Some travel the globe for history and culture, others in pursuit of the perfect beach, and still others for the joy of food and wine. Then there are those of us who know the sublime pleasure of sinking into an aromatherapy bath, succumbing to a massage with an ocean view, or having an "aahhh" moment with a body scrub made from sensuous local ingredients.

That's what the ideal spa experience is all about--giving in to a few luscious hours of pampering, and being taken care of by someone else for a change. When timed just right, a spa visit can help us beat jet lag, re-tune our bodies for another day of climbing volcanoes or cycling the countryside, and even provide the exclamation point at the end of a spectacular vacation. More important, such moments of pampering are no longer considered frivolous, as more and more travelers realize the physical and mental health benefits of spa treatments. No wonder spas have become the very extravagant focal point of many top-notch hotels, resorts, and cruise lines.

July/August 2014