I have always thought of a Spa Vacation as the ultimate indulgence. Imaginee a vacation that focuses on you and you alone. The chance to concentrate on your personal health and fitness, with plenty of relaxation along the way. This was our exciting journey to Green Valley Spa. A wonderful place to relax unwind and immerse ourselves into a truly unique vacation. A spa vacation--the perfect mother daughter get away—and lucky for me, my daughter, LeeAnne was a willing participant.

Rather than check in at a counter we started with a 5-minute relaxing hand massage—just enough to get you wanting more. There are 45 well appointed Casita’s each surrounding one of the two swimming pools, colorful landscape and fountains within each courtyard. We took pleasure in our comfortable accommodations, our room had skylights above the beds to gently wake us each morning and the best of linens, the décor clean, cozy, white and earth tones and a hint of southwest flavor throughout. The casual atmosphere helped us enjoy this easy going vacation—forget your make-up we even had guests wearing their robes to lunch or dinner if they pleased. Green Valley spa is truly a small luxury resort with that personal touch located in the southwest corner of Utah. The location is in a country club area surrounded by beautiful red-rock canyons with Zion national Park nearby.

I found the food delicious and nutritious. They offer low calorie (approx 1,500 per day) gourmet cuisine and have adopted the South Beach Diet into their menu for those who prefer. Green Valley continues to receive top ratings for their menu. Tell me if this doesn’t get your month watering? I enjoyed Asian Shrimp Patties with Almond Basil sauce, glass noodle salad and Napa Slaw or how about a Rack of Lamb Achiote with white grits roasted red pepper coulis with bean harmony and chipolete glace de veande. Possibly not the spa menu you thought?

With beautiful vistas and amazing scenery I would suggest starting each day on a guided hike. The hikes are divided into three categories based on fitness level:

* The "Strenuous" hikes generally exceed six miles and consist of rugged topography with steep inclines requiring a relatively high level of fitness. Strenuous hikes usually take at least four hours and generally don't return to the spa until noon.

* The "Fitness" hikes cover less mileage than the advanced, and usually don't include terrain that requires difficult footwork. However, the fitness trails often cover areas with steep slopes that may suggest that you check your fitness level beforehand. "Fitness hikes" take around two hours to complete.

* The "Trail Hikes" consist of relatively level terrain with easy access and minimal impact or physical exertion. They generally last about an hour. All the hikes have been chosen for their beauty and accessibility.

Guests can do as little or as much as you prefer. It was a great place to try health and fitness classes that have intrigued us, but we had not had the chance to experience. The trainers were helpful fun and energetic—for a few of the classes we were the only ones there, this was a chance for one on one instruction. With only 45 Casitas the classes are always small and intimate. Here is a sampling of the classes we experienced-Aquacise-a perfect way to cool down after the hike, Candlelight Yoga-very relaxing, Cardio La Cha Cha-a fun way to get a great work out, Mat Pilates-perfect for strengthening, lengthening and toning our body core, Tai Chi-we felt like we were at a park in China focusing on our yin and yang and Meditation-to clear our mind and clam our inter-self.

We enjoyed several spa treatments. The Lomi Lomi Hawaiian Massage-Kauhie our therapist used soft inner arm in rhythmic movements to create a dance of long gliding and stretching strokes--hands, fingertips, knuckles and elbows for deeper pressure. Soothed with the luscious scent and sounds of the Aloha Islands and the traditional Hawaiian healing motions. Everyone was raving about the Steaming Stones Massage so LeeAnne gave it a go and thoroughly enjoyed it. Smooth warm stones glide over the skin to dissolve tense, tight tissues within. She also experienced the Seven Heavens Aromatherapy-this treatment uses seven pure essential oil blends, each carefully designed to resonate with the oscillating pattern of each chakra. Techniques include light movement over each chakra point and gentle extension, rotation, and rocking to activate lateral points. My additional treatments included the Lymphatic Massage with light flowing strokes over lymphatic byways, scented and detoxifying essential oils to stimulate release of waste residue throughout the body. And the Rapunzel's Secret Hot oil Treatment- in the spa garden beneath a willow tree while my head, neck, and shoulders are gently massaged with a special cream, scalp tenderly stimulated with fingertips, and a warm pack applied to the hair. While the pack works its wonders, you are encased in warm, subtle garden fragrance and lulled by soft breezes. What a perfect end to each day!

There is certainly more to do here than fitness, nutrition and spa treatments. Vic Braden Tennis College is part of Green Valley Spa, one of the top tennis camps—continues to receive top rating from Tennis Magazine each year. They have professionals at the Green Valley Golf learning center to help you improve your game. You can also work on your rock climbing technique.

Each guest starts with a review of their medical history and performs various test to determine a program to explore individual health needs the best fit your health and fitness level. This includes comprehensive blood tests and a bone density test, if you choose.

This spa vacation was everything I hoped for and imagined. It’s time you gave it a try, call James TravelPOINTS 303 442-2340, www.travelpoints.com

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