Lifestyle
Travel
The Spa Experience
by Jeanne Burke
You have been working hard and you really need to get away for a few days. Now you have to decide where to go, what to do and who to go with . Do you want to get away by yourself or perhaps you prefer to go with a girlfriend or two? Perhaps you want to relax with a little pampering. Then again, maybe it’s time to resurrect your New Year’s resolution to fit into the summer bikini you bought at J Crew. What you do know is this trip, you are looking for something different - a spa resort just might just fit the bill. Miraval Resort in Tucson, Arizona is top of the line. Choosing how to fill your day can be a little overwhelming because there is so much to do. I prefer to start my day with the early morning two-hour hike through the desert. The serenity of the desert environment coupled with the brisk morning air quenches my spirit and calms my soul. From there, I enjoy a healthy breakfast with the friends I came with or the companions I met on my hike. The rest of the morning can be spent mountain biking, horseback riding, or trying one of the many challenge activities like walking across a tightrope or pole 30 feet in the air (you will feel invigorated and invincible afterwards)!
In the afternoon, you might want to take a digital photography class, play a little tennis or golf, take an exercise class or lounge around the pool. Not to be missed is Miraval’s signature program - the equine experience. It’s a bonding experience whereby you learn a little about the horse and a lot about your fears, uncertainties and self-awareness skills. In the evening you can choose from a myriad of spa experiences from hot stone massages to foot reflexology (my personal favorites) or head outside for some sunset drumming or stargazing.
Why would you choose a spa resort over a hotel with a spa facility? At a spa resort the focus is on you. It’s about inward reflection and getting your life in balance. Here you can focus on your emotional, spiritual, and physical well being. The spa vacation can’t be beat for someone who is undergoing a change in their life - here you can find solitude, challenges, teamwork, supportive discussions groups, and hopefully answers and directions. Plus it is a great getaway for a solo woman, a group of gals, or a mother and daughter experience. Nowadays, women are bringing along the men in their lives and they are also getting sold on the experience.
Okay, so you are sold on a spa vacation but at $550 per night per person all inclusive (including gratuities), Miraval doesn’t fit into your budget this year. Fortunately, there are other more affordable options.
For about one-third the price of Miraval you can head down to Ixtapan Spa in Mexico (65 miles outside of Mexico City) for one of the best spa values around. A seven-day spa package, inclusive of food, 6 massages, 2 facials, 2 foot reflexology, 1 manicure, 1 pedicure, 1 hair treatment, 3 golf or tennis lessons and aerobic and pilates classes can be your for under $1,000. Four day getaways are also available for about the same price as one night at Miraval. The spa also offers walking, jogging and biking trails and freshwater and mineral swimming pools. At night, you can relax in their piano bar or watch a first run movie. Ixtapan’s has neither the luxurious accommodations nor the variety of activities as Miraval, however for an economical group getaway, these prices just can’t be beat.
Put a spa vacation on your wish list of things to do; I promise you won’t be disappointed.
Jeanne Burke is a leisure travel consultant with Stratton Travel. She can be reached at jeanneb@poisemag.com.