Two girlfriends and I are talking about planning a long weekend at a resort-type health and fitness spa. None of us have ever been to one and have no ideas about where to go. Cost isn't a huge issue, because we know these places are not cheap. We're interested in places that have exercise and yoga classes, healthy food, manicures/pedicures, facials, massages, outdoor activities, etc. We have heard that the best ones tend to be in the west, but we don't know where to start. Have any of you done this and what can you recommend? Thanks!

Canyon Ranch, in either the Berkshires (western Mass.) or Tucson, AZ. I've gone on girl trips several times to both. Each has everything you are looking for.

Grove Park Inn in Asheville, NC. It's like a dream

Both Canyon Ranch and Grove Park are fabulous...and fabulously expensive. If cost is an issue at all, you might want to look at www.spafinders.com which rates spas for several different characteristics (hiking, weight loss, treatments, etc.) Safety Harbor in FL, Green Valley Spa in UT are both good options for less money.

Safety Harbor is a good spa but can not compare to Canyon Ranch. LMF

Another vote for Canyon Ranch. Both my wife and I give a solid endorsement. (Yes, men can enjoy it too!)

Lake Austin Spa in Austin Texas. It is a quaint spot that has just undergone millions of dollars of renvations and has vaulted it into the one of the top spas in the country. It's very laid back relaxed and casual. a wondeful charming place.

The Oaks at Ojai in Ojai California.

I also second the recommendation for www.spafinder.com

I went to the Canyon Ranch spa at the Venetian and was so impressed. I can't imagine how good the original is but I'd like to find out

Ditto on The Grove Park Inn.

I have never been to the Grove Park Inn, but I've heard it's very nice. I have been to many other beautiful hotels that have spas (Arizona Biltmore, Homestead, Pebble Beach, etc) and I love those places, but if you're looking for a true health spa experience, being at a place like Canyon Ranch (and other serious health spas) is totally different.

If you are interested in the whole healthy lifestyle thing and you want to be totally immersed in lots of exercise, yoga, all healthy food (but, yummy), wellness classes, hiking and biking and with all that the reward of some pampering at the end of the day...that's Canyon Ranch. If you just want to be pampered, maybe a hotel spa would be a better choice.

Thanks so much to everyone for the suggestions. I don't think we'll be able to do Canyon Ranch this time, but hopefully someday! I think we're going to look into the spa in Austin, thanks so much for that recommendation. You guys are great!

Consider this one for the future in Western PA
nemacolin.com

From the website:

"Top 10 Spas in North America," Travel & Leisure
"40 Best Spas in North America," Condé Nast Traveler

Red Mountain Spa in St. George, Utah. Wonderful place! It has everything you mentioned. I met a bunch of girlfriends there and we had a fabulous week!

Check out Unite Fitness Retreat in SLC, Utah.