Destination Spa Vacations

Think Spa for Father's Day!

Father's Day is a holiday that I have not celebrated for most of my life. My Father passed away when I was six years old so it was always a sad holiday, where I felt left out. However, this year will be very different. Thanks to the birth of our daughter Lydia, Sunday will be my husband's first Father's Day as a Father. And trust me, we have a fun-filled day planned.

Since Lydia is only 6 1/2 months old, we won't be golfing or going to the spa (yet). But I have decided to treat my husband to a sports massage and pedicure (his favorites) on a different day. I wish we could get away for a Destination Spa Vacation, as he really enjoys all of the activities (hiking, biking, volleyball, etc...). But with a newborn at home, it's just not possible...

You may be thinking that my husband is a rare man who goes to spas because his wife works in the spa industry. Au contraire - he has a lot of company as more and more men are going to spas these days. I've seen stats that show anywhere from 30-50% of spa-goers are now men. A significant number have their first spa experience reluctantly, usually at the urging of a loved one. And for most, they never have to be convinced again. I think they are finally catching on...Is this a good thing? Of course it is!

For those of you who can get away and want to treat the special man in your life with a spa gift, check out these great offers from Destination Spas:

Echo Valley Ranch & Spa: 
Echo Valley is offering a special for dads for the month of June that iincludes:

• All meals - prepared by Echo Valley's Master Chef
• Accommodation in private lodge room
• Use of all ranch facilities (indoor swimming pool, hot tub, sauna, fitness room, games room), morning walk or stretching class
• PLUS one horseback ride or riding lesson

Price: CDN $ 510 per person for 2 Nights
Price: CDN $ 730 per person for 3 Nights

Prices are per person do not include 10% service charge or 5% GST.

The Oaks at Ojai:
The Oaks is offering a Fathers Day special June 19-26 A 50% discount for the man in your life when he shares a room with you. This means that one pays full rate and your special man can stay for as little as $94* for a full spa vacation including food, fitness classes, extended hikes, lectures and more. This special ends at noon June 26th, 2 night minimum. Rate does not include required taxes and service charge.

Cal-a-Vie Health Spa:
Give Dad a gift certificate to Cal-a-Vie Health Spa and mark his calendar for his retreat during Men’s Week, December 6-13th. During the special male only week, our destination health spa is all about the Y chromosome. We have tailored our award-winning program to fit even the most rugged of men - enjoy mornings full of fitness including endurance hikes, triathlon boot camp,  beach volleyball, rounds of golf or tennis, cross-fit challenges and more. Spend afternoons relieving stress and renewing yourself with yoga and tai chi classes, sports massages and unique spa treatments like the Invigorating Black Tie Back Masque. Learn more about nutrition to enhance workouts and lower cholesterol and blood pressure while you fuel-up with delicious, healthy cuisine.  Available in 3, 4 or 7 night packages; for more information, call 888-373-8773

Lake Austin Spa Resort:
Twice as Nice, Half the Price
Book a two-night stay for two and the second person pays only half. This offer has limited availability; so book today! Offer expires by June 30, 2009. Based on double occupancy rates for both guests. Subject to availability. Must be booked by June 30, 2009. Valid for stays through December 31, 2009 on Resort or Spa Refresher packages in Premier accommodations only. Not combinable with any other specials or group discounts. Monarch Club credit cannot be applied or earned. Certain restrictions apply. To book:  www.lakeaustin.com or 800-847-5637

Mother's Day at Destination Spas

Mom's do it all! I've always known that, but as a new Mother I have a new, and much expanded appreciation for all that Mother's do. So as this Mother's Day approaches, I'm pondering how I will honor and celebrate my Mother.

My mother is very difficult - make that extremely difficult - to buy a gift for, no matter what holiday it is. I've never been able to buy the "typical" Mother's Day gifts of jewelry, chocolate, flowers, etc... for her. According to her, she has everything she needs and truly does not want anything. While she does enjoy a good massage, that has been my gift of choice for several years running. This year I want to do something special to let her know how much I appreciate her and everything she has done for me.

My answer - a Destination Spa Vacation for her & I together. She loves to travel, wants to spend more time with her only daughter, and as mentioned above she really enjoys a good massage. Remarkably, she has never joined me on one of my trips so this is perfect.

Many of the Destination Spasoffer Mother/Daughter packages and/or theme weeks throughout the year. Spending a few days together while you relax, exercise, dine, and enjoy each other's company is a great way to strengthen the special bond that Mothers share with their daughters.

Right now, the following have special packages in honor of Mother's Day:

Rancho La Puerta (Baja Mexico)
Mother's Day For A Week!
May 9-16, 2009

Includes :
A week at Rancho La Puerta includes accommodations, all meals, snacks, beverages, access to the facilities, over 50 fitness classes a day, evening programs, and scheduled transportation to and from the San Diego Airport.

Restrictions :
Offer based on shared occupancy, one week stay. "Lead" guest receives double (or triple rate); second (or more) guest receives 25% off same rate. Some restrictions apply (i.e. may not be combined with some other specials). We ask that mothers and daughters be related by blood, adoption or marriage (includes daughters-in-law and/or mothers-in-law).

RegPrice : $2,890
Discount : 25%
PriceAfter : $2,167.50

Cal-a-Vie (California)
May Getaways! Mother's Day to Graduation Retreat
May 10-17, 2009

Mother & Daughter Special Rate Weeks: Mother pays full price, daughter pays half price!There's always a reason to escape to Cal-a-Vie Health Spa - Mother's Day, Graduation celebration, girl friend getaway, Mom & Daughter bonding - and with our special Mother & Daughter packages you'll create lasting memories from fun fitness classes, spa pampering, delicious spa cuisine and quality time. An experience you'll never forget!

Includes :
Cal-a-Vie Health Spa May specials include 3 meals per day, all fitness classes, nutritional lecture, cooking demonstration, therapeutic spa treatments, shared occupancy and round trip airport transportation.

Restrictions :
This special may not be combined or used in conjunction with any other promotions, membership or group stays. It is subject to change without notice and is based on space availability.

Canyon Ranch (Arizona)
Mother & Daughters Save at Canyon Ranch
May 1 - October 31,2009

When a parent and child age 14 or older share an accommodation, one pays full package rate with package services included, and the other saves 25% on the nightly rate and receives a $130 allowance toward services. Additional children save 50% on the nightly rate (services not included). Simply mention Mother & Daughter when you make your reservation. Fathers and sons save, too!

Your Canyon Ranch in Tucson stay includes:
. Gracious accommodations
. Three gourmet meals daily, plus always-available healthy snacks
. Generous allowance for spa, sports, and integrative wellness services
. More than 40 fitness classes and activities a day
. Unlimited access to truly incredible facilities
. Round-trip transfers to and from Tucson International airport, or complimentary valet parking
. The kindness, warmth and expertise of our caring staff

Restrictions :
Four-night minimum. This special may not be combined or used in conjunction with any other promotions, group, homeowner or membership stays, is subject to change without notice and is based on space availability.

Spa Eastman (Quebec, Canada)
Two gifts for Mom!

Offer a $200* or more gift certificate to your mom and we will offer her a gift including spruce and grapefruit re-mineralizing cream, bath mineral crystals and bath moor mud (value of $50).

You can buy it on-line (here) or by phone at:
Spa Eastman, Eastman: 1 800 665-5272.
Spa Eastman Montréal: 514 845-8455.
Spa Eastman Nuns' Island: 514 766-4000.

Spa Eastman's Gift Certificates are accepted in our three locations.

This special offer is valid until May 10th only.
* To receive the gift, the gift certificate must be used between May 6th, 2009 and November 10th, 2009.

I'm not sure when we are going to go, but before next Mother's Day, I plan to treat my Mother to a special Destination Spa Vacation. Now on to my Mother In-Law's gift... I trust all of you will do something special for the Mothers in your life!
 

 

 

Spa Week is here!

Today is the start of Spa Week. For those of you are not (yet) familiar with this great event, it is your chance to try spa services at participating spas for $50! For most spas that is 1/2 price. A massage appointment is always a good idea for some stress relief and now you have another reason if you live in the following states. While you are there, ask for a copy of Destination Spa Vacations magazine.

• Arizona
• California
• Colorado
• District of Columbia
• Florida
• Georgia
• Illinois
• Maryland
• Massachusetts
• Michigan
• Minnesota
• New Jersey
• New York
• North Carolina
• Pennsylvania
• Texas
• Virginia
• Washington

Spa vacations for the health of it!

In the current economic climate, it seems like everyone is stressing about finances and cutting back in some way. I've heard several people say they are not going on a vacation this year. Now that money is harder to come by, people are rationalizing that vacations are "luxuries". I beg to differ.

Vacations are a necessity! You have to stop what your doing at some point and recharge. And the financial stress brought on by the economy gives us even more reason to take a vacation. Dealing with your stress today can help prevent stress-related illnesses (heart disease, stroke, depression) tomorrow. Enter a spa vacation...

"There's quite a bit you can learn at a spa to help reduce stress," said Dr. Brent Bauer, director of the Complementary and Integrative Medicine Program at Mayo Clinic.  "Things like meditation, acupuncture, massage and guided imagery - the right answer is to find what fits for you and incorporate it on a regular basis."

Destination Spas take it a step further than most spas by offering a wide variety of stress-relieving activities and services (not just spa treatments). Imagine starting your day with a hike in the mountains, birdwatching, journaling, or even with a full-body massage. You could say that destination spa vacations are an investment in your health and vitality. A Cornell Survey found that a destination spa vacation had many positive mental and physical effects, including:

• Increased energy levels
• Improved abilities to resolve challenges
• Improved relaxation
• Improved ability to handle everyday life
• Improved concentration
• Improved ability to handle business affairs

So instead of forgoing your vacation this year, re-tool and invest in yourself at a Destination Spa.

And to help with the finacial aspect, Check out some of the Destination Spa offers happening now:

The Heartland Spa
Through the end of April, you stay for our 5 night Monday through Friday program, and you get 100 spa dollars to spend on any of our great spa services.

Deerfield Spa
April 17th - April 26th
10 days for the price of a one-week stay (includes one 50-minute massage).

Copperhood Inn & Spa
20% off our regular rates across the board.

Golden Door (Escondido)
Reserve a 2009 week at the 2007 rate of $7,750. Offer valid through May 24, 2009.

The Oaks at Ojai
TAX BREAK SPECIAL: This April Special is for stays that include 3 paid nights within the dates of April 1-17 2009. The stay must start on April 1st or later and it ends at noon on Friday April 17th. Stay 2 nights and your 3rd night is 50% off the program rate which includes your room, all spa cuisine meals and fitness classes as well as evening lectures and programs.

Cal-a-Vie
MOTHER & DAUGHTER SPECIAL RATE WEEKS
Enjoy a special rate during the following weeks in 2009: May 10, July 26 and September 13
3-Night Package: Mother pays full price, $3,795 and daughter pays half price, $1,898 (plus room tax).

Check with the Destination Spa for more details and availability.

Celebrate Mom!

For all the things she does, Mom deserves some pampering. Giving the gift of spa is an excellent way to show your mother how much you care and appreciate all she’s done.

To create a spa environment at-home, you can give Mom a  gift basket filled with all things "spa" --candles, a robe, massagers, bath salts, journal, and a relaxation CD. For a more experiential gift you can honor her with a gift certificate for a massage, a full day of pampering, or a spa vacation. Better yet, you can plan a spa getaway for you and your Mother. After all, the gift that mothers appreciate the most is quality time with their children.

Here are my thoughts on why a Destination Spa vacation (for you and her) is the best gift you can give your beloved Mother this Mother’s Day.

• Stress-free vacation. The key to a successful vacation is making it as stress-free as possible. Destination Spas are very relaxing – a home away from home without the responsibilities of home. No dishes, no cleaning, no planning. Mom can just relax and enjoy herself while someone else takes care of all the responsibilities.
• Disconnect to Reconnect. With limited phone, e-mail, TV, blackberry… A Destination Spa vacation allows Mom the quality time to reconnect with herself and you. When else do you have each other’s undivided attention?
• Time dedicated to catch-up. The reality is that staying connected to our loved ones is a challenge. Yet, staying connected is essential for a healthy relationship. Destination Spas ensure there is bonding time -- everything is planned for you and you don’t need to leave the property.
• Talk about what matters. In our daily lives, we have a tendency to talk about day to day matters and not dive into deep conversations. Time for more sensitive and intimate conversations is built into a Destination Spa vacation. You will have amazing conversations you wouldn’t have at home.
• But not too much time. The variety of activities allows Mothers and Daughters to do their own thing, yet catch up with each other every couple hours to share and compare notes. Each of you can explore your own interests AND share similar interests and activities without suffocating each other.
• It’s FUN! New adventures/experiences await – mud wraps, hikes, salsa dancing, cooking classes, star gazing. You will create special shared memories that you will treasure for the rest of your life. [I personally experienced this with my mother while on a hike in New Mexico].
• See & relate with each other in a new light. As 2 individuals, not parent/child. Often through other people’s eyes, children will experience an A-ha moment where they realize Mom is not so bad.
• Ultimately ---- great memories & strengthened relationships.

Any time of year (not just Mother’s Day), a Destination Spa is a great place to renew your relationship with your Mother and catch up on each others lives. For those interested, many of the Destination Spas offer Parent/Child weeks and programs throughout the year.

Green Mountain at Fox Run

As one of the few spas exclusive to women, Green Mountain at Fox Run is able to create a safe environment to explore the mother-daughter dynamic that has influenced their relationship and the behaviors and attitudes around food, weight, body acceptance, self-esteem to name a few. Many of these food and body issues have been areas that have separated mothers and daughters over the years... not discussed, ignored, but a source of discomfort or loneliness.

Green Mountain at Fox Run offers mother-daughter weeks throughout the year and new this year is the Mother-Daughter-Sister month. Enjoy a 10% discount on stays during the month of May.

May 6-June 2, 2007 -- Explore more deeply the complex ways in which food and body shape/size impact women of all ages today. If you're the mother of a college-age daughter who struggles with eating and eating disorders, you can learn how to be supportive, to make a big difference for your daughter who is under much more pressure to 'be thin' for today's standards of beauty.

The Oaks at Ojai

Twice annually The Oaks offer a 50% discount for each daughter sharing a room with their mother (January and September). Each May they offer it again with a 40% discount. During theses discounted periods approximately 80% of the guests are Mothers and Daughters.

Canyon Ranch

When mother and daughter share accommodations for up to seven nights, including Sunday, May 13, one pays the regular package rate and the other receives 50% off the nightly rate. You can share the package allowance for spa, sports & integrative wellness services.

Cal-a-Vie

Offering Mother's Day Gift Certificate Packages so Mom can celebrate with a gift and choose a date to visit the spa that fits her busy schedule.

• European Elegance: 7 Night Spa Package gift certificate will be sent with an exotic Diptyque scented candle, a set of Earthworks Rose Bath Truffles, and offers a complimentary added Rose Mud Treatment during the spa visit. ( $225 added value!)
• Indulgent: 4 Night La Petite Spa Package certificate will be sent with a set of Earthworks Bath Truffles and offers a complimentary added Rose Mud Treatment during the spa visit. ($175 added value!)
• Escape: 3 Night La Petite Spa Package gift certificate will be sent with the exotic Diptyque candle. ($60 added value!)

Spa Eastman

Offering a package to spoil Mom during the week of May 6-13. Reserve a minimum three night stay for you and Mom, from Sunday May 6th to Sunday May 13th at Spa Eastman, and they will offer a free Relaxation a la carte package for your Mother. Lodging, meals, evening workshops, guided walks and all physical activities will be at no cost to your guest.

Deerfield Spa

Offering a Mother’s Day Coupon for 15% off any stay between May 13-27, 2007. You must print out the coupon and present in person.

Lake Austin Spa Resort

The Mother/Daughter Weeks have proved to be so popular among guests, that they have added more weeks and special guests in 2007. During the Mother/Daughter weeks, the mother pays the private rate on a three-night or longer Refresher Package, the daughter stays with her for 50 percent off that rate. The package includes unlimited fitness classes and activities, three healthy gourmet meals daily, as well as a spa and fitness allowance which can be used in the resort’s LakeHouse Spa. The programs explore nutrition, self-esteem, body image, transforming rituals and of course special topics presented by special guest speakers throughout the year.

Core Program Offered Every Mother/Daughter Week:

• "Body Image – Facts and Fiction" with licensed dietitian Terry Shaw who facilitates positive change in health styles.
• "Transforming Rituals" with creative presenter Liz Bila is a class that explores how rituals can deepen our connections to our values.
• "The Mother/Daughter Diet Legacy" with dietitian Lora Edwards, a class that helps mothers pass on a healthy attitude of food and body image to their daughters.
• "Yoga for Two: The Mother/Daughter Connection". In this class Anne Irving helps mothers and daughters explore the push and pull dynamic of their relationship.

2007 Special Guest Presenters:

May 7th – 13th -- Special guest Peggy Post will present three workshops: "The Real Emily Post", "Your Professional Image" and "Relationships: Successful Communication". Through these sessions, Post will help mothers and daughters sharpen their image and learn how etiquette can build confidence and help achieve goals.

July 30th – August 5th -- Special guest celebrity makeup artist Michael Kier’s relaxed methodology to makeup application has garnered him a unique style accredited to his talent. With 18 years of professional makeup experience, Kier has worked with Bobbi Brown, Chanel, and Lancôme and on numerous films, television and fashion shows and magazines.

August 6th – 12th -- Special guest author Karen Koenig will present "Quit Fighting with Food" and "Feelings Not Food". Both sessions show how to improve one’s relationship with food and maintain a healthy, comfortable weight, as well as how to live an enjoyable life by turning to and not away from one’s emotions.

Rona Berg, author of Beauty: The New Basics and Fast Beauty will present "Beauty Tips for Teens: When to Save, When to Splurge" and "Stress and Beauty Burnout", focusing on how to get the most bang for your buck with beauty products, as well as tips for self-care and nutrition under stress.

Spa Specials: Valentine's Day

Anything "spa" makes for a great Valentines gift. Massagers, robes, spa cookbooks, lotions, bath salts, journal, chocolates, soy candles, and of course spa gift certificates. Destination Spas offer unique and special products that you can not get at your local department store or day spas. Golden Door skin care products are just one example. Links to their on-line botiques can be found on our website www.destinationspas.com.

Throughout the month of February, several Destination Spas are offering treatments, special menus and treats, and vacations packages to celebrate St. Valentine.

Cal-a-Vie:Special Rate Package for Two

Enjoy a full week at a special rate during the week of February 11, June 10, October 28, or December 9th. One person pays full price ($6,995) and the other pays one half price ($3,498). Each receives a 12 therapeutic spa treatment package. Book early, these are popular weeks! (No other offer can be combined with this special rate, shared occupancy, room tax applies.) As a Valentine's Day bonus, each Cal-a-Vie full week gift certificate purchased on or before February 14th will be accompanied by a $250 gift certificate to our Spa Boutique.

Canyon Ranch: A sweetheart deal - You, Your Sweetheart & Canyon Ranch

Discover your perfect match on Valentine's Day - you, your sweetheart & Canyon Ranch in Lenox. In romantic New England, at your favorite resort, you'll play, explore and fall in love again. While you're here, enjoy fascinating Sensuality & Sexuality presentations by Canyon Ranch Director of Sexual Health Evelyn Resh. Learn how you can enhance the intimacy and pleasure in your relationship, now and for the rest of your lives. Arrive on February 12 or 13 and save 15% on a 3 or 4 night stay.

New Age Health Spa: Celebrate Valentines Day with a free massage

This February bring that special someone to share a 3 night spa vacation and receive a 50 minute therapeutic massage free. This offer may not be combined with other specials or treatment packages. Good February 16-28, 2007

Spa Eastman: Valentine's Day Massage

February 9-18, 2007

For Valentine's Day, Spa Eastman offers you a gift! Book a package of three nights or more from Sunday the 9th of February, and you will both be offered a free massage!

Green Valley Spa is offering Chocolate Strawberry Body Scrubs and Warm Champagne Couples Massages as part of a Couples getaway.

The Heartland Spa is serving up these delicious Chocolate Souffles (I’ve tasted them myself) on February 14th and featuring a dessert for your hands: a chocolate paraffin dip packed with Vitamin E.

Chocolate Soufflé

½ cup chocolate sauce

4 egg whites

1 Tablespoon sugar

Spray the interior of 12 ramekins with Pam or a similar pan coating.  Fill another ramekin with sugar.  Invert a sprayed ramekin over the one filled with sugar and shake while holding them together, thus coating the sprayed ramekin with sugar on the inside.  Tap it gently to dislodge any excess.  Repeat as needed. Separate the eggs and discard the yolks.  Whisk the egg whites until they form soft peaks, adding the sugar while it is whisking.  Fold the chocolate sauce into the egg whites. Fill each ramekin with the mixture and bake, 4000 for 12 to 15 minutes. Serve immediately.

Per serving; 73 Calories; 0g Fat (4% calories from fat); 3g Protein; 17g Carbohydrate.

Note: All of these specials may not be combined or used in conjunction with any other promotions, membership or group stays. It is subject to change without notice and is based on space availability.

Happy Valentines Day!