Top Weight Loss Vacations    

Miraval is one of the best destination spa resorts in the world, located in Southern Arizona near Tucson. Experience fabulous spa treatments, relax and enjoy the unique Sonoran Desert setting. The resort is surrounded by the Santa Catalina Mountains and located on 400 acres with palms, wildflowers and saguaros. The spa experience is focused on physical, mental and spiritual well being of the guest. Each person's stay is tailored to their individual needs. Guests can attend regularly scheduled nutrition and fitness classes or sign up for one-on-one consultations. Choose from over 100 facial and body treatment options.

There are several swimming pools, including a tri-level pool with cascading waterfalls, acupressure stone walk and whirlpools. Resort amenities include horseback riding stables and two tennis courts. Guests can meditate and relax in the Zen and desert gardens. Golf is offered at The Golf Club at Vistoso, an 18-hole, par-72 golf course about 20 minutes from the hotel. Choose from 117 elegant casitas located on 400 acres. Most guest accommodations feature private patios and are situated in five separate villages within the resort. Features include hand-carved wood furniture, French doors, aromatic amenities and plush robes. The resort tries to accommodate guests' requests for particular rooms or room features.

Food prepared is full of flavor, yet healthy and low in fat and calories. Guests can dine poolside during the day. The Cactus Flower Restaurant offers indoor and terrace dining and is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Located in the Sonoran Desert, the resort offers a year-round warm climate. Enjoy the carefully landscaped acres, unusual plants and spectacular desert sunsets. Because of high temperatures in the summer, the best time to go is in the fall, winter or spring. Miraval is about 40 minutes from Tucson International Airport and offers complementary transportation to and from the airport. Room rates vary according to season. During high season, doubles start at $525 per day. During low season, doubles start at $425. Price includes the use of resort facilities, three gourmet meals daily and access to all scheduled group programs and activities. Guests also get a $130 resort credit to use towards a spa treatment or one-on-one consultation or one round of golf per night of stay (800-232-3969, website).

The Biggest Loser Resort Chicago in Itasca, Illinois is modelled after the hit TV show The Biggest Loser. The weight loss clinic is housed within the Eaglewood Resort, featuring 40 guest rooms, over 100 acres of walking and jogging paths, lakes and a golf course. Guests exercise in the new fitness center and in the indoor pool. You may also like one of the other Biggest Loser Resort locations in Malibu (CA), Ivins (UT) and Niagara (NY). Single rates start at $2,995 per week (website).

Hilton Head Health Weight Loss Spa in South Carolina offers a week-long program featuring healthy food, fitness, education, and world-class amenities. The one-week program includes: access to over 50 different fitness classes, healthy meals, seminars and workshops, a health assessment. You will be given a $400 weekly credit to spend at the resort.

You will be able to learn about fitness and nutrition by participating in fine-dining events and hands-on cooking classes (800-292-2440, hhhealth.com).

Canyon Ranch in the Berkshires is a beautiful all-inclusive destination spa located in western Massachusetts near the town of Lenox. Guests can choose from a number of recreational activities, treatments and health classes. The resort also offers specialized health packages, including stress management, smoking cessation, pain management and others. The 100,000-square-foot complex contains yoga studios, indoor tennis, racquetball and squash courts, indoor swimming pool, jogging track and treatment rooms. The resort offers preventive health care assessments and guidance in the form of private consultations or workshops. If you are interested in learning more about healthy eating, sign up for healthy cooking classes and nutrition consultations.

There is a 50-foot outdoor swimming pool, tennis courts and a ropes challenge course. Activities include hiking, biking, tennis, canoeing, kayaking, sculling, snowshoeing and skiing. Guest accommodations include 126 rooms and suites situated in a modern, two-story inn which has a meditation room and a demonstration kitchen. The Dining Room is located in the historic Bellefontaine Mansion, built in 1897. It serves healthy meals prepared with fresh ingredients. There are many menu choices, including traditional dishes, regional specialties and vegetarian meals. Information about the nutritional content of each item is provided, which helps your learn more about healthy eating.

The property is located on 120 private acres surrounded by woods and rolling hills. The main buildings - the Inn, Spa and Bellefontaine Mansion - are connected by glass-enclosed walkways, making your stay comfortable year-round. Summer is a great time to go to enjoy warm New England weather. In the fall, guests can admire spectacular foliage. The property is 135 miles west of Boston and 150 miles from New York City. The resort provides a complimentary pickup from the Albany or the Hartford/Springfield airport and the Albany train station. All-inclusive rates start at $2,230 per person for 3 nights based on double occupancy (800-742-9000, 413-637-4100, website).

The fitness program at The Ranch at Live Oak, Malibu is as intense as it gets. Guests participate in a series of daily activities and massages at this luxury spa hotel. One week rates for this weight loss spa vacation start at $6,500 per person and include: private accommodations for 6 nights, 7 days of activities, massages, all meals and some evening elective cooking and nutrition classes (theranchmalibu.com).

With Cooper Wellness Programs in Dallas, Texas, you get to choose from 5-day and 2-day weekend getaway retreats which focus on weight loss, physical fitness, stress management and nutritional balance. The 5-day Wellness Week activities include lectures, workshops, two personal training sessions, exercise classes, meals, one dining out excursion and a wellness workbook. The five-day Wellness week costs $2,195 and does not include accommodations (website).

All inclusive week-long programs at the Pritikin Longevity Center in Miami, Florida include accommodations, medical and fitness evaluations, healthy meals, custom classes, education, cooking and extensive facilities. One-week single occupancy rates start at $5,400. Visit pritikin.com and plan your spa fitness trip.

Rancho La Puerta Mexico, located just a few miles from the United States border, and is one of the top destination spas the world. The resort presents a program of balancing Mind, Body and Spirit. The seven day visit starts on a Saturday and is comprised of challenging exercise, stretching, relaxation, and healthy spa eating. Most of the 75 different fitness classes and activities are appropriate for guests at all levels of fitness. Enjoy hiking the 40 miles of trails at the resort, tennis, Tai Chi, Yoga and dancing on your healthy getaway. To calm your mind, engage in meditation and labyrinth walking. In the evenings, this destination spa offers workshops, classes and star gazing.

The resort is situated in its own valley on 150 acres of Mediterranean-style gardens, native trees, olive groves, ponds and fountains. Relax at the Central Pool after a fitness class and head on to one of the 47 health spa treatment rooms for a massage. The hotel has a gardening program at the resort's private organic garden which produces vegetables used for preparing the meals at the spa. Guests interested in gardening can help at the "Tres Estrellas" garden. The resort can accommodate up to 160 guests per week in private cottages opening to adjacent gardens and patios. Each accommodation has unique architecture and is decorated with collections of folk art and bright fabrics.

Menus are primarily vegetarian and reflect the region's culinary heritage. Breakfast and lunch are served buffet style using the organic produce grown at the resort garden. Diners are sit down with wait staff attending. Temperatures are mild in the winter, spring and fall, while summers are quite hot. The resort is about one hour from San Diego and a three-hour drive from Los Angeles. The resort provides scheduled complimentary ground transportation for Saturday arrival and departure to and from the San Diego International Airport. One-week visit from US $2,835. Rates include all classes, meals, evening programs and use of facilities. Spa deals are often available in the off-season (800-443-7565, 760-744-4222, website).