Eva Mendes, Star of "The Spirit," Checks Into Rehab (New York Daily News)

BY JO PIAZZA
DAILY NEWS STAFF WRITER

Saturday, February 2nd 2008, 4:00 AM

Sexy starlet Eva Mendes has checked into Utah's pricey Cirque Lodge rehab facility to treat "personal issues."

"Eva has been working hard for the past year and made a positive decision to take some much-needed time off to proactively attend to some personal issues that, while not critical, she felt deserved some outside professional support," the actress' rep told TMZ.com.

"Out of respect for Eva's privacy, we do not wish to discuss further details."

Word of the "Ghost Rider" star's rehab stint came as she was named Sexiest Actress of 2008 by Victoria's Secret - and followed an announcement that she will be featured in an upcoming Calvin Klein Fragrances advertising campaign, which will debut next fall.

Mendes, 33, also just wrapped filming on two flicks, "The Spirit" and "The Women."

The Cirque Lodge, right outside of Park City, is one of the most respected rehab facilities in the country and has administered treatment to other celebrities, including Lindsay Lohan and Mary-Kate Olsen.