Do you plan trips around spas?
Oct 18th, 2005, 09:22 AM
#41
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I thought I'd be in the minority here...guess not!
I plan my vacations around the great outdoors. I love to hike, bike, paddle and wander.
I have never been to a spa nor have I any desire to go to one. Never even had a manicure or facial. I am another one who doesn't want strangers touching me. Plus there's many other things I'd rather do with my time and money...both on vacation and at home.
After my BF and I had been dating 6 months he gave me a birthday gift - a half day at the spa in Bloomingdales. All I could think is, BOY he's got a lot to learn about me. I also have a gift certificate the Red Door salon. Both sit unused in a drawer somewhere.
I plan my vacations around the great outdoors. I love to hike, bike, paddle and wander.
I have never been to a spa nor have I any desire to go to one. Never even had a manicure or facial. I am another one who doesn't want strangers touching me. Plus there's many other things I'd rather do with my time and money...both on vacation and at home.
After my BF and I had been dating 6 months he gave me a birthday gift - a half day at the spa in Bloomingdales. All I could think is, BOY he's got a lot to learn about me. I also have a gift certificate the Red Door salon. Both sit unused in a drawer somewhere.
Oct 18th, 2005, 10:44 AM
#43
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Although I don't take spa specific vacations i.e. Canyon Ranch or Golden Door, whether a hotel/resort has services available weighs in heavily on my choice of hotels.
For example, I might choose a Ritz Carlton that has a huge spa with lots of different services over a hotel that didn't have the services. My husband will also go in for a massage. I will usually get a deep tissue massage or facial. If a trip is 4-5 you can guarantee that I will have at least 2 treatments and he will probably have at least 1.
My most memorable spa experience was at the Bali Four Seasons, Jimbaran Bay. They have huge spa rooms, indoor/outdoor and incredible couples treatments (we were on our honeymoon there).
Spas are luxuries in my life and so our vacations, so I like to vacation and relax at the same time.
For example, I might choose a Ritz Carlton that has a huge spa with lots of different services over a hotel that didn't have the services. My husband will also go in for a massage. I will usually get a deep tissue massage or facial. If a trip is 4-5 you can guarantee that I will have at least 2 treatments and he will probably have at least 1.
My most memorable spa experience was at the Bali Four Seasons, Jimbaran Bay. They have huge spa rooms, indoor/outdoor and incredible couples treatments (we were on our honeymoon there).
Spas are luxuries in my life and so our vacations, so I like to vacation and relax at the same time.
Oct 18th, 2005, 10:46 AM
#44
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I don't consider myself to be a spa expert by any means, but I do enjoy lounging around the spa for a day. I think it has replaced the suntanning days of the youth as a lazy day activity.
I like the spa to have luxurious facilities with steam/sauna, whirlpool, private showers, nice music and a sense of serenity. I don't decide on a treatment until I see the menu.
Recent best experience: After a facial at Gaylord in Grapevine TX, I loved how they floated me to their 'slumber room' which is a dark room with chaise lounges and a waterfall. I was able to gradually return to reality before leaving. Wow.
Sometimes the worst of any spa experience is paying the expensive bill. Ouch!
I like the spa to have luxurious facilities with steam/sauna, whirlpool, private showers, nice music and a sense of serenity. I don't decide on a treatment until I see the menu.
Recent best experience: After a facial at Gaylord in Grapevine TX, I loved how they floated me to their 'slumber room' which is a dark room with chaise lounges and a waterfall. I was able to gradually return to reality before leaving. Wow.
Sometimes the worst of any spa experience is paying the expensive bill. Ouch!
Oct 19th, 2005, 11:54 AM
#46
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Only been on one spa vacation, and had a great time. It was with a group of women (about 15 of us) at Rio Caliente, which is just outside of Guadalajara, Mexico. Their website -- http://www.riocaliente.com/
Rio Caliente isn't one of those high end luxury places; rather, it's more laid back and accommadations are, oh, I'd say about a 3-star hotel. My FAVORITE treatment there was the mud ! They slathered you with mud from head to toe (made from local volcanic soil) & lead you outside to sit & bake in sun for about 10 minutes .... when the stuff has dried, step back inside and shower off. I think I paid $10 for this (back in March 1998) .... now that mud treatment costs around $17 (?).
Rio Caliente isn't one of those high end luxury places; rather, it's more laid back and accommadations are, oh, I'd say about a 3-star hotel. My FAVORITE treatment there was the mud ! They slathered you with mud from head to toe (made from local volcanic soil) & lead you outside to sit & bake in sun for about 10 minutes .... when the stuff has dried, step back inside and shower off. I think I paid $10 for this (back in March 1998) .... now that mud treatment costs around $17 (?).
Oct 20th, 2005, 11:56 AM
#49
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Gosh, if going to the doctor is as much fun as relaxing in the steaming outdoor spa in Baden-Baden, with jets of water massaging my feet and back as we loll under the stars with the snow falling gently around us and a soft murmur of classical music in the background, then I need to go to the doctor more often!
