Men accounted for only 9 percent of the customers nationwide, according to Spa Finders, a travel agency that helps match people with the right fitness centers here and abroad.

"People used to call them 'fat farms,' but now spas are getting respect," said Frank van Putten, president of Spa Finders.

In vain, however, one consults the pages of guides like Spa Finder for resorts that attempt to give the spa experience a contemporary architectural expression.

Some other amenities include spa services ranked the best in Central America by Spa Finder, three pools, and fitness facilities.

Frank van Putten, the president of Spa Finders, the largest spa and resort travel company in the world, has tracked the industry since 1987.

I used Spa Finders, (800) 255-7727, www.spafinders.com, to book my flight from New York and the spa.

"More clients are talking about it and more spas are offering treatments," said Susie Ellis, the president of Spa Finder.

Indeed, Spa Finder, a spa travel and marketing company, started tracking spa real estate just this year.

"People will pay for things they believe in," said Susie Ellis, the president of Spa Finder, a specialized travel agency.

Ms. Ellis of Spa Finder said that concept was likely to become more popular among business travelers.