I live in MD and am trying to plan a 4 day weekend in the Spring. Would like to stay in Continental US, Alaska, Canada or Mexico. Would like a place to pamper us (you define that!) for around $1,000 - $1600 for the weekend, excluding airfare - that would be covered by F.F. miles. Any thoughts? Thanks, Debbie

For full service resort/spa experience look into the Peaks at Telluride (Colorado), though this may not be what you were after as far as a 'spring trip' from a weather standpoint.....but an outstanding world class experience.

The Phoenician in Phoenix offers a very nice spa package, has an outstanding pool complex and beautiful, lush surroundings with great weather in April.

You might also consider Santa Barbara. Haven't been to the new Bacara resort yet (sounds awfully big to be able to provide great service) but SB is a great getaway any time of year.

La Costa Resort and Spa in San Diego is wonderful. Golf, tennis and every type of luxurious spa amenity that you can imagine.

Lake Austin Spa Resort in Austin, Tx.
Their web site is lakeaustin.com
This Spa was voted in the Top 10 by both Conde Nast and Travel & Leisure this year. Travel and Leisure also voted it Top 50 Best kept Secrets in the World and Zagat voted it Best Spa for your Money. AND, it's in your price range!

Las Mananitas in Cuernavaca, Mexico, is perfect for a long weekend. Small property with about 20 rooms and an outstanding restaurant, a Relais & Chateau property, where you will be waited on hand and foot. Beautiful gardens and pool, outstanding rooms, loll around, see a few sights in Cuernavaca, eat some great food, all in the beautiful spring-like weather of this colonial city. Fly into Mexico City and take the 1st class bus to Cuernavaca (about 90 minutes) or hire a driver.

Whoops...

Please see my reply under the subject heading "Canadian Spas (British Columbia). I clicked the wrong button and posted a new message.

Hope the information helps.

Good luck

errr.. try again - here's my write up..
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Hi there... (Used to live in Vancouver!)

I highly highly recommend The Wickaninnish Inn on Vancouver Island which have really good spa packages. It might take a little while to get there as you will have to fly into Vancouver Airport, and either take the ferry over to the island (good fun) + renting a car, or fly to Victoria and take car/bus to the west side of the island. (not sure if they have a shuttle service?)

http://www.wickinn.com/

**Plus with your US dollars - 1US$=1.53CDN$ !!!

Note, there is a 14% sales tax in BC, but it's still good value.

The weather in the spring can be hit or miss - but you are on the pacific and it is truly beautiful with the Pacific Rim Park nearby and some hot springs - take a look at this chaps site..

http://www.net1plus.com/users/tdriskell/hotsprings.html (I've never been there.)

There is another spa in central BC called Hills Health Ranch.

http://www.spabc.com/Health_Spa/health_spa.html

It's is pretty good, but what I didn't like was the fact they used rubber gloves while doing my facial (kinda ruined the experience) - I'm not sure if they have changed that policy?

Again good value, however to get there you will have to fly into Vancouver Airport and either take a train journey from North Vancouver (~40 minute taxi ride from the airport) or hire a car and drive.

Train Details www.bcrail.ca
BC Rails "Cariboo Prospector"
Leaves N. Vancouver Sun/Wed/Fri
Return fare $238 (inclusive)
Also includes breakfast and lunch on the way there and lunch and dinner on the way back.
Depart 7am in the morning arrive 100 mile house 3.50pm (8 hours). The train takes you through the mountains. (I've done this - if you have good weather the scenery is super)

I think if you hire a car it can take about 5-6 hours to get to the ranch.

If you want more info - just ask..

Good luck with your holiday.