Affordable spas, romantic getaways, and more-our readers have picked their favorite destinations in a number of .
You can scroll through the entire list or jump to your favorite types of spas by clicking on the links below:
- Eco/Green Spas
- Spas for Cuisine
- Spas for Couples
- Destination Spas
- Spas for Traveling Solo
- Mineral Springs Spas
- Affordable Spas
- Cruise Line Spas
- Day Spas
- Medical/Wellness Spas
Eco/Green Spas
Hopefully one day this will no longer need to be a category, as environmentally conscious building practices and operational protocols become de rigueur. But until then, the following five spas have inspired you with their heightened sense of sustainability. We'd like to include an honorable mention of Six Senses spas. Although they didn't make your top choices (which isn't surprising considering most of them are quite a distance from the U.S.), they set the standard for green spas around the globe - literally. In 2007, the brand helped nonprofit EC3 Global draft and test its Green Globe certification for spas.
Spas for Cuisine
Far from the flavorless fare served in years past, the modern spa menu has redefined the recipe for health-conscious cuisine. Savory entrees showcase organic, farm-fresh ingredients presented with culinary artistry. Your epicurean spas of choice add a dash of nutritional enlightenment to last a lifetime.
Spas for Couples
Sharing is caring, and the pairing of beautiful beaches and treatments for two naturally brings out the romantic in all of us. Seaside sensuality defines four of the five couples spas that won your heart. But to really heat things up, you also selected a high-desert hot spot that has long infatuated Hollywood's amorous A-list.
Destination Spas
Travel itself can be powerful therapy. After all, nothing refreshes your perspective like a little distance-and total immersion in not only a new landscape but also a 24/7 spa lifestyle. When it comes to saddling up for serenity, your votes pointed to the sun-kissed West and Southwest-home to eight of your top 10 retreats for long-range renewal.
Spas for Traveling Solo
Since the path to self-discovery is walked alone, it's no surprise that many of you are making spa vacation reservations for one. Two of your top five solo travel retreats are in the artists community of Ojai, California, where the landscape and culture have long inspired creativity and personal growth.
Mineral Springs Spas
Mineral springs have long been prized by cultures the world over, but it was the Golden State that shone in this category, playing host to all five favorites.
Affordable Spas
Let's face it, these days this category is more important than ever. And it's no surprise that domestic destinations tend to fit the bill, given the rising cost of travel. When it comes to keeping both you and your budget in balance, here are the most popular picks:
Cruise Line Spas
With an estimated 13.3 million passengers expected to be welcomed aboard by the end of the year, it seems to be smooth sailing for many cruise lines and their spas. Sanctuaries at sea often incorporate the pampering traditions of various ports of call along with signature services and products. For a high-touch experience on the water, these faves float to the front.
Day Spas
What a difference a day makes, especially when there's room for a treatment or two on your to-do list. These national brands and independent boutiques are your favorites for coast-to-coast convenience.
Medical Spas
An integrated and holistic approach to medicine continues to be a welcome prescription for change in conventional healthcare. And it's one that's certainly being filled: Medical spas are the fastest-growing segment in the spa industry-up 85 percent from 2007. These five healing centers are your preferred providers.
