I would be grateful for any help on finding somewhere to recuperate. I have been ill for a few months and, before returning to work, would like to find somewhere which offers a safe place for a single woman to spend a couple of weeks rest and relaxation. Possibly somewhere warm,possibly with therapies, like aromatherapy massages, etc. Would be travelling from the UK . Grateful for any recommendations.

I can't guarantee warm, but I'd still recommend the Grove Park Inn Resort and Spa, in Asheville, North Carolina. The spa is world class and would probably offer anything you could possibly need to relax and recuperate, and Asheville is easily one of the most beautiful cities in America, full of art, natural beauty, and fun things to see and do.

If that grabs your attention, let me know and I can provide more details. Best wishes!

Beth,

I would recommend the Homestead Inn in Hot Springs, Virginia. Very serene location, best service I've ever experienced, and the spa was wonderful. It is more remote than Ashville which would make it more difficult to get to, but much nicer than the Grove Park. Except for the surrounding mountains, I did not think much of Ashville. Good luck!

Beth, I don't know what your budget allows, but if it isn't too much of a concern, then I would highly recommend Canyon Ranch in Tuscon, Arizona. They have so many programs and options to choose from and I'm sure there's one to fit your needs. They have one called life enhancement that you may benefit from since you're recuperating from an illness. The entire staff is extremely knowledgable, supportive, and helpful and they even keep in touch as a follow-up. They do have a website so maybe you could start there.

Thank you all for your suggestions and good wishes. They all sound tempting! I will get down to some detailed research! Thanks so much.

Beth,
Asheville and Virginia are not "warm" right now - even to a Brit. For seclusion consider the arizona place mentioned or if you want more things to do like shopping and restaurants try Palm Springs - it slows down quite a bit now and is still warm.

Red Mountain Spa in St. George, Utah (about 1.5 hour drive from Las Vegas) is beautiful and relaxing. I was just there over Labor Day and loved it.

I was just going to mention Red Mountain Spa! You can check it out at www.redmountainspa.com and see how wonderful it is

The Spas at Ojai in California would be a good match for your needs. A small town hidden in the hills above the Pacific Ocean. Beautiful weather this time of year (warm and sunny). The spas are so relaxing and the staff is very accomodating and warm and friendly. I think you'd enjoy a day in nearby Santa Barbara while you're in the area.

I don't think much of Ashville, either, being as it is a tiny crossroads in Ohio, but as for Asheville... if someone doesn't think highly of it it's because they didn't spend enough time there. Why, with the Urban Trail (winding past 30 displays of outdoor public art), such great architecture (Let's hear it for art deco!), such great natural scenery (Pisgah National Forest, NC Arboretum, Botanical Gardens at UNCA, gardens at Biltmore Estate -- all of them beautiful even in winter), and such great performing arts, shopping, all all around cosmopolitan flavor, what's not to like?

I can't say enough wonderful things about Canyon Ranch in Tucson. Even the standard room is a treat, although I recommend a casita. Your stay is geared toward your needs and wants and everyone is so very nice. The food and selections are very good. You'll probably make new friends and the weather is great.

Thanks for all the advice and suggestions. Much appreciated.