There is nothing quite like the unadulterated thrill of having hands massaging, rubbing and pampering while you sit mindlessly engrossed in the sheer pleasure of it all. Before I ever visited a spa I had no idea what a deep tissue massage was and how it compared to a body wrap, a Thai massage or a bath therapy, now you can’t tear me away.

Even if your budget is screaming "no way," don’t let your fear of the price tag stop you from looking into a visit to one of the many spas around the world. Some spas cater to the well-to-do traveler, but at the same time many cater to the 18-to-34 year old crowd wanting to enjoy themselves without breaking the bank.

I’ve traveled the United States, Europe, Australia and the Caribbean and found my favorite picks, so check these out on your next out-of-town visit and don’t be afraid to get pampered, sometimes for as little as the price of a dinner would cost.

United States

California - Nowhere does pampering take on such a rewarding meaning as in California where you can enjoy the hot desert of Palm Springs or the cool northern wine country climate.

Good getting acquainted treatments, which touched on my entire body. The Thai massage incorporated acupressure and a variety of yoga-like stretches and the facial spa Kur used marine and mineral elements in combination with aromatherapy scents such as lavender and raspberry.

Sonoma Inn and Spa
P.O. Box 1447
Sonoma, California
www.sonomamissioninn.com

This spa is hands down one of my favorites. Maybe it was the lavender Kur I received, or just the lavender plants everywhere on the property. The spa is built above 135-degree mineral waters that are 1,100 feet beneath the inn. Their signature treatment is the Watsu treatment, but opt for the lavender or wine country Kur as well. The rooms are comfy, too. Check out the Jack London suite, expensive during high season.

The hotel has been a famed Pasadena landmark for the past 90 years, located at the base of the picturesque San Gabriel Mountains near Los Angeles. A favorite treatment of mine is one of the Ayurveda treatments. Be sure and have the champagne facial, complete with a glass of champagne. This is one of the best facials I have ever had; the scent, the experience was memorable. The spa also offers great spa packages at affordable prices.

Ojai Valley Inn & Spa
Country Club Road
Ojai, California
www.Ojairesort.com

I had a deep-tissue massage here that worked out all the stress in my life. The atmosphere at the spa is a Moorish influence with Spanish Colonial architecture. The signature treatment is the Kuyam, beginning with a self-application of cleaning Moor mud followed by a herb infused steam that softens the mud and provides an excellent inhalation therapy. I also enjoyed the art class, part of the spa and very relaxing.

Arizona – Think desert and think beautiful oasis. Scottsdale and Phoenix have some of the best-known spas in the country.

I enjoyed the Four Seasons Signature Massage appropriately named to go with the resort. The therapist, Steve Ellis, was the creator of the massage and as he took me through each of the seasons; winter, spring, summer and fall I went from being cold to refreshed to relaxed to awake. From the body scrub to the massage to the final scalp treatment, this is a must on your list of spa treatments.

I have visited this spa twice and had the luck of getting the same therapist both times.  Ask for Lauren. My latest trip to the Radisson offered a Red Wine and Green Tea Soufflé Wrap and a refreshing Vichy shower following. This is an excellent treatment to induce peace and serenity and to get rid of hard to remove cellulite. The Green Tea Balneotheraphy was also great with 120 warm jets streaming at me as I "took the waters." The Radisson is all about good deals and it specifically caters to the 18-to-34 year-old crowd.