Spa Chakra has closed two of the most expensive spas in New York City -- Spa Chakra on Fifth and Guerlain Spa at at The Waldorf=Astoria -- and filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy.   Spa Chakra also operated spas in Chicago, Indianapolis and Marina del Rey, Calif., which has also closed.  A voice mail message at Spa Chakra on Fifth currently states that all Spa Chakra-operated U.S. spa locations have cease operations.  A recording at the Guerlain Spa in the Waldorf said the site has been temporarily closed, and that the spa is "making every effort to reopen." I'm guessing someone new will take over the stunning, crystal-studded space.

The Guerlain Spa at The Waldorf=Astoria was the most expensive and elegant spa in the city, with private spa suites where you could change, have your treatment and, in most cases, shower and steam instead of a shared locker room. You were offered a choice of seven Guerlain scents (including heady Shalimar) to be spritzed in your treatment room and on your linens. (See the scented cushions in the photo.)

But it opened at a time when New York City was reeling from the stock market crash. And personally, I found the fragrance overwhelming, and not all that healthful.

Spa Chakra on Fifth was the former Cornelia Day Resort, the first super-luxurious and most expensive day spa in New York City, which opened in 2005. This 22,000-square-foot spa with 16 treatment rooms, a rooftop garden and a spa cafe for indoor or outdoor dining had been losing money for years, according to an article in Crain's New York Business.

Just as these two have disappeared, there are two new luxury players in New York City - The Setai Spa near Wall Street and The Spa at Trump at Trump Soho. These two are being much more modest with their pricing, with massages starting at $165 and $150, respectively. That makes them a great deal given the luxurious atmosphere and amenities.

Meanwhile, who is doing well after 30 years in business? The modest Dorit Baxter Spa and Skin Care overlooking 57th St. between 5th and 6th Ave., where you wear foam slippers and the treatment rooms are very basic. But a 55-minute massage costs $89 in a city where $125 is the norm.

When I went to The Crossings in Austin a few years ago I was blown away by the location overlooking Texas Hill Country, the fabulous therapists, the reasonable prices, and the $20 million facility itself, built by an idealistic "Dell-ionaire" as a center for personal growth. I was pretty much aghast at the service and food.

But now there are big changes afoot at The Crossings. A private equity firm bought it in May, 2010, and is making major changes, including better food and service. Of course, it will come at a price -- a higher price.

Now all-inclusive rates at this "green spa" start out at $313.50 (per person, double occupancy), which includes a $125 spa credit or a round of golf. Overnight rates with breakfast start at $113 (per person, double occupancy). Both options include a pretty developed schedule of daily classes and workshops, with gratuities are included.

For locals there's a day package that includes a $125 spa credit and all-day access to the grounds, classes and facilities for $175 (Mon-Thurs.) and $195 (Fri.-Sun.) It's not the bargain of the century -- but the lovely location, the gorgeous spa (which uses organic products) and all the classes still make it a pretty good deal.

When I became an esthetician I started noticing how many chemicals are in the skin care products we use on our face and body.  The lines at spas are generally better than cheap drug store products, but truly natural, organic lines are hard to find.  Even at spas.

So I'm excited that Spa Montage, a highly regarded spa in Laguna Beach, Ca., has introduced a new organic body wrap based on USDA certified organic products by Kimberly Parry, formulated without synthetic preservatives, petrochemicals, dyes, chemicals, or animal ingredients.

The treatments are based on essential oils that will change with the season -- sage and sunflower for fall, geranium and sweet orange for winter, grapefruit and basil for spring and lemon verbena and hyssop for summer -- with different scents and healing properties appropriate for that time of year.

The treatment begins with the therapist applying essential oils to points where they'll be absorbed. That's followed with a full body-brushing to exfoliate the skin and increase circulation, a 20-minute warm rhassoul clay and seasonal herb body wrap, an invigorating Vichy shower, and an application of rich body butter. It costs $225 for 60-minutes.

You can simulate the treatment at home by buying products directly from Kimberly Parry and following some of my recommendations, like skin brushing.

I used to write all my dreams down every morning. They were long and involved and interesting, at least to me, and once I'd written them down, I analyzed them for insight and direction in my life. It was fun (mostly) and gave me a sense of meaning and connection. But a few years ago I dropped the habit, mostly because of time.

I can pick up where I left off at "Dreams as Oracle," a new workshop at The Lodge at Woodloch, A Destination Spa in Hawley, Pennsylvania debuting Nov. 12-14, 2010. "Dreams are a great way to answer life's important questions, like life purpose, healing, creativity, relationships, parenting, and more," says dream coach Paula Scardamalia, who is leading the workshop. She will show participants how to:

• Remember your dreams.
• Keep a dream journal and develop your own dream dictionary.
• Use a few key questions to begin to understand the meaning of the dream.
• Be aware of patterns and themes in your dreams.
• Ask for guidance, answers, and inspiration in your dreams.
• Honor your dreams so that dream reality and waking reality are integrated.
• Help you connect with animal spirits and other guides to help you in dreaming and waking reality

Much of the work will take place in group sessions where people will work with their "sleep dreams" and do conscious "trance dreaming" to the beat of a drum. You can also have private sessions with Paula. Sign me up!