If you’re looking for sunshine and adventure, a spa vacation getaway may be the answer to these cold weather days we’re experiencing right now.  A few of my favorite spas are offering some incentives to get you from where you are to where you want to be and I don’t necessarily mean just the weather.  If you’re off track from the goals you set for 2010 and are looking for a way to immerse yourself in physical activity and a healthier lifestyle, then consider these options.

My SpaGift to you :  I’m just in a gifting mood, so when you contact me to reserve your stay for Rancho la Puerta, not only will you get my insight about destination spas, you’ll also get a gift from me of ONE 50-minute massage to use during your stay (7-night minimum stays required at Rancho la Puerta from Saturday to Saturday).   Hiking, Vegetarian Cuisine and great classes are healthful and a massage is important to your well-being, so I want to be sure you get that Ahh! feeling.

  CANYON RANCH - Wow, one of the best destination spas in the world and several opportunities for savings as well.  I can’t say enough about my latest experience at Canyon Ranch.  Life changing, yes, definitely, and many times I catch myself thinking, “how would I handle this if I were at Canyon Ranch.”  There are savings opportunities at the Lenox property for April, especially for April 5 – 9 (25% savings!) and there are other options for both Tucson and Lenox including the Two New, Two Terrific.  If you’ve never been to Canyon Ranch, and you’re seeking support and encouragement for a healthier way of living, this is the place.  Medical doctors, fitness experts, nutritionists and more in a nurturing, invigorating and relaxing environment.   

De-Stress & Unwind:
* Massage, Body Work and Meditation
* Yoga
* Golf

Grow & Learn:
* Sleep
* Genomics
* Sexuality & Intimacy

Lifestyle Changes:
* Nutrition
* Weight Management
* Smoking Cessation

Be open to the possibilities…

Re-discover You!
Sometimes we lose track of who we are and our core being. Peel away the layers and rediscover yourself. Nourish your body, mind and spirit.

Discovery:
You know that feeling when you want to experience something more? Perhaps you want to take up golf or tennis or learn something new in the field of sleep or nutrition; here is your opportunity to be in the moment and learn more to improve your life.

Awakening:
When was the last time you had that Aha! moment? Is there something else you want to do with your life? Have you lost sight of passion and all that makes you feel good? We’re here to feel good despite the challenges we face from time to time.

You are ready to explore the options available to help you create positive change now. Call me for moe insight and details about all that Canyon Ranch has to offer.

Remember…..”The Journey of a Thousand Miles begins with a single step.” Lao Tzu

VALUE-ADDED REASON: Just wanted to remind everyone reading this posting that I have limited space available for a promotion at Canyon Ranch Tucson from May 7 – 14 (4- or 7-night stay). It’s over Mother’s Day and offers an amazing opportunity to experience all that’s possible at Canyon Ranch with the benefit of sharing the moments with someone close to you.

Your Adventure Awaits You at Rancho la Puerta

Is anyone else out there experiencing cabin fever? I am not one to stay put for a very long time and I am ready to go someplace very soon…..and now is the time to consider a long awaited getaway. We’ve been reading and hearing about making cutbacks and recently one of my articles was published about our current economic atmosphere and how people are cutting back and one example was about making lattes at home; well it doesn’t seem that way when I’m waiting in line for my soy latte at Starbucks. Travel is another area that has been affected by our current economic atmosphere and although travel buying habits have changed, people are traveling. Travel and tourism is one of our nation’s greatest resources for jobs and economic growth and support is vital. Simply put, travel supports the economy let alone the other benefits of our well-being, relationships, and rest to name a few. Whether you’re dealing with cabin fever, monkey mind or sleep deprivation, traveling can set you free and open your mind to possibilities, a new awareness and maybe that’s what we need to consider now more than ever.

Many resorts are offering amazing values right now and some are advertised while many aren’t and that’s when working with a travel professional becomes important. So, with that, I’m going to cover 4 different promotions that are being offered right now. Take a look and consider one of these options. It may be just what you need for your vision of hope and well-being.

Rancho la Puerta
Bring a Friend Promotion
Travel the week of February 7-14, 2009
or February 21-28, 2009

There is too much “room at the inn” in these particular weeks, so there is an offer rarely seen at Rancho La Puerta. All guests staying one week (Saturday to Saturday) can bring a friend at 50% off. Share the room…share the savings…and most importantly, share the one and only experience that is Rancho La Puerta.

ALL-INCLUSIVE seven-night packages. NEVER A SERVICE CHARGE.
Subject to availability. Some restrictions apply. One-week stays only. May not be combined with other promotions.

There are several room types available. Call me directly for pricing and availability.

Life is an Adventure. Travel!

Enjoy “Bring a Friend” weeks and save $1500 to $2200
January 17-24, 2009 | February 7-14, 2009 | February 21-28, 2009

All guests staying one week (Saturday to Saturday) can bring a friend at 50% off.
Share the room…share the savings! Now is the perfect time to visit Rancho La Puerta,
legendary luxury fitness resort and spa founded in 1940. Only one hour east of San Diego.

ALL-INCLUSIVE seven-night packages. NEVER A SERVICE CHARGE.
Private garden casitas…three healthy, organic meals daily…over 50 cutting-edge fitness classes…3,000 private acres…guided hikes, tennis, swimming…organic farm…cooking school…soothing spa treatments transportation to and from San Diego Airport included.
(Subject to availability. Some restrictions apply. One-week stays only.)

Call Spa Vacation Experts at 1-800-532-5590 to reserve your adventure!

And, for a limited time, Rancho la Puerta has extended their partial stays through the week of Feb. 14th. Transfers are only included on Saturdays, however there is a cab service from San Diego airport that costs about $100 (per car, not per person).

And we can still get 2008 rates for 2009 stays. I’ve included some highlights for upcoming weeks…….are you ready to make those changes you promised yourself…are you looking for a fitness class that is better suited to you, do you want to learn how to cook healthy, are you ready to tap into your inner artist, or perhaps a topic like Feeding the Future will inspire and motivate you? Take a look….you’re sure to find something that interests you. Spa Vacation Experts can help you find the destination spa that fits you best and your budget. Rancho la Puerta is one of those options. Let’s all do what we can to create and enjoy the best year ever!

Jan. 17:
Gyrokinesis | Cathleen Murakami
Culinary Experiences at La Cocina Que Canta | Chef Ana Lorena Najar
The Oscar Race 2009 | Roger and Chaz Ebert
Sex Over 40 | Debra Haffner
Concert | Jeanne and Karl Anthony
Feeding the Future | Michael Ableman

Jan 24:
Pilates | Kelly Kane
Culinary Experiences at La Cocina Que Canta | Chef Ana Lorena Najar
Point of Impact — Bring your Camera | Pat Harrison
Crossword Puzzles: An Inside Look | David J. Kahn
Have You Had Your Annual Meaning Checkup? | Richard Leider
What is Your Plan to Build Bone Health? | Stan Bassin, Ed.D.
Feeding the Future | Michael Ableman

Jan 31:
Pilates Week | Jean Sullivan
Culinary Experiences at La Cocina Que Canta | Chef Ana Lorena Najar
Your Home, Your Sanctuary | Clodagh
Concert | David Shostac, David Low and Bryan Pezzone
The Matters That Matter…No Matter What | Molly Davis and Kristine Van Raden

Feb 07:
Feldenkrais® | Betsy Ingalls
Culinary Experiences at La Cocina Que Canta | Visiting Speaker Barbara Haber
Introduction to Sacred Sound for Meditation & Healing | Diane Mandle
Details to Come… | Susan Gail

Feb 14:
Pilates Week | Jill Winegar
Culinary Experiences at La Cocina Que Canta | Visiting Teacher Lynne Rossetto Kasper
Dream On: Exploring Your Dream World | Veronica Tonay, Ph.D.
Collage: Discover Your Inner Artist | Susan Ross
With Purpose: Going from Success to Significance… | Ken Dychtwald, Ph.D.

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!

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?

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.

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.

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