We all know that money can't buy happiness. But it can buy all sorts of things that contribute to a person's well-being. Like spas. After you've spent ten weeks on a grueling movie shoot, there's nothing like daily massages and pedicures to rejuvenate the body and spirit. Herewith are five of the top choices of the glitterati, when it comes to body-soul indulgence:
The Claremont Resort & Spa (Oakland, California)
If it's tranquility you seek - and isn't that the whole point of this spa thing? - check out the place architect Frank Lloyd Wright called "one of the few hotels in the world with warmth, character and charm." Built in the Victorian era (and upgraded frequently), The Claremont covers a relatively small 22 acres, but what it lacks in span, it makes up for in services catering to the body, mind and spirit. This is a classic spa that attracts classic celebs: Robert Redford, Clint Eastwood and, on the younger side, Matt Damon and Winona Ryder, among others.
L'Auberge Del Mar (Del Mar, California)
Located just north of San Diego, this spa is more a resort hotel than anything else. Among its amenities are eight - count 'em, eight - different kinds of massage, six types of facials, numerous body wraps and something called "balneotherapy". As for the star quotient, L'Auberge has been host to numerous celebrities, including Bonnie Raitt, Demi Moore, Connie Chung and Jane Seymour. And hey, if it's healthy enough for Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman, it's good enough for me.
The Spa at the Banff Springs Hotel (Banff, Alberta, Canada)
Imagine soaking in a hot tub, watching the snow fall softly through pine trees, high amid the Canadian Rockies. Okay, so the word 'pneumonia' springs to mind. It still sounds like heaven on earth. As for the star factor, it's big here: the Canadian Rockies are frequently used for film shoots (The Edge, Mystery, Alaska), and those who have time will stop here before heading back to LA. The Spa is also a popular vacation resort for Hollywood types.
The Golden Door Spa at The Peaks (Telluride, Colorado)
Telluride is one of the major 'in' spots for the wealthy winter vacationer, celebrity or not, and that makes it pretty appealing. But when it comes to baring my soul (among other things) I want to go somewhere I'll feel good about myself and my body. I'm pretty sure that being among a crowd including Christie Brinkley, Whitney Houston, Melanie Griffith, Darryl Hannah and Nicole Kidman would be detrimental to my self-esteem. I wonder if you can bring your own therapist?
The Center of Well-Being at The Phoenician (Scottsdale, Arizona)
At this $300 million Camelback Mountain resort, you might run into anyone from members of the U.S. Olympic "Dream Team" to a member of OJ's defense "dream team," attorney Robert Shapiro. Sure, Kevin Costner and John Travolta have rejuvenated here, but so has George (Pa) Bush. You may run into celebs here, but we can't guarantee they'll be the beautiful kind.
-- Sarah Chauncey 
