By David Lukas

When America's first destination spa opened in 1940, no one had any idea how popular these spas would become. Today, as our lives have grown more complex, people are flocking to spas to heal and rejuvenate. A visit to one of these spas this winter will leave you energized and remind you of what it means to be truly pampered.

Hoodoo Rock formations in the Slickrock Area at Zion National Park.
© Richard Cummins. Lonely Planet Images.

Crossing the Golden Door

The Golden Door in Escondido, Calif., is not only one of America's original destination spas, but it also sets the bar by offering truly exquisite personal attention in a stunningly beautiful private setting. Arranged in the style of ancient Japanese inns with wooden walkways that connect serene garden courtyards, waterfalls and bathhouses, the Golden Door opens up a world of health consciousness and inner reflection that few of us ever experience. With four staff members catering to each guest, expect unparalleled attention and guidance during your week’s stay here. ($7,750 per week)

Working Out the Kinks

Red Mountain Spa in St. George, Utah, offers everything you could ask for in a destination spa: fantastic sunny days, sparkling mountain air, breathtaking scenery, a full slate of outdoor activities, gourmet food and top-notch spa treatments. After a day hiking, biking and adventuring in the red rock canyons near Zion National Park, saunter indoors for a refreshing round of soaks, massages and skin treatments made from local mineral-rich clays, salts, oils and flower essences. This might just be a slice of heaven. (Overnight packages range from $312 to $588; spa treatments extra)

Forget traveling to Aspen, Palm Springs or Miami Beach for your next spa treatment — check out the first destination spa in the Midwest instead. Nestled in a peaceful 26-acre forest, Sundara Inn & Spa, in Wisconsin Dells, Wis., has been rated the most eco-conscious resort in America and also one of the most romantic spas. Many of Sundara's beauty products are produced on-site from ancient Cambrian sands excavated on the spa's grounds. If you're visiting with a friend, relative or spouse you may want to check out the spa's dual-treatment rooms, where two people can get the same superb treatment at the same time. (Overnight stay plus a day of treatments, $239)

Home On the Range

A healthy hideaway awaits you at the Lake Austin Spa Resort in the hill country just west of Austin, Texas. Set in a gorgeous location amid luxuriant gardens of flowers herbs and native plants on the shores of Lake Austin, this 25,000-square-foot spa pampers its guests with more than 100 different treatments and therapies. Try a pumpkin body wrap ($295) or a rosemary sea-salt scrub ($130). Sneak away from Austin for a half-day treatment, stay as long as you want, or take advantage of their special offers for mothers and daughters, mothers-to-be, or brides and grooms. You'll discover why readers of "Conde Nast Traveler" rated this spa their second favorite in the country. (Call or visit the Web site for rates and special offers.)

Sparks Lake and South Sister, Oregon cascades.
© Greg Gawlowski. Lonely Planet Images.

Off the Trail and Into the Woods

For something truly out of the ordinary, journey to the Breitenbush Hot Springs Retreat and Conference Center, hidden deep in the old-growth forests of Oregon's Cascade Mountains. Formerly a hippie enclave, Breitenbush has recently gone upscale while preserving much of its relaxed communal spirit. However, this is no swank, high-end resort, just a rustic, homespun, worker-owned cooperative that combines quiet spiritual work with warm community gatherings. Built around famous hot springs, Breitenbush offers massage and other healing arts in addition to more than a 150 classes a year taught by some of the world’s foremost New Age leaders and healing arts practitioners. Overnight prices range from $47 to $80 per person and include three organic vegetarian meals, 24-hour access to the hot springs and daily well-being programs; specialized treatments, massages and therapies are extra.

For the most up-to-date information call or visit each spa's Web site before you book your relaxing retreat.

Bio: David Lukas is a professional naturalist who lives just outside Yosemite National Park. He leads nature tours and writes about the plants and animals of places ranging from Borneo and Tanzania to Nova Scotia.

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