Best Spas for 2011

When it comes to spas, it's that unique quality--as well as the destination--that makes the place worth visiting, whether it's for detox, health and wellness or simply for relaxation and rejuvenation. In this age of ecotravel, for example, there's the Costa Rica spa that started the carbon-neutral trend, and even a UNESCO World Heritage site getaway in the rainforests of St. Lucia. If you're looking to revamp your eating habits while touring Israel, a spa dietician just outside Jerusalem will create a personalized plan for you. Or opt for the unexpected with Japanese hot-spring waters high up on the mountains of Switzerland. We can't, of course, leave out the sumptuous beach spa resorts, be it in Bali or Punta Mita. And there's more, from a South African spa started by jeweler Laurence Graff to a chic inn in California's Russian River Valley. With impeccable service, singular treatments and gorgeous surroundings, each of these nine spas has an edge that sets it apart from the rest.

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