The TRAVELER'S JOURNAL: September ninth, savoring a selection of superb spas.

Given the pace of many people's lives, it's no wonder that health spas have become hot vacation destinations. In 1980, the U.S. had fewer than three dozen. Today, there are more than 1600, from day spas and venerable Victorian mineral baths, to upscale resorts with spa offerings and spa-only establishments. They attract nearly a million visitors each year, a third of whom are men.

Spa accommodations range from the spartan to the sumptuous, with a price array to match. Equally bewildering is the confusion of different dietary philosophies, exercise regimens, and therapeutic treatments that are available. Don't forget geographic considerations. With all those options, which spas make sense for you?

The magazine National Geographic Traveler recently assembled a panel of eight experts and asked them to weigh in on spas. They analyzed the strength and weakness of the top spas in each category.

Spa-only destinations range from the Golden Door in southern California to Canyon Ranch in western Massachusetts. Resorts with extensive spa offerings include names like the Broadmoor, Camelback, Claremont, and Doral. Historic natural spas include the Greenbriar and Homestead, Hot Springs and Two Bunch Palms. The experts also named day spas in 17 cities that offer rejuvenating respite from the daily grind. Whether for an hour or a week, a visit to a spa has a way of changing one's outlook on life. It's a vacation with staying power.

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