Shape: 6 cool hot springs: hike, bike, then soak away your troubles in these natural mineral baths -

For centuries, those seeking rejuvenation, and even healing, have traveled to mineral springs to "take the waters." While today's medical experts agree that the minerals in hot springs (some common ones are sulfur, calcium and magnesium) can't cure serious diseases like cancer or tuberculosis, there's no discounting the powerfully relaxing, de-stressing "aaahhh" factor, says Pamela Peeke, M.D., M.P.H., an assistant professor of medicine at the University of Maryland School of Medicine and the medical adviser for the International Spa Association: "Relaxing in hot springs lowers your level of the stress hormone cortisol and reduces inflammation so you feel better physically and mentally."

The following six hot-spring resorts offer steamy wonders galore plus lots of calorie-burning opportunities, healthy fare and fascinating local history and culture.

(All lodging rates are per night, double occupancy, unless otherwise noted.)

1. Two Bunch Palms Resort and Spa, Desert Hot Springs, Calif.

Where it is About two hours southeast of Los Angeles

Secrets of the springs Locals say gangster Al Capone took refuge here to revel in the soothing waters and dry desert air after being bullied out of Chicago. (The waters apparently weren't healing enough, as the feds eventually caught up with him.)

Soak it up Two Bunch Palms boasts two spring-fed pools, one at 98[degrees] F, the other at 104[degrees]. Both originate from natural wells on the property. The Grotto, the resort's famous palm-lined pool, is one of the largest hot-spring-fed pools in the country.

Calorie burners The resort does not have a fitness center, but you can take yoga and Pilates classes in its luxury spa (1-hour class, $25). Or hike in Indian Canyons, about 15 miles from the resort. Property of the Agua Caliente Native Americans, this group of beautiful canyons offers 120 miles of rugged trails that climb past pools, rock formations and tumbling streams ($6 admission; 800-790-3398).

Succulent sustenance Many of the dishes at Two Bunch Palms' Casino Dining Room are lowfat and low-sodium. Try the Espresso Crusted Beef Tenderloin Medallions. Entrees start at $24.

Don't miss the Native American treatment, which includes native blessings, dry heat, a soothing sand and aloe vera scrub followed by an herbal massage (90 minutes, $130). And also check out the resort's Clay Cabana, with four mud baths, massage treatment rooms, steam baths and a sun deck.

Info From $175; (800) 472-4334, twobunchpalms.com for lodging, spa and restaurant info and reservations

2. Ojo Caliente Mineral Springs Spa, Ojo Caliente, N.M.

Where it is About one hour north of Santa Fe

Secrets of the springs The springs were considered a sacred spot by the early Pueblo inhabitants of the plateau above the property. The resort, which features a Mission-style hotel, is nestled in the New Mexico hills, with sunsets that illuminate the glistening pools.

Soak it up Seven hot-spring pools range from 90[degrees]-109[degrees] F and each is named for the primary mineral it contains: the Iron Spring, the Arsenic Spring, the Soda Spring and so on.

Calorie burners Hike the 1/2-mile trail to the Posi ruins, believed to be the first habitats of the ancestors of the local Tewa tribe. The resort's yoga center offers a full roster of classes, including hour-long hatha or water yoga (woga) in the spring-fed Soda Pool (1-hour class, $8 for hotel guests, $10 for day guests). You'll be blissfully occupied from sunup (morning meditation, anyone?) to sundown.

Succulent sustenance Light spa and vegetarian fare is featured at Ojo Caliente's Artesian restaurant. Try the Portobello Napoleon--layers of mushroom, sauteed summer squash, spinach and goat cheese marinated in balsamic vinegar and topped with a roasted garlic tomato. The menu changes with the seasons; entrees start at $9.

Don't miss slathering yourself from head to toe in the rich, soothing mud from the Mud Pool. Don't let the goopy substance scare you away--what better way to become smooth and radiant than by getting dirty? (Free to hotel guests)

Info From $90 per night, from $699 for a four-day package, including four spa treatments; (800) 222-9162, ojocalientespa.com for lodging, spa and restaurant info and reservations

3. Harrison Hot Springs Resort & Spa, Harrison Hot Springs, British Columbia, Canada

Where it is Three hours from Seattle, 1 1/2 hours from Vancouver, British Columbia

Secrets of the springs Originally a resting spot on the Gold Rush trails, the hot springs have drawn crowds for decades. The resort, located on the south shore of Harrison Lake and surrounded by 40 acres of wooded forests, also has a luxury spa and full-service marina offering many water sports and rentals.

Soak it up Enjoy nearly 8,000 square feet of hot springs ranging from 85[degrees]-104[degrees] F in three spring-fed outdoor and two indoor pools. Then head to the resort's Healing Springs Spa for Cleopatra's Secret Wrap, an hour-long treatment using local herbs ($90 CAN).

Calorie burners Trek one of the resort's 75 miles of trails, like the 1 1/2-mile Bridal Falls loop. Or kayak, canoe or sail on the lake (rentals from $15 CAN per hour).

Succulent sustenance Local produce and Pacific seafood are featured on the healthy menus at the resort's three restaurants. Look for salmon with fresh vegetables and delectable desserts featuring Northwest fruit and berries.

Themed buffets in the Lakeside Cafe Restaurant start at $19 CAN, in The Copper Room at $29 CAN.

Don't miss the Kilby Store and Farm in nearby Harrison Mills. The 1906 farmstead, now a B.C. Heritage Historic site, has a general store, post office, tea house and more ($6, open April-November; 604-796-957, www.findfamilyfun/kilby.htm).

Info From $99 CAN; (800) 663-2266, harrisonresort.com for lodging, spa, restaurant and marina information and for reservations

4. White Sulphur Springs Inn and Spa, St. Helena, Calif.

Where it is About two hours north of San Francisco in the Napa Valley

Secrets of the springs Travelers have been visiting here since 1852 to relax and renew on the resort's 45 acres of redwood trees, waterfalls, creeks and springs. Choose from three lodging options: the historic Inn, the Carriage House or rustic cottages. Shaded picnic areas, groves, trails, meadows and pools create an atmosphere of serenity.

Soak it up The Sulphur Soaking Pool, with a temperature in the upper 70s, is situated next to a waterfall. For an hour of pure bliss, try the White Sulphur Springs Massage ($80).

Calorie burners Rent a bicycle (St. Helena Cyclery, from $30 per day, including helmet; 707-963-7736) and pedal the back roads past rolling vineyards and historic wineries. Or go hiking at Bothe-Napa Valley State Park, about five miles north of St. Helena. Home to spotted owls, deer, fox and bobcats, the park has more than 10 miles of hiking trails. Stroll through Rotchey Canyon on the Redwood Trail for a picnic under enormous Douglas fir. Or enjoy a guided horseback ride past farms and vineyards with Napa Valley Trail Rides (two hours, $75; 707-255-2900, napasonomatrailrides.com).

Succulent sustenance Splurge on elegant Italian cuisine and fine wines at Tra Vigne, which serves some of the best food in Napa. For a less expensive but equally scrumptious bite, check out The Cantinetta Wine Bar, located on Tra Vigne's picturesque patio. Salads and sandwiches start at $7; entrees start at $15 at Tra Vigne (707-963-4444 for both eateries).

Don't miss visiting Napa's famous wineries--St. Helena has several of its own. From the resort, it's an easy walk to Salvestrin Vineyard & Wine Co. (397 Main St., 707-963-5105), a family operation that produces award-winning wines on a 26-acre vineyard originally planted in 1860. Then check out Beringer Vineyards (2000 Main St., 707-963-4812). Napa Valley's oldest operating winery is set on beautifully landscaped grounds. Or drive up to David Arthur Vineyards, a small winery tucked in the hills high above St. Helena (1521 Sage Canyon, 707-963-5190) for great views and wine tasting.

Info From $85 for the Carriage House; cottages start at $150; (800) 593-8873, whitesulphursprings.com for lodging, spa and restaurant info and reservations

5. The Homestead, Hot Springs, Va.

Where it is About four hours south of Washington, D.C. and two hours south of Roanoke

Secrets of the springs Nestled in the Allegheny Mountains of Virginia, this historic 2,000-acre hot-spring resort with a grand dame hotel, luxury spa, lake, 24 tennis courts and four large hot-spring pools has lured guests for two centuries. Today, they can be found lounging on wooden rocking chairs overlooking manicured gardens and expansive grounds.

Soak it up Chill out in the 74-foot-long spring-fed pool at the Pool and Spa Complex or in one of the two indoor pools, both filled with crystal-clear mineral waters. Then relax at the spa with hydrotherapy, herbal wraps, facials, mineral baths and massages. Try the refreshing hour-long Mountain Laurel Mineral Soak, scented with local herbs ($135).

Calorie burners Year-round activities include horseback riding, tennis, golf and more than 100 miles of hiking, biking and walking trails. Don't miss the Cascades Gorge Hike, a guided nature trek on a 1.8-mile trail boasting 13 waterfalls ($15). Winter adds snowboarding, ice-skating, and cross-country and downhill skiing on the resort's groomed trails and ski slopes. Work out in the state-of-the-art fitness center or swim laps in the elegantindoor pool, built in 1904.

Succulent sustenance Feast on fresh local trout, fresh salads, fruit and vegetables, and freshly baked breads and decadent desserts. The resort has many different dining options, from small restaurants to a formal dining room serving four-course meals. Most guests choose one of the meal plans that include breakfast, lunch and dinner in the price of lodging.

Don't miss the Outdoor Activities program. Sign up for kayaking, canoeing and fly-fishing clinics on the lake or guided hiking and mountain-biking tours in the surrounding mountains. Or try mountainboarding, which combines elements of skateboarding and snowboarding, in an individual or small-group setting. Clinics and guided tours start at $15.

Info From $118 (lodging only; meal plans start at $69 daily); (800) 838-1766, thehomestead.com for lodging, spa, restaurant and activity info

6. Hot Springs National Park, Hot Springs, Ark.

Where it is In central Arkansas, about an hour southwest of Little Rock

Secrets of the springs Hot Springs is the country's oldest national park, originally created by Congress in 1832 to preserve the 47 naturally flowing thermal springs in the area. The park features 26 miles of trails and takes in part of the town of Hot Springs proper, including Bathhouse Row, featuring seven historic bathhouses, one still in operation today (Buckstaff Bathhouse). The historic Park Hotel, an architectural gem with Art Deco and Spanish influences built in 1930, offers affordable lodging inside the park (from $35, 800-895-7275 or 501-624-5323, www.thehistoricparkhotel.com).

Calorie burners The town of Hot Springs offers golf, water sports, fishing, biking, horseback riding and hiking trails past the park's many thermal streams and pools. The 1.4-mile Dead Chief Trail wanders from the wooded areas behind the bathhouses to Gulpha Gorge Campground. Or head to nearby Garvan Woodland Gardens and trek amid hundreds of natural and exotic plants on the shores of Lake Hamilton ($7 admission fee, open year-round except for Christmas and New Year's Day, 800-366-4664, garvangardens.com).

Soak it up The Buckstaff Bathhouse (501-623-2308; buckstaffbathhouse.com) has offered soaking and spa services since 1912. To relieve tension and stress, start with a 20-minute soak in the 100[degrees] F tub followed by a sitz bath and steam cabinet--an old-fashioned one-person steam room ($18.25). Finish off with a 20-minute Swedish massage ($20).

Succulent sustenance Located at the dock of the Belle of Hot Springs Riverboat on Lake Hamilton, Gilligan's Cafe offers Southern homestyle favorites. Start with grits, or try one of their famous omelets, loaded with veggies. Prices start at $4.95 (501-525-3919, belleriverboat.com/ gilligans.htm).

Don't miss antiquing Southern-style: The area's many antique and collectible shops are crammed with everything from jewelry, silver and glassware to shabby-chic vintage clothing, old prints and paperbacks. Whether you want to spend a couple of dollars or a couple hundred, you'll have a blast exploring the past in these eclectic shops.

Info The quaint town of Hot Springs has myriad Victorian-era B&B's plus a host of inexpensive hotels and motels, many with their own hotspring pools: call 800-SPA-CITY, or click on hotsprings.org.