Feb. 13, 2006 issue - By Tara Pepper

Deciding where to spend valuable vacation time can be a fraught issue for couples who have different ideas about how to unwind. "I like to chill out with a cocktail," says Irish psychologist Maeve Martin. But her husband, Damian, finance director of an Irish pharmaceuticals company, thrives on activity. Fortunately, a new breed of luxury resort is aiming to offer both state-of-the-art sports centers and blissfully relaxing spas. Albane Mahaut, account director at Great Hotels of the World, says the combination is on the rise at high-end resorts. A sampling (rates are per double per night in high season):

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CYPRUS: The Martins discovered a solution at the Aphrodite Hills resort, which boasts an 18-hole championship golf course and tennis academy. Those seeking gentler exercise can walk in the lush Randidi Gorge, and the spa offers a hydrating facial using Russian caviar and pearl extracts. (The Martins bought a villa at the resort, but hotel rooms start at €209; www.aphroditehills.com.

SPAIN: La Manga Club has long been renowned for its sports facilities, which include three championship golf courses, a 28-court tennis center, eight football grounds and two cricket pitches. More recently, the resort added a stylish spa, where treatments include a refreshing Golfer's Tonic aromatherapy massage (€274; lamangaclub.com).

SOUTH AFRICA: Treatments at Pezula Resort Hotel and Spa draw on local ingredients. The full-body clay mask is made of Mongongo oil and Kalahari watermelon oil. Similarly, the spectacular 18-hole golf course makes use of the local landscape, designed atop cliffs overlooking the Indian Ocean (from €458; pezula.com).

MAURITIUS: At One&Only's Le Touessrok resort, the Givenchy spa uses the resort's fitness trainers to create tailored programs for guests. These can include sessions on the resort's golf course, designed by Bernhard Langer (from €800, including dinner and breakfast; oneandonlyresorts.com).

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