The New Age Health Spa in the Catskills has a reputation as the younger, hipper, and considerably cheaper alternative to high-end spas like Canyon Ranch, but thanks to the overwhelming female-to-male ratio of its guests, it also deserves to be known as one of the finest singles destinations in the East – at least for a single straight male. The spa’s van picks you up in the city on Friday, and 90 minutes later you are safely installed in your spartan but cozy room on the wooded 160-acre estate, surrounded by women who are very, very relaxed, thanks to various exotic forms of massage, co-ed sweat lodges, alternative therapy, and vigorous exercise. The only hitch is that the alcohol-, tobacco-, and caffeine-free regimen can leave a good man somewhat debilitated and sleepy by nightfall, especially after 6:30 a.m. meditation and 8 a.m. yoga sessions, plus rigorous hikes and far-out evening lectures on how drumming can save your life. (I joined a large group whose thundering headaches necessitated sneaking off campus each morning for a quick hit of Joe at a nearby deli.) Of course, there’s no guarantee you’re going to hook up by Sunday, but it is a dead certainty that you’ll return home stretched, toned, spiritually recharged, and three or four pounds lighter.
DETAILS The New Age Health Spa (800-682-4348; www.newagehealthspa.com; single room, $294.42, including all classes and three meals a day but not individual treatments).