It's a Spa, Spa, Spa, Spa World

Don't spa vacations sound fabulous? Yoga in the morning, hot stone massage after the perfectly light & healthy lunch, followed by a bike ride and wonderful dinner. How about living the spa life every day? That, at least, is the pitch being made for a new condo development in Bethesda. Canyon Ranch Living, coming to Bethesda in 2008, is being marketed to those looking to balance home, spirit, body and mind. This 54 acre "village" is the latest entry in the quest for the ultimate luxury living experience in the DC area. The Ranch consists of 434 condos, a hotel, the "Wellness Center," its own medical team, 300,000 sq. ft. of retail, 6 "destination restaurants," and of course, a 6 acre conservation area for "passive recreation." Prices range from $850,000 to $2.8 million. If you're looking for something with just a tad more space while having your nutritionist, therapist and acupuncturist within walking distance, there are also penthouses around $7 million. The idea is not new; the chain idea has succeed in Tuscon, Chicago and Miami, and adding spas in condos worked well for the Ritz-Carlton here in DC. And don't worry, the $30,000 initiation fee for the spa & Wellness Center is included in the sales price.