Monday, December 28, 2009

Spa Getaways on California's Mendocino Coast

The Mendocino Coast is located along the Pacific Ocean, north of San Francisco. The coastal area is known for spectacular scenery, distinctive winers and the relaxing ambiance. This coastal area is home to inns and B&B with luxurious accommodations and beautiful ocean views. Some of the ins offers relaxing and rejuvenated spa treatments as well.

A spa vacation on the Pacific Coast in the Northern California wine country may just be the ultimate indulgence. Guest can spend the day searching out interesting wineries and sample the fine wines form Napa, Sonoma and Mendocino wine regions. There is fantastic sightseeing in the area, with giant redwoods and ocean front drives. Enjoy spa treatments and massages before or after exploring wine country. Enjoy a gourmet meal in one of the fine local restaurants. Relax and enjoy the sunset while enjoying a glass of wine.

The Mendocino Wine Country begins about 90 miles north of San Francisco. Nearly 40 wineries are located in the three regions of Mendocino County, including Redwood Valley, Ukiah, Hopland and Anderson Valley. Ukiah and Hopland are in the Russian River area of the County.

Spa VacationFollowing are three highly rated inns with spas on the coastal area north of San Francisco. Bodega Bay is south of Mendocino, and is the closest to San Francisco. There inns offer relaxing, pampering getaway destinations on the coastal area of Northern California's Wine County.

Bodega Bay Spa and Lodge. Bodega Bay is located just one hour north of the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco. The lodge overbooks beautiful scenery, including the Pacific Ocean, Doran Beach State Park and the green bluffs of Bodega Head. Luxurious resort with 84 guest rooms and suites that feature spectacular ocean views and romantic fireplaces. The hotel's amenities include a complimentary wine hour, swimming pool, whirlpool, sauna, fitness center and full service spa. This restful setting is a wonderful place for a relaxing spa getaway. The Bodega Spa offers spa services including body treatments, massages and facials. The Duck Club Restaurant offers features California contemporary cuisine accompanied by relaxing ocean views. The menu changes seasonally to highlight the fresh local ingredients, seafood and the finest Sonoma County wines. AAA Four Diamond Resort. 888-875-3525.

Stevenswood Spa Resort, Little River. This resort is located on the Northern California Mendocino Coast, The Inn is nestled in a forest by the sea. Luxurious amenities include fine Egyptian cotton bed linens, European down comforters, Imported Hermes amenities, Venetian Glass bowl vanities, Tempurpedic premium sleep system, Italian Espresso Machines, Business center, Free wireless Internet, wood burning fireplaces, mineral whirlpools, ocean view decks, reading library, complimentary limo transportation and more. Indigo Spa promotes well being with state of the art pampering, relaxation and rejuvenation. The spa uses botanical and natural ingredients. The Spa menu offers massages, body treatments and facials. Dine at the Restaurant at Stevenswood, which has an intimate dining room with a fireplace. AAA Four Diamond. 800-421-2810.

Stanford Inn by the Sea and Spa. This Bed and Breakfast Inn offers views of the ocean and the Village of Mendocino. Guest rooms feature wood burning fireplaces. Inn amenities include swimming pool, hot tub, "organic" bread, pet-friendly rooms and grounds, working organic farm and organic dining. There are gentle creatures including llamas and horses on the property. Massage in the Forest Spa services feature massage, body work, facials, Ayurvedic treatments and yoga classes. Dine at Ravens Restaurant featuring regional organic produce. The wine list if comprised mainly of wines from certified organic vineyards or vineyards using sustainable farming practices. AAA Four Diamond. 888-331-8884.

Information subject to change. Contact the inns for further information and to make reservations.

By Christine Bude Nyholm

About Author

With nearly 3 million pages view Christine is one of the top 100 AC Contributors and Won Best of AC for Winter Travel Guides in 2008 and Best of Alternative Health in 2009. Christine's article Shop Around for Prescriptions was featured on CBS Early Morning News. She recently was invited to the Red Carpet Premiere for the Jackson: A Family Dynasty on A&E.

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Friday, December 25, 2009

The Weight Loss Spa Vacations to Lose Those Excess Pounds

Wouldn't it be nice if you could lose those last ten pounds while enjoying a mini-vacation in a spa like environment? Weight loss spas that promise to help make the task of weight loss easier and more pleasant have sprung up across the country. Here are some of the best weight loss spa vacations:

Weight loss spa vacations: Hilton Head Institute

The little island of Hilton Head off the coast of South Carolina offers a healthy weight loss boot camp in a luxurious, retreat setting. Based on sound principles of weight loss and healthy living, each participant learns the principles of lifestyle management, education, and lifetime nutrition. Meetings with a lifestyle coach give each attendee an opportunity to define their weight loss goals as well as choose specific educational tools to meet their needs. Classes include Pilates, kickboxing, beach walks, dance classes, strength training, yoga, and even healthy cooking classes. Plus, there are lots of amenities such as massage and body treatments to promote relaxation. Best of all the average guest who stays for two weeks loses anywhere from seven to fourteen pounds while relaxing on the beautiful resort island of Hilton Head.

Spa VacationWeight loss spa vacations: The Pritikin Longevity Center

This healthy weight loss plan is based on sound medical principles. Upon arriving, you'll undergo a complete physical including blood work and a cardiac stress test. You'll have access to consultation with a variety of specialists in their fields including top notch nutritionists and exercise counselors. All of this taking place in a resort like, tropical paradise in Adventura, Florida. While at the center, you'll participate in classes which emphasize the three essential components of a successful exercise program, aerobic, flexibility, and strength training. You'll then enjoy the bountiful, yet nutritious food offerings that are chef quality creations without all the calories found in most spa food. There's plenty of pampering including massages and specialized skin care treatments such as chemical peels and Botox injections. It's a program for rejuvenation of both skin and body.

Weight loss spa vacations: Cooper Aerobics Center

This spa experience is based on the teachings of Kenneth Cooper, M.D, the father of aerobics. During this six day experience, you'll start with a complete fitness evaluation and will have a customized workout designed to meet your needs. In addition to any one of almost eighty exercise classes, you'll be treated to gourmet, heart healthy meals and luxury spa services such as massage, stone therapy, and facials. A variety of educational courses are offered where you'll learn everything from relaxation techniques to how to eat healthy. You'll emerge from your vacation refreshed and eager to continue your new healthy lifestyle when you return home.

If you're looking for a fun way to lose weight and develop better eating and exercise habits, a weight loss spa vacation may be just what the doctor ordered.

By Kristie Leong M.D.

About Author

I'm a family physician with a strong interest in disease prevention and alternative medicine. I'm particularly interested in how diet plays a role in disease prevention.

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Tuesday, December 22, 2009

Take Your Spa Vacation

Spa vacations are resort-style holidays designed to spoil your body and make you feel like a million dollars. Their aim is to release you from all your day-to-day stress and stressors. Spas accomplish this by pampering you with massages, facials, healthy cuisine, masks, soaks, and saunas. You will leave your spa relax holiday feeling refreshed and rejuvenated. Spas can teach you methods to relax once you leave, like yoga or meditation.

Not everyone wants to overindulge in rich food and alcohol on his or her holiday. Although holidays often cater to the most decadent travelers, there is an option for those who need to be pampered but don't need to pig out or incur more stress than they deserve by overindulging. If you need a holiday that is truly relaxing, and will make you feel lovely about yourself afterward, then consider a spa holiday.

Spa VacationThese lessons will stay with you and permit you to conquer stress once you're back in your home environment. You can learn how to bring your spa environment back with you. You will also encounter nutritionists, therapists, personal trainers, and other spa personnel who will teach you how to live your best, most healthy life even when you're not paying for it in their facilities. However, chances are you will become addicted to the spa experience and need to come back at least once a year to get away from it all. You won't need to trade in how lovely you feel when your spa holiday is over for the former way you took your holidays, when you returned feeling stressed and bloated from all the traveling and overindulgence.

Spas can be devoted to lots of different types of relaxation. These specialty spas vary a lot in price and location. You can visit an opulent spa that costs thousands of dollars a day, or a budget spa that pampers you without all the extras. Spas can be in the middle of the desert or on a tropical beach. they can be in your hometown or lots of hours away on a plane. If you need to travel with your relatives, but still need a spa holiday, lots of hotels in big cities now offer their own versions of spas. You can get spoiled with massages while your babies play in the hotel pool.

Some spas have more specific objectives than relaxing you. there's lots of spas devoted to helping their guests lose weight. These spas can feel like prisons for a while if you're addicted to sugar and alcohol, but your body will thank you later. These spas detoxify your body and encourage you to exercise and drink lots of water. Meanwhile they distract you from your hungry stomach by making sure you experience long baths, full-body massages, and other luxuries.

A spa holiday can be enjoyed alone, or with your best friend, brother, or brother. Spas are excellent places to bond while you get treated like a queen or king. You will return home feeling beautiful, slim, strong, and ready to face the rat race again.

By James Douglas

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Saturday, December 19, 2009

Is a Spa Vacation in Your Future?

People take vacations for many reasons. However, the one underlying reason is to relax from the stresses of everyday life. People want to recharge their batteries before they return to their everyday lives and jobs. One great way to do this is by taking a spa vacation.

There are individuals that have never been to a Spa in their lives. Once you go to a Spa, you will probably want to go again. There are all types of luxurious Spas. Some Spas are set up for an hourly appointment and some are for an entire week. There are different Spa experiences for each person. It doesn't matter what your present economic situation is. Many people use to think that Spas were just for the affluent. They were the only ones who could afford them.

Some individuals look at a Spa for health reasons, some for luxury, and some for a macro body juice experience. A spa vacation is a great way to have all parts of your body worked on. You can get everything from facials and body rubdowns to just relaxing with a glass of wine in a hot tub.

Spa VacationUsually when you check into Spa, you do so early. You can have a beverage, talk with the specialists are the other patrons, and simply relax and de-stress from the rigors of the day.

There is a set of etiquette to be followed at a Spa. Cellphones and pagers are to be turned off. Only the client is permitted into the service room. This is to guard privacy. Advance reservations are usually required. Most Spas will provide slippers, towels, and fresh linens to the customers.

Many of the Spas will use natural and organic materials for the body. Many of these are used to treat and soften the skin. They can also have a deepening affect on sore muscles.

A gratuity of 18 percent is usually the standard at most Spas. Some will figure in the gratuity for you. However, if you are happy with the service, there is no rule against tipping higher.

A Spa Vacation

Just think, you select place to go. You make reservations. You check in and are taken to a luxurious room. You are welcomed with fresh fruit, various cheeses and crackers, and a bottle of wine or champagne. You relax a little and then enjoy a delicious meal. After you have digested your meal, you then receive a facial or a Beach Plum Body Scrub. There are other amenities as well. There are Sauna's, Hot Tubs, Whirlpools, Pedicures, and Swimming. Then you get to do it over again the nest day.

Some couples, will schedule a few rounds of golf or a few games of Tennis at or near the Spa, before returning to the Spa itself.

You can schedule a day, weekend, or even a full week at a Spa. Some couples will travel from one Spa to another. Although many Spas offer the same things, many differ in many ways. If you have never been to a Spa, it might be time to give it a try. It is especially meaningful, if you can share it with your better half.

By Carl Benjamin

About Author

Just an average Joe living in the Midwest. I am a retired High School teacher/coach. I work part time for a small college.

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Wednesday, December 16, 2009

Top 5 Spa Vacation Destinations in the Caribbean

Caribbean is full of many excellent resorts and spas which offer great services. Out of them five of the best spa vacation locations are discussed below-

1. Coconut Bay Beach Resort & Spa- The best spa location in the Caribbean according to me. Most of the Caribbean people like this resort which offers excellent services with a range of prices for budget conscious people. It is located in St. Lucia's south coast. It is worth paying a visit to this place. There are varieties of food options for the visitors.

2. Breezes Curacao Resort Spa & Casino- It is the second best spa location in the Caribbean. It is the first super-inclusive resort in the southern Caribbean. Guests especially enjoy the Dutch flavor which is very prominent here. The food quality is quite good and there are different packages for accommodations. It offers a range of services and good quality thermal spas. The spas make this location very popular among the visitors from across the globe.

Caribbean Spa Vacation3. Beaches Negril Resort & Spa- It is located in the St. Ann Mountains. It offers good services with a range of prices. It has excellent food quality with a variety of food options. Most of the time it is well booked as the visitors come here through out the year. It is not for budget minded people as it is very expensive. But it compensates the pricing with excellent services and hospitality.

4. Franklyn D. Resort and Spa- Located in Jamaica, it is known for its warm welcome of the guests. It provides excellent food with a range of accommodations. The Spas also help in the treatment of the joint pains. The food quality is quite manageable but when it comes to budget, this is the best spa vacation location in the whole of the Caribbean. Budget minded people prefer this location apart from the above mentioned three destinations.

5. Beaches Turks & Caicos- Last but not least Beaches Turks & Caicos is another very popular spa vacation destination in the Caribbean. But the main problem of it is that it doesn't offer different accommodation options. But apart from that it is a very beautiful and soothing spa location to visit with excellent food quality and restaurant. It offers a range of services which the people like very much. The pricing of the location is on a higher side. So budget minded people may have a problem here if they are not willing to spend some money. But all in all this is a very good spa vacation location.

These are the top five spa vacation locations in the Caribbean in which thousand of people from around the world visit every year.

By John Watson

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Thursday, December 10, 2009

Las Vegas Vacation - Your Guide to the Best Vegas Spas

Oh, the lure of the Las Vegas spa on your next Las Vegas vacation! Las Vegas is known throughout the world for its lavishness, and this spills over to the spa experience that you can plan on if you are staying in a hotel with a spa. You can expect to be pampered to the hilt, buffed, waxed, and comforted like nowhere else on earth. You don't have to look too far in order to find a mega resort that features a full spa and health complex on the property and many will also have a salon and fitness center to boot. While there are dozens of top spas in Las Vegas, these are the crème de la crème of them all - and each one has something unique to offer.

The Oasis Spa is located in the luxurious Luxor Hotel, and has been known to be frequented by celebrities from time to time. This spa is open twenty-four hours a day and offer treatments that draw inspiration from Ancient Egypt. Try their divine aloe and herbal wraps and sea salt exfoliation to feel like Cleopatra floating on the Nile. You might also consider the Oasis' fifty-minute dead see mud masque facial and other facials, body cleansers, full body wraps, and sensuous and rejuvenating personal massages. Book your treatment in advance or just walk in and be pampered to the nines.

The Bellagio Hotel's signature spa, Spa Bellagio, is heaven on earth located in the beautiful Conservatory and Botanical gardens where you can be pampered and polished while being surrounded by Mother Nature. Spa Bellagio offers an array of spa treatments, including body treatments, massage therapies, facials and Vichy showers. You may find that after a hard day of rolling the dice that coming "home" to Spa Bellagio is just what the doctor ordered.

Las Vegas Spa VacationMGM Grand will not be outdone by anyone - and that includes their spa, the Grand Spa and Fitness Center, which is truly grand - and spans more than 30,000 square feet, offers thirty treatment rooms, relaxations lounges, whirlpools, saunas and steam rooms. There are also some to-die-for signature treatments at the Grand Spa and Fitness Center, like the Milk and Honey Body Treatment and AHA Facial. You'll find some of the greatest masseuses in the city offering personal massages at the Grand Spa - certain to become a fond memory of your Vegas trip.

Enjoy Balinese-style pampering and treatments at the Spa by Mandara, located in the Paris Las Vegas Hotel. This 25,000 square foot facility houses twenty-four treatment rooms outfitted with handcrafted Balinese hardwood tables for massage, and artwork from around the globe. You'll find every imaginable treatment offered at the Spa by Mandara, including wraps and facials, and the spa is also home to a fitness center, salon, and specialty boutique.

Another great spa that you might consider trying out during your Las Vegas vacation is the spa located at New York, New York, Las Vegas. This world class spa offers a women's and men's steam room, fitness center, whirlpool, hydrotherapy tubs, aromatherapy massage, sea salts body scrub, clay body masks, full body wraps and much, much more. You'll find the utmost in comfort and pampering at the New York, New York.

Don't overlook the exquisite comforts offered at the Spa and Beauty Salon located in the Golden Nugget. You'll find a big number of relaxing treatments, offerings for both men and women; massage rooms, tanning room, whirlpool spa, Swedish shower, and a eucalyptus steam room. The salon offers hair care, manicures, pedicures, and facials.

And saving that ultimate spa experience for last - Venus the Salon, located at Caesar's Palace, and the Spa at Caesars Palace are both top of the line spas where you relax while enjoying a full body massage, therapeutic scalp treatment, facial, and more. The spa offers a magnificent view of the Garden of the Gods pool area at Caesar's and also offers manicures, pedicures, waxing, and haircuts.

No matter which spa you choose, be sure to indulge yourself with at least one trip to one of the posh Vegas spas on your Las Vegas vacation.

By Moses Kettle

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Monday, December 7, 2009

Weight Loss Spa in Florida

A weight loss spa may be the perfect answer to your health and fitness needs while you stay in sunny Florida. These Florida spas offer facilities, as well as programs and services that promise long-term weight loss results.

Weight management

Spas in Florida have different ways of weight loss management, When choosing a Florida weight loss spa, carefully examine their programs and services. There are spas that offer natural as well as therapeutic treatments. There are also those that advertise quick-fix weight loss solutions. Never settle for those advertising dubious claims for they may not provide the treatment you wish to have.

Different approaches

Spa VacationAlways choose a weight loss spa in Florida that matches your needs and preferences. Do you want a spa that offers vegetarian cuisine? How about new age practices like pilates and yoga? Evaluate the programs, services, and facilities of these weight loss spas so that you can decide the right one for you.

Weight loss spas provide you a personal health or fitness professional. They will guide as you go on with the program and they will make sure that you satisfy your objectives. There will be regular monitoring to track your progress. This will give you an idea about how well you are doing.

Spa vacation

A weight loss spa is a healthy environment for those people who seriously want to shed pounds. People will break away from their unhealthy habits. They will be introduced to dietary changes and exercise routines. They will only focus on those that would bring benefits to their physical and mental health.

Weight loss spas do not only offer programs concerning weight loss problems. They also provide natural treatments and healthy remedies. Certainly, a weight loss spa vacation is an opportunity for relaxation, rejuvenation, and detoxifixation.

By Phillip England

About Author

Phillip England is a weight loss expert and Author of the popular report "The Ultimate Weight Loss Secret". To receive your free information on the secret that doctors, and health companies either don't know, or don't want you to know, please see http://www.theultimateweightlosssecret.com/secret

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Tuesday, December 1, 2009

Florida Spa Vacation Resorts to Try

Florida spas tend to get busy during the winter months as people try to escape the chilly weather of their home and ease away holiday stress, so if you want to take a spa vacation in Florida, be sure to book early to give yourself a much better chance at getting what you want. During the summer months rates on spa vacations in this balmy state tend to drop; the thought of spending time in saunas and warm spas becoming unappealing to many with the already muggy weather.

Florida, one of the vacation capital of the world, is one of the most exciting locations in the world to have a treatment; if you ever had an urge to splurge on a spa, this would be the place to do it. Florida is one of the premier destinations for those looking for a variety of spa treatments. A trip to the spa is a common travel activity enjoyed by all vacationers who need to be "pampered" at least for a day.

Florida has some of the best spas in North America. Visits to the spa seem to be on the agenda of almost every visitor to this sunshine city, and for a reason. Like the hotels that host them, the spas within these establishments offer an excellent ambiance and an unforgettable experience.

Florida Spa VacationRitz-Carlton, Naples

This resort spa is located on Florida's southwest coast and offers a range of activities with heated swimming pools, lit tennis courts, a fitness center, and a spa complex spanning over 50,000 square feet. A Florida spa vacation destination that pampers its guests all day, this Old World-style resort is surrounded by three miles of pristine beaches and manicured gardens, as well as stone fountains and courtyards. Tours of the art collections and antiques in the lobby are provided by the concierge staff upon request and guests can choose from a number of signature treatments, including the Feast of Flowers Soaking Bath Ritual.

For those looking for a small break from the indulgent relaxation of the spa and its activities, downtown Naples is no more than 30 minutes away by car, and presents a number of shopping and dining locations. This Florida spa vacation spot is home to at least seven restaurants itself, each containing an exceptional variety of dishes to try.

Doral Golf Resort and Spa

The Health Spa at Doral offers fitness services, facial skin care, body treatments, hydro treatments, as well as massage therapy and over 100 other services. For the feel of a vacation at this Florida spa you can let the warm sun melt the stress away as you lounge by the pool, or try your hand at one of the five golf courses on site with lessons offered regularly.

Tennis is another popular activity, and can be enjoyed day or night on one of the 11 courts available and if you opt to book your Florida spa vacation here in suite you'll be treated to your own personal wet bar, entertainment system and Jacuzzi for further relaxation at any hour. Outside of the spa you'll find South Beach is nearby and the nightclubs stay open all night, so if you need to work off some extra energy the bubbling Jacuzzi couldn't lull away, feel free to dance until dawn.

Ritz-Carlton, Key Biscayne

Almost two dozen treatment rooms are scattered along this 20 thousand square-foot Florida spa vacation resort that offers treatments unique to the Ritz-Carlton of Key Biscayne such as the Everglades Grass Body Wrap and the Key Lime Coconut Body Scrub. Daily fitness classes such as Tai Chi, Pilates and Hatha Yoga are available for guests to participate in, or you can choose to head out to the Tennis Garden, designed by resident pro, Cliff Drysdale.

While you unwind with one of the several activities available to you during this Florida spa vacation your little ones can spend a half or full day out on events organized by trained staff members such as pirate treasure hunts, shell finding, and art classes. There are many more Florida spa vacation options available, but these should provide a decent starter base to work from as you hunt for that perfect relaxing getaway.

By Darlene Berkel

About Author

Visit http://honeymoon.every1loves2travel.com and start planning your honeymoon getaway today. We also recommend http://www.on-a-cruise.com to find out how to cruise around the world the fun way.

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