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Update: I just returned from my second trip to Mii Amo, and I loved it even more as a return guest. I never thought that I would be an annual spa goer but I intend to return here every year. In fact, many of my fellow guests were on their third and fourth visits.

Why it’s so great: Because I can’t imagine that there is a place that offers a kinder, more gentle push towards a healthier lifestyle. Yes, it sounds awfully new agey, but it’s a place that makes you believe that a better—and that can mean whatever you wish—you is attainable. Whether you seek to be trimmer, fitter, calmer or stronger after a divorce or bout with cancer, the staff here will dedicate their days to helping you get there. Plus: The red rock location will awe you; and you really feel lucky to have time in such a sacred, healing, beautiful place.

My favorite spa for people who are looking for a holistic rejuvenation. Set in a spectacular red rock canyon just outside Sedona, Mii Amo, which means “journey” in a Native American language, focuses on one’s “personal journey to health and wellness.” There are only sixteen spa casitas and suites, so spots book up quickly. Once you reserve, you choose among five journeys: healthy lifestyle, rejuvenation, de-stress, spiritual exploration and ayurvedic balance. Multitaskers, like me, can choose elements of more than one. Each program includes accommodations, meals, classes and two sixty- or ninety-minute treatments a day, as well as a Mii Amo robe and daily “gifts.” The interior design of the public rooms and casitas merges a southwest aesthetic with minimalist furniture for a sleek Santa Fe soothing atmosphere. Scheduled classes and activities range from tennis (at sister resort Enchantment) to cooking, hiking and aqua yoga. (A sample schedule can be viewed on the spa Web site.)

Insider tip: Book a healing session. Sedona, which is known to have a vortex (or energy field) attracts many of the best alternative therapy practitioners in the country, so if you are interested in reiki, psychic massage or cranial sacral therapy, this is the place to try it. One of the healers, Bahkta, has clients who return every year for her psychic massage. My experience with her was truly enlightening. Brian is another healer who amazed me with his insights.

Who it’s right for: Anyone who is coming out of a period of personal or physical turmoil and wants to begin a new era of healing and wellness. Many women who are making major transitions (either out of a job or relationship or an illness) find the program extremely helpful, but it’s also very popular with couples who want a spa experience and great hiking opportunities.

Who it’s wrong for: Anyone who wants a hard-core boot-camp experience: the philosophy here focuses on self-direction not drill-sergeant routines. Skeptics of New Age healing practices may find the vortex talk too “out there” but it’s not omnipresent.

The spa food: You can have a latte at breakfast and wine with dinner but the spa cafe makes the healthy choices so easy and appealing that you eat lightly. For example, they offer fresh juices with every meal; delicious teas are served in the locker and lounge areas and at lunch instead of bread, they offer edamame. Don’t miss the cooking demonstration, where the chef shares simple, doable tips on ingredients (use balsamico, instead of balsamic vinegar) and demonstrates recipes. Until their cookbook is published, you can request recipes for any of the dishes that you like as well request to have a meal served in front of the fireplace in the lounge if you want a more intimate meal with friends.

• Three-night program (Thursday arrival): Prices start at: $1,785 for the Spa Casita; $2,235 for the Spa Suite, and $2,585 for the Mii Amo Suite.
• Four-night program (Sunday arrival): Prices from $2,170 for the Spa Casita; $2770 for the Spa Suite, and $3,370 for the Mii Amo Suite.
• Seven-night program (Sunday or Thursday arrival): Prices start at $3,605 for the Spa Casita, $4,655 for the Spa Suite, and $5,705 for the Mii Amo Suite.