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» Spa getaway  |  Explainer  |  Quiz  | Special Report

America's best spa values: Mexico and Canada

By Nicole Alper
Budget Travel

SPECIAL REPORT

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(Budget Travel Online) -- Where are the best values in spa vacation? Budget Travel magazine picked their favorites in different regions around the nation, including some from Canada and Mexico.

Mexico

Hosteria Las Quintas Resort Spa, Cuernavaca
In addition to three heated pools, a gym, and treatments like a volcanic Mayan mud body mask, part of the draw is the spa's proximity to archaeological sites and ecological reserves. A package for $997 includes airport transfers, four nights in a terrace room, an exfoliating body scrub, reflexology massage, and a 30-minute massage. Note: $14 per day is added to the bill to cover gratuities. 877/784-6827, hlasquintas.com.

Rio Caliente, Guadalajara
In a remote pine forest less than an hour west of Guadalajara, Rio Caliente touts its mineral hot springs that rise from an underground volcanic source. Five-Night Treat, $690, includes two massages or facials and a mud wrap. 800/200-2927, riocaliente.com.

Canada

Hills Health Spa, British Columbia
An hour south of Williams Lake, Hills Health offers standard activities -- hiking, swimming, yoga -- along with others befitting its horse-ranch location. Two-Night Couch Potato Package from $311, includes a hayride sing-along, a full-body massage, and all BC taxes. 800/668-2233, spabc.com.

Tigh-Na-Mara, British Columbia
The new Grotto Spa at Tigh-Na-Mara uses indigenous Canadian products, including glacial clay from the Bella Coola River. Two-Night Instant Grotto-Fication Package from $246, includes breakfast daily and one dinner; a one-hour massage, facial, or body wrap; and round-trip transfers from the ferry terminal. 800/663-7373, tigh-na-mara.com.

Spa Eastman, Quebec
An hour east of Montreal, Spa Eastman's 315 acres include nearly 10 miles of hiking trails and gardens that provide produce for the kitchen. $676, three nights' lodging, a naturopathic consultation, stone massage, underwater jet massage, aromatic wrap, and Decléor Body treatment. 800/665-5272, spa-eastman.com.

A note on the prices

Unless otherwise noted, prices listed are per person (based on double occupancy) and include meals, access to spa facilities (fitness centers, pools, sports equipment, etc.), activities, and classes. They generally don't cover spa treatments, taxes, or gratuities. We've quoted the best prices available at press time, but check the websites for deals. Many spas follow a set calendar when it comes to offering discounts; if you don't see anything online, ask the owner or manager when those specials are likely to run.

The standard tip is around 20 percent -- preferably in cash (put it in an envelope at checkout or hand it directly to the therapist). Some spas automatically add gratuities to the bill. If you really enjoyed your treatment, give a little extra: More often than not, only a portion of that 15 percent service charge goes to the person who worked on you.

© 2006. Newsweek Budget Travel, Inc.

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