Sometimes just getting away isn't enough. Vacations may be a change from the ordinary, but occasionally the spirit needs to be revitalized and renewed.

For the ultimate relaxation, start from the outside and work your way in. Day spas offer treats from head to toe: mud masks, facials, saunas, acupressure, paraffin treatments, body wraps and massages by certified professionals break down the toxins and stress accumulated in everyday life.

Let the tension melt away under the experienced hands of a certified massage therapist, or take a steam treatment at an old-fashioned bathhouse.

Relax and enjoy life at a slower pace; the soothing luxury of a spa combined with fresh mountain air and stunning natural beauty leaves the spirit relaxed and rejuvenated.

So now you're relaxed, and the outside world is a million miles away. While you're stress-free, explore classes in yoga, reiki or aromatherapy.

Of course, the best way to keep relaxed is with the time-honored tradition of shopping therapy! A trip to Eureka Springs wouldn't be complete without an exploration of the downtown Historic District, which is packed with restored buildings, colorful homes, spas, museums and more than 100 shops.

Most are individual operations with a comfortable mom-and-pop atmosphere and offer a wide range of goodies, from local crafts to imported souvenirs.

Check every nook and cranny of the historical district, because shops pop up in the most unexpected places. Finding the hidden trails and stairways from Eureka's early days makes shopping feel like a treasure hunt, and walking visitors see the town better than any car-bound tourist ever will.

The body's feeling great, so let's do a little more work on the spirit. Meditation is an excellent tool for renewing that inner glow.

Spend some time with your thoughts at Thorncrown Chapel, a stunning structure of richly toned timber and glass designed by local architect and Frank Lloyd Wright student Fay Jones. Others may choose to spend some quiet inner time on the meditation trail at Covenant Gardens or even visiting the Christ of the Ozarks statue.

Of course, the best method of healing and reflection may be the oldest. Within the Ozark Mountains of northwest Arkansas there are lush green forests, sparkling rivers and crystal-clear lakes, all perfect locations for some quiet time, with or without a fishing rod. After spending a few days in peaceful solitude, you'll be ready to take on the world once again.