Over a different span, the number of spa visits rose 50 percent, to 136 million in 2003 from 91 million in 1999, a spokeswoman said.

More affordable than cash gifts, today's treats range from pet sitting to spa visits and luxury cruises.

Take a couple of days to really pamper yourself - your hair, a spa visit, a manicure and pedicure.

These companies bundle together services - from restaurant meals to spa visits - and send vouchers out by email.

The newsletter also advertises cruises, trips and spa visits offered by the travel agency.

Ms. Franzino also said spa visits have become a status symbol for the under-18 crowd.

Such trips include spa visits, dancing lessons, and therapy sessions.

In part, he said, "that's because of the resort location, where couples combine off-roading with spa visits and other activities."

There were plenty of reasons I had never needed a spa visit more.

In 2007, there were 138 million spa visits, generating $10.9 billion of revenue.