Beauty and tranquility - the two words we all strive for but don't always achieve. Until you get there, at least stay in a place that's in possession of these very qualities.

Nestled between the red rocks of St.George, Utah, the Red Mountain Spa offers a vast selection of healthy living activities and our obligatory must-have after the mini-bar, a world famous spa.

For 2009 the spa is offering a "re-energizing weight loss package" - ensuring a slimmer, healthier you, and not refreshingly by eating strange soups for two weeks, but encouraging its guests to get outside and hike in the surrounding beauty of Utah's red rocks followed by serious pamper sessions.

The stay includes a private nutritional session, life coach, meditation workshop, swedish massage, guided hikes, body wraps, yoga, pilates, Tai Chi, cooking demonstrations and the use of indoor & seasonal outdoor pools, bicycles, walking trails, strength & cardio studios.

No excuse really to remain on the sofa with last year's chocolates.

Kerry Olsen

Source & Photo Credit: www.redmountainspa.com