The Spa Addict
Bring back that happy glow lost to workday stress
By Rebecca Matheson
La Posada de Santa Fe, A Luxury Collection Resort & Spa
For much-needed rejuvenation, look no further than Santa Fe, NM. This vibrant "City Different" is known for its unique cultural heritage and growing arts scene. Mountain and wilderness views energize weary travelers. You also can hit the ski slopes, hike in the Santa Fe National Forest or wander galleries and shops downtown.
For a spa-and-stay experience, visit La Posada de Santa Fe Resort and Spa, also known as the city's "art hotel." Revive the mind in the central gallery, which focuses on American art and sculpture. For the body, the hotel's spa utilizes the healing culture of the region to provide peace and serenity. Luxuriate in the locally derived products and services, including treatments that use Chimayo red chiles, native grains and desert sage essential oil. Chill out in the lavender-infused steam room or read a book on the rooftop garden with views of the surrounding hills. A full salon, weekend yoga classes and a fitness center also are offered to keep the body at its best.
The resort showcases adobe-inspired architecture, and rooms accentuate Santa Fe hospitality with regional art and furnishings, cozy robes and complimentary bottled water.
Sail to serenity
Climb aboard the Viking Star, one of Viking Cruises' soon-to-debut oceangoing vessels. True to its name, the ship's spa will focus on centuries-old Nordic bath practices, such as hot-and-cold therapy. Sweat away toxins and relax in the cleansing bliss of the onboard sauna, or chill out in a snow grotto, a winter wonderland with icy flakes falling gently from the ceiling to aid blood circulation.
After its April 11 debut, the Viking Star will spend much of 2015 sailing to Mediterranean and Baltic cities. Kick back and relax on a nine-night voyage departing Istanbul on Nov. 17 to visit historic spots in Turkey, Greece, Montenegro and Croatia. Between port calls, you'll enjoy sea views from your private veranda, a standard amenity for every cabin on the ship. For a natural spa experience on land, visit Palea Kameni off the coast of Santorini, Greece, for a dip in relaxing hot springs. Prices start at $4,049 per person.
Indulge in island luxury
The beauty of all-inclusive resorts -- other than their often tropical settings -- is that most of your vacation planning is handled in a single prepaid booking package. However, it can be hard to find a property of this type that bundles spa treatments and other wellness services on the list of included amenities.
In St. Lucia, on the eastern edge of the Caribbean, The BodyHoliday LeSport extends its vacation package to include a selection of 50-minute spa treatments made available each day, from massages to facials. More intensive offerings can be added to your itinerary at an extra cost, including body sculpting, a skincare clinic featuring collagen injections and two-day "journeys" that address sleep restoration. Afterward, let the last of your workaday tension fade away in the sun, or burn it off while attending yoga, tai chi and other fitness classes (another all-inclusive perk).
The information in this story was accurate at the time it was published in January/February 2015.
Please visit Vacations To Go or call (800) 998-6925 for current rates and details.
