A
Spa Vacation
It’s More than Ahhhhh . . .
It’s What We Need Now!
“Be
active to reduce stress.” “Learn something new.” “Customize
your adventure.” Is that what we’re supposed to do on a spa
vacation? “A Spa Vacation” sounds interesting, and it most
certainly sounds intriguing. But how do you define it? We’re sure
just about all of us would define it as a vacation filled with relaxation
and pampering. Yet even more important to consider, a spa vacation is a
getaway that focuses just on ourselves and helps us to set goals, take
advantage of activities and enjoy treatments that truly benefit our own
personal health and well-being. So often, we only think about others – our
spouse, children, parents, other family members and friends – and
this time . . . it’s just about “me, myself, and I.”
A spa vacation is something we all need from time to time – a getaway
that allows us to recharge our own batteries. But it’s even more now! “The
new spa getaway offers the perfect balance of adventure and relaxation.” In
other words . . . play hard and rest easy. A vacation that results in our coming
home refreshed, revitalized and ready to get back to the “real world” and
its everyday challenges and stresses. A vacation that allows us to jump-start
a problem we may have – e.g. weight loss challenges – where we
can come home with the tools and the knowledge to overcome that problem and
get on the road to a healthier lifestyle.
Next, we have to decide what type of spa vacation we want. There is a plethora
of options – ranging from couples' spas mother-daughter spas, hiking
spas and health spas, to beach spas, destination spas, resort spas and day
spas. As we help you select the right spa for you and help you plan your spa
vacation, we encourage you to select a facility that offers trend-setting programs
in a top-notch environment and all staffed with attentive, knowledgeable people.
For example, how is a “destination spa” defined? According to most,
a destination spa is broadly defined as a “place to which one travels.” But
industry experts define destination spa as “a place where all participants
come solely for health and renewal.” As a class of spas, “a destination
spa typically offers exercise, nutrition, stress management, education and
community for a total-impression spa experience, and costs are usually all-inclusive.” In
contrast, a resort spa offers a variety of other activities and welcomes non-spa
guests, while a day spa has no overnight accommodations. Examples: The Canyon
Ranches are destination spas; The Broadmoor is a resort spa.
We need to remember . . . we only live once! And taking a spa vacation is more
than just getting away . . . it’s getting away to a place just for ourselves:
A place that helps get us back where we need to be – revitalized, recharged
and renewed – and ready to take on the world again. There are over 1,000
resort spas around the country (with many more in Mexico and Canada) that “aim
to blend the merits of physical activity with spa-related passivity.” We’ve
highlighted just a very few of the many, many fine spas in North America. Please
give us a call or stop by; we’ll help you find the right spa to meet
your needs and interest. As always . . . wherever you want to go – we
can get you there!
Willow Stream Spa at The Fairmont Banff Springs
Banff, Alberta, Canada
Rising out of the Canadian Rockies at the intersection of three glacial valleys,
The Fairmont Banff Springs overlooks the rushing Bow and Spray Rivers. The
hotel's inception dates back to the early days of the Canadian Pacific Railway
toward the end of the 19th century. Scottish baronial architecture and classical
European-influenced decor provide an elegant aesthetic steeped in history.
The property's recent history is distinguished by the addition of Willow Stream
Spa, a deluxe sanctuary with an emphasis on healing mineral hydrotherapy reminiscent
of the hot springs that initially attracted people to this picturesque area
of western Canada. At present, the small mountain town of Banff draws visitors
from all over the world for its outdoor activities and wildlife. Surrounded
by Banff National Park's abundance of natural scenery and magnificent panoramic
views, The Fairmont Banff Springs allows adventurers easy access to some of
North America's most celebrated ski slopes. In warmer months, you can take
advantage of a 27-hole championship golf course as well as hiking trails for
all skill levels. We think this spa will appeal to adventure lovers, honeymooners
and romantics, men, pet owners and those of us who are winter sports aficionados.
Canyon Ranch, Arizona Resort
Tucson, Arizona
In 1978, Mel Zuckerman had an “aha” experience that changed his
life and sparked the creation of the now-acclaimed Canyon Ranch. Overweight
and dealing with various health problems, he had gone to a California spa for
help. His moment came when he realized how great he could feel by staying active,
eating right and living healthfully. His wife, Enid, was already a health enthusiast,
and the couple soon made a commitment to build Canyon Ranch – a haven
for wellness and "living younger longer." The first Canyon Ranch
opened in 1979, in the dazzling Sonora Desert. It has since become an award-winning
oasis of health, joy and vitality. Indeed, Canyon Ranch has defined all that
a destination spa can be. The Zuckermans' goal was to inspire each guest to
make a long-term commitment to healthy living and to provide the practical
tools to do so. Guests flock to Canyon Ranch to take control of their health
or rejuvenate. Canyon Ranch is distinguished by its unsurpassed team of wellness
professionals including physicians, nurses, health practitioners, nutritionists,
exercise physiologists and more. A stay at Canyon Ranch is an ideal opportunity
to fully explore your health potential in a comfortable and unhurried environment.
Have your annual physical or explore a concern such as optimal aging, bone
density, sleep problems, heart health, etc. – all while enjoying an unforgettable,
luxury vacation with endless pleasures to explore. You might start a fitness
program, ride a bike again, have great massages, fortify your spirituality,
try a cooking class, hike a canyon trail or simply relax. Whatever your interests,
Canyon Ranch's opportunities are abundant. Programs offered at this world-class
facility include stress management, weight loss, detoxification and mother-and-daughter.
Canyon Ranch, Massachusetts Resort
Lenox, Massachusetts
Based on the success of the original Canyon Ranch opened in Arizona in 1979,
the Zuckermans opened Canyon Ranch in Lenox in 1989. Its charming setting in
western Massachusetts has made it a popular and easily accessible destination
for its many guests, offering a comfortable and unhurried environment. Why
not start your fitness program with a healthy cooking class, or hike a trail
in the beautiful Berkshires. Whatever your interests, Canyon Ranch's opportunities
are abundant. This spa is recommended for adults-only vacations, men, seniors,
solo travelers, teens and those of us who thrive on winter sports. The same
programs are offered here as are available at the sister property in Arizona.
Grand Wailea Resort Hotel & Spa
Maui, Hawaii
While this luxurious resort, located on Maui's sunny southern shore has much
to offer, many feel the sumptuous, 50,000-square-foot, aptly named Spa Grande
rates as a destination in and of itself. Though this full-service facility
has 40 treatment rooms, the spa prides itself on its very personal services.
Pool after pool is located on the manicured grounds of the Grand Wailea, whose
enormous peachy pink stucco main building has acres of marble in its interior.
In its light, bright, open-air atrium, with its splashing fountain, are black
Botero sculptures – part of the hotel's museum-quality art collection
that also includes works by Leger, Picasso and Warhol. Families with young
children and teenagers, adventurers and couples on holiday are all drawn to
this opulent Hawaiian property for its many attractions. Special amenities
include the resort’s Terme Wailea series of aromatic baths and a golf
club with three championship courses. The property offers programs for families
with kids as well as mother-and-daughter activities.
Willow Stream Spa at The Fairmont Mayakoba
Riviera
Maya, Mexico
The Fairmont Mayakoba was constructed with sensitivity to the fragility of
the Riviera Maya ecosystem. The 1,600-acre property preserves the location's
distinctive jungle-and-beachfront landscape with eco-friendly measures such
as the prohibition of gas-powered vehicles on-site. Guests travel throughout
the resort in electric golf carts or small boats that traverse a network of
freshwater canals spanning the entire property. Resort facilities (which include
five restaurants and two-story guest casitas) appear to float on shimmering,
jungle-fringed lagoons. Willow Stream Spa takes guests even further away from
fast-paced contemporary living with treatments inspired by ancient Mayan culture.
In addition to the spa's rooftop vitality and soaking pools, you are sure to
enjoy Pool Island, a 10,000-square-foot free-form pool. The state-of-the-art
fitness center, world-class golf course and surrounding Mayan ruins are popular
recreation destinations.
Vista
Travel • 800 Inman Avenue • Colonia, NJ 07067
(732) 574-1100 • Fax (732) 388-2241
