Spa Spoiler Alert: Resorts Offer Top Notch Rewards to Solos

Getting pampered usually comes with a heavy price.  Even in the best of times, it’s hard to justify the costs of a one hour massage, leading us to fantasize about those extravagant services in far-away places that we read about in luxury travel magazines.

Yet the strain of the recession has not only affected our pockets – longer more stressful workdays and financial uncertainties have tampered with our emotions so deeply that our muscles are aching and our psyches are suffering.  And many in the spa industry, sensing an opportunity, are reacting favorably.

For solo travelers or friends vacationing in pairs the news is good: the rewards being offered by some of the most prestigious and well-known venues are becoming more single and friend focused. If you are looking to indulge in simple pleasures such as rest, relaxation and healing treatments, below is a list of the best bets for your buck.

New Age Health Spa: This holistic retreat in upstate New York is where stressed out, time-starved professionals head to during increasingly rare breaks in the high performance work season. Known by many for its juice fasting program, this laid back retreat also offers an intense spiritual program and is set in the picturesque fresh Catskill Mountains, making it the perfect outdoor escape for nature lovers and outdoor fitness. If you are looking for a weekend escape, special savings are being offered to solos and friends who sign up for a 2 or 3 night stay from now until the beginning of next Summer.

Canyon Ranch: Though most guests of this property are return customers, a visit to a Canyon Ranch property is a once in a lifetime experience. Considered the Mecca of retreats for its highly personalized programs in preventive healthcare, life management, nutrition and fitness, Canyon Ranch is also renowned for its spiritual and spa services. For those who want to skip town during the holiday season or rejuvenate before the New Year Once, you got to love the CELEBRATE YOU offer that is promoted right at Canyon Ranch in Lennox, which secures you single accommodations at the lower double occupancy rate – up to 20% savings on packages for individuals between December 1st-25th.

Rancho La Puerta: For more than 70 years this Mexican-inspired retreat center in California, just below Mount Kuchumaa, has offered refuge from the artificial elements of the world in which we live.  Those who come to Rancho La Puerta are reminded how to live a healthier, more balanced existence by eating nutritiously and exercising naturally. Plus there are creative arts and cooking classes that will round off your stay. Visit them on your own during the week of November 13–20 and enjoy a much lower double occupancy rate. A savings of up to $895!!

White Barn Inn:  If you prefer to travel in pairs or numbers, there are plenty of packages from which you and your friends can choose. Through the rest of the month of October, guests can check into the famous White Barn Inn in Vermont using the “Me and VT Color” promotion where they can revel in the fall foliage while enjoying luxurious services and gastronomic fare, including complimentary dinners and cheese and wine tastings.

Inn and Spa at Loreto: Similarly, gals can break away to the newly renovated Inn at Loreto in Sante Fe where you will receive cash credits towards breakfast ($40) and spa services ($200) as well as an in-room snack plus one on-demand chick flick, perfect for movie night.

Tarranea Resort: As for the guys, L.A.’s oceanfront resort, Tarranea has a links love promotion which includes 4 rounds of golf (2 per person), buckets of beer, chips and salsa upon arrival plus credits at Nelson’s restaurant.