You can get a decent massage at pretty much any spa. But finding a spa with state-of-the-art fitness -- 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.

In Shape's continued quest to get you to the best in spa-dom, we've seen it all -- 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.

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.

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, each spa's a shining star offering all the points of light you'll need (see "How to Choose a Star Spa") to make your fitness wishes come true.