By Laurel House
Looking to get away? A weekend escape to one of these winter travel destinations is certain to relax and rejuvenate. Here we’ve selected some of the best – whether you’re looking for snow or sun, you’re sure to find what you need.
10 Winter Escapes
1. The Lodge at Woodloch, Hawley, Pennsylvania
Outdoor adventure and luxury rarely make it into the same sentence, let alone the same resort, but at The Lodge at Woodloch they unite in the creation of the first new destination spa to open in over a decade in the United States. It is a gathering place for men and women who want to getaway from the urgency of life and luxuriate at the hands of spa therapists, try new adventures and, of course, dine on gourmet “spa” cuisine. Mother/daughter duos are encouraged to escape together and enjoy the Mother/Daughter Spa Package this winter, spending some quality bonding time while enjoying an all-inclusive retreat complete with meals, one spa treatment per day, and the use of spa facilities. For more information call (866) 953-8500 or visit www.thelodgeatwoodloch.com
2. Mauna Lani Resort at Kalahuipua’a, Big Island, Hawaii
Searching for some surf, sand, and culture this season? Mauna Lani Resort is dedicated to preserving Hawaiian history while creating unique experiences. The perfect retreat for the whole ohana (family), kids relish in the honu (green sea turtle) program, while adults submit themselves to the Ke Kumu spa and golf – rated 8th among the top 100 golf resorts in North America according to the 2005 Condé Nast Traveler. If you really want to go all out, reserve one of the 5 private bungalows, which include butler service, a private pool and Jacuzzi, and over 4,000-square-feet of indoor/outdoor living space – all with an ocean view. For more information call (800) 367-2323 or visit www.maunalani.com
3. Mohonk Mountain House, New Paltz, New York
To many of us, snow is an essential ingredient to winter festivities. A blanket of fresh show is like a clean slate inviting the New Year. Somehow, the chill outside warms our hearts. At Mohonk you will have the opportunity to have a healthy and happy start to the year as you twirl around on the ice at the open-air ice-skating rink or enjoy the snow on snowshoes or cross-country skis. Revitalize your bod in the new 30,000-square-foot spa, complete with a yoga/motion studio, gym, and indoor heated swimming pool. For more information call (800) 772-6646 or visit www.mohonk.com
4. Half Moon Resort, Rose Hall, Montego Bay, Jamaica
For the past fifty-one years, Half Moon Bay has been a hot spot where celebs have been holding court oceanside. Yet, this winter, the $4 million, 68,000-square-foot waterfront Fern Tree Spa and sanctuary – the first of its kind in Jamaica – are being unveiled. Those who want some serious spa time should stay in the spa suites. The six signature beachfront spa suites bring the spa experience into the rest of the getaway as guests have the opportunity to actually stay in the suite. These specialized rooms have beautiful bedrooms, private oceanfront patios, outdoor shower and soaking tubs, plus an additional room for treatments or yoga sessions. For more information call (876) 953-2211 or visit www.halfmoon.com
5. Anse Chastanet, St Lucia, Caribbean
At this Caribbean hideout, the spa and adventure sports are sure to satisfy both your thrill seeking and pamper-me-please sides. The all-inclusive Tropical Tranquility retreat includes roundtrip airport transfers, a welcome cocktail, meals, a sunset celebration of in-room champagne and appetizers, a guided tour of the old French Colonial Plantation of Anse Mamin, 2 one-hour spa treatments per person, activities, and more. For more information call (800) 223-1108 or visit www.ansechastanet.com
6. Crocodile Bay, Osa Peninsula, Costa Rica
Crocodile Bay is a family-oriented, four-star, eco tour, and sport fishing destination situated on forty-four acres of tropical gardens. Surrounded by beautiful beaches and verdant rainforest, guests shouldn’t be surprised to spot jaguars or giant anteaters (the translation of “Osa”). When not fishing, rappelling waterfalls, or bird watching, visit the spa where the ancient healing practices of local shamans are featured. Utilizing only organic, locally-grown ingredients including coffee and bananas, the spa’s signature, spirit-renewing treatments bring an awareness to the energy of the surrounding area as well as that which comes from within. For more information call (800) 733-1115 or visit www.crocodilebay.com
7. The Fairmont Chateau Whistler, British Columbia, Canada
The 550-room Chateau sits at the base of Blackcomb Glacier and Whistler Mountain, allowing skiers and snowboarders ski-in, ski-out access. To help unmangle tight muscles, therapists at the resort’s Vida Wellness Spa will massage away any tenderness and prepare your body for the next day. Once your skin is warm and mind serene, sleigh bells help to ring in the New Year, whisking kids and couples off on a Clydesdale-lead sleigh ride. For more information call (604) 938-8000 or visit www.fairmont.com/whistler
8. Tabacon Grand Spa and Thermal Resort, La Fortuna de San Carlos, Costa Rica
Tabacon Grand Spa and Thermal Resort sits on the banks of the Tabacon River, near the Arenal Volcano, in the middle of the rainforest. Mineral rivers and natural hot springs composed of 97 percent rain water and 3 percent magma bubble to the surface filled with healing minerals only found at the earth’s stratus level. Guests should visit the Grand Spa to experience their signature hydrotherapy and volcanic mud treatments. The open-air spa bungalows let guests enjoy the songs of the forest – wild birds harmonizing, monkeys romping, and butterflies fluttering, which take the place of CDs. For adventurers, eco-activities, including white water rafting, canyoning, kayaking, canopy tours, rainforest sky treks, and horseback rides are available. For more information call (877) 277-8291 or visit www.tabacon.com
9. Hacienda Vista Real, Playa Del Carmen, Mexico
While Hacienda Vista Real is partially known for its golf at the Playacar Golf Club, guests this winter will probably opt to spend their time in the recently opened Vida Real Spa. The 36,000-square-foot, 28-treatment room spa offers a thalasso therapy pool (meaning “healing from the ocean”), indigenous flower- and fruit-infused wraps and facials, as well as a Temazcal (a Shaman-guided purification therapy that takes places in a special room). If all of that relaxing becomes redundant, the concierge can arrange excursions to some of Mexico’s most notable cultural sites including Tulum, Chichen Itza, and Tres Rios Ecopark. For more information visit www.vistareal.com.mx
10. Sunriver Resort, Sunriver, Oregon
Situated at the base of the Cascade Mountain range with a myriad of outdoor activities to experience at your leisure, this family-oriented luxury resort is the ideal retreat. Horse-drawn sleigh rides glide along new fallen snow allowing the little ones (and the big ones too) to stick out their tongues and enjoy an innocent pleasure in life – catching snowflakes. Sunriver encourages you to get outside with activities ranging from snowshoeing and ice skating to downhill and cross-country skiing. The great outdoors is your playground. For more information call (800) 737-1062 or visit www.sunriver-resort.com
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