BestSpa

Canyon Ranch is nominated for a Luxist Awards' Readers' Choice Award for Best Extended-Stay Spa. Canyon Ranch is the recipient of countless awards and accolades for its innovative approach to health, wellness and holistic and integrative care, as well as for the uniquely relaxing and inspiring experience it provides.

In 1978 Mel Zuckerman was 40 pounds overweight and had asthma, high blood pressure, a hiatal hernia, ulcers and diverticulitis. He had never exercised, had poor nutrition and his primary goal was to succeed in his home building business. His father had recently passed away as a result of cancer from smoking. His grief was mixed with the fear he was heading down the same path as his father.

Zuckerman checked himself into the Ojai Ranch & Spa for a 10 day stay to learn how to get on track. There, he exercised and ate right. He noticed how great he felt and extended his stay to a month. "After that I never looked back," he says. After he returned home, he and his wife, Enid, launched a dream to make healthy living their business---and hence Canyon Ranch was born.

Canyon Ranch opened in the Sonoran Desert and the mountains in 1979 in Tucson, Arizona. It was a radical idea at the time---a comprehensive, healthy living resort with no smoking or alcohol. Within a few years, Canyon Ranch had gained a strong reputation and was influencing the evolution of spas around the world.

Gallery: More from Canyon Ranch

Founded in 2007, The Grand Del Mar and its 249 guestrooms are tucked between the rolling fairways of a Tom Fazio-designed golf course near San Diego, Calif. The resort's 21,000-square-foot spa was created with Renaissance sensibilities in mind, from its earthy colors to is crystal glass tiles and imported white Carrera marble. Framed Hermés scarves and vintage photos of Venice adorn the walls; sauna rooms, an indoor Jacuzzi and a stone fireplace beckon.

Gallery: More from the Spa at the Grand del Mar

Inside the spa's 11 treatment rooms – including a couples' suite – guests receive a host of natural therapies, including facials, hydrotherapy and body treatments. For the body, treatments include "Renaissance," a bath of mineral mud and warm oil proceeded by a warm body wrap and rosemary-infused Swiss shower, topped off with a stretching massage (90 minutes: $310). All treatments at the Spa utilize The Grand Del Mar Skin and Body Care Collection, a private label of botanical and aroma therapy-based facial and body wellness products. The entire product line is handmade and organic (products are for sale exclusively at the Spa Boutique).

For the face, options include "Luminous," a combination of a pressure-point massage and a nutrient-rich facial (90 minutes: $270), as well as "Art for Art's Sake," an exfoliating facial followed by a neck, shoulders, face and scalp massage done with warm oils (90 minutes: $270). Not a bad way to end the day after 18 holes.

Cast your vote for your favorite spa until March 31st. Winners will be announced on April 1.

One&Only Palmilla has been nominated for a Luxist Awards' Readers' Choice Award for Best International Spa.

The property, which is part of the One&Only luxury resorts brand owned and operated by Kerzner International, has long been a favorite retreat for Hollywood celebrities and savvy travelers alike since it originally opened in 1956. One&Only Palmilla is located in Los Cabos, Mexico and offers dramatic views of the Sea of Cortéz. It recently completed an extensive, $120 million expansion and renovation project.

The resort's One&Only Spa is a luxurious indoor/outdoor 22,000 square foot facility inspired by the artistic and architectural themes of Mexico with stunning natural vistas of the Baja landscape. The spa is comprised of six buildings surrounded by lush landscaping and features 13 private treatment villas, accommodating either one or two people – allowing guests to enjoy their spa regime in complete sanctuary, whether for a few hours or a half-day.

Gallery: More from the One&Only, Pamilla, Los Cabos, Mexico

Exhale, a nominee for a Readers' Choice Award for Best Day Spa is widely recognized for revolutionizing the day spa business.

Exhale is a brand synonymous with transformation and healing. In just six years, Exhale has earned a position as a leading lifestyle brand in the health and wellness space. Exhale's large and dedicated following is a result of its proprietary transformational programs and services, seasoned team of industry veterans, and hand selected healers dedicated to helping guests on their journey to inner and outer well-being.

Exhale's active and multi-disciplinary approach combines fitness and movement with spa and healing therapies in a modern, tranquil day spa setting. Transformational group fitness classes include yoga and its proprietary Core Fusion®, Core Fusion® Sport, and Core Fusion® Yoga classes and personal training. Along with relaxing massages and restorative body therapies, results-oriented facials include a full range of body scrubs and massages using the latest technological advances, and healing services that include detox and cleansing programs, acupuncture, cupping, and nutrition. Grooming services, including waxing, nail care, eye care, workshops, and destination weekend retreats round out its unique service offerings.

Gallery: More from Exhale

Deep within the lush rain forest of Costa Rica, Tabacón Resort is a nominee for a Luxist Awards' Readers' Choice Award for Best International Spa. Tabacón Grand Spa & Thermal Resort is committed to sustainable tourism with a core mission that includes the protection and improvement of the environment.

Tabacón Resort is an oasis embedded in a primary rain forest, featuring twelve natural thermal spring pools and lagoons, waterfalls, exotic gardens and trails. Geologically, Tabacón Resort's hot springs are 97% rain-based and 3% magma-based. The resort is a three hour drive (150 km) north of the San José International Airport. The resort sits near the base of Arenal Volcano, and is surrounded by the wildly diverse flora and fauna of the tropical rain forest.

Gallery: More from the Tabacon Grand Spa Thermal Resort

Gallery: More from the Peninsula Hotel, Hong Kong

Developed by industry giant ESPA, the spa offers body treatments and skincare with techniques borrowed from European and Asian tradition. The establishment's 14 rooms are adorned with reclaimed wood, green bamboo and indoor waterfalls; most offer views of the shimmering skyline on the other side of Victoria Harbor.

Treatments include "De-Stress," a massage with frankincense oils and a skin-specific facial (120 minutes: $250), as well as "Time Together," a couples' aromatherapy massage complete with full-body exfoliations and a steam bath (120 minutes: $650). If that's not enough relaxation, have afternoon tea in the lobby or dinner at iconic onsite restaurant Felix, which was designed by Philippe Starck.

Cast your vote for your favorite spa until March 31st. Winners will be announced on April 1.

Is there an extended-stay spa with a program that changed your life for the better? Is there a great spa that caters to men with unique programs or treatments? Which international spa is really worth traveling to, even if it is thousands of miles away from home? Is there a luxurious day spa that you believe is the best one around? Which spa do you think offers the best green practices while also offering luxurious surroundings and state-of-the-art treatments? If you can recommend the best spas around the world, we want to hear from you!

The Luxist Readers' Choice Awards for Best in Spas will be awarded based on your nominations and voting. We're currently seeking nominations for the best-of-breed in the following categories:

Best Day Spa
Best Green Spa
Best Extended-Stay Spa
Best International Spa Retreat
Best Men's Spa

One nomination per category, please. Submissions can be filed until March 15, 2010. Winners will be announced on April 1, 2010.