The path to nirvana

Fresh-from-the-farm breakfasts, Tibetan stretching and miles upon miles of hiking trails are just some of the reasons adults are happily forgoing their vacations for health retreats.

But with hundreds of retreats from New York to California, it's hard to figure out which is best for your health needs.

We did the sorting so you can transform your health without having to fly off to some European spa.

Cal-a-Vie

Location: 200 private acres in Southern California

Best for: Beginner to advanced fitness buffs

Details: Stay in one of 32 villas, meditate in a 400-year-old French chapel and choose among 100 fitness classes that run the gamut from Zumba to gyrotechnics. When it's time to eat, you won't find any processed foods here. Even the ketchup is made from scratch, said Kathleen Powers, guest-services manager. When you arrive, a consultant will custom-design a program to help you complete any goals, whether to lose weight, to up your golf skills or to zap your stress.

Cool perk: No need to bring a suitcase. Everything is included here, even your workout gear.

Dates offered: Ongoing

Price: $8,095 for seven days. Includes all meals, six massages, classes and a fitness evaluation.

Information: 866-772-4283, cal-a-vie.com

Lake Austin Spa Resort

Location: 19 acres on the lake in Austin, Texas.

Best for: Spa-goers

Details: Choose from more than 100 spa services, which take place in a 25,000-square-foot, 40-room spa on the lake shore. Finish the day by stargazing and learning some Tibetan stretches. Need a break from all that relaxation? There are plenty of water activities, which include hydro-biking and aqua Zumba.

Cool perk: The Gifts of Our Garden spa treatment ($315 for 100 minutes) is based on the benefit of each herb (lavender relaxes you), according to spokeswoman Darlene Fiske. You choose the herb you want used during your treatment. The spa technician takes the fresh organic herb from the garden, grinds it with sea salt, wraps your body with it, scrubs you and gives you a massage.

Dates offered: Ongoing

Price: Rooms start at $1,720 per person for three nights, which includes meals, fitness classes and activities. Spa services are a la carte.

Information: 800-847-5637, lakeaustin.com