Here’s a prescription for post-holiday stress disorder: Take two friends, drink lots of fluids and head out for a spa holiday. You pick your remedy!
- Total pampering and catering
- Adrenaline thrill seeking
- Reconnect with friends, relatives or yourself
- Get in touch with nature
Whatever your pleasure, there’s a spa just right for you. Get ready. Choose the one that’s right for what you are seeking on this trip.
Five North Shore women went to an “ashram” style spa in Brazil to sweat out a week of no meat, salt or alcohol and do a bikini boot camp. They came out looking/ feeling great.
But two LA accountants at the same spa/same week, were miserable when, not only were there no margaritas with their manicures, but there were also no manicures!
Thus, it’s very important to match your spa to your needs or wants! Get set. Understand what is involved/included in your getaway. Look carefully as they vary greatly. Some include gratuities, taxes, transfers, classes and lectures. Others charge for some or all of these or other services. There is no right or wrong, but it’s a total chill kill to get a bill at the end that you did not expect. Now go!
Wear shoes you have already broken in, so you don’t get blisters and ruin your trip. Pack light and don’t stand next to a supermodel when taking candid pictures. Use the $ below as a relative cost guideline. Options vary greatly.
RESORT SPAS
CANYON RANCH: MIAMI , FLA. ($$$). Beachfront location. Fabulous setting with the option of incredible spa services. Indulge yourself in Aquavana-thermal cabins and experiential rain/mood options. 30 minutes from Miami airport. www.canyonranch.com
INTERCONTINENTAL MONTELUCIA RESORT AND SPA: SCOTTSDALE, ARIZ ($$$). Joya Spa. Escape to “Morocco” in the desert and experience an authentic Hamman ritual or Berber body wrap. 15 minutes from Phoenix airport. www.icmontelucia.com
MAROMA RESORT AND SPA: RIVERA MAYA, MEXICO ($$$$). Fantastic beach setting. This Mayan-influenced spa is aligned with the stars to ensure positive energy flow. Four-handed massage is a must. 20 minutes from Cancun airport. www.maromahotel.com
Don’t overlook WILLOW STREAM SPAS in select Fairmont hotels throughout the world. These oases offer classes and lovely spa facilities as well as great spa products.
DESTINATION SPAS
MIRAVAL-TUCSON, ARIZ ($$$). Experience a Samadi Healing Ceremony, Challenge your courage, fears or strength, or learn what a horse innately knows- these creative spa offerings combine to make this a fabulous choice for all interests. Prickly pear scrub adds that final glow. Close to Tucson Airport. www.miravalresort.com
LODGE AT WOODLOCH: HAWLEY, PENN ($$$$). Located 2 to 3 hours from New York or Philadelphia, this elegant nature-oriented spa is sure to restore your inner spirit with kayaking, hiking and river rafting in addition to classes and spa treatments. Indulge in massage with hot rocks soaked in sage oil. Close to Wilkes Barre/Scranton Intl. Airport. www.thelodgeatwoodloch.com
RED MOUNTAIN: ST. GEORGE, UTAH ($$). Red rock hiking, Zion National Park, rock climbing and abundant classes/services add up to something for everyone. New villas are a great option for “girlfriend getaways” or family gatherings. 10 minutes from St. George airport; 2 hours from Las Vegas. www.redmountain.com.
