Whatever you job and lifestyle, you deserve a break now and then. Spending a weekend at a spa is a great way to give yourself some breathing room in this mad, mad, mad world.

Take a Break with a Spa Weekend

Due to our lives' hectic schedules, from work to family to social functions, sometimes we get burned out on life. At this point, a vacation is definitely in order... but what if you don't have the time to take a week or so and visit an exotic locale? Don't despair – there are other ways to unwind and kick back and get some well deserved rest and relaxation. A week end escape to a spa can be just what the stress doctor ordered to get your back on track.

Living in the Midwest may mean that you think spas and other pampering experiences are mostly found on the East and West Coasts. However, you'd be wrong – because one of the most spectacular and luxurious spa and retreat resorts is right in your backyard. The Pheasant Run Resort and Spa, located just outside of Chicago in St. Charles, Illinois, is a great spot to have a week end escape.

This resort features 473 luxury filled guest rooms, two golf courses, three swimming pools, award winning cuisine and entertainment, and a relaxing spa that's unparalleled in the area. Along with being a great place to stay, the Pheasant Run Resort and Spa offers entertainment from Chicago's theater scene and comedy clubs, as well as delicious food in their six restaurants and lounges. The spa here is run by the world famous Mario Tricoci, and offers traditional day spa treatments as well as a fabulous hair salon.

If you're not in Illinois but would still enjoy a weekend spa escape, there are many other resorts available to suit your needs. The Scribner Hollow Lodge, located in Hunter, New York (on top of Hunter Mountain), is a paradise for New Yorkers needing a trip out of the city. Here, the Grotto, a spa and swimming pool with a cave theme, greets guests who need to relax with an atmosphere like no other. Live entertainment is featured as well, with live jazz performed every weekend.

With less than 50 rooms at the Scribner Hollow Lodge, you'll be sure to get specialized treatment, and the resort's proximity to the Hunter Mountain ski area means it's a great choice in winter. No matter what area of the United States you're in, you can bet you'll find a local resort where you can book your weekend escape.