Spas of America, a spa travel Web site, announced its annual ranking of the Top 30 Spas of 2008, based on consumer traffic on its site. Spas of America president Craig Oliver says, "This year's list is a unique cross-section of spa and wellness experiences from across North America, including resort, hotel and destination spas from the United States, Canada and Mexico." More than 650 spas are featured on the Spas of America Web site, and the Top 30 list represents the top 5%.
Topping the list for 2008 is the 100 Fountain Spa at the Pillar and Post set in charming Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, Canada. The 100 Fountain Spa is located in the heart of Niagara's wine region, a year-round destination offering a wide range of cultural and recreational activities, only minutes from majestic Niagara Falls.
No. 2 is the Homestead, situated in the scenic Allegheny Mountains of Virginia. Built in 1892, the Homestead Spa is one of America's most historic luxury spas, still fed by the original hot springs that have attracted travelers since the 1700s.
Third place honors go to the Fitness Ridge Resort & Spa in Ivins, Utah. Set amidst the remarkable red rocks of southwestern Utah, Fitness Ridge is categorized as a destination spa, offering a one week-minimum, results-oriented health, fitness and weight loss program.
Spas of America's Top 30 Spas for 2008
- 100 Fountain Spa at the Pillar & Post, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario
- The Homestead, Hot Springs, Virginia
- Fitness Ridge Resort & Spa, Ivins, Utah
- Abhasa Spa, Royal Hawaiian Hotel, Waikiki Beach, Hawaii
- Rancho La Puerta, Tecate, Mexico
- Mohonk Mountain House, New Paltz, New York
- The Tides Zihuatanejo, Zihuatanejo, Mexico
- Living Waters Spa, Desert Hot Springs, California
- Turtle Cove Spa, Mountain Harbor Resort, Mount Ida, Arkansas
- The Boulders Resort & Golden Door Spa, Carefree, Arizona
- Aspira Spa, The Osthoff Resort, Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin
- Willows Lodge & Spa, Woodinville, Washington
- Bernardus Lodge, Carmel Valley, California
- Secret Garden Spa, Prince of Wales, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario
- Red Mountain Spa, St. George, Utah
- Anara Spa, Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort, Hawaii
- Crystal Springs Resort, Vernon, New Jersey
- Miraj Hammam Spa, Vancouver, British Columbia
- Pala Casino Spa & Resort, Pala, California
- Grotto Spa, Tigh-Na-Mara Spa Resort, Parksville, British Columbia
- Spa Terra, Meritage Resort at Napa, Napa, California
- Chrysalis Inn & Spa, Bellingham, Washington
- Park Hyatt Toronto, Stillwater Spa, Toronto, Ontario
- Two Bunch Palms Resort & Spa, Desert Hot Springs, California
- Ancient Cedars Spa, Wickaninnish Inn, Tofino, British Columbia
- The Heartland Spa, Gilman, Illinois
- Spa Avania, Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort, Scottsdale, Arizona
- Health Spa Napa Valley, Inn at Southbridge, St. Helena, California
- Temple Gardens Mineral Spa, Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan
- Bonneville Hot Springs Resort & Spa, North Bonneville, Washington