegas Convention
and Visitors Authority.
http://www.lvcva.com/press/kit_spas.html
Did you notice this line on that page? ?An article in Condé Nast
Traveler included the Canyon Ranch SpaClub among the top 10 resort
spas in the U.S.? I think you?re in for a treat!
***********************
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
***********************
Believe it or not, this was the trickiest one for me to find for you.
There are SO many spas in Southern California, but many of them are
day spas and even those that aren?t don?t necessarily offer all of the
services that you seek, so I really had to do some sleuthing. The good
news here is that this place is amazing and will, I think, exceed your
expectations.
La Costa Resort and Spa, Carlsbad, California
http://www.lacosta.com/
?La Costa Resort and Spa is a legendary resort known for it's superb
guest rooms and meeting space, nestled amidst the beautiful coastal
climate of Carlsbad, California. With 473 guest rooms to choose from,
all decorated in beautiful Spanish-style theme, guests will lose
themselves in comfort and style. La Costa Resort and Spa also boasts
the finest in golf and tennis facilities, with two championship golf
courses and twenty-one tennis courts on more than 400 lush green
acres. It's a mecca of fun and relaxation combined.
The tranquil services of our full-service Spa and Salon, make for an
even more enjoyable experience. Guests will enjoy a variety of
massages and treatments to help melt away the cares of the world.
Experience the ultimate in rest and relaxation....come to La Costa
Resort and Spa.?
http://www.lacosta.com/about/default.asp
Their spa is newly renovated to even better suit your needs.
?The moment you arrive at the new Spa at La Costa, you'll realize
you've left everyday life far behind. This heavenly place has been
setting the standard since 1965, and with 140 million dollars
dedicated to renovation, it continues to do so. Enjoy the leading edge
therapies that have made this place famous, in a striking new Spanish
Colonial-style spa. A thundering Roman waterfall, a tranquil 15,000
square-foot outdoor courtyard, private VIP suites, a complimentary
Bathing Ritual, healthful spa tonics - all available to help you
re-connect with your senses. Our mission is to help you emerge from
your spa experience having been inspired, indulged or invigorated. You
select the feeling of choice and we will guide you in discovering the
treatments to get you there. Our consultants are happy to assist you
in planning your spa day.?
http://www.lacosta.com/spa/default.asp
Here, for your viewing pleasure is their spa menu and treatment guide:
http://www.lacosta.com/spa/spa_treatment_guide_431.pdf
One of the features that I think you will really enjoy is the health
and wellness component.
Chopra Center at La Costa
http://www.lacosta.com/spa/chopra.asp
From the site:
?We are delighted to share a combined vision of health and healing
with La Costa Resort and Spa. The Chopra Center brings to La Costa an
innovated, yet ancient approach to health, healing and rejuvenation.
Drawing upon the perennial wisdom of Ayurveda, a 5000-year-old
traditional system of natural healing and modern science, Drs. Deepak
Chopra and David Simon have created a retreat that provides a quiet,
peaceful and nourishing environment to bring balance and health to the
mind, body, and spirit.
The Chopra Center offers an integrated medical wellness program that
provides a comprehensive overview of personal health. We offer
mind/body medical evaluations, educational classes that include
meditation, yoga, natural nutrition, daily fitness, lifestyle routine
and emotional fulfillment, along with traditional Ayurvedic Spa body
therapies.
The Chopra Center Spa offers a unique blend of personalized body
therapies that are medically supervised. Each treatment in The Chopra
Center Spa takes you on a journey of nourishment, balance, relaxation
and rejuvenation. We offer daily ala Carte spa treatments as well as 3
and 5-day detoxifying and rejuvenation programs that include medical
evaluations, called Panchakarma. This unique cleansing and balancing
program will leave you feeling refresh and energized.?
You can also learn more about the Chopra Center itself on the Chopra
Center Homepage. This will give you a better idea of what it?s all
about.
The Chopra Center for Well Being
http://www.chopra.com
And for more information about Dr. Deepak Chopra, please see this
webpage, sponsored by Random House:
http://www.randomhouse.com/features/chopra/
Here is a section from Spa Magazine that reviews and offers
information about La Costa Resort and Spa:
http://www.spamagazine.com/new/advertorials/lacosta.asp
Now, you?re not sure where to go, right? Well, if you think you?re
having a hard time deciding now, just wait until you see the other
places that I?ve researched for you!
*********
LONDON
*********
I don?t know whether or not you prefer to stay stateside or go
overseas, but if you?re itching to go to another country at all, this
will surely entice you all the more. My good colleague, Umiat-ga
located this gem for you:
Champney?s Health Resorts
http://www.healthfarms.co.uk/default.asp
Like the site states, ?Your journey to spa heaven starts here.? These
places are all outside of London in very serene locales, but they are
all close enough to the city (some more than others) to allow you the
proximity to enjoy the city scene there.
Champney?s has a location in London itself, but it is more of a city
club and less of a resort, and it meets less of your requirements.
Again, the resorts themselves are all outside of London, some being
only 30-40 minutes away.
This place even offers Cosmetic Surgery Consultations (in addition to
the regular pampering, wellness education, nutrition help, etc.)! The
site states, ?The consultation is a detailed medical including , skin
and wrinkle analysis , health and well being. Using digital
photography we are able to study and analyse your skin and suggest
which CESIDIO anti ageing treatments suit you best.? They also offer
various treatments including, but not limited to brow lifts, jowl
lifts, and Botox anti wrinkle correction.
The tabs for ?Resorts,? ?Treatments,? ?Fitness,? and ?Cuisine? will
especially answer a lot of questions for you should you decide to go
the overseas route for your intense spa resort treatment!
********************
TWO OTHER PLACES
********************
Okay, I had a hard time deciding, and even picking ?just three? was a
challenge, but I?ve decided to list 3, rather than 2, additional
places from which you can choose! That way, there?s greater likelihood
that at least one of them suits your fancy! I?ve made sure that all
are in/close to metropolitan areas and that all spas are also close to
good medical centers and communities.
============
Tucson, Arizona
============
Miraval Resort, Tucson, Arizona
http://www.miravalresort.com
Wow. That?s what came to mind when I read about Miraval Resort. As for
the location, Tucson itself isn?t a huge city like Vegas, but it is a
city with ?city life? and also has that college town feel in parts, so
there is plenty to do. You are also about 2 hours from Phoenix, with
all that that city has to offer.
As a note, the Miraval Resort also has a sexuality and vitality
program, which is fairly unique compared to some of the other spas
listed.
============
Dallas, Texas
============
Cooper Wellness Center, Dallas, Texas
http://www.cooperaerobics.com/default.aspx
Randy, what I really like about this place for you is the medical
component. They have an on-site clinic, several physicians, and a true
commitment to your health and wellness, by focusing on diet,
nutrition, exercise, and emotional balance. To say that it is an
impressive facility is an understatement at best.
?Cooper Wellness Program is the lifestyle modification and medical spa
program developed by famed physician and author Dr. Kenneth Cooper.
Revitalizing four-, six-, and 13-day programs are held at the
magnificent 30-acre Dallas campus of The Cooper Aerobics Center. Since
1985, thousands of men and women have reduced their risk of heart
disease and stress-related illness by using the life enhancement
strategies they learned at Cooper Wellness Program. Outstanding
preventive medicine specialists evaluate your health, prescribe your
optimum plan of action, and motivate you through a practical,
results-oriented program designed to last a lifetime.?
http://www.cooperaerobics.com/wellness/
This, combined with the spa, guest lounge, and wonderful dining
facilities, are sure to be holistic hit! And being close to the Dallas
metro area give you access to a good medical community for your health
and medical needs. I think this place is very, very impressive.
=============
Phoenix, Arizona
=============
JW Marriott Desert Ridge Resort, Phoenix, Arizona
http://www.jwdesertridgeresort.com/
This resort has both spa and wellness components and is right in
Phoenix, a bustling city and leading medical community.
From their debut press release:
?The fires are lit. The water is flowing. The earth is flowering. The sky is
limitless. Where all the elements meet. Opened in November 2002, JW
Marriott Desert Ridge Resort & Spa may be Arizona?s largest resort,
but it?s also big on luxury. With 950 guestrooms (including 81
suites), this AAA Four Diamond award-winning, alluring resort is set
on 316 acres in the Sonoran Desert where Phoenix meets Scottsdale and
features sweeping views of the McDowell Mountains. Conveniently
located in northeast Phoenix just 20 minutes north of Phoenix Sky
Harbor International Airport (with easy access to the new Loop 101
freeway), the grand resort is the centerpiece in the Valley of the
Sun?s burgeoning northeastern corridor. Inspired by the grandeur of
the Grand Canyon, Desert Ridge redefines the resort experience. Two
18-hole championship golf courses, Marriott?s first Revive Spa, a
28,000-square-foot European-style spa and fitness center and four
acres of turquoise swimming pools and shimmering waterways set the
mood for a relaxing getaway. Panoramic views of crimson-hued
mountains, fiery Arizona sunsets and the picturesque, cactus-studded
Sonoran Desert only add to the resort?s serene setting.?
http://www.jwdesertridgeresort.com/about/DR_resort_release.PDF
Learn more here about the fitness services that are offered there,
including personal consultations:
http://www.jwdesertridgeresort.com/spa/fitness.asp
Learn more about their spa and the great services that are offered there:
http://www.jwdesertridgeresort.com/spa/spa_services.asp
Now, a word about your medical needs. Please note the disclaimer that
information provided through Google Answers does not substitute for
professional medical and psychiatric advice. I have been sure to
choose spas and locations that are nestled in or close to thriving
medical communities. I am including 2 websites that allow you to find
doctors that suit your medical needs. I?ve tried them out to test them
and have even looked up both plastic surgeons and psychiatrists. There
seem to be many choices available to you in both of these specialties.
I don?t think you?ll have any problem coordinating your medical and
spa needs as part of your transformation!
AMA Online Doctor Finder
http://dbapps.ama-assn.org/aps/amahg.htm
WebMD Physician Directory
http://my.webmd.com/pages/dir/toc.asp
Well, there it is. I?ve taken a while with it because I am a bit of a
perfectionist and I sincerely want to offer you some wonderful choices
from which you can select what?s perfect for you in the setting that
appeals to you most.
I?ve spent several hours of online research on this and I?ve made some
phone calls as well and I am finding that these sorts of places are
extremely accommodating, as they want you to enjoy your stay and be
comfortable and relaxed. They are willing to make your accommodations
a ?home away from home.? I?m sure that they?re willing to help you
with your needs and requests. If I may be so bold, I?d encourage you
to leave work behind and focus on YOU. Again, it?s up to you, but
after the extensive research that I?ve done on these spas and resort
packages, I can definitely see the value in letting it be a truly
relaxing and invigorating experience?work would likely bog you down
and not let you be as free and open to the wonders of the treatments
and regimens available. Okay, that part right there was boquinha-ga
bonus. I?ll try to keep my opinions to myself now. But, I really do
hope that you enjoy yourself and that this treatment/vacation helps
you greatly!
I hope that this information is very helpful to you. Should you need
any further clarification, please do not hesitate to let me know. I?m
happy to help. Randy, this has been like really fun window shopping
for me and I?ve learned a lot. Thank you for the pleasure of working
on your question! And I truly wish you the best of success in your
goals and aspirations! You know, we researchers have been discussing
what a nice customer you are?I hope you know how much that is
appreciated. Please keep us posted on the whole new you!
Sincerely,
Boquinha-ga
Search Strategy:
Searching and using your criteria list as a guide
Consulting with other Google Answers Researchers
Search Terms Used:
spa village
spa resort
spa resort <city>
spa resort <city> nutrition
health spa
spa resort wellness center
find doctor (with search strategy: testing out the feature)
doctor locator (with search strategy: testing out the feature)
(other individual searches by name to do further research on various leads)
I have to give a lot of credit to some wonderful people. Many of my
colleagues, including voila-ga, crabcakes-ga, and umiat-ga, have been
instrumental in helping me find some wonderful places for you.
Together, we have come up with so many amazing spas, that it would be
a shame to not at least list them here as part of the answer. In my
answer, I?ve given you 6 spas, as you?ve asked (okay, so one was a
bonus), that meet your specifications. The following list has some
amazing spas, but admittedly many of them do not meet all of your
specifications. But honestly, they?re worth a look, in case you?re
interested, or if you decide to change your mind at all on any aspect
of your requirements (though I wouldn?t blame you one bit if you
didn?t change a thing?this spa resort vacation is, after all, for
you!). Okay, here?s the list:
Spa Resort Casino, Palm Springs, California
http://www.sparesortcasino.com/index.php?PID=WELCOME
This has less of an emphasis on nutrition, but it does have both a spa
AND a casino, for that Vegas flair!
Cityscapes Resorts to Wellness Spas and Escapes
http://www.resortstowellness.com/files/cityscapes.html
This lists a number of wellness spas in British Columbia, Canada
Spa Retreats Health Spa Vacations and Wellness Retreats
http://www.resortstowellness.com/files/wellness.html
This lists a number of wellness retreats in exotic locations,
including Thailand, Mexico, and more!
Cowley Manor in England
http://www.cowleymanor.com
Bliss in London
http://www.blissworld.com/spa/location/uk
Brenner's
http://www.brenners.com/e/welcome.htm
Ten Thousand Waves
http://www.tenthousandwaves.com
Be sure to check out the local art scene, too!
Terme di Montecatini
http://www.termemontecatini.it
Les Thermes Marin at the Hermitage
http://www.monte-carlo.mc/lodging-monaco/hotelhermitage/gb_index.html
VacationIdea.com
http://www.vacationidea.com/spas/lauberge_del_mar_california_spa.html
Just thought you might be interested in what the celebrities like!
And here are some wonderful resources for searching for spas and
resorts around the country and around the world!
Spa Directory?look up by location?popular metro areas or state
http://www.heavenspa.com/search/Spa_Search_Form.asp?source=GOOG
Spa Finder
http://www.spafinder.com
Spa Magazine?Search Feature
http://www.spamagazine.com/new/search.asp?key=USA
Spa Pass?search for spas all over the world
http://www.spapass.com/index.htm |
