Affordable Spa Vacations Around the World

Nov. 26, 2012— -- intro: Now that you've survived Thanksgiving dinner and Black Friday, why not take a little time for yourself, especially if you have vacation days to burn before Dec. 31? It's the perfect time for a spa getaway. We found eight hotels with great spas that are extremely affordable (even at the most expensive hotel, rooms start at $125/night*) and rated highly by TripAdvisor travelers.

*Prices taken from TripAdvisor.com on Nov. 19, 2012.

quicklist: 1category: Jaco, Costa Ricatitle: DoceLunas Hotel, Restaurant and Spa, $125 and upurl: http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g309271-d556372-Reviews-DoceLunas_Hotel_Restaurant_Spa-Jaco_Province_of_Puntarenas.htmltext: The word "paradise" comes up very frequently in TripAdvisor reviews of DoceLunas. "From the moment we arrived … my girlfriend and I were in paradise," wrote one reviewer; another called DoceLunas "a hidden paradise in Jaco Beach, much nicer than the other resorts in the area." Many TripAdvisor travelers praised the free yoga classes, beautiful grounds and huge rooms. And one traveler who visited last year wrote, "We traveled just before Christmas, and the hotel was nearly empty."media: 17811326

quicklist: 2category:Cornwall, England title:St. Moritz Hotel, $125 and upurl: http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g315947-d969548-Reviews-St_Moritz_Hotel-Wadebridge_Cornwall_England.htmltext: The St. Moritz, a family-friendly hotel in Cornwall, has a small but excellent spa. "I treated myself to a well-deserved full body massage, and I still feel like I'm walking on air," wrote one guest. And while treatments use top-shelf products from the Cowshed line, one TripAdvisor reviewer said the aestheticians "are lovely, friendly and informative about products without forcing you to buy them" -- a rarity at a spa. "It managed to surpass expectations on every front," wrote another traveler.media: 17811408

quicklist: 3category:Palm Springs, Calif. title: Andreas Hotel and Spa, $109 and upurl: http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g32847-d529370-Reviews-Andreas_Hotel_Spa-Palm_Springs_California.htmltext: "As you enter … you get a 'secret hideaway' feel," wrote a TripAdvisor traveler who had a great stay at Andreas Hotel and Spa in Palm Springs. Spa treatments get very high marks from reviewers, who particularly recommend massages, mineral jacuzzi baths and reflexology. As another traveler wrote, it's the perfect place for "a romantic weekend or special celebration."media: 17811293

quicklist:4category:Puerto Vallarta, Mexicotitle: Sunset Plaza Beach Resort and Spa, $102 and up url: http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g150793-d1917232-Reviews-Sunset_Plaza_Beach_Resort_Spa-Puerto_Vallarta_Pacific_Coast.html

text: "This is a beautiful property, very quiet, serene and peaceful," wrote one TripAdvisor traveler. Small luxurious touches abound -- including a scent menu. "Your room is scented each time it is cleaned, and it's so nice," wrote another. The hotel spa gets high marks as well. "My wife and I both had the 80-minute massage plus 25-minute facial -- bliss!" wrote one happy traveler.media: 17811429

quicklist:5category:Santa Teresa, Costa RicaHorizon Ocean View Hotel and Yoga Center, $100 and up url: http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g635538-d675270-Reviews-Horizon_Ocean_View_Hotel_and_Yoga_Center-Santa_Teresa_Province_of_Puntarenas.html

text: Yoga devotees will have a blast at Horizon Ocean View Hotel and Yoga Center in Costa Rica. "All of the teachers were spot-on, super helpful and the classes were challenging," wrote one happy TripAdvisor traveler. Another said, "Even as novice yoga participants, we felt welcome and thoroughly enjoyed it." After yoga, try a tahini and pineapple shake in the café, or just enjoy "hanging out in the hammocks on the porches."

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quicklist:6category:Desert Hot Springs, Calif.title: Living Waters Spa, $99 and up url: http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g32293-d293077-Reviews-Living_Waters_Spa-Desert_Hot_Springs_California.html

text: Living Waters Spa in Desert Hot Springs is a clothing-optional resort -- which, obviously, is not everyone's definition of a relaxing getaway. But one TripAdvisor reviewer wrote, "This is a great place to try it out, as it is a first-rate retreat where you will feel safe, respected and welcomed." Judging from Living Waters' TripAdvisor reviews, many, many guests are repeat customers.media: 17811382

quicklist:7category:Truth or Consequences, N.M.Sierra Grande Lodge and Spa, $99 and up url: http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g47241-d271953-Reviews-Sierra_Grande_Lodge_Spa-Truth_or_Consequences_Sierra_County_New_Mexico.html#REVIEWS

text: "You get the 'spa treatment' here 24/7. For example, we came down late to breakfast one day, and they insisted on setting all the food back up, just for us," wrote one TripAdvisor traveler. Another said, "Nothing is hurried. The emphasis is on soaking in the spa's numerous pools fed from the hot springs, one of which is outside. Massages are popular, too."media: 17811393

quicklist:8category:Santorini, Greecetitle: Best Western Museum Spa Wellness Hotel, $54 and up url: http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g482941-d289539-Reviews-BEST_WESTERN_Museum_Spa_Wellness_Hotel-Oia_Santorini_Cyclades.html

text: For an exotic getaway at a truly incredible price (rooms start at $54/night!), head to the Best Western Museum Spa Wellness Hotel in Santorini. TripAdvisor travelers call the hotel "private, tranquil and serene" and say the hotel spa offers amazing services. "I had some wonderful facial and therapeutic reflexology treatments while my husband enjoyed the traditional massages. After a hot day at the beach it was very nice to relax in the caring hands of the very well trained therapists," wrote one traveler.

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