Spa is really a verb. If you want the ultimate spa experience, plan ahead. Look at the website and note the amenities associated so that you can indulge before and after the treatment that is just right for you on that day. Spa days are special occasion days. We all deserve more of them. Grab your friends, your special someone or retreat all by your grateful self into the sport of spa. Read all the treatment descriptions on the websites to narrow down your choice. Signature treatments are just like a restaurant’s signature dish. Experience the local flavor and/or be adventurous with your selection. No cell phones please – give a new meaning to “Out of office.”

Willow Stream

Rated one of the top 3 spas in North America, you receive the most regal of personal treatment at the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess’ Willow Stream spa. The body wraps feel like you are in a down cocoon, rather than the customary saran wrap and the facials feel like a whole body experience. On a cold day in December, with the sound of rain pelting on the roof, behind the soft music, I was actually happy not to be on the golf course.

Make time for the greatest assortment of facility rooms, including the standard dry and steam sauna. The Jacuzzi has a stream of water that can cascade down one wall and the optional cool plunge right next to it so you can alternate between relaxation and invigoration. The Inhalation Room is a new experience. It is dimly lit but you can still see to read. The comfy seating includes puffy cushions for your preferred positioning. The soft red tone walls are accented by sparse but substantial pottery. At room temperature, you breathe in the light essence of eucalyptus on your own terms as opposed to the usual blasting in the steam room – a completely soothing environment.

A break for lunch or snacks doesn’t feel like a break from the serene spa, as you lounge in your robe in the upstairs hall. Do check out the special outdoor waterfalls, inspired by the natural Havasupai. Enter the heated pool, complete with spa jets behind the waterfalls and enjoy the different angles of pulsating water to soothe sore spots. Climb the nearby stairs or take the elevator to the roof pool for a great view of Camelback Mountain. This is a spa you want to spend the whole day, to enjoy the many amenities at a leisure pace, between multiple treatments. You won’t regret it. See more at www.willowstream.com

The Joya

Fairly new, The Joya Spa at Montelucia’s Intercontinental Hotel offers a very unique experience. Walk through the door of this Morrocan resort spa and you have traveled through time and space. The entry’s domed ceiling appears like the Taj Mahal. As you ascend the gorgeous winding stair case, you transcend to a different world. The dimly lit hallway leads to the treatment rooms via the Joy of Purification room which also has a domed ceiling emulating the sky of Granada Spain with 888 stars. This sight alone is worth the trip. Choose from a variety of stones to set the intention of your journey. Check out the website at www.joyaspa.com for a complete listing of unique cultural experiences, including the Hammam warming and serenity rooms.

Agave Spa

The Westin Kierland has much to offer with their traditional Scottish theme that includes golf with optional kilts and a bagpiper, great restaurants, a fun team, water sports pool and the lovely Agave Spa. There you can take advantage of the Jacuzzi, dry and steam sauna in between treatments, sipping lemonade with agave nectar. Special here are the silky soft sheets on the treatment tables, like no other, that give you an instant feeling of serenity. Place your troubles in the Native American basket and they will disappear during your treatment as they hang on the outside door. Now that is healing magic at its finest! More info at www.kierlandresort.com

The Golden Door

The Golden Door Spa at the Boulders in Carefree, Arizona is one of the best in the world with fitness classes, including Tai Chi, taught by Willie (practicing over 50 years) who says we are all beginners. He is the real deal, teaching the feel and flow on your journey of physiology. The new hot and cold rock massage is both relaxing and invigorating. Walk the circular meditation labyrinth to empty your mind before lounging at the tranquil pool sanctuary sipping a Boulders Bellini – champagne, peach and agave nectar. The scenery?- Giant outcroppings that inspired the name and will inspire you with a sense of protection and awe, like a monolithic gladiator. Stay in one of the casitas so you have time to explore the grounds, play golf and dine. www.goldendoor.com

Revive Spa

The JW Marriot Desert Ridge Resort and Spa is impressive throughout with floral arrangements, fruit infused water dispensers and top rated spa services next to the sanctuary pool, lined with double rows of thick tall palms and aptly named. Fitness classes and power walks counter the soothing treatments including Native American “Turquoise Blue Sage body Ritual.” www.spa.jwdesertridgeresort.com

Mirbeau

Mirbeau Inn and Spa in Skaneateles, NY, is the place to book for a French splurge of pampering. Slip into their luxurious white robe, then the courtyard, transposing you into a Monet masterpiece of water lilies. The spa’s warm circular foot pool is transcendent to the royal treatments in store. The outdoor Jacuzzi sits conveniently next to a small bar with small tables and fireplace for an intimate setting. Cozy bedroom fireplaces continue the theme of warmth for guests who stay. www.mirbeau.com

Skana Spa

The award winning Skana Spa offers the old world dignity of the Oneida Nation with upscale amenities and art that pulls it all together. Guests are welcomed by a warm fire pit surrounded by comfy leather seating to transport them to a different dimension. The co-ed mineral pool is refreshing on a warm day while the separate whirlpools, and saunas for each gender soothe at any time. We highly recommend the sage and white pine hot towel massage. www.turningstone.com/spa/skana

Lantana Spa

The JW Marriott is the newest pride of San Antonio, appearing from the TPC Parkway as a modern day castle atop the high hill. All around, the palatial theme mixes ostrich skin barstools, blown glass, Remington motif and nine -pillow beds for guests who stay. Or you can get a taste of the special service at the spa for a day. The Replenish Spa Bistro features herbs grown on the property. Make time to relax by the spa pool. www.jwlantanaspa.com

The Awakening Spa

Rejuvenate at the Awakening Spa in Myrtle Beach’s Anderson Ocean Club. For couples or individuals, a tranquil mineral bath initiates the spa experience in a large private tub before entering the therapy room. Soft music sets the mood. Salon services are also available before or after heading out the door to the beach. www.oceanaresorts.com/hotels/anderson/spa

European Spa, PGA National

After golf at the PGA National (or instead of), work your kinks out at the onsite European Spa, starting with the Waters of the World. First enter the warm Dead Sea salts pool for muscle relaxation, then the Pyrenees Mineral waters from France for skin toning and finish with the pulsation of the Jacuzzi, indoors or out. More tension is relieved by the dry and wet saunas along with a shower that has umpteen nozzles. Among the many treatments offered, the Swedish massage will leave you bumping into walls with limpness. For a treat in Palm Beach, Florida, go to www.thespaatpganational.com