If your stomach is looking more scary than sexy these days, consider going to a spa to shed those extra holiday pounds. Fortunately the days of "fat farms," group torture and lettuce-only lunches are ancient history.
Today's health spas focus on long-term lifestyle changes that you can take home with you - in beautiful, luxurious settings with a lot more than a few greens on your plate. In fact, most spas understand that the only greens their guests want to see are golf greens and it's always possible to squeeze a round or two in the links, or even a massage, in between those aerobics and yoga classes.
While most people can lose a few pounds over a week's stay, don't expect anything more dramatic - that would be unhealthy, not to mention unpleasant. Of course, it all depends on just how much extra weight, and money, you want to drop. Clinique La Prairie in Switzerland charges 15 grand for its 12-day treatment and many others are equally pricey. But if results -and the ability to button your trousers again - are what matter to you, you'll be sure to come away with a lot more (or less) than just a thin wallet.
Click below for photos and information on the world's best weight loss spas.