Fishing, cruising the Choctawhatchee Bay, sitting on the docks peeling shrimp and drinking margaritas, sailing, swimming, eating, fishing and beachcombing are some of the alluring activities I enjoyed on Florida’s alluring Emerald Coast. The lazy beach life is alluring, yet for an indoor break, pick one of the many spas to get a pedicure, manicure, facial, hot stone massage or whatever your bronzed body and soul desires. Wellness is on everyone's mind these days and the spa treatments soothe and restore bodies to a restful place. Here are some spas I sampled on a recent winter break.

One afternoon, I pampered my sun-stressed body at The Luxury Day Spa at Silver Shells, www.thespaatsilvershells.com. The Shells full service spa offers body and facial choices ranging from Massage Therapy, Hydrotherapy, Seaweed and Mud Body Wraps, Aroma Therapy. Skin, hair, and nail care complete the menu, and all products are all natural. For Reservations Call: (850) 337-5107, 15000 Emerald Coast Parkway, Destin. My therapist, Amy, gave me a cleansing facial. My one regret is that after the facial, I had to stay out of the sun for the rest of the day. Licensed massage therapists provide the "healing power of touch combined with essential oils for rest, recovery and rejuvenation of the body," she noted.

Or match the Emerald Coast waters with a green facial at the Beverly Hills Day Spa, www.beverlyhillsdayspa.com, a cozy little sanctuary. Owner Betsy Beebe offers a full range of spa services, featuring Jane Iredale Mineral Cosmetics and Environ Skin Care. Telephone 850-654-8544, 114 Palmetto Drive, Destin. In a serene candle lit room, I indulged in a 60-minute Swedish massage for $75; my masseuse used medium to light pressure. This was a total treat as it started with a hot towel for my tootsies, then continued with long strokes. Even a beachgoer gets tired, and sometimes the best massage is this one, my favorite. Aterwards, I managed to stroll back to my lounge chair for a needed nap.

For More information, call the Emerald Coast Convention & Visitors Bureau, 800-322-3319. Or visit www.destin-fwb.com.