We are coming from Michigan, Florida, and the DC area. Not everyone has a wide open budget. My first vote is always for a spa location. Another consideration is somewhere that can accomodate 5 of us together. Any wonderful ideas?

My friend just did a similar trip with her girl friend and had a blast in Memphis, doing the Elvis tour, eating southern food, hearing music, etc.

I would recommend something on one level with subdued activities. One would not want to test the limits of ones stamina at that age ;-)

PS..I just had my 49th birthday so my tongue is firmly in cheek!

We know nothing about your interests. Do you want a relaxing beachy sort of vacation or a go and do and see vacation?

For a beach/relaxing time-
One idea is renting a house in Mexico. Generally you can find some lovely places that are much cheaper than you'd pay in the US. Weather would be good in Jan.

Ranco La Puerta is a spa in Mexico that gets rave reviews. May be pricier than you wanted.
http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Rev...alifornia.html

Going to one of the Keys.

Another idea is a cruise.

For more of a see/do vacation, Savannah? New Orleans?

Do you know about the website spafinder.com?

What do you want to do?
Does a "Big Chill" kind of trip appeal to you?
My BF just returned from a week with childhood friends spent at a condo on the beach. She said her side hurt from laughing so much.
I'd enjoy a Big Chill kind of get-together.
Close enough to a little shopping.
Close enough for a day spa trip for those interested.
Chances to eat, drink and be merry "at home" for those on a budget.

Go on a cruise!!!!

Charleston, South Carolina. If you do a Big Chill, rent a house on the Isle of Palms, hang out on the beach, long walks, etc. then head into Charleston for incredible restaurants, great shops and historical district.

I think instead of going on a cruise you should get a vacation rental. I don't think any hotel would be helpful in your case where 5 of your want to have some fun.
there are many sites that list rentals, just type 'vacation rentals'.
well, either way I bet you will enjoy

Ten Thousand Waves, a marvelous spa just outside Santa Fe NM would be wonderful. Santa Fe has great restaurants, museums, shopping, hotels etc. Think about it, it is cold in January but the sky is royal blue with bright sunshine that makes it feel warmer. Fly into Albuquerque and then drive 1 hour north. Ten Thousand waves does have accomodations, but they are not luxurious and there isn't a lot right there as far as food etc.

http://tenthousandwaves.com/

A little north of Albquerque is Hyatt Tamaya Hotel and Spa. It is a great hotel and near a lot of good places to eat etc. The spa is fantastic.

Southwest flies to ABQ and often has great deals.

Hope this helps...
Debi
PS - I would go to either in a heartbeat.
http://tamaya.hyatt.com/hyatt/hotels/index.jsp

ilana, I think you are going to need to give us more info. You are going to get suggestions for everywhere!
January seems to shout SOUTHWEST!
I always have fun in LA. Las Vegas may be great, though I am not a fan.
A cruise is a good option, especially if you want a no-brainer good time. Flights are probably cheap from DC and MI and you have a wide variety of destinations and lengths of stay.
My sister and I have fun everywhere we go... being together is 85% of the fun.

How about Miami Beach? Lots of spas but you can stay somewhere cheaper and still be right on the beach.

Thanks for all the suggestions. We had a conference call last night to discuss. Leaning to renting a house in the keys. We want to be able to hang and talk in our jammies together at night...not good on a cruise-folks might get scared. We want to have it be pretty relaxed.

I'm going to check out Ten Thousand Waves for myself for another trip (make this birthday into a Polish wedding).

Does anyone know anything about Duck Key? Someone suggested that. I'm going to go searching, but if you have thoughts, I welcome them.

ps I know my post was kind of vague, but I wanted to be open to whatever I might not have thought of. So thanks for all the ideas.

As to turning 50... when we get together we prove that we may have gotten older, but we haven't aged!

Consider Islamorada. It's my favorite part of the Keys.

What about New Orleans? The Ritz has a nice spa and there's plenty to do for 5 ladies...

Canyon Ranch (Lenox, MA) is ideal - they do provide group discounts however I think that is for 6 people or more - the prices are all inclusive, clases, spa services, really top notch - worth saving for...

I went to Canyon Ranch with my Mom in Tuscon and it was wonderful - but it was pretty expensive. (upon return I decided I would prostitute myself in order to go back again! LOL)

I want to check out Ranco La Puerta - looks like it is within driving distance from me... oh baby!

Key West!

Duck Key is just outside Marathon, about halfway down the 110 miles of keys. In fact, I think the mile marker is 57 (which means it's 57 miles to Key West).

You ARE centrally located, but if you've never been to Key West, you might all enjoy that a lot more. The beaches aren't much, though.

Rancho La Puerta is a fairly isolated spa. No alcohol, vegetarian cuisine. Not really a great place to celebrate a group 50th. It's a very good spa and very much dedicated to good health, but I think you might want more of a fun, party atmosphere.

We stayed at the Marquesa in Key West - that would be a great spot for you. Also just got back from Nantucket - my husband thought it would be a great spot for a girls' weekend, but the weather in January would probably exclude it. Charleston is lots of fun too - I took a trip there with 4 girlfriends, and we toured the old homes, went to the plantations, ate great Southern food - it's a charming town.