There’s still time to celebrate the new year and a new you at many of the destination spas, however this is the latest for Rancho la Puerta in Tecate, Mexico - about two hours from San Diego.

Last minute plans?

Consider this weekend for a short stay…or the whole week with the “pre-inauguration special” for the week of January 3-10, 2009, which offers three- four-, or seven-night stays with big bonuses:

Three- and four-night stays receive one complimentary Relaxation Massage and complimentary transportation from San Diego Airport and return on Saturdays and Wednesdays.

Seven-night stays receive a complimentary Relaxation Massage, one Golden Door Facial, one 3.5-hour cooking class in La Cocina Que Canta, and complimentary transportation (of course!) from San Diego Airport and return on Saturdays.

Time is short and the results can be long lasting: call as soon as possible at 800-532-5590.

All 2009 rates are still holding at 2008 levels…

Indefinitely! Any reservation made before they finalize 2009 rates will be honored at 2008 prices—a savings that may be 5 percent or more. Rancho la Puerta accepts Saturday arrivals for 7-night
stays (except where noted above and last minute partial stays).

NEW Villa Spa Getaway Special…
Guests staying during the weeks starting January 17, 2009 and ending February 21, 2009, who stay 7 nights in any of the three types of villas can now receive a $300, $400, or $500 spa credit per person!

These are largest rooms accommodating two to four guests: perfect for girlfriend getaways, families, couples.

Feliz Ano Nuevo!
Happy New Year!

There’s still time to plan your ‘kickstart, get healthier, spa vacation’ to welcome 2009!

Miraval has extended their Remedy promotion for travel through Feb. 28th - there’s still time to
visit one of the highest rated destination spas in the U.S. and do all that you can for a healthier and more balanced you.

Canyon Ranch in Tucson - I still have limited space for an amazing rate for Jan. 2 - 6; a 4-night or longer stay beween Jan. 29 - Feb. 5 and Feb. 19 - 26. Now is the time to save on a healthy
spa vacation and invest in yourself - afterall, isn’t investing in yourself a sure thing!

Red Mountain Spa has lowered their rates through the winter and Green Valley Spa has an amazing weight loss program exclusive to their resort.

Rancho la Puerta is still offering 2008 rates for 2009 stays and has introduced a pre-Inauguration
special for the week of Jan. 3rd as well as extend their Villa Special.

Remember, “The Journey of a Thousand Miles begins with a Single Step,” (Lao Tze)….isn’t
it time to take that first step?

Is there someone in your life that has been busy all year at work and home and perhaps needs some balance in their life? Perhaps it’s you? Kick off 2009 feeling healthier and more fit….learn to breathe and find yourself again so that you can improve your physical, mental, emotional and spiritual
well-being. A spa vacation is the remedy to stress. To gain a greater perspective, sometimes we need to step away to recharge and relax so we can return with the necessary tools to improve our lives.

There’s still time to reserve space over the holiday as well as set something up for a spa getaway for yourself or that special someone in your life. Give the gift of health and well-being. Here are some ideas for your Holiday list. Call me for the latest availability. Happy Holidays!

Canyon Ranch - Tucson, AZ:
If you can travel Jan. 2 - 6; between Jan. 29 - Feb. 5: or between Feb. 19 - 26 - call me
for the latest availability. Rates start at $1900 pp - double occupancy and $2450 for single occupancy. Space is limited and based on availability.

Miraval - REMEDY promotion - based on $399 per night (plus tax/service) - the rate below
reflects the TOTAL per person rate. Travel by Feb. 28.
3-nights - $1529.01 per person
4-nights - $2038.68 per person
7-nights - $3567.69 per person
Rates include a spa allowance of $125 per person per night.
Rates incude tax and service.
Note: These are per person rates and apply for both single and double occupancy.

Red Mountain Spa:
Travel by Feb. 15 and enjoy a great savings!
Rates start at $209 per person per night (plus tax) - double occupancy.
Special: Swedish Massage for only $69 (50-minute service) - limit one per person per night of stay.

NOTE: All of these options include deluxe accommodations, three healthy meals per day, activities and classes for healthy living and more as noted above.

Rancho la Puerta continues to offer 2008 rates for 2009 stays and I hope that you’ll consider going next year (and I still have promotions for this year through the week of Dec. 27). The Ranch is a magical destination spa filled with mature foliage and fauna and although it offers most of what the other destination spas offer such as yoga, healthy meals and the opportunity to kickstart a fitness routine (or enhance what you’re already doing), it also offers a great value and has many uinque features.

One of my greatest memories was walking and contemplating life in the full size replica of the ancient labyrinth found in Chartres Cathedral in France. It was an amazing experience as were the days I focused on Pilates in their progressive program as well as enjoying the best guacamole I’ve ever had (and it’s healthy, low fat, delicious and you’ll have to call or e-mail me for the ingredients) The ‘rooms’ are really casitas and they’re spacious and decorated with folkloric Mexican art and they’re very comfortable. Take the time to ‘meander the paths’ at the Ranch and you might just find your life will open up to unlimited possibilities.

If you do decide to add Rancho la Puerta to your ‘New Year Resolutions’ then you may want to
consider choosing a week (Saturday - Saturday//7-night stays) and go ahead with the deposit ($500 pp) to secure the 2008 rate. The balance isn’t due until 30-days prior to arrival and you can start a travel fund to budget for your trip.

A note from Rancho la Puerta:
Rancho La Puerta is currently holding our accommodations rates at 2008 levels for 2009!

Any 2009 reservation now on record, or made before notice of a rate change sometime in the future, will be honored at 2008 prices—a significant savings in a world where costs continue to soar and “affordability” becomes a rarer commodity. We don’t know how long we can make this offer, so ACT NOW to assure that you lock in your SAVINGS. Enjoy the Ranch—a week that will last a lifetime!

I couldn’t agree more! Have a great weekend.

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

There are still some great deals available for a winter spa escape. The ones I listed previously
for Miraval and Canyon Ranch are still valid, although space is thinning out a little.

There are a few mid-December dates that are sold out for Miraval, however if you’re looking for a Christmas/New Year getaway, call me soon as space is available and Miraval is the best value for a holiday getaway.

Canyon Ranch has some amazing values including dates from mid-December through Dec. 23 as well as Jan. 29 - Feb 5 and Feb. 19 - 26 for the Tucson location. And, if you want a 3-night getaway between now and late February (for Tucson), call me and I’ll share a special value with you with savings of about 20%.

Red Mountain is offering amazing rates through the winter. It is a little cooler, however you can spend time indoors focusing on you…..kick-start the new year with practicing yoga, working on your Pilates and finding ways to become more balanced (heaven only knows how much I need to work on that….).

Green Valley Spa has a one of a kind weight loss program and if you’ve been looking for other options for weight loss, this is one you may want to consider.

Lake Austin Spa Resort - another favorite…is offering some special rates and programs for the months ahead as well. Lake Austin Spa Resort is like going to your best friend’s lake house……it’s lovely….and they have so much to offer.

Feel free to call or e-mail me with any questions or dates.

Happy Thanksgiving…………..- Donna

Are you thinking about a fall or early winter retreat? Maybe you want a kickstart to a healthier you? There has never been a better time to consider a spa vacation.

Miraval - Reduced rates for travel by Jan. 31, 2009 (some blackouts & other restrictions may apply).
Call me or complete the quote information on the home page for more details.

Canyon Ranch - If you’re flexible with your travel dates, it could mean a 50% savings!
Travel between Dec. 11 - 23 or Jan. 2 - 6 for the best rates.

Red Mountain Spa - rates have been reduced through the rest of the year and start at
$209 per person per night (double occupancy) and higher for single occupancy.
Spa Special - they’ve also extended their $69 Swedish Massage (50-minutes).

If you’ve been thinking about a spa vacation and haven’t gone because of the rate, now is the
time to go because of the rate. Call me…e-mail…..and take the next step for a healthier and
more relaxed you!

Are you scratching your head wondering what the title of this blog means? A little quirky, I know, however now is the time to take advantage of some great Spa Opportunities. I prefer to keep my blogs positive, however I do have to say that we’re all under more stress than usual and we must find a release for what we’re feeling and sometimes it’s best to get away from our daily surroundings so that we can find clarity and gain perspective on the very situations causing us stress. I realize that going away doesn’t mean you’ll come back to a stress-free life, however dedicating time to yourself to nourish your body (reads limit ’stress-eating’) and getting more fitness in each day (going up and down the stairs doesn’t equal cardio) and renewing your spirit (and I don’t mean having a drink after work)…sometimes it means going to a spa…..which I refer to as the ‘antidote to stress’ and now you can keep some ‘green’ in your pocket as well. I’ve included an option below that you’ll want to consider. If you’re interested, call me or e-mail me and I will give you more details. It is an amazing opportunity and I look forward to hearing from you.

With savings up to 50%, now is the time to take that healthy spa vacation you’ve been thinking about! Kick off the new year with a new you and keep money in your pocket! If one of these options is of interest call now for more details as space is limited!

Contact me directly at 1-800-532-5590 or donna@spa-vacation-experts.com
Talk to you soon - Donna

HOT Spa Deal
. December 11 - 15, 2008
. 4-Night All-inclusive Package
. Double Occupancy Rate: $1860 per person (normally $3770 pp)
. Single Occupancy Rate: $2430 (normally $4600)

-OR-
. January 2 - 6, 2009
. 4-Night All-inclusive Package
. Double Occupancy Rate: $1900 per person (normally $3770 pp)
. Single Occupancy Rate: $2450 (normally $4600)

Your Package includes:
. Accommodations for desired number of nights
. Three gourmet meals daily
. Use of fitness facilities, activities and evening programs
. Airport ground transfers to and from Tucson Airport
. Service charge, tax and gratuities
. A variety of spa and wellness services
. Spa Allowance of $450 per person

NOTE: Additional nights can be added pre- or post- the above nights - call for details.