Readers’ Choice Awards: Top 10 Best Spas for Weight Loss

The countdown to the New Year, when at least one resolution always seems to be all about losing weight, is on—get a head start with these best weight loss spas, voted the Top 10 by our own readers in the SpaFinder® Wellness 2012 Readers’ Choice Awards.

Biggest Loser Resort at Fitness Ridge, Malibu, CA

You’ve heard of the Biggest Loser TV show, and the popular show’s spinoff is a set of destination spas complementing its devotion to weight loss, personalized wellness and tailored fitness and nutrition. This southern California locale, on 160 acres amid the Santa Monica Mountain National Recreation Area, not far from the Malibu mountains and the Pacific Coast, is the Biggest Loser brand’s second location, following its sister property in southern Utah.

Images courtesy of Biggest Loser Resort at Fitness Ridge

Biggest Loser Resort at Fitness Ridge, Ivins, UT

The Biggest Loser Resort’s Utah property focuses on exercise, healthy nutrition and education with a structured, calorie-controlled program. It has also been voted for “Best for Affordability,” “Best Fitness Program,” “Best Hiking” and “Best for Weight Loss,” in past SpaFinder Wellness Readers’ Choice Awards.

Images courtesy of Biggest Loser Resort at Fitness Ridge

Cal-a-Vie Health Spa, Vista, CA

One of our 30 Hot Spas of North America, the award-winning Cal-a-Vie Health Spa resides on 200 valley acres not far from San Diego, where the climate is said to be the best in the country. The intimate, all-inclusive program of fitness, nutrition and customized spa treatments is available in three-, four- or seven-day increments, catering to those desiring a quick getaway or a lengthier stay.

Learn more about Cal-a-Vie here.

Images courtesy of Cal-a-Vie Health Spa

Golden Door Spa, Escondido, CA

Another one on our 30 Hot Spas of North America list, Golden Door Spa’s legendary reputation precedes itself—and its impeccable service and opportunity for self-discovery and renewal make this spa on new and returning guests’ wish lists.

Learn more about Golden Door Spa here.

Images courtesy of Golden Door Spa

Green Mountain at Fox Run, Ludlow, VT

Bring your girlfriends or go solo—Green Mountain at Fox Run is devoted to providing a life-changing weight loss and healthy lifestyle program for women (in a non-judgmental, casual environment, no less). You’ll learn (or should we say, re-learn) how to eat, move and identify and solve behavioral issues.

Images courtesy of Green Mountain at Fox Run

Hilton Head Health, Hilton Head Island, SC

Hilton Head Island’s laidback, low-country vibe and the resort’s structured wellness programs—founded on three core elements: fitness, nutrition and SELF (stress management, empowerment, longevity and fulfillment)—make this weight loss and health resort a must visit.

Images courtesy of Hilton Head Health

Kamalaya Koh Samui, Wellness Sanctuary & Holistic Spa, Koh Samui, Thailand

I named this Thai resort on my spa bucket list for its secluded, spiritual feel, and if a holistic wellness experience (with white sand beach, open sea views and lush vegetation) is up your alley, this is the place for you. Kamalaya Koh Samui is devoted to a total mind-body experience via healthy cuisine, individual and group wellness programs and fitness endeavors, as well as East- and West-inspired spa therapies.

Images courtesy of Kamalaya Koh Samui 

Longevity Wellness Resort Monchique, Monchique, Portugal

Shed the pounds at the first integrated five-star wellness resort in the Algarve. Surrounded by rolling green hills and inspiring mountain and coastal views—not to mention Longevity’s exclusive partnership with La Clinique de Paris and its founder, Dr. Claude Chauchard—getting well never felt so fun. You’ll engage in the beautiful surroundings while hiking, morning walks, sea sports activities and more.

Images courtesy of Longevity Wellness Resort Monchique

Pritikin Longevity Center & Spa, Miami, FL

Weight loss seems a whole lot easier when you’re in the center of 650 acres of tropical gardens, waterfalls, meditative labyrinths and championship golf courses—which is what you’ll find at Pritikin. Not just a health institute, but a paradise resort, Pritikin has been known to be “where the A-list goes,” according to BusinessWeek, and 110-plus studies in leading medical journals document the program’s results, from long-term weight loss to diabetes reversal.

Images courtesy of Pritikin Longevity Center & Spa

Shane Diet, Weight-Loss & Fitness Resorts, Ellenville, NY

Leave the exercise anxieties at home and head to Shane Diet, Weight-Loss & Fitness Resorts, where the upbeat mood is laidback and the weight loss program is results-oriented. All-inclusive packages include lodging, nutritionist-approved meals, special fitness programs, behavioral change coaching sessions and a complimentary private nutrition and personal training session

Images courtesy of Shane Diet, Weight Loss & Fitness Resorts