Relax Already! Top 10 Spas

July 20, 2006 — -- Summer is a great time to truly relax. So why not do it in style? "Good Morning America" teamed with Travel + Leisure Magazineto put together a list of the top 10 spa escapes in the country.

1. Mayflower Inn and Spa, Washington, Conn.

Nestled in the rural Litchfield Hills of Connecticut, the stately Mayflower Inn's spa makes an outdoor workout a key component of the spa experience. Steeprock Park has 3,000 acres of trails, which are perfect for a nature hike or some mountain biking. You can try your hand at archery, too. There's also an aerobic class called Pumped-up Playground to burn fat. You can also step up to the Ballet Bar for better posture and alignment, or try aqua Pilates to work on your abs.

It's all part of the Mayflower's philosophy that summoning all the senses, not just calming them, leads to a greater state of restfulness.

"We like to say we address the five senses in the hope of invoking the sixth, which is more intuition and makes you feel comfortable in what you want to get our of your experience," said Lisa Hedley, Mayflower's creative director.

The spa program is tailored primarily to women, allowing only 28 at a time for five-day sessions. There's also a 20,000-square-foot spa with eight treatment rooms, where guests can get sweet-violet facials, wild-lime shiatsu massages and many more exotic treatments.

For more information, click here.

2. Miraval Life in Balance, Catalina, Ariz.

This spa, which defines itself as holistic, specializes in couples retreats. It also has special programs such as Life Transitions, Love, Sex and Energy, Mindful Stress Management, Embracing Wholeness and Smoking Cessation Readiness. No matter what you go there for, you'll love the gorgeous swimming pool, the Bodymindfulness Center and the Labyrinth Meditation Walk. There's also horseback riding.

For more information, click here.

3. Sundara Inn and Spa, Wisconsin Dells, Wis.

This is one of the most affordable spas in the country, but it doesn't skimp on pampering -- there are 14 treatment rooms. You can expect delicious, organic spa cuisine from local sustainable farms. If one of the large suites isn't big enough, check out the new villas in the woods -- eight in all -- which are available for ownership and rental.

For more information, click here.

4. Lake Austin Spa Resort, Austin, Texas

The Lake Austin Spa Resort has fitness and relaxation, which makes it a favorite for moms and daughters. In 2004, the resort opened the luxurious 25,000-square-foot Lake House Spa, which offers more than 100 spa and salon treatments. You can lounge at the Palm Pool or do laps in the Pool Barn, a junior Olympic-size indoor pool. The spa's organic Healing Gardens produce more than 1,000 species of plants, herbs, fruits, vegetables, spices and wildflowers.

For more information, click here.

5. Spa at Four Seasons Hotel, New York, N.Y.

Spend the day being pampered at this incredible spa, and you'll feel as if you went away for a week. The spa features four signature treatments: Four Seasons Signature Therapeutic Massage, Big Apple Antioxidant, Botanical Balancer and the Microcurrent Instant Lift.

For more information, click here.

6. Ritz-Carlton, Grande Lakes, Orlando, Fla.

This family-friendly spa emphasizes "health through water" and offers therapies inspired by different nations and cultures. With 40,000 square feet dedicated to rejuvenation, you can't help but relax. There's also a 4,000-square-foot heated outdoor pool.

For more information, click here.

7. Cal-a-Vie, Vista, Calif.

Although it's just 40 miles north of San Diego, this spa really lets you get away from it all, as it's on 200 private acres. There are only 24 guests at a time, and a four-to-one staff-to-guest ratio, so personal attention is a big part of the experience. They'll even give you workout clothes, which takes the worry out of packing.

For more information, click here.

8. Inn at Palmetto Bluff, Bluffton, S.C.

Just minutes from Savannah and Hilton Head, this elegant inn offers spa treatments for men and women. This area is known for its world-class golf, and golfers will appreciate the massages and spa treatments it offers.

For more information, click here.

9. Green Valley Spa, St. George, Utah

If you want an unforgettable setting, then this spa is for you. It offers daily hiking to state and national parks such as Zion, Bryce and the Grand Canyon and Snow Canyon, as well as mountain biking, rock climbing and horseback tours of the red rock areas. The spa also offers golf.

For more information, click here.

10. Hotel Valley Ho, Scottsdale, Ariz.

This retro-chic hotel specializes in spa services and fresh-air workouts. You can relax, exercise or do both.

For more information, click here.