Congratulations to Miraval on winning Spa Finder’s highest honor, the Crystal Award for Best Spa in North America!   Miraval (www.miravalresort.com) was also named among the Top 10 Best for their Cooking Classes, Cuisine, Going Solo, Hiking, Yoga and Body-Mind-Soul.

There is so much going on at Miraval from Dr. Weil to their Couples presentations and more.  Come back here for more information on upcoming events and feel free to call me if you have any questions or would like to go.

Way to go, Miraval!

Rancho la Puerta is planning on being open beginning this Saturday, Oct. 27 for those of you confirmed.  I strongly suggest that you speak with them if you haven’t already done so.   No other information is available other than that the Tecate border was also closed.  If it remains closed on Saturday, they will take another route to go through customs and to the Ranch.

www.rancholapuerta.com

Update on California:

There are of course many resources to stay updated on the fires in California and I’d also like to use this blog as a source of information on how we can help those affected by the fires.

At this point, the best we can do is make donations to the Red Cross and other emergency organizations and of course, to keep everyone in our thoughts and prayers.   The governor has also mentioned www.californiavolunteers.org as a source to help.

I wanted to let you know that Rancho la Puerta was evacuated today due to the California wildfires and another fire north of Tecate, Mexico.  All guests were evacuated and are currently at another San Diego area hotel and are of course safe.  

I will do my best to post updates here on this blog, however as of now no other updates are available. 

My thoughts are with everyone in Southern California and Mexico - for safety and protection.

Still on my road trip -

Here I am at Lake Austin Resort Spa (www.lakeaustin.com) and what an experience.  I love the lake setting and the beauty of this place.  The decor is calming yet pleasing and the colorful ‘garden’ theme is just beautiful.  I guess I’m so used to the southwestern and Spanish-Meditteranean decor (which I love) that it was so refreshing to be in such a lovely environment full of color.  I have to say that I felt like a princess in my room and in the spa’s quiet room - such a great feeling of being pampered. 

My favorite experience was kayaking the next morning - a feeling of serenity and accomplishment.  I knew I wanted to go.  I knew I would go.  I knew I would be hesitant and ask a lot of questions, however Mindy was great.  She went through everything and I went for it.  Of course I stayed close to the dock for the first few minutes, however before I knew it I was heading toward the middle of the lake and going further and further and at one point I was so mesmerized by the quiet meditative state I was in that I just didn’t want to go back.  The lake was like glass - so calm. 

Another stop on my road trip took me back to Canyon Ranch (www.canyonranch.com) in Tucson and I just love this place, too.  Healthy meals, top notch fitness classes, pampering spa services and so much more. 

December is a great time to go and I’d love to share more about this amazing destination spa with you.  Kick-start a healthier lifestyle and it will change your life.  I hope you’ll call me for more information.