Frazzled? Time to de-stress at a spa

By Jennifer Merin
Creators Syndicate

(Creators Syndicate) -- If you're experiencing holiday stress, post-terrorism stress, ongoing work stress or mid-winter blues, you've got good reason to seek rest, relaxation and renewal.

Retreat to a spa. Choosing the right one needn't be stressful, either.

At Spa Finder (800-255-7727 or www.spafinder.com), you'll discover overviews and recommendations for dozens of spas -- organized by region, cost and activities. Study the overviews provided, and check out the deals. Before booking, call spas directly and ask questions about the ambiance and extras you require.

The following suggestions indicate the variety available to you:

• Kerr House (Grand Rapids, Ohio, 419-832-1733) is a warm, pampering spa set in a Victorian Manor house. Only eight guests -- women only -- are accepted at a time, so you get very personal attention from director/owner Laurie Hostetler and her staff. Choose the weekend (from $695), three night (from $1,275) or five night (from $2,350) package, each providing a full program of yoga, aerobic exercise, massages, beauty treatments and quiet time, plus elegant, nutritious cuisine designed for weight loss and detoxification. It's a place you won't forget, and they don't forget you -- Kerr House sends you birthday greetings every year after you've visited -- even if you're just a one-time guest.

•  Rancho La Puerta (Tecate, Mexico, across the border from San Diego, 800-443-7565), founded by spa guru Deborah Szekely some 60 years ago, is still at the top of its game. In fact, it's better than ever. Every effort is made to present the latest, most comprehensive selection of body treatments (ranging from hot rock massages to Reiki) and exercise programs (try Fitball, Aqua Strength Training or Pilates), plus invigorating nature hikes, water exercises and more than 60 exercise and dance classes daily, plus mind/body-stretching seminars. The guests (160 maximum, co-ed) stay in cozy villas with Mexican folk decor, set amid 575 acres of lush gardens and mountains. The delicious cuisine is low-calorie, low-fat vegetarian, with most contents harvested from the ranch's organic gardens. Week-long packages begin at about $1,900, covering accommodations, meals and exercise classes. Most treatments cost extra.

• The Golden Door (Escondido, California, 800-424-0777) is another Deborah Szekely creation, now owned and run by Wyndham Resorts. Zen-like in design and atmosphere, the luxurious, exclusive spa is surrounded by quiet gardens and hills. There are 30 guests at a time (you'll often find a celebrity or two on campus), and the staff to guest ratio is four to one. Individualized daily schedules include a balanced program of challenging exercise, pampering body and beauty treatments, and classes designed to promote self-realization. The spa's lean yet lavish cuisine is fabulous! The all-inclusive rate is $5,975 per week. It is women only, except for special men-only and coed weeks.

• If The Golden Door is fully booked, try Cal-A-Vie (Vista, California, 866-772-4283), an exclusive 24-guest retreat with exceptional massage therapists and a well-balanced exercise and nutritional regimen. Or, The Golden Door program is also available at Wyndham El Conquistador Resort in Puerto Rico and on cruise ships.

•  New Age Health Spa (Neversink, New York, 800-682-4348) is located on 289 acres of scenic rolling hills in the Catskills. It is an unpretentious, rustic, holistic, healing sort of place, where owner Stephanie Paradise focuses the attention and energy of 72 guests on making life adjustments that make them feel good. You choose from an amazing menu of exercise programs (hatha yoga, tai chi, spirit dance, aerobics), spiritual classes and guided meditations, and body treatments (colon cleansing, chiropractic, glycolic facials) to establish mind/body harmony. Tarot, astrological and Ayurvedic consultations are also available. Spa cuisine is served, and guests are taught to eat mindfully. New Age tries to keep prices affordable and offers many promotions, so call for rates.

• Radisson Resort & Spa (Scottsdale, Arizona, 800-333-3333) offers the convenience of a world-class spa set within a first-class resort. While you spa, your spouse can golf!

•  The Mist Spa features state-of-the-art weight-training and cardio equipment, exercise classes to fit any fitness level, and world-renown tennis and golf programs. The impressive roster of body treatments includes Dead Sea Mud Wraps, Balneotherapy, Green Tea Detoxifying Wraps and more. Design your own spa package, or choose their full- ($410) or half-day ($290) getaway, or a sampling solace package ($140). When you call for room rates, ask about promotions.

•  Alternatively, The Cloister (Sea Island, Georgia, 800-732-4752) is another top full-service spa within a resort featuring golf, tennis, fishing and kids' programs.

•  Also worthy, The Oaks at Ojai (Ojai, California, 800-753-6257) and Miraval (Tucson, Arizona, 800-232-3969) are both currently listed among Spa Finder's Hot Deals.

Copyright 2001 Jennifer Merin. Distributed by Creators Syndicate, Inc.