Treasured in Sierra Madre

Travelers in need of tender loving care will find plenty of pampering at the Hotel Spa Ixtapan in the dramatic Sierra Madre Mountains. Ixtapan de la Sal, Mexico, is 65 miles south of Mexico City and 6,500 feet above sea level, where year-round temperatures average 75 degrees.

The spa offers four- and seven-day plans with three programs to choose from--diet, relaxation or sport. The seven-day diet program offers six facials, a manicure and pedicure and an exercise routine that includes morning walks or jogging, four aerobics sessions, five aquatic sessions, two yoga sessions and three golf or tennis lessons. The relaxation and sport programs vary and may include swimming circuits, golf or tennis lessons and advanced aerobics.

All meals--900 calories per day, max--are included. A second dining room serves more substantial fare, but guests must select one program; they cannot switch between dining rooms.

The resort has two theaters, a night club, card and game room and a schedule of activities and classes. There are also two swimming pools plus an aquatic park with 13 lakes.

Extra activities include golf ($12 for nine holes; $15 for 18) and free tennis and horseback riding. Spa services include waxing, Swedish massage, steam room, sauna, gym classes, water aquatics, luffa and yoga. The regular rate for a seven-day visit is $466 per person, double occupancy and $410 for those over age 60. Single occupancy is regularly $707, $640 for seniors. Information and reservations: telephone (800) 223-9832.