Moms, perhaps you’re looking for a place to relax and unwind, recharge those batteries and spend some much-needed time with your favorite girls.  Even the most dedicated mom needs a chance to refocus and renew, and you deserve it!  If it’s time to take a break from the laundry and cooking, the diapers and homework, or the job and commute and head out for that perfect girlfriend getaway, look no further than Plano, TX.

This city boasts a number of honors, including “Safest City in America” according to a recent survey by Forbes.  That’s good to know, because your family won’t have to worry about you when you whisk yourself away for the weekend to have some essential girl time.

Plano is on the outskirts of Dallas and is a beautiful town with chic hotels, fabulous boutiques, places to pamper even the most exhausted mom, and enough food, drinks and dancing to lift your spirits to their youthful glory.  It’s just a short ride from DFW International Airport, so it won’t take long to swap the flip-flops for heels and head out for a night on the town.

 Where to stash your shoes

If you like the urban industrial look, the NYLO Hotel in Plano is about as cool as they come.  Don’t be fooled by the edgy urban design; you’ll find that there is no lack of Southern hospitality from the staff and the rooms don’t sacrifice comfort for the sake of art.  All of the guest rooms have ceiling-to-floor windows, rain showers, Keurig coffee machines, and ultra-cozy beds with lots of fluffy pillows.  The WiFi is free too, which might tempt you to stay in your room for the weekend; however, you’ll eventually be lured out by their complimentary hotel shuttle, which will take you anywhere you want to go within 5 miles (translation: shopping!).

Even this ultra modern sofa and chair in the lobby of the NYLO is surprisingly comfy; there was hardly a moment when I didn’t see someone sprawled out reading a book or relaxing with a cup of coffee.

If you prefer more traditional luxury (and closer proximity to shopping, spas and restaurants), you might want to try the Marriott at Legacy Town Center.  Just steps from the Legacy Town Center shopping area, this hotel has everything: spacious rooms, friendly staff, ultra high-speed wireless internet (for a fee) and even infused water for thirsty guests while you’re waiting in the lobby.  There is plenty of space in the closet to hang your little black dress, and parking is free for guests on the weekend.  You don’t even have to leave the hotel to enjoy an amazing breakfast; their Copper Bottom Grille has an omelet bar, beautiful buffet with croissants and fresh fruit (for starters!), and freshly squeezed apple and carrot juice.  For the price and convenience of being just steps from your room, it’s an awesome deal.

Where to buy more shoes, and jewelry to match your shoes

The Legacy Town Center shopping area has tons of great boutiques and other unique stores.  Here you’ll be able to find a few popular chains like Francesca’s (I bought myself an awesome belt there to match a dress I brought with me) as well as more unique shops.  My particular favorite was called Another Time and Place.  This Turkish store sells some of the most interesting jewelry I have ever seen, as well as clothes and even some household items like exotic lamps. I kept going in and drooling over everything, so completely overwhelmed by the awesomeness of their stuff that the manager actually offered me a job.  Although I didn’t take the job, I did eventually settle on a fabulous jasper stone ring and happily chatted away with the manager about how completely in love I was with the store and the service I got there.

Where to take your shoes off and relax for a while

If pampering is your thing (and really, whose thing isn’t it?), then stay right where you are at Legacy Town Center.  After shopping for shoes and accessories, head a few stores down and into the Woodhouse Day Spa.  Here you can kick your feet up, have a mimosa, and enjoy one of their many spa services.  You can spend 80 minutes having the tension rubbed out with one of their massage treatments, put the glow back into your skin with a facial, or get your hands and feet done in a way that no strip mall nail salon could come close to doing.  I enjoyed a Swedish massage that was so amazing I nearly wept for joy.

After your spa time, walk a little further down to Drybar.  If you’ve never heard of Drybar or experienced this little slice of heaven known as a blowout, well then you’ve really been missing out on one of the great joys of being a girl.  I was a Drybar virgin myself until recently, because I had always assumed that girls with short hair really weren’t their target clientele.  How wrong I was!  Those ladies had me feeling like a Hollywood starlet and staring at myself in the mirror every chance I got.

Basically, Drybar is a salon where you go get your hair washed, scalp massaged, and then styled up for a night on the town.  And as if the experience wasn’t already about as girly as it can be, they throw mimosas at you and force you to watch chick flicks on giant TV screens.  Torture me some more, please.  I’ll gladly take one for the team.

If you wanna swap your shoes for some boots and do it Texas style…

…take a drive just outside of Plano to Southfork Ranch.  This is the iconic ranch where the award-winning drama Dallas has been filmed off and on over the course of almost 3 decades!

You can take a guided tour of the ranch and its grounds, and enjoy the on-site museum filled with memorabilia from the show (including JR Ewing’s famous Lincoln Continental).  The inside of the ranch has been decorated to show the splendor of their lifestyle, each room with a theme around one of the characters. They even recreated the motel room where JR Ewing’s death scene occurred.

By now I’m sure the theme song is stuck in your head while you imagine all of this awesomeness. You’re welcome.

Where to go when you’ve worked up an appetite from all that shoe shopping and sightseeing

As much as us girls would love to shop ‘til we drop, eventually we do have to stop for a bite to eat.  Plano, TX has some of the best grubbing I have ever encountered.  Here are some of my favorite foodie finds:

Whiskey Cake.  Hands down my new absolute favorite restaurant EVER.  This place is everything I have ever wanted in a restaurant: amazing food that is fresh and locally grown.  Let’s define “fresh”, shall we?  Fresh means that anything they don’t actually grow right there in the restaurant (because they have their very own herb room and vegetable garden) gets brought in each morning.  It does not get stored in a freezer and never gets reheated in a microwave.  FRESH.  That goes for their meat too.  This means you know exactly what you’re eating and that it’s going to taste fabulous.  And it does.  Whiskey Cake is also a “green” restaurant, meaning they care about the environment.  You can see evidence of this with the solar panels on the roof and the charging stations outside for people with hybrid electric vehicles.  Okay, so I can enjoy my food and help reduce my carbon footprint at the same time?  Way cool.

Be sure to try their signature Whiskey Cake for dessert; it’s indescribably yummy.

Seasons 52.  Maybe you’re hankering for some fine dining without spending too many calories.  After all, we don’t want to bust out of our strappy dresses before we’ve had a chance to wear them, right?  Head over to Seasons 52, which is located in Legacy Town Center.  Every menu item is 475 calories or less!  No, I’m not kidding.  I had filet mignon and Caesar salad for dinner, a martini and a couple of scrumptious shot-glass desserts, and walked away feeling totally spoiled and guilt free.  Really, it’s a girl’s dining dream come true.

Mignon.  My last honorable mention has to be Mignon.  This place has no eco-friendly agenda or low-calorie menu, and that’s ok.  What this restaurant DOES have is just totally fabulous food.  Really, it’s FAB.U.LOUS.  I had their Caesar salad and Beef Wellington for dinner and only one word comes to mind to describe this amazing culinary experience: foodgasm.  Of course, right about the time I recovered from that, they brought out dessert.  Ohhhhmygoodness.  I had a chocolate peanut butter mousse that nearly sent me over the edge, which would have been pretty embarrassing; thankfully I held it together and finished my meal, and had blissful dreams about food all night long.

Where to try out your dancing shoes

No girlfriend getaway could ever be complete without a visit to an awesome nightclub and martini bar.  Blue Martini in Legacy Town Center is both, and a pretty fun place to drink some great martinis and dance to some great music.  It’s classy, smoke free, and had a surprisingly good band the night we were there.

We danced, we drank, and then we inevitably ended up having to use their bathroom.  Yes, I have to mention their facilities, because have YOU ever gone into a bathroom where you could buy JEWELRY???  I didn’t think so.  But this place has it.  Let’s say you’re dancing and your necklace accidentally breaks: fashion crisis!  Oh no, what do you DO??  Don’t panic: just grab a Hamilton and head into the bathroom, where the attendant will sell you a replacement.  Whew!  Crisis averted.

Eventually, all good things must come to an end and you’ll have to pack up all those fabulous pairs of shoes you brought with you, but not before you enjoy one last glass of wine at Cru’.  Try one of their wine flights and enjoy before you get on your flight back home to the family that you miss so much!

Needless to say, Plano has everything you need for that all-important girlfriend getaway.  It’s all conveniently located so you won’t wear holes in your shoes going from one place to another.  I cannot remember when I had more fun with a group of girls or felt more pampered, and I’m still coming off the high I experienced after 3 amazing days in this Dallas suburb town.

To learn more about planning your Plano girlfriend getaway, go to www.visitplano.com.

Thank you to the Plano CVB for hosting me on such a fabulous girls trip!

Some families are camping types.  Some are sports types.  Some are museum types.

My family of four?  We’re chocolate types.

Good thing Hersheypark is right down the road.

Hersheypark calls itself the sweetest place on earth, and for the McElroy family, at least, it is.  Not only is the smell of chocolate always in the air, but there’s a lingering sense of fun and well-being, too, that can only come from risking death with a 97 degree roller coaster decline and from risking explosion from a pile of French fries larger than your head.

That’s why, every fall, my family drives a couple of hours across the state of Pennsylvania for fun in the park.

Where to Stay

Now, if you’re planning to eat chocolate for two days straight, you have to have a plan for where you’ll be when the inevitable sugar crash occurs.  Hersheypark itself, like any self-respecting theme park, has a couple of great options:  The Hotel Hershey (a luxurious, historic property with an indoor pool, a fitness center, and a spa) and Hershey Lodge   (more rustic, but equally comfy and fun).  If your family is really up for a comfort-filled splurge, the Cottages at the Hotel Hershey are the crème de la (chocolate) crème, with huge, marble bathrooms and linens so soft you’ll never want to get up to ride the twelve coasters at the park.

More on a budget?  Or want to bring the dog along? The Homewood Suites, about 20 minutes away, offers roomy two-bedroom, two bath apartment-like crash pads, complete with kitchens for snacks and couches for Fido.  Even better?  Homewood includes free internet and a huge, free breakfast in the room rate.  Can’t beat that deal.  Believe me I say that, once you’ve tried Homewood, you’re a true believer.

What to Do

At this point, you’re probably thinking to yourself, “Duh, it’s a theme park, woman.  I wait in line. I spend a lot of money.  I try to keep myself from strangling my screaming toddler.  That’s what I do.”

But, in fact, what you really want to do at Hersheypark is explore.  That’s because, every time you go, you’re going to find something new, like we did this year with Skyrush (a crazy new coaster where you hang off the sides) or a couple of years ago with the Boardwalk, a giant, super cool water park complete with cabanas and lazy river.  Add those new adventures to your old favorites, like the Coalcracker flume ride or the Reese’s Extreme Cup Challenge (complete with laser targets), and you’ll be busy from dawn to dusk.

If that’s not enough, this particular theme park is home to Zoo America, which in turn is home to porcupines, burrowing owls, and chocolate chip spotted ocelots.  The zoo always has some programming going on, like the popular Creatures of the Night or Paws, Claws, Scales and Tails.

And, for those chocolate lovers?  Gotta tour Chocolate World.  Right next door to Hersheypark, it offers a free tram tour to show the whole family how chocolate is made, a “make your own candy bar” activity, a 3-D show, and a café where hot chocolate is mix your own.

Mom need a break?  Let Dad take the kids to Chocolate World while Mom heads to the Hershey Spa, where even facials and body wraps are made of chocolate.  Mmmmm.

Where to Eat

Hersheypark offers restaurants to fit any budget.  If you’re splurging, don’t miss Harvest, the farm-to-table restaurant at the Hotel Hershey – the chocolate barbecue ribs are a must-try.  For Sunday brunch, the Circular Dining Room at the Hotel Hershey boasts a spectacular spread of everything from chocolate cherry bread to tortellini to flank steak to made-to-order omelettes.    In the park, kids will love the food court at Pioneer Frontier, where the cooks make homemade spiral potato chips while little ones watch.  And in the town of Hershey, at Houlihan’s, the whole family will get into the dessert s’mores fondue, with toasted marshmallow and melted chocolate for graham cracker dipping.

Special occasions

Sure, the park’s closed for some of the winter, but the zoo is open year-round, and the park celebrates Halloween and Christmas in style.  We’ll see you there!

For more information, check out Hershey Park’s official website.

Las Vegas is the perfect destination for a girlfriend getaway. There are plenty of lodging choices, whatever your travel budget, but if you’re like me, you like your luxury for special trips like a girlfriend getaway. Las Vegas is also a culinary destination and offers a variety of choices for entertainment. Of course, Vegas has the casinos, but it also has spas and fun activities for groups of girlfriends or mamas getting away for a long weekend.

How to Get There

If you’re close enough for a road trip, find a friend with a convertible or other fun car for your girlfriend getaway. If you decide to fly to Las Vegas, you have your pick of airlines. Some of the best rates I’ve seen for trips to Vegas can be found on Southwest, when they run their web specials. Be sure to check out our tips on finding cheap airfare so that you can save money on the getting there part and have more to spend on dining and entertainment.

Where to Stay

Our latest girlfriend getaway was at Aria Casino and Resort in CityCenter. I’ve personally stayed at other properties during past visits and found that The Venetian, The Bellagio, Mandalay Bay, The Las Vegas Hilton, and The Signature at MGM Grand make for a great girlfriend getaway.

Where to Eat

Cheap eats in Vegas are a thing of the past. Yes, there are a few places where the $5 steak dinner can be found, but if you’re on a luxury girlfriend getaway, you’ll want to indulge and entertain your palate. Las Vegas has become one of the top culinary destinations in the world, with award winning chefs opening restaurants left and right.

A late breakfast is just the thing after a late night of shows and entertainment, especially if you happen to be in Las Vegas for one of the many conferences and conventions held at this destination. We enjoyed breakfast on morning at Silk Road at CityCenter’s Vdara boutique hotel. It’s a good breakfast choice if you’re looking for more than your regular American breakfast offerings. The gourmet culinary choices at Silk Road aren’t inexpensive but definitely make for a memorable morning meal for a girlfriend getaway. If you’re looking for something a little more casual, Jean Philippe Patisserie offers take away breakfast sandwiches, pasteries, and coffee concoctions. Of course there’s always room service or your hotels breakfast buffet.

The lunch meal might be forgotten on a girlfriend getaway in Vegas due to a late breakfast and slow start to your day after a night on The Strip. If you do get the munchies for a light meal, all you have to do is look around at your surroundings and take your pick of the may casinos and hotels along The Strip. Don’t eat too big a lunch because you’ll want to save room for a special dinner.

Two amazing restaurants we experienced for dinner were Sage and Julian Serrano, both at ARIA. Dinner and a show make for a fabulous evening of entertaining for a girlfriend getaway. Cirque du Soliel shows can be found all over the city, from the signature Cirque entertainment such as Mystere and O, to the contemporary showcases of music with LOVE and Viva Elvis, or even the sensual side of Cirque du Soliel – Zumanity.

Where to Play

There are casinos for gaming along the Vegas strip and just off the strip. For a girlfriend getaway, ARIA, Bellagio, Monte Carlo, the Venetian, and other luxury casinos are a perfect choice. If you’re looking to get a bit more on the wild side, The Palms or Planet Hollywood may be your style. For the travel lovers, you can visit Egypt at the Luxor, Paris at Paris Casino, or the Big Apple at New York New York.

If you’re up for some gaming adventure, check out many of the free gaming lessons available at the casinos. You may not learn all the tricks to getting rich, but you’ll definitely be giggling and laughing by learning with your girlfriends. Of course, if gaming isn’t your bag, the nightlife in Las Vegas is always hopping.

Where to Spa

If you are more into the health aspect of spas, then Canyon Ranch SpaClub may fit the bill. The Spa at Aria is one of the newest Vegas spas and has various relaxing areas that work for a group of girlfriends. Of course, almost every hotel has a spa onsite, making it easy to find the perfect spot for a girlfriend getaway spa experience.

Getting Around

If you aren’t worried about saving your money for spa treatments or entertainment and have the budget, a private car hire may work for your group of girlfriends. Taxis are available at every casino and hotel, with rates being around $5-$10 to get to various points on the strip. A more affordable option is the Las Vegas Monorail, which has conveniently located stops from one end of the strip to the other. Passes are available with unlimited rides or you can opt for a $5 ride each time. Tip: Take a taxi if wearing high heels as each stop does require a walk to your stop.

Have you been to Las Vegas for a girlfriend getaway? What are some of the experiences you’ve had with your girlfriends in Las Vegas?

Each year for our anniversary, my husband and I have intentions of taking a romantic getaway to a gulf coast beach. Life always seems to get in the way, but this year, the moon and stars aligned providing us the opportunity to run away for a long weekend of relaxation and romance. We were searching for a place that was on the beach, but also had a spa and room service. We found what we were looking for in the Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort and Spa, located on South Walton‘s Sandestin Beach.

It’s sometimes hard for parents to find time as a couple for a romantic getaway, but I’ve always stressed the importance of remembering that you were a couple before you became parents, and later on down the road it will be just the two of you again. It’s always nice to make that effort to reconnect, no matter how big or how small your budget might be. During the fall, there are plenty of travel deals to be found for a romantic getaway, including a beachfront destination.

We planned on two nights at the beach, with no agenda and no responsibilities. We packed our essentials: swimsuits, flipflops, a big hat, sunscreen, Community Coffee, and Abita Beer. All our gear was packed in our new truck and we headed east. We listened to XM Radio during the drive, singing and laughing at songs from the 70′s and 80′s. We finally settled on Margaritaville Radio to get us in the beach mood.

The Property

The Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort and Spa is a full service hotel operated independently inside Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort. Sandestin Beach is one of the 15 beach neighborhoods of South Walton and offers a range of activities and attractions for all ages and interests. You get the Hilton Hotels and Resorts service with the advantage of being inside an amazing destination such as Sandestin.

The resort offers a number of restaurants onsite, including Seagar’s for fine dining, Hadashi Sushi Bar, casual dining at Sandcastles, Barefoot’s Beach Bar and Grill, Picnix Market, and The Coffee Shop. There’s also a conference area onsite, along with Serenity by the sea spa, resort golf courses, indoor and outdoor pools, and even a shuttle for guests to explore the 2400 acre Sandestin Resort. Parking is available at $10 for self park and $20 for valet parking.

There are two towers, with one offering family friendly rooms and the other offering a quieter side. We stayed in the quieter tower located in the same building as the spa, in room 348.

Our Room

We stayed in an Executive Beachfront King room, which offered a wrap around balcony and views of the beach from all windows. The room was much more spacious than I anticipated, with a full seating area, dining area, comfortable king bed, and even an area with microwave and fridge. The bathroom area had two sinks, one inside the full bathroom and the other in a dressing area. I was excited to see the Peter Thomas Roth bath amenities in the room. The room was decorated in soothing beach tones. I just loved sitting on that balcony watching the clear aqua water kiss the white sandy shore.

Dining

Barefoot’s Bar and Grill is an poolside venue open until early evening that offers a view of the Gulf of Mexico. The lunch menu offers typical beach fare, including nachos, burgers, and fish tacos, along with a signature cocktail menu. We enjoyed a late lunch our first afternoon, which consisted of Baja Tacos, a cheeseburger, and some adult beverages. The food was good and the service was fast, even during a busy time of the day. The next day as we lounged by the pool, we sampled the Ultimate Nachos and had a few more frozen libations poolside.

Room service is something I don’t always indulge in, but since we were into the ultimate relaxing romantic getaway, we ordered a late night meal from room service. Our ordered was delivered in a timely manner and the food (crab cake sliders and a hot dog) was actually pretty darn good. The price wasn’t outrageous for room service, either.

The Spa

The Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort and Spa offers an onside spa facility Serenity by the sea. It is located in the lower tower on the ground level and is a luxurious retreat. The spa offers separate men and women’s facilities with steam room, sauna, relaxation room, full dressing area, lockers, and whirlpool. I enjoyed a Spa Pedicure treatment which included use of the relaxation lounge and spa amenities, making for a very relaxing Saturday. This spa is popular with guests, so be sure to book your treatment in advanced. If you’d like to spend the day relaxing at the spa without a treatment, there is a $20 day use fee for hotel guests.

The Pool

There are two outdoor pools and one indoor pool at the Hilton Sandestin Beach. We checked out pool towels from the towel hut and claimed two pool loungers at the smaller outdoor pool. There are cabanas available for $139 per day, which includes luxury lounge chairs, shade, table and chairs, and a luxury ice chest. I was satisfied with my poolside retreat with its view of the Gulf.

The Beach

The reason for the romantic getaway was to relax at the beach. It was wonderful and peaceful to inhale the fresh coastal air, listen to the waves lap the shore, and watch dolphins swim in the clear water. Each morning I watched the sunrise as I sipped my morning coffee, and each evening we watched the sun set. One evening we set out, leaving footprints in the sand as we found our perfect little quiet area of the beach. The sun set as we sipped Champagne while the stars began to peek through the dusky sky.

Overall our romantic getaway at the Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort and Spa was all that I could imagine. We weren’t looking for adventure, even though those activities could be found onsite. We just wanted a quiet weekend away from the everyday craziness that is normal life. We did step off property one evening to explore the other beach neighborhoods of South Walton, but for me, I only wanted to sit on that balcony, sipping a glass of wine, and finding a few days of peacefulness.

To book your own romantic getaway at the Hilton Sandestin Beach, visit www.SandestinBeachHilton.com. There are a variety of packages available and if you are a Hilton HHonors member, you can use points for nights at this beachfront property. I recommend this property if you are looking to stay a few nights at the beach, can book at a good rate, or use your Hilton HHonors points for nights.

Disclosure: Our room was at a reduced rate and the spa treatment was compliments of the property. We planned on staying at this property regardless of any discounts offered.

I’m a dreamer and can sometimes be found scouring the web and luxury magazines for unbelievable places to visit. Let’s face it, vacations are about getting away from everyday life, and what a better way to take a break during a monotonous day at work than by dreaming of the amazing.When one thinks of a true escape, sometimes a private island destination is the first thought.

A few years ago I explored the Florida Keys, researching all this destination had to offer. It’s a place where you don’t need a passport (if you’re American), but you feel like you’ve stepped into another world where everything is laid back and relaxing. I had the opportunity to spend an afternoon at a place that was on my dream list – Little Palm Island.

Getting There

Little Palm Island is a private island off Little Torch Key. Guests arrive at Island Customs and step onto a motor yacht that is straight out of a Ralph Lauren dream and are transported to one of the most peaceful places to be found on US soil. This 5 1/2 acre paradise has been the escape for presidents, celebrities, and those in the know for over two decades.

The Bungalows

There are 30 Balinese inspired bungalows located around the property, with each one different from the other. Some are suites, some larger, but they are all fabulous and amazing. I walked through the various bungalows, and they are all very private. Each bungalow has a thatched roof and plush kind bed, complete with a romantic mosquito netting. There are soaking tubs and even private, outdoor bamboo showers. Hidden here and there around the bungalows are hammocks and lounge chairs.

Of course, there are larger suites available, which offer outdoor hot tubs, and even the Grand Suite with the most amazing view. But really, even the basic accommodations at Little Palm Island are to-die-for.

The Activities

Little Palm Island is the ultimate in relaxing destinations, with star gazing, book reading, or just lounging around the most active you’ll need to be.  However, adventure seekers can get their fill of fishing, kayaking, snorkeling, kite boarding lessons, or exploring the nearby marine sanctuaries.

There is a pool on the island, but don’t think to bring your mobile phone as this is a quiet area. No phones allowed. Of course, if you need to take a day trip to Key West for some excitement, that can be arranged. Me? Well, I had my eyes on Spa Terre, the onsite spa at Little Palm Island.

The Dining

I enjoyed a fabulous lunch at Little Palm Island, watching the waves lap the shore as Key Deer rustled in the nearby bushes. Romantic evening meals can be arranged, and I have to admit that seeing the table for two in the sand was the dreamiest thing I’d ever laid eyes on. It made me want to go on a honeymoon all over again.

My Mama Moment

Since I was only on Little Palm Island for the day, I took some time to walk around and explore alone. I fell in love with this luxury destination and private island resort and made a vow to save my money so that I could have the full Little Palm Island experience. Kids under the age of 16 are not allowed on the island and it is a peaceful haven from our busy world, unlike many beach destinations I’ve visited. I sat on a lounge chair, closed my eyes, and imagined myself coming back for a longer stay.

Little Palm Island Resort and Spa is the perfect destination for someone looking to truly get away from it all. Whether solo or on a romantic escape, this place will enchant you. The island offers destination wedding packages and vow renewals. The rates are pricey for the average traveler, but is definitely one of those places to put on your list of dream vacations. Even if you can only stay two nights, it’s worth the experience.

If you read my last post, you know I’ve been on a mission:  a summer spa safari, that is.  Yes, by the end of this very harsh Philadelphia winter, my skin was scaly, my body was far from buff, and rest and relaxation?  Never heard of ‘em.

I started out my spa safari at the Loews Ventana Canyon Lakeside Spa.  My next stop?  The Spa at St. Julien in Boulder, Colorado. This spa is humungous – 10,000 square feet between the spa and fitness center, and it has every kind of treatment you can think of, including signature Boulder-esque (read:  natural, relaxing, unpretentious) treatments based on Colorado’s indigenous plants and elements.

My morning before my spa visit had been a little stressful:  lots of work, too little time.  Best time to visit the spa, right?  You bet.  The Spa at St. Julien’s robe were super-comfy, and the lounge where I waited for my massage therapist was cushy and quiet, with all the latest magazines and flavored waters, to boot.

But when I got into the room for my Rock On! Massage – that was when the fun really began.    The spa’s literature said that the massage would “ease discomfort and promote a feeling of holistic well-being” – just what the doctor ordered.  The massage therapist worked my muscles with  the hot stones, but not too hard,and I felt the stresses of the morning melt away.  I didn’t sleep, but I did fall into a kind of slumber, just enough so that my brain was no longer on overload and my muscles no longer hurt from my morning workout.

At the end of the treatment, the therapist told me to drink lots of water.  While that’s typical advice after a massage, it was even more important here in Boulder, at the base of the Flatiron Mountains; at 5280 elevation (or thereabouts), it’s easy to get dizzy and dehydrated.  My solution?  I sat on a cushioned lounger by the lap pool, inhaled the water, and closed my eyes for a restful afternoon.

Next stop on my summer spa safari?  Stay tuned!

Summer’s here!  At the beginning of the summer, I’m always feeling like I want my body and skin to look their best.  My strategy this year?  I’m taking a summer spa safari, sampling spas around the country and trying out local specialties and treatments (yes, I know, I have a hard job).

I started my safari in Tucson at the Loews Ventana Canyon Resort’s Lakeside Spa, an intimate, lovely space at an upscale resort.  The only tough part about my spa experience?  Deciding which treatments to try.  My choice – go local, allowing the professionals to use ingredients and techniques specific to the area.

That’s why I started off with the Sedona Sacred Clay Energy Restorer, a combination body scrub and wrap.  The aesthetician used salt to smooth my skin all over, then had me shower (when I found that my winter scales were gone!).  Next, she applied warm clay to my entire body, wrapped me in plastic and blankets, and massaged my scalp while I snoozed in my cocoon (I’m pretty sure I snored, but the discreet woman doing my treatment didn’t mention it).  Following Native American tradition, she wafted smoking sage around the room while I relaxed.  When I showered for a second time, I felt like a noodle.

Next up?  A Desert Rain Pedicure.  The spa director explained to me that guests who travel from afar wish they could bottle the scent of the desert after it rains. The spa decided to see what it could do; they purchased specially blended product from Sweet P’s, a Tucson-based company, to use in conjunction with a salt scrub for the most luxurious pedicure I’ve ever had. Not only did the pedicurist massage my legs with hot stones, she put little ones between my toes while I reclined with a warm neck roll.  She sprayed my legs with the gorgeous scent, then polished my toes bright purple (all the better to lounge by the spa’s lovely pool afterwards).

Yes, I live in Philadelphia, so it will probably be a while before I find myself in Tucson again.  When I do, though, you can bet I’ll be back at the Lakeside Spa – there are tons more treatments I have to try.

Families visiting Walt Disney World and other Orlando area theme parks will find great value and luxury at the Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek. I took my family to check out this property during a recent visit to this top family travel destination. I didn’t realize until we saw this property with our own eyes just how convenient to the Disney parks this resort really is. The Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek is located inside Disney property on a tract of land that is privately developed. To access this family resort, you must enter through the main gates of Walt Disney World Resorts and Parks.

Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek offers  more than just a hotel at Walt Disney World. It’s a destination in itself and we were hard pressed to leave the resort and head to the theme parks. What was even more amazing in my eyes is the value one gets when staying here. Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek is like staying at a Disney Deluxe Resort while paying a Disney Value Resort price.

The Rooms

Standard guest rooms are equipped with two queens or one king Hilton Serenity Bed. I’ve been a Hilton Honors member since before I started travel writing and I will admit that I’ve always loved the bedding at Hilton Hotels. The standard rooms work well if visiting for business, since each room has a spacious desk and work space, but they also appeal to families. One in-room amenity I liked was the refrigerator in the room. Instead of being stocked as a mini bar, it’s empty, which we filled with our own drinks. For families wishing to have the fridge stocked on arrival, guests can prearrange to have it filled with their favorite drinks, at an additional charge. There is a pod brewer for morning coffee, and yes, I did bring along my own Community Coffee pods. The bathrooms were spacious for our family of four with the tub/shower combo. Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek also offers PURE Allergy Friendly Guestrooms and accessible guestrooms, along with various suites and your choice of view. We had a Disney view room and could see EPCOT and Disney’s Hollywood Studios from our 16th floor room.

Dining

Breakfast was delicious at both Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek’s Harvest Bistro and the connecting Waldorf Astoria Orlando’s Oscar’s. We tried the buffet at both venues and you can’t go wrong with either one. The service at both restaurants was fantastic and the breakfast buffet was a filling start to a fun day at the parks. We even enjoyed Easter Sunday Brunch at the Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek’s Harvest Bistro. My favorite item each morning was the chocolate chip scones. Yum!

Snacks can be found poolside at Beech or inside at Sena Lobby Lounge. The kids and I chilled out one afternoon at Sena. They snacked on wings and smoothies while I enjoyed a nice glass of wine. For poolside fare, Beech is an upbeat, open-aired bar with a decent kids menu to top off the pool experience. If you want to spoil yourself, go for a snack of the fries with parmesan and truffle oil. Food is served at Beech until 8pm with drink service ending at 10pm.

Dinner for our family was a more cultural affair, with an early evening reservation at La Luce, Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek’s signature restaurant by Donna Scala. This modern Italian restaurant is casual  and relaxed, but with an added element of fine dining. This dining venue was fantastic for our family, but it also a great choice for a romantic dinner or dining out with a group of friends.

The Amenities

The Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek is more than just a hotel with onsite dining, it’s a resort destination in itself. We were so relaxed at this property that we had to practically force ourselves to visit the parks during the day. There are so many amenities and extras at this Hilton resort, that truly makes it such a special place to stay.

The Pool – This place doesn’t just have your typical hotel pool, it has a zero-entry pool for easy access, along with a lagoon style design complete with bridges and waterfalls. There’s also a waterslide that winds around the lush landscaping. I was amazed at the poolside amenities offered throughout the day – chilled grapes, sunglasses cleaning, chilled washcloths, and in the evenings there are s’mores by the fire pits. At night, there is an evening family movie by the pool. Tip: Tube rentals are available for $5 per day, but I suggest buying one or bringing your own if you are staying more than one night.

The Spa – The Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek is connected to the Waldorf Astoria Orlando, which offers the Waldorf Astoria Spa by Guerlain. If you are searching for the quintenssential spa experience, look no further. This 24,000 square foot spa offers more than treatment rooms (although there are 22 of those). Guests of the spa can relax in the spa’s tea lounge, and take advantage of the steam room and jacuzzi before or after a treatment.

The Golf - The Waldorf Astoria Golf Club borders both resorts and provides spectacular scenery from Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek. This Rees Jones designed golf course may look too challenging for some, at first glance, but is actually designed for all playing abilities. Designed with a five-tee system, players can choose tees according to their playing level. The Waldorf Astoria Golf Club offers a golf academy, fully stocked Pro Shop, The Clubhouse Grille for refreshments and dining after your round of golf, and so much more.

The Kids Club – The Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek is a child-friendly hotel, offering scheduled activities throughout the day, depending on the season. There’s even a Children’s Concierge onsite to help the littlest guests have fun and enjoy the scavenger hunts and arts and crafts.

The Free Shuttle to Disney – As if all the amenities above aren’t enough to entice someone to stay at Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek, just the thought of a free shuttle to Disney is enough for me to stay there again. With the Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek and Waldorf Astoria Orlando free shuttle to Disney parks, I felt like a princess stepping into my own carriage. The buses are clean, cool, and luxurious and much nicer than the Disney transportation at their resorts.

Overall we absolutely love this family friendly resort at Walt Disney World. Soon they will have a Disney Store on property for guests to purchase Walt Disney World Park tickets and make Disney Dining reservations. While this property is not able to offer Disney Magic Hours, the price, location, and amenities more than make up for this. We enjoyed taking advantage of this quiet haven to relax after a busy day exploring and playing at Walt Disney World.

Special thanks to Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek for hosting my family’s visit. This truly is an amazing resort inside the gates of Walt Disney World that offer luxury at an affordable price. I enjoyed it so much that I am going there again.

Orlando

Carnival Cruise Lines Cloud 9 Spa is a floating spa resort found on select Carnival Cruise Lines Ships. Cloud 9 Spa offers more than just a fitness center and spa treatments, but also special spa staterooms and an expansive two level area found on the forward decks of the ships.

I can’t pass up a spa experience, so on the last day of the Carnival Magic inaugural cruise in Europe, I booked a 20-20-20 spa special for myself and my mother. The price was right at $89 per person and we were able to choose three treatments from a special spa special. I opted for the mini back massage, mini facial, and mini foot massage. It was relaxing and a fantastic choice after touring by foot all week.

The treatment room was decorated in soothing greens and bamboo with a view of the sea from my massage table. Nearby I took a peek into one of the couple’s suites.

The Cloud 9 Spa experience features a fitness area, indoor and outdoor relaxation areas, treatment rooms, a Thalassotherapy Pool and Thermal Suite, and VIP treatment suites. Use of the spa facilities is included in the Spa Staterooms but there is a fee/day use charge of $35 for cruise passengers accommodated in other sections of the cruise ship. The fitness area is available for use of all passengers with no extra charge. There is also a space for fitness seminars and yoga connected to the fitness area.

Carnival also offers Spa Carnival cuisine served along with regular dining options to offer healthier dining choices for cruise passengers. These healthier culinary offerings are identified in the nightly dining menu.

Harmony – The Thalassotherapy Pool is a glass domed area with pool of ionized water for spa clients to relax while jets of water gently massage the body in water with a temperature of 91 degrees F.

Tranquility – The Thermal Suite offers intensive relaxation and sensory experience through four different heat therapy chambers. The purpose of these various chambers is to cleanse, tone, and purify the body through dry and wet heat.

Use of the spa facilities is an additional $35 per day if not booked in a spa cabin and is not included with booked spa treatments. I enjoyed Cloud 9 Spa, especially the relaxation room that features a soothing fountain and beautiful view of the sea. After relaxing inside the spa, I took the glass elevator to the Serenity Deck to chill out and read in one of the shaded cabana beds, but if you’re a hammock person, they offer those on Serenity as well.

Cloud 9 Spa is a peaceful destination on the Carnival Magic that offers a haven of quiet and relaxation on a cruise ship with 3,800 passengers.

Tip: Spa specials are offered on days when the ship is in port with either special treatment packages or at a decent discount.

Disclosure: My cruise experience on the Carnival Magic was hosted by Carnival Cruise Lines. The spa treatment was not included in the hosted part of my cruise.

Houston Makes an Impression

Houston is the only place in the country to have a special exhibit of French Impressionist paintings on display.  The collection of 50 pieces is on loan from the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C., which is undergoing renovations.

The Museum of Arts Houston (MFAH) is featuring works by Mary Cassatt, Paul Cézanne, Edgar Degas, Vincent van Gogh, Édouard Manet, Claude Monet, Auguste Renoir, Georges Seurat, and Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec from February 20 through May 23.

The exhibit requires a timed-entry ticket that also includes general admission to the museum.
General admission is $20 for adults.  Tickets for children (6 to 18), students and seniors (65+) are $15.  Admission for children ages five and under are free, but they need a ticket to enter.
For travel and ticket information, visit www.mfah.org or www.visithoustontexas.com.

The Omni Houston is one of four hotels offering special packages during the Impressionist and Post-Impressionist Masterpieces from the National Gallery of Art exhibit starting at $129.

Nestled against a meandering bayou and surrounded by an undeveloped wooded area, the 378-room Omni is in the heart of a bustling metro center.  The property’s biking and jogging trails intermingle with nature and high-rise office buildings.

Inside, the lobby is adorned with three-, four- and five-foot tall orchids. The Houston downtown skyline provides the unobstructed view for our 10th floor room.  The deluxe accommodation has two double beds or one king and is a comfortable 305-315 square feet of space.  Gold walls and chocolate accents make for a warm modern decor.

While my husband read a complimentary copy of USA Today in the sitting area, I set up our laptop on the desk. We joined Omni Select Guest Loyalty Program (register online for free) and received complimentary Internet as a perk.

In the morning, we brewed Wolfgang Puck coffee in the miniature pot that simultaneously prepares a cup of decaf and a cup of regular coffee.  You can enjoy a bountiful breakfast buffet at Cafe on the Green with windows overlooking the outdoor pool and pond where black swans leisurely swim.  Dining outside with the sounds of the fountains is an especially relaxing way to start the day.

Schedule a massage at the Mokara Spa with seven treatment rooms and full-service salon.  The fitness center looks out on the hotel’s 12 park-like acres.

One of the best reasons to stay at the Omni is location.  It’s about two miles to the posh Galleria with more than 375 stores and approximately 15 minutes to Houston’s Museum District.

The hotel offers valet parking and self-parking for a fee, as well as, complimentary self-parking in a garage behind the hotel.  Transportation within a three-mile radius of the hotel is complimentary.  Taxis are parked on the premises.  If you are flying, contact Super Shuttle 24 hours in advance. One-way fares from IAH to the hotel are $24 per person and $19 per person from HOU.