Top Stress-Busting Caribbean Island Spas

Aug. 11, 2008 -- With summer winding down are you feeling a little tense? Stressed out? Are you craving your next vacation? Now is the perfect time to plan a trip to the Caribbean, where some of the top spas in the world are offering some serious pampering.

Depending on the experience you're looking for there are seven different spa destinations to choose from and each one is on a different island. So whether you're searching for a relaxing escape, a jungle adventure or just a cool place to kick back, these spas will spoil you rotten.

RESORT: Rosewood Little Dix Bay

WHY GO?

The Spa at Rosewood Little Dix is known as one of the most beautiful places to relax in the Caribbean. Nestled in a lush tropical garden, perched high on a cliff overlooking the sea, the spa is surrounded by breathtaking scenery. The resort features luxurious villas, three great restaurants and a secluded beach.

TOP 3 TREATMENTS:

DON'T MISS: Trying the local Bush tea

INSIDER TIP: Take your camera to the spa. The view from the infinity-edge pool is amazing!

INFO: www.littledixbay.com.

RESORT: Curtain Bluff

WHY GO?
This new spa is built into a bluff overlooking the ocean where you can see the nearby island of Montserrat. This is an intimate spa experience with only five treatment rooms surrounded by open-air walkways and waterfalls. The 72-room, all-inclusive resort consistently wins top honors in the Caribbean.

TOP 3 TREATMENTS:

DON'T MISS: Relaxing in the spa's 10-person hot tub overlooking the water.

INSIDER TIP: Try the ginger "shots" before treatments to help cleanse the body.

INFO: www.curtainbluff.com.

RESORT: Peter Island Resort

WHY GO?

The Spa at Peter Island is one of the most exclusive and luxurious spas in the Caribbean. This spa's private island setting offers the ultimate escape. The spa menu is filled with luscious treatments using local ingredients like West Indian honey and fresh coconut. The Peter Island Resort has been named one of "The Best Places to Stay in the World" by Conde Nast Traveler and recently finished a multimillion-dollar renovation.

RESORT: Regent Palms Turks & Caicos

WHY GO?
Just a short trip from the United States, the Regent Spa is a world-class oasis. This peaceful 25,000-square-foot spa features stand-alone treatment rooms surrounded by water. At this discriminating resort all 72 rooms are generous suites. The property sits on the world-famous Grace Bay Beach that's often voted the most beautiful beach in the world.

TOP 3 TREATMENTS:

DON'T MISS:A walk on the beach at sunrise or sunset.

INSIDER TIP: To pamper your palate dine at the resort's Parallel 23 restaurant for an unforgettable culinary experience.

INFO:www.regenthotels.com/palms

RESORT: Ka'ana Boutique Resort

WHY GO?
This gem in the jungle is one of the Caribbean's best-kept secrets. The tiny resort and spa is only minutes away from ancient Mayan ruins along the Belize/Guatemala border. The resort has 15 cottages surrounded by avocado and papaya trees and the spa is just steps from the pool. You can have your treatments in a traditional spa room setting or out by the pool or on your private terrace.

TOP 3 TREATMENTS:

DON'T MISS:Going cave tubing or visiting nearby Mayan ruins.

INSIDER TIP: Do your exploring in the morning to beat the heat and humidity.

INFO:www.kaanabelize.com

RESORT: Maxim Bungalows

WHY GO?
This resort and spa in Puerto Plata is the first five-star all-inclusive property in the Dominican Republic. It's also an adult-only resort so it's the perfect place for a quiet spa getaway. The 17,000-square-foot spa features more than 35 fabulous treatments and has a beauty salon. Private in-room treatments are also available.

RESORT: Caneel Bay

WHY GO?
The Self Centre at Caneel Bay is a renowned wellness center specializing in therapeutic retreats that concentrate on healing your mind, body and soul. All of the Centre's treatments are 75 minutes long so you have time to completely unwind and relax. The offerings you'll find here are very unique including everything from astrology consultation to couple's communication classes.

TOP 3 TREATMENTS:

DON'T MISS:Trying one of the yoga experiences.

INSIDER TIP: Sign up for a complimentary nature walk.

INFO: www.caneelbay.com

For a stress-free spa vacation, make sure you book your spa treatments before you arrive. Spa directors say especially with the smaller spas times can fill up fast and you don't want to risk missing out.

For more spa vacation ideas go to Karen Schaler's Travel Therapy Web site at www.traveltherapytrips.com