The resorts of Providenciales and the Caicos Cays have some of the finest spas in the Caribbean region -- and for many, you don't even have to be a guest to take advantage of some truly splendid treatments. (You'll need to reserve any spa treatment in advance, of course.)

If you don't want to go the resort route, we recommend the spa treatments at Spa Tropique (tel. 649/231-6938; www.spatropique.com; hours vary), which has several locations on Grace Bay (in the Sands at Grace Bay resort and the Ports of Call shopping plaza) and even makes house calls -- try its Body Tropique product line, made with local ingredients like sea salt.

Here is a sampling of some of the top resort spas in the TCI that welcome nonguests. Be sure to ask whether a service charge has been added to the bill automatically (some places automatically tack on service charges up to 18%).

Anani Spa -- This is the Grace Bay Club's full-service spa, and it already boasts some of the top massage therapists on the island. The spa specializes in Euro-Asian spa techniques, and treatments range from "aroma stone therapy" to deep-tissue massage to ocean wraps. You can get a treatment in one of the six indoor treatment rooms or outdoors in one of two beach spa tents. Massages cost from $80 to $165; the spa is open daily from 9am to 7pm (6pm in summer). Call 649/946-5050, ext. 1045, for appointments.

COMO Shambhala -- Many people think this is the finest spa in the Caribbean, and it's hard to argue otherwise. The 613-sq.-m (6,600-sq.-ft.) space at the Parrot Cay resort is wrapped in a sea of glass that looks out over the island wetlands. Inside several free-standing wooden pavilions are treatment salons where Eastern-influenced healing and rejuvenating therapies are applied by Balinese healers. The spa has both a yoga studio and a Pilates studio, as well as an outdoor Jacuzzi garden outside the women's locker room.

Exhale Spa -- Bringing big-city spa treatments to Provo, Exhale Spa (www.exhalespa.com) at the Gansevoort Turks + Caicos offers fusion massage, couples' massage, deep tissue massage, body scrubs, as well as facials, manicures, pedicures, and brow and body waxing. Call tel. 649/941-7555 for reservations. Massages run from $115 to $330.

The Regent Spa at the Regent Palms -- You'll feel better just stepping into this place, which is elegant and soothing all at once. It's simply a beautiful space, classically designed around reflecting pools. Some of the treatment rooms are set in alfresco coral-stone cabanas shaded by palm trees. The menu of services is extensive and includes facials, massages, body scrubs and other therapies, and day retreat packages (the Regent Palms resort, Grace Bay, Providenciales; tel. 649/946-8666, ext. 30208 or 30211; www.regenthotels.com/thepalms). Massages run from $80 to $215; it's open daily from 8am to 8pm.

The Thalasso Spa at Point Grace -- The ambience is absolutely dreamy: outdoors in an open-air structure with beach views and sea breezes. This full-service oceanfront European-style thalassotherapy spa uses the properties of seawater as well as applications of sea mud and select seaweed in its body and facial treatments. The menu includes Swedish massage, shiatsu, body scrubs, and wraps (Point Grace Resort, Providenciales; tel. 649/946-5096, ext. 4126). Open daily from 9am to 6pm. Massages start at $75.

Day Tripping on Parrot Cay

You can enjoy the superlative spa experience at COMO Shambhala by arranging a day trip to the island. The cost for the boat transfer is $100 per person, and you can eat lunch in the Lotus restaurant or enjoy the lovely beach or the pool while you're there -- the costs of food, tips, and spa treatments are on you, of course. Call tel. 649/946-7788 (http://shambhala.como.bz) to reserve a treatment and arrange a boat transfer, which leaves out of the resort's own dock at Leeward. Massages run from $150 to $240.

Gyms

Many resorts have on-site gyms or fitness centers. For those that don't, Pulse Gym (the Saltmills, Grace Bay Rd.; tel. 649/941-8686) is open 7 days a week and has Cybex strength and cardio equipment; free weights; and exercise, Pilates, and yoga classes.

Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.