High-End Health Resorts

Kathleen McKenna February 28, 2007

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What are the benefits of visiting a health resort, as opposed to just signing up with your local gym? According to Maureen “Mo” Smith, a leisure travel specialist and founder of Well on the Way: Healthy, Active Adventure Travel, “the retreat part is significant as it signals that you’re giving yourself the time, the space and the permission to put yourself first. When you’re in a supportive environment 24 hours a day, amazing transformations can happen.”

Naturally, it also helps to be surrounded by every weight-loss resource imaginable. Take veteran health resort Canyon Ranch, with locations both in Tucson and the Berkshires. Depending upon your needs and inclinations, you have the opportunity to meet with nutritionists, M.D.'s, physical therapists, reiki therapists, life counselors, emotional counselors, acupuncturists or fitness experts. With all of these experts literally at your door, the typical hassles in weight management cease to exist.

See our slideshow of high-end health resorts.

In fact, 79 percent of the participants in a recent SpaFinder poll stated that a retreat, or the experience of taking time off from a hectic everyday schedule, is key for ultimately winning the losing game.

In compiling our list of luxury weight-loss getaways, we consulted a slew of travel agents and spa specialists. Some of these establishments were originally destination spas that have recently added weight-loss programs, while others on our list — specifically Clinique La Prairie and the Cooper Wellness Program in Dallas — are slightly more clinical in that they are established medical research centers. The common theme, though, is a serious commitment towards weight loss, coupled with an equally focused effort at luxury.

See our slideshow of high-end health resorts.

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