Okay, so you want to get away and you only have the weekend or maybe a couple of nights during the week since we all have different work schedules these days.  Many destination spas require at least a three night stay to get the benefits of meals and activities.  So where can you go?  Well one option is Red Mountain Spa.  Go hiking, walking, maybe some Yoga or Pilates and there’s still time to relax and get a massage (or two).  The rates at Red Mountain Spa are also affordable and there’s still space for the summer.  Go on and get out there!   Looking forward to talking to you soon about your own spa adventure at Red Mountain Spa! - Donna

Rancho la Puerta is about to celebrate the opening of La Cocina - and the celebration includes some great additions to their package.  If you’ve been thinking about going to Rancho la Puerta - August is the time to go.  Call me quickly because space is limited and if you’ve been wanting to learn more about healthy cooking this is a great time to go. 

Guests traveling the week of Aug. 4, 11, 18, and 25 will also receive:

THREE complimentary spa treatments (relaxation massage, Golden Door facial, and manicure or pedicure)

ONE complimentary hands-on cooking class

ONE complimentary cooking demonstration

More about the kitchen at Rancho la Puerta:

“The Kitchen That Sings,” Rancho La Puerta’s new 4,500-square-foot cooking school and culinary center, is set in the midst of the magnificent organic farm, Tres Estrellas. Soon to be the hub of any food-lover’s vacation dreams, La Cocina features hands-on cooking classes with just-harvested organic ingredients. Culinary Director Antonia Allegra and Creative Chef Jesus Gonzalez head up La Cocina’s team of teaching professionals and stellar GUEST CHEFS. During this debut month (when our farm is at its peak!), all Ranch guests will have the chance to enjoy a complimentary three-hour class with meal…in a setting you will never forget.

Part 2 of Oprah and her group’s Miraval spa adventure is on today.  If you haven’t decided on your spa vacation (Miraval or other location), today would be a good day to take a look at what is offered at Miraval and destination spas.

After viewing something like Oprah’s adventure, you might ask a few questions:

1.  How much does something like that cost?  - Answer:  It depends on when you travel and what’s available.  During the summer the rates are at their lowest and it’s the best time to go for the best value (it’s hot, however worth it) and so a three night stay on the Bring a Friend package will run about $1418 per person (based on availability) and included one spa allowance per night - so a total of three services for both in the room.  The 5th night free is the best option at $2333 per person (double occupancy) as it includes one service per person per night and the best way to go if possible.

2. That sounds great, however my budget is lower?  Answer:  No worries!  There are other destination spas we can look at such as Red Mountain Spa.  A three night stay at Red Mountain Spa will average $850 per person for a three night stay.  It still includes your meals, classes and activities and tax.  Spa services are a la carte with this rate, however during the summer a Swedish Massage is only $59 (50-minute session) and tipping is not included.  Another to consider is Oaks at Ojai - same pricing category. 

3. I like the idea of going to a place like this, however I have health issues and would like to meet with a medical team?  Answer:  Canyon Ranch would be a great option in this case.  Rates are similar to Miraval rates (no summer promotions), and the packages include a spa allowance that can also be used for a private one-on-one consultation.  If you’re looking to meet with a physician for a physical or behavioral challenge, you’re at the right place and there are two locations - one in amazing Tucson and one in lovely Lenox. 

4. Is this just for women or can I bring my spouse/significant other?  Answer:  More men are enjoying this type of vacation.  There are couples that go as well as single men and yes, it’s true that more women travel to destination spas, however we’re finding that the number of men going to spas is also on the rise.  By the way, Red Mountain Spa recently won an award for the Best Spa for Men!  And, Green Valley Spa is great for tennis, hiking and golf as well.  So, come on guys, form your own groups and enjoy your outdoor time.

I hope you’ll find this helpful.  There is a destination spa just for you so consider this for your next vacation, mini-retreat, alone time, spouse time, birthday or anniversary or ‘get me out of town I’m too stressed to stay’ getaway.  The list of reasons goes on, however the most important reason to go to a spa is to take care of you and get started on your own journey to well-being.  Thanks for stopping by. - Donna

A new promotion is going on for Lenox (Mass.) for June 1 - 30.  If you’re thinking of going for the first time, now is the time to go. For ‘new’ guests only, there is a special promotion.  Call me for details. 

Hi friends -

Whew!  What a week I had.  Some of you have heard of Oprah - I’m sure of that - and you may have seen another post in which she was going to air her Miraval spa vacation.  Well, it aired last Monday (May 14) and I’ve been nonstop since with calls and e-mails - and I’m grateful - and just getting my head above water again.  So for those of you who are interested in Miraval either because of what you saw, or what you’ve heard or because of what I’ve written through articles or my own experience - then please call me soon because space is limited for summertime travel and promotions.

Also, I thought I’d give you an idea of some summer rates and please keep in mind that there is a limit to availability with these promotions- the sooner you call to secure your space the better you’ll be. 

Bring a Friend - the rate is $1418 per person (inclusive of tax and gratuities - keep that in mind) and this includes one spa service per night of stay - so that’s a total of three between two friends - others can be added and this is the best value for friends sharing a room.

5-th night free promotion - this rate is $2333 per person when two share a room and $2637 for single occupancy - it’s the best value for a 5night stay and it includes one spa service per person per night.

I hope you’ll find this helpful in your planning.  These are valid from June 17 - Sept. 26 and space is tight toward the end ofr the promotion.  The 4th of July holiday is still available at this time. 

Chat with you soon! - Donna  (1-800-532-5590)

Next week Oprah will be airing her Spa adventure at Miraval!  If you’re still thinking about Miraval and want to see a little more don’t miss this opportunity.

To Do List:

1. Tune in to Oprah starting Monday to watch her spa adventure

2.  Decide on dates for your spa adventure

3. Call me and I’ll get you there and answer any questions you may have from my own personal Miraval adventures and experience.

Here’s more info for Oprah’s show:

http://www2.oprah.com/index.jhtml

What are you getting for your money?  Do you often wonder what is really included in the price of your spa vacation? 

There are many times I get calls and e-mails from people wanting a spa vacation, however they’re not sure what the cost is at first and sometimes it is an eye opener.  However, when you break down what you’re getting you will see that it is a good value and that it’s all relative to where we are and what we want at that time in our life.  It’s difficult to compare each of the locations because they’re all different and offer different settings, a different atmosphere and different rates - many times the rate is connected to what is included and the number of classes offered - more choices may mean higher rates - and the idea is to choose what is best for you at this time in your life. 

For instance, a 4 night rate at Miraval in Tucson (during high season) averages $3230 per person and it includes all of your healthy meals, comfortable accommodations, non-alcoholic beverages - ALL DAY - so that’s water, tea and access to the snack bar and smoothies, and other snacks.  It also includes all of your classes and activities and one spa service per person per night (unless it’s a special promotion).  The rate also includes tax, service and gratuities (about 29% of the total).  Miraval offers an extensive schedule and I’ve included a sample week so you can take a look. 

When making a decision about where to go, consider what is included and look at the schedule:  http://www.miravalresort.com/a……0510000000

If you’re not opposed to the heat, then the summer is the best time to experience Miraval!

In comparison, a 4-night stay at Red Mountain Spa (St. George, Utah) averages $1100 per person and it also includes three healthy meals each day, non-alcoholic beverages, comfortable accommodations, classes and activities and depending on the package either 1-service per stay (not per day) or a la carte for services.  The difference is substantial and Red Mountain Spa is a great location - it’s affordable, it’s also one of the Top Ten Destination Spas and it’s also one of the top spas for men.  Some of the savings is due to the lower tax rate and gratuities are not included - they’re optional and at the guest’s discretion.  Their focus is on adventure and they offer a great hiking program and other outdoor adventures.  When making a decision, again, consider what is included relative to what you’re looking for and take a look at the schedule:

http://redmountainspa.com/_wee……;submit=Go

Get out there and take the first step to your path to wellness!

Coming soon……more info on Canyon Ranch, Rancho la Puerta and Green Valley Spa pricing.

What does going to a spa mean to you?  For most, it’s a place to relax and enjoy pampering services, however it’s so much more than that for men and women who are looking to relax and enjoy some adventure.  Red Mountain Spa in St. George, Utah is one to consider and has also received an award for the Best Spa for Men.   Sure, you can get a massage and eat healthy and nutritious meals, however if you’re looking for something exciting and something to move you to your next level of fitness then this could be your place.  It’s surrounded by red rock formations and offers an amazing selection of activities.  Hiking is the best feature especially since you can hike right from the resort at Snow Canyon State Park and side trips to Zion and Bryce Canyon - a hiker’s dream.

Where’s your sense of adventure?  If you’ve lost that part of yourself, there’s a way to recapture it and here are some more ideas on all that you can do.  I hope to speak with you more about it. 

http://www.redmountainspa.com/……trips.html

For those of you over 40 who enjoy More Magazine, I thought you might want to know about a very special retreat being held from Nov. 15 - 18 at Miraval - Life in Balance. 

More Magazine will be there with additional events and a special rate for the fall season.  Call me for more details as space is filling up for these dates.

Visit:

http://www.spa-vacation-expert……raval.html

Well, here we are about a week away from Mother’s Day.   If you’re looking to get away with your mother, daughter, grand daughter, a close friend, etc. then options are limited, however there is still time if you move quickly. 

Today’s Pick:

Canyon Ranch in Lenox, MA is offering a special between May 7 - 19 AND you would need to stay the night of Sunday, May 13 (Mother’s Day)to take advantage of the promotion.  With a 3-night minimum stay the first person pays the regular full rate and the second person pays only 50% - it is a great promotion for the month of May. 

http://www.spa-vacation-expert……index.html

Happy Mother’s Day!