Spa Communities

!: Spa Communities

Now that hotel chains the likes of Fairmont or Ritz-Carlton have ventured into the world of residential developments, we're noticing their work on in the resort-style communities that are starting to emerge. As of late, this view has been taken one step supplementary and demonstrated in the most recent real estate trend - the Spa Residential Community.

This current fad appeals to far more then an exclusive niche market; these communities attract retiree's, young families, singles, and just about all things in between. Spa communities are also not just for the wealthy, they are cropping up in single-family homes, fractional rights properties, and condominiums.

Life here is about more than just massages and facials; it's about promoting a salutary lifestyle that involves epicurean foods, natural surroundings, recreational activities and of course, spa services.

Here are some of the important spa communities in the U.S. In various stages of development.

1. The Villas at Miraval Resort, Catalina, Arizona

Located north of Tucson in the Sonora Desert, Miraval is for those who want an exclusive, hidden residence, and don't mind paying the price. There are only 16 villas being sold for whole ownership.

Membership to their hidden club will contain a personal trainer, unlimited passage to over 100 classes and programs (everything from yoga, and epicurean cooking to photography), and entry into the club's four week Full Immersion box (1 month of luxury spa services). The fee for club membership starts at ,000.

Cost: Units range in price from .55 million to .4 million and the resort should be completed by the end of 2008.

2. Mammoth, hidden house Club, vast Lakes, Ca

Mammoth is nestled high in the eastern Sierra Mountains of California, at an elevation of 8,050 feet. Available for purchase are one, two, and three bedroom furnished homes in an elegant resort home environment. Standard features contain granite counter tops, leather dining chairs, wide-screen plasma Tv in the living room and Tufenkian traditional Tibetan area rugs.

Residents are steps from fine dining, boutiques, and a 15 person high-speed gondola for quick slope access. Other amenities contain state-of-the-art fitness center, spa facilities, atmosphere controlled wine Storage, and a members' lounge. Owners can also change time with other participating clubs across the globe.

Cost: Owners receive a deed conveying a 1/8th undivided interest in a house as well as base areas and facilities. Prices range from 0,000 to 0,000.

3. Residential Suites at the Ritz-Carlton, Bachelor Gulch, Co

These are full rights condos with spectacular views of the mountains, direct ski-in/ski-out access, and all the services you can expect from a luxury hotel chain. The units are fully furnished, right down to the artwork, and contain upgraded amenities such as granite counter tops, 400 thread count Egyptian cotton linens, Sub-Zero refrigerators, Wolf built-in ovens and ceramic cook stops.

Residents' privileges contain priority reservations at the award-winning spa (complete with a rock-walled grotto and lazy river hot tub), Dial-a-Chef program for hidden in-residence meal preparation, and nearnessy to fine dining and shopping. When you're ready to hit the slopes, your personal ski concierge will ensure your tool is cleaned and ready to use, and the Ski Nanny program will look after the kids while you tackle the devotee runs.

Cost: Full rights one and two-bedroom, fully furnished condominium suites, start from 9,000.