I had found Nirvana. Only temporarily, of course as everything on earth is temporal. But a chilly swim in the heated pool of the La Posada de Santa Fe under a moonlit January sky ending in a luxurious dip in the hot tub was about as close to heaven as I'll ever get. I had come to Santa Fe to celebrate an anniversary by feasting on the unique Southwest cuisine the city is famous for, feeding my senses with the incredible collection of art found all over town and nurturing my spirit with a couple of invigorating hikes north of the city near Abiquiu. I had not anticipated being lured into the "spa" scene. I had booked the La Posada primarily because the "resort" has always been my family's favorite place to stay. Just two short blocks from Santa Fe's historic square, the hotel is worlds away in ambiance- woodsy and sprawling on six lush acres. The La Posada had just reopened in the summer of '99 after an extensive renovation which produced the "spa." I was very eager to check the place out.

To my surprise and pleasure, the "new" La Posada Resort and Spa was first rate. The historic integrity and grace of the original inn had been maintained while the buildings and grounds had been raised to new heights of grandeur and hospitality. Upon checking in at the Staab House, the former mansion of the first owners, I learned that my room had been upgraded to a suite compliments of the manager. There are times when being in the travel business has its rewards. As I entered the living room of the suite, I was pleased with its traditional Southwest decor with a modern twist - adobe fireplace, fully stocked pinewood wet bar, overstuffed sofas and Navajo rugs. A separate bedroom with TV, VCR and radio hidden in an elegant armoire, a huge closet, a sitting area with a writing desk and a tile bathroom completed the picture. I was a happy camper and fantasized about staying for a week or more. Maybe even for good.

The Spa was the real treasure. Billed as "an oasis for the senses in the heart of Santa Fe," the facility is named "Avanyu" in tribute to the Native American culture signifying the importance of water to the Southwestern peoples. The treatment area soothingly decorated in "Zen" fashion features 5 massage rooms, 2 facial rooms and one Spa wet room. One can indulge in an array of services such as custom and aromatherapy massages, body treatments such as adobe mud wraps and Anti-stress Sandia wraps. There's even a promising "anti-aging" facial offered. The beauty salon tempts one with hair and nail treatments.

The Fitness Room features Cybix workout equipment, free weights, treadmills and a Stairmaster. Adjacent to the Spa is my favorite area, the heated outdoor pool and jetted hot tub. The roof top Spa terrace provides a seasonal juice bar and views of the enchanting La Posada gardens.

My sister, Chris, who was also visiting Santa Fe at the time, could not stop talking about another spa called Ten Thousand Waves, a Japanese health spa, which she had frequented before with her man of the hour, a physicist from Nambe. As I went on and on about Avanyu, she insisted that Ten Thousand Waves was the coolest thing since rosemary mint. We made a date to hike together on Saturday and I agreed to consider joining her at the "Waves" for some sensual pleasure. After two very strenuous hikes proposed by the scientist from Nambe, consummate outdoorsman and hiker, all I could envision for my reward was the pool and hot tub at the La Posada.

North of Abiquiu, we hiked to the Nogales Ruin and climbed into these ancient Indian cave dwellings. Then we literally rock-climbed almost to the top of Pedernales, a huge monolith with a rather unique-looking square top. Heading home at dusk exhausted but feeling that great wave of peace after exertion, we began to discuss our options. Chris decided on a massage at Ten Thousand Waves and I politely bowed out. I longed to swim a few laps in the heated pool at the hotel and sip some wine in the hot tub under the stars. I had visited Ten Thousand Waves on a prior trip to Santa Fe not to pamper myself but to report on the place to a friend back home as we had both heard so much about it. Established long before most Americans knew what a "spa" was, Ten Thousand Waves has provided clients with a Japanese sense of healing and serenity for over 18 years. Located just four miles from downtown Santa Fe on the road that leads to the Santa Fe ski basin, it is a popular spot for locals and tourists alike. Skiers can also enjoy "apres ski" therapy after a hard day on the slopes. Combining a unique Japanese adobe aesthetic with modern technology, Ten Thousand waves offers treatments in an environment that can only be described as "real." Hot tubs, cold plunges, saunas, massage, facials, East Indian therapy, salt glows - - the list of services goes on and on. Recently the spa added eight guest suites named the Houses of the Moon and enchantingly called The Floating World, Emperor's Court, and Townsman Class. A special few will want to stay here.

I returned home from Santa Fe and the peace of the mountains and the La Posada to phone calls, job deadlines and "have to's" as my husband so aptly calls our daily responsibilities. A friend called one morning to say that she had just returned from a fantastic long weekend at the Lake Austin Spa in Austin, Texas. She was happy to report that she was back on track, life was great and she loved herself again. I think to myself. What is it about our modern world that makes us crave these weekends away and spas particularly? Stress, I concluded.

I have read that perhaps the increase in technology has contributed to the mania of the now 21st century - faster lifestyles of email, cell phones, MTV and atomic clocks; less time for "real" time, real life and real touch. We move too fast. We melt down.

My friend was converted. The Lake Austin Spa was glorious and refreshing. Located in the scenic Texas Hill Country, along one of America's beautiful waterways, the spa offers an escape to rejuvenation with a healthy balance of fun activity and relaxation. Spa treatments, hiking, water sports, tennis, cooking demonstrations in the spa kitchen and many other services are provided for 55 guests in the comfort of a country inn. Austin is only a short plane ride or moderate car drive away.

The wide world holds hundreds of spas in a variety of sizes and experiences. I am the proud owner of the "World Spa Directory 2000" in which more than 680 spas and retreats are presented. I am amazed at the diversity for those who seek well-being and renewal.

Jackson Hole, Wyoming boasts a new spa called "Amangani". How exotic it sounds. Palazzo Arzaga in Brascia, Italy is a 15th century monastery, which has been converted to a Saturnia Spa. The Ventana Resort in Big Sur, California, has recently refurbished its spa with an emphasis on body and mind. The centuries old spa tradition continues in Baden Baden, Germany. I guess peoples of all times have needed the cures that spas have miraculously generated. Just how far will we travel for peace and self-care?

Luckily, not too far. Thanks to local gems as Dermatique Salon, Monroyans can do the "day" spa thing in the comfort of one's own home town if that's preferred. A signature spa package includes a "Pamper Me Day" of massage, facial, foot therapy and lunch.

The "Ultimate Escape" includes massage, facial, foot therapy, manicure and lunch. Dermatique promises only the best for a more beautiful you.

So how do we combat the speed of time and the stress that results from faster and faster days with more and more commitments and deadlines? A spa experience can be the perfect antidote enabling a weary soul to re-enter real time and enjoy once again the peace and quiet of inner space. Book one today. Don't you deserve it?