Favorite Fitness Retreats & Spa Treatments

You can get a decent massage at pretty much any spa. But finding a state-of-the-art fitness spa -- now there's the real rub.

You could close your eyes, wish upon a spa (spa light, spa bright, first spa I see tonight) and hope you land on a star, as opposed to, say, a cable-television satellite. Or you could do what smart women everywhere intent on maximizing their workout dollars have done for the past 19 years. You could listen to us and what we have to say about the fitness retreats.

In Shape's continued quest to get you to the best in spa treatments, we've seen it all and we’ll share what we’ve learned with you.

From fly-by-nighters that crash, burn and leave huge craters in your pocketbook to steadfast planets that burn bright and true, revolving around predictable (but never boring) orbits, we really have seen it all.

This story is about our nine favorite fitness planets -- from destination spas like the Canyon Ranches (aka the twin suns of the spa universe) and Rancho La Puerta, the proverbial North Star, to resort spas like Ojai Valley Inn & Spa and The Spa at the Cloisters.

Besides those fitness retreats, we've also included the two diagnostic spas for you star-seekers looking to make major lifestyle changes.

(And to prove our telescopes are ever pointed skyward for signs of new life, we've even covered Nemacolin Woodlands Resort & Spa, the most promising of the morning stars.)

From seaside retreats to desert oases, structured programs to do-your-own-things, all of these resort spas are shining stars offering all the points of light you'll need (see "How to Choose a Star Spa") to make your fitness wishes come true.

How to choose a star fitness spa

Your fitness spa offers the following points of light:

* A holistic health philosophy based on the best and latest fitness information.
* A preview interview/application (so you and the staff can customize your fitness program before you arrive).
* Experienced fitness professionals certified for the activities they teach (step, kickboxing, Pilates, etc.).
* Customized services and a high staff-to-guest ratio.
* The best and latest fitness equipment and programs.
* Low-fat spa cuisine (at least 1,800 calories daily), nutrition workshops/counseling, cooking demos, etc.
* Licensed, certified mind/body professionals.
* Lots of outdoor fitness options.
* Spa treatments (to motivate and inspire you).
* Post-spa follow-up and take-home materials.
* A high return rate (50-75 percent).

Keep reading for info about one of the best resort spas around!