MEXICO'S MAGICAL MOMENTS Beyond the frenzy of Mexico City are links to Mexico’s treasured past and unfolding future in the mountain village of Valle de Bravo, over 2,000 meters above sea level. “Valle” (as it is popularly known) was formerly Temascaltepec (Hill of the Hot Baths) where natives practiced spiritual purification, but in 1860 was re-named to honor a great patriot, Nicolas Bravo.

SOAKING UP CHOCOLATE TREATS AT HOTEL HERSHEY Mmmmmm! Chocolate. Eat it as a fine confection. Drink it as a warm, frothy beverage. Or perhaps a piece of chocolate cake or a scoop of chocolate ice cream? There are so many ways to enjoy this tempting sweet made from cocoa beans. Wouldn’t it be great to just be covered in chocolate from head to toe?

THE SCIENCE OF LIFE AT RIVER VIEW SPA “Do you want me to show you how to put on the loin cloth?” asked Dr. Sullivan, owner of the River View Spa in Buckingham , VA.“Yes, please.” I replied. Spa etiquette is very important I had learned the hard way.

FANCY FOOTWORK AT THE RITZ-CARLTON SPA ORLANDO GRANDE LAKES At The Ritz-Carlton Spa, Orlando, Grande Lakes they put their best foot forward and did they ever make an impression ……on my body! Believe me, I asked for it.

BRIGHTON SPA RETREAT SALUTES AYURVEDA A single giant leaf on the signboard tells me I’m there ….at Elemental Embrace, a wellness spa retreat located just 90 minutes east of Toronto . Could this be a symbol of something special? I couldn’t wait to find out.

ESCAPE TO SPA KINGDOM After two cross-continent trips I can't resist Bob Marley's invitation to "Come to Jamaica and feel all right" so here I am. I am in the mood to savor every drop of Jamaican sunshine and restore myself for the new year at The Ritz-Carlton Rose Hall Spa that boasts divine vistas of the private beach and lavish gardens.

A STYRIAN SPA TO REMEMBER This is Friedensreich Hundertwasser at his avant-garde best. It’s the one and only spa resort in the world that inspired his trademark dialogue with architecture: “The straight line is completely alien to mankind, to life, to all creation.”

OH TO SPA IN THE ALPS I dream of the refreshing mountain air, the flowers in the fields and spa serenity as I travel from Vienna to Salzburg. As the taxi driver wends his way uphill it quickly becomes a reality - there is lush greenery everywhere and flowers spill onto the ground silently as I gaze contentedly through the open window.

GEORGE WASHINGTON SOAKED HERE Every day we hear of another horror to worry about. But we brave these threats with solid convictions and a re-invigorated patriotism. Still, letting stress build up doesn’t help anyone. Why not relieve the stress in the same way as one of America’s greatest patriots and the father of The United States?

SPA HAVEN BY THE SEA Treatments are fashioned after the Thalassotherapy Spas in France that promote natural healing with seawater, sea mud and specific seaweed properties. At the first European-style Thalasso Spa in the Caribbean spa-goers can choose from a myriad of body treatments - wraps, scrubs, facials, massages, reflexology, face and body analysis.

SPA!SPA!SPA! THE LAURENTIANS The Laurentians, Quebec: A spa tour is a super idea for a 'get-aquainted' tour of the Laurentians, especially since this region is known for the warm, good-natured reputation of the people of this French Canadian province, Quebec.

MOUNTAIN SPLENDOR AT THALASPA Sainte-Adele, Quebec: High up in the Laurentians ThalaSpa is reigning supreme as the spa with style, European that is. With the arrival of ThalaSpa at Hotel Mont Gabriel guests can expect a getaway that's pure Old World charm intertwined with European elegance.

SEA AND SERENITY AT INFINITY'S AQUASPA To me a spa is heaven on earth, but my latest quest for full-bodied relaxation took me out to sea for an encounter with the most holistic kind.

RELAXARIUM CHATEAU BONNE ENTENTE - A SPA EXPERIENCE IN QUEBEC - Ste. Foy, Quebec - A long time ago when Colonel Charles Hugh Le Pailleur Jones built his palatial residence on this 120-acre estate he had no idea his son, Mowbray, would become an innkeeper in 1950.

SPA DAYS IN THE HUDSON VALLEY - Kerkhonkson, N.Y. Spas are a favorite with me, always. Especially those that promise European-style spa treatments befitting guests who need to relax amidst nature like the 400-acre Hudson Valley Resort and Spa.

SPA ADORATION REIGNS AT HILTON NEW YORK - I find a trip to New York demands attention. Lots of it. Where to stay, what to eat and where to go can be as mind boggling as choosing the right outfits for my trip. But it's always fun to succumb to that secret desire (that some travelers like myself dare to admit) - spa treatments that make you feel like a million dollars on every single occasion.

Get Down Under And Spa - an all-inclusive Solar Springs Health Retreat and spa set in the scenic Australian countryside near Sydney

Pleasures and Treasures at Benmiller Inn - housed  in 19th Century woolen mills, this spa has outdoor activities, a sous chef and wonderful spa facilities

Living the Pure Life In Costa Rica - a 12-acre, mountain top resort where the soul is nurtured with good food and beautiful surroundings. A place of self-discovery where you can develop a lifestyle for lasting health and happiness.

Getting the Star Treatment - meet Bailey, Leo and Tuesday, the resident pets of wonderful innkeepers Norma and John. There is a hidden charm at HighFields, discovered after enjoying a splendid meal in front of a crackling fireplace, while sipping a generous brandy over candlelit tables. A fully-equipped spa found just outside Toronto, Canada.

Spa The World Away At Delawana's Wanakita Wellness Spa- located only 90 minutes north of Toronto on Honey Harbour, this newly-opened facility boasts an Olympic therapist.