No-snow inter retreats: shed pounds and stress at these three breathtaking desert spas - Ventureout

Shape, Jan, 2004

A visit to a fitness oasis starts the new year off right--it's just the place to find delicious lowfat fare that appears magically at mealtime, along with a fleet of personal trainers, yoga and Pilates instructors, nutritionists, massage therapists and hiking guides at your beck and call, and all in dramatically beautiful (and warm!) natural surroundings. The following three desert spas provide all of the above plus much more: a breath of fresh, sage-scented air and a view of an endless expanse of horizon--a clean slate for stressed and cluttered minds. Our favorite places in Arizona will let you relax, rejuvenate and regroup. Daytime temps in January are in the 60-70s but drop to the chilly 40s at night, so bring a jacket or sweater for evenings.

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All lodging rates are per person per night, double occupancy, unless otherwise noted.

Sanctuary on Camelback Mountain, Paradise Valley, Ariz.

Map check About 10 miles northeast of downtown Phoenix and five miles west of downtown Scottsdale

Resort snapshot This Asian-inspired spa built into a desert mountainside includes 24 sleek casitas and 74 traditional lodge-style mountain cottages. Expect to see music-industry types among the hip young clientele.

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Gym-rat aerobics The high-tech fitness center has everything from elliptical trainers to free weights. One-hour aerobics classes range from water workouts in the lap pool to indoor cycling to strength classes in the Movement Studio. Or try Body Balance, a blend of balance poses combined with flowing guided movements, yoga and meditation.

Desert-rat calorie-blasters The two-hour Bike and Hike class (open to intermediate and advanced hikers and cyclists) will definitely bust your butt. In this guided class, you'll bike for a mile to the trailhead, ditch the bike and hike about a mile and a quarter round-trip (uphill and down). Then, hop back on the bike and return to the resort ($30, including the use of a mountain bike, helmet, water bottle and fanny pack as well as sports drinks and fresh fruit).

Yoga/meditation If you're looking for insight, try movement meditation with the 75-minute Labyrinth Walk, led by an expert from the resort. It takes place at La Casa, a Franciscan monastery just five minutes down the road ($15 transportation fee).

Perfect pampering The 12,000-square-foot spa has a heated infinity (edgeless) swimming pool. During the Watsu treatment, you float in the arms of your massage therapist, who kneads your muscles and stretches your arms and legs. Or unwind with a Sumatra Coconut Polish, an exfoliating wrap using fresh coconut blended with various desert herbs (like sandalwood, jasmine and sage) that ends with a full-body massage ($170 for 90 minutes).

Stellar spa cuisine The elements dining room features huge wraparound windows looking out on fiery sunsets and, later, a sea of stars. Elements' Asian-inspired American cuisine centers on fresh fruits and veggies. Some dishes on the menu change monthly, but standbys include grilled salmon with braised greens, somen noodles, snow peas, sesame and ginger.

Moonlight at the oasis Check out the night sky from the restaurant's deck. Or, if you're in a casita, enjoy a private viewing. Many of the casitas have their own outdoor steeping tubs, complete with lavender-scented bath salts and oils.

Details From $295. Fitness classes are $15 each or unlimited with a $25 daily guest membership (waived if you have a spa treatment; 800-245-2051 or 480-948-2100, www.sanctuaryoncamelback.com).--Katy Koontz

Miraval Life in Balance Resort and Spa, Catalina, Ariz.

Map check About 20 minutes north of Tucson and 90 minutes south of Phoenix

Resort snapshot Nestled in the foothills of the Santa Catalina Mountains, this 135-acre resort features 106 hacienda-style casitas, healthy "conscious cuisine" and an exceptional mind-body-spirit program.

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Gym-rat aerobics The 12,000-square-foot Bodymindfulness Center boasts state-of-the-art fitness equipment, Olympicsized lap and exercise pools and 70-plus holistic fitness and aerobic classes weekly. Try the 45-minute Total Body Workout, which blends guided meditation with energizing music, Kundalini yoga, dumbbell strength training, medicine-ball core-stabilization work, ballet stretches, relaxation and visualization. Or burn serious calories during the 45-minute Ripp it class, a high-intensity strength and endurance workout on machines.

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Desert-rat calorie-blasters Advanced hikes include a guided trek up Wasson Peak. You'll be rewarded for your five hours (eight miles round-trip!) of hard work with panoramic views at 3,000 feet.

Yoga/meditation The Agave Center, an 850-square-foot studio with picture windows framing dreamy desert vistas, offers yoga-with-a-view for all levels. The 45-minute Breath for Life class teaches proper breathing techniques, or you can learn de-stressing skills with Restorative Yoga, a 105-minute class that guides you in gentle, passive poses to elicit deep relaxation. During the 90-minute Yoga Jazz in Nature--a slow-paced one-on-one moving-meditation hike through cactus country--logs, rocks, boulders and green-barked palo verde trees provide a variety of additional balance challenges for moves like the tree pose.