Second homes: A new way to focus on health and fitness

— -- For those who feel that a week-long visit to a spa isn't enough, wellness resorts that combine pampering with fitness and education regimens, as well as medical testing, have flourished. Among those that have made the move from vacation to vacation home include veterans such as Canyon Ranch, Miraval, the Golden Door and the Cooper Aerobics Institute, along with many newcomers.

What differentiates these from traditional fitness centers are dedicated facilities beyond tennis courts, such as elaborate trail networks, pools, medical facilities and even organic farms. The biggest selling point is the vast slate of classes and activities, from motivational group hikes and runs to daily yoga and Pilates classes, often at all hours. There are usually health lectures and demonstrations, and many employ nutritionists and other experts.

"Our communities have wellness as a core value in amenities and services," says Jamie Prince, spokeswoman for the Cliffs Communities, the nation's largest such undertaking, with eight developments along the North and South Carolina border. Four advanced wellness centers have been completed, with a 30-mile "supertrail" hiking system, plus their own organic farm and a partnership with Wake Forest University Medical Center. "We are striving to be the healthiest place in America and have invested an enormous amount of resources in that goal," Prince says.

Fitness specialist Kenneth Cooper's renowned Dallas longevity center recently opened a satellite facility in the Vermont residential ski community Spruce Peak at Stowe. In Westlake Village, Calif., residents can visit the California Health & Longevity Institute, which offers a large staff of doctors, dieticians and fitness specialists. Miraval in Tucson recently added homes — and opened a wellness apartment building in New York City. Enchantment in Sedona, Ariz., has homes and condos and is adding villas, plus a second location at Mexico's Punta Mita golf resort. Canyon Ranch offers residences in Tucson, Miami and Lenox, Mass.