Spa-a-ah with girlfriends: Where to go, what to do, how much to pay

Sure, women may adore the men in their lives. But sometimes, girls just wanna have fun, without the boys. And if that happens to involve getting a facial or massage, well, even better.

Just-us-girls trips remain a top trend in spa-going for 2006, according to the spa industry.

In particular, says Lynne Walker McNees, president of the International Spa Association, "Groups of women often go to spas to celebrate birthdays, weddings, pregnancies and other significant events."

Getting the ladies together for a little pampering is an entirely different experience than going with a husband or boyfriend, says Dixie Duncan, who regularly goes on spa getaways with five girlfriends — a group that calls itself the Six Chicks.

"You know the whole Mars and Venus thing? Sometimes you just need someone who speaks your language. You can relate to each other."

The Six Chicks have been doing group retreats for at least five years. "It's an opportunity to get together, bond, drink some wine and keep in touch," says Lisa Fleek, a Seattle-based regional marketing director for USA Today.

"We find out what's going on in everyone's lives and make sure to support each other. We've really peeled off some layers and had some good conversations."

Six Chicks, three friends

These women have their getaway and at-home spa styles down.

The Six Chicks: Lisa Fleek, Dixie Duncan, Debbie Baldwin, Tara Warnock, Mary Ellen Kennedy, Karina Macedo. The women became friends working together at USA Today more than 15 years ago.

Their rituals: To optimize their time together, they always stay in the same room. Activities vary with each trip, but they've often played Cranium, applied mud masks and done their own pedicures when it wasn't a service offered by the spa. But each trip always involves good, deep conversations and plenty of laughs.

Favorite places: Salish Lodge & Spa (Snoqualmie), Alderbrook Resort & Spa (Union) and the Woodmark Hotel spa (Kirkland)

The three friends: Alisa Parks, Noreen Walsh, Debby Kleiss. Alisa and Debby met in college; Noreen met them through Debby's husband, with whom she is friends.

Their rituals: Because these outings usually just last an evening, the main focus is on relaxing with the spa treatments. Each woman usually invites a few others, so there's a chance to meet new people each time. After the treatments, some stick around for a few drinks and additional "girl time." Each person usually brings food.

Favorite location: Whoever's house has the most room. Lately, it's been Noreen's.

How to choose a destination:

If it's an overnight trip, find a hotel/spa combination; the less you have to travel back and forth, the more time there is to relax. Make sure the spa can book everyone's chosen services on the dates you want. Choose a place that fits everyone's budget and is equal driving distance for all.

What to consider bringing:

Games, makeup, cameras, nail polish, fluffy socks, a laptop, wine, and snacks such as cheese, baguettes and fruit. On one retreat, the Chicks clipped out portions of magazines to create a collage of things they wanted to focus on in their lives. On another, they shopped for lotions on eBay.

What you can expect to pay:

Anywhere from $30 and up per service, depending on where you go and what you have done. If you stay in a suite together like the Chicks, it saves money on overnight trips. Duncan says the bill for each of its members runs between $200-$300, which includes the hotel stay and treatments. A day trip to a spa, of course, will be cheaper. Look for packages that include several treatments.

Alternatives to retreating:

A cheaper, trendy alternative to away trips is home spa parties. Crave Party, the biggest local company that hosts these throughout greater Seattle, charges $20-$80 for services, with an expected 18 services for each party (www.craveparty.com).

Choice spas

From Seattle to North Bonneville, Tacoma to Blaine, here are five among many options.

Bonneville Hot Springs Resort, North Bonneville. It's hard to beat the beauty of the Columbia River Gorge, and this 12,000-square-foot day spa is right at the heart of it all. Featuring a separate women's European-style mineral hot-springs bathhouse. (Whitewater rafting and wine tour packages, too.) Mineral-water baths start at $15; spa packages, $240 and up. 509-427-7767, www.bonnevilleresort.com.

Olympus Spa, Tacoma. Women's-only spa located in a strip mall; there's a second location in Lynnwood. A $25 entrance fee buys access to a variety of baths, saunas and "energy rooms" (heated areas that use far-infrared rays said to do everything from expel toxins to tone skin); services are extra, including massages starting at $35 and body scrubs at $50. 253-588-3355, www.olympusspa.com.

Salish Lodge & Spa, Snoqualmie. Offers a serene nature setting with a view of Snoqualmie Falls and opportunities for outdoor activity. The chi-chi, Asia-inspired spa encourages silence and tranquility. Spa packages start at about $200. 800-272-5474, www.salishlodge.com.

The Sun Spa, Woodinville. Its sprawling service menu is reminiscent of a full-on destination spa. An all-female therapeutic staff; a variety of traditional services, as well as services for men, pregnant women. Packages are $155 and up. 425-486-9200, www.thesunspa.com.

Semiahmoo Resort and Spa, Blaine. The seaside resort, with bay, mountain and island views, recently underwent a multimillion-dollar renovation that included expanding its full-service European spa. Top-rated golf courses and several on-site dining locations. Spa packages start at $195. 800-770-7992, www.semiahmoo.com.