2. The Canyon Ranches: Tucson, Ariz., and The Berkshires, Mass.

Twin suns of fitness
Whether you choose Tucson, a sage-scrubbed retreat of adobe casitas in the cactus-spiked Arizona desert, or the Berkshires, a Versailles-like sprawl of manicured lawns, gardens and fountains built around an 1897 mansion, choice is the byword at Canyon Ranch, the gold standard of spas in the United States.

With up to 40 fitness classes a day in football-field-sized fitness complexes housing everything from gyms and racquetball courts to yoga domes, the options here are endless -- and you set the pace. Pedal your butt off in a Spinning class, take guided hikes or select from such esoteric offerings as qi gong, an ancient breathing practice. Then bliss out with spa treatments like Euphoria, a 100-minute total-body relaxing treatment.

Instructors at Canyon Ranch bench press the highest credentials, while many of the chefs hail from the esteemed Culinary Institute of America. The spa offers more courses than your local community college, if the entertaining "Stir-Fry Madness" cooking class doesn't serve up a smile, the "Healing Heartache Through Humor" workshop will. For major changes, enroll in Shape's own Body Positive workshops, or the Tucson campus' Life Enhancement Program, which includes a medical and fitness evaluation/testing, mind-body seminars, nutritional makeovers -- everything except a yummy new boyfriend.

Details: Canyon Ranch in the Berkshires: from $1,820 per person, double occupancy for four nights; Canyon Ranch Tucson: from $1,860 for four-night minimum stay. Includes meals, lodging, all activities and a selection of health and spa services. Call (800) 742-9000 or visit www.canyonranch.com.