getaway for solo traveller
 

CALLING ALL WANDERERS!!!!

My husband gave me a free flight pretty much anywhere for my birthday. I'm interested in finding someplace warm, where there's a nice beach and some interesting guided hikes( easy to moderate difficulty). Safety is a concern also as I'm going solo. I need to be able to get there from Hartford, Connecticut fairly easily as I only have 5 days. The timeframe is Mar. 24-28, 2004.
My initial thoughts are Costa Rica, Key West, Arizona (spa)
Would love some suggestions of destinations and hotels.

San Diego may be a longer flight than you wanted but I think it's a great option for what you describe. The beaches are beautiful (although the water will be too cold for swimming but the pools are not). It's very hilly so lots of good hiking & there's plenty to keep you busy from the zoo & museums in Balboa Park, to shopping, dining. Consider staying in La Jolla (the Parisi or the Valencia) or on Coronado.
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You could also try the Red Mountain Spa in Utah... it is in the mountains and looks like a wonderful retreat! Have fun!

http://www.redmountainspa.com/main.html

Key West should be crossed off your list for lack of beaches and hiking. You can hike all over Key West but it doesn't sound like that is what you had in mind.

Arizona, even lacking beaches, would be a great choice! It should be nice and hot, great pool weather. I love the Phoenix area. Check out the Arizona Biltmore. Amazing.

Wild Horse Pass, the Kierland or the Phoenician. All three have wonderful spas. The Kierland has great shopping on site. Both the WHP and the Kierland are quite new. The Spa at the Wild Horse Pass is simply unbelievable and gorgeous, albeit expensive. There is a private adult only pool there. You can horseback ride. For a solo trip, though, I like the idea of the Kierland because of the shopping.