I’ve just returned from a girls getaway weekend at The Wentworth, and let me say a one night escape felt like days of pampering.  The delight begins as you turn right off Route 1A (first exit after the Hampton Tolls) onto Wentworth Road and ride past the pastoral golf course stretching along the ocean’s edge, and then catch your first glimpse of the gleaming white, red-roofed resort perched on a hill with commanding views of ocean in every direction.  The impact is instantaneous, beach-side grandeur of yesteryear.   There’s a smile on every face as we park the car – heads swiveling in every direction – taking in the ocean views, manicured gardens  (we’ve hit tulip/lilac season), hidden arbors and gazebos, and oh yes, let’s not forget the marina with happily bobbing yachts.  Sigh….

Entering the grand foyer we’re greeted by the ever smiling and dapper Concierge, George, who later volunteers to give us an historic tour of the property.  We hear tales of treaties signed by Teddy Roosevelt, jazz performances by Duke Ellington and Cab Calloway, and architectural wonders like the magnificent cherub entwined ‘whisper’ rotunda dome that graces the dining room.  We visit the very elegant spa, which is clearly one of the main attractions of the hotel, and then enter the pool pavilion which seems suited for a Grecian goddess – gorgeous.  The social rooms are a perfect balance between elegance and comfort – inviting rather than stiff and stuffy.  The sweeping porches dotted with wicker furniture encourage guests to sit a spell, breath in the briny sea air, and gaze off to the ever changing landscape of sea, marsh and boating channels.

And finally off to our room which is large, luxurious and offers sweeping ocean views.  Since the hotel is built on a coastal island, it enjoys entertaining water views in every direction.  We particularly love the heated marble floors in the bathroom – now that’s indulgence!  The decor is bright and dignified, with every high end amenity on your wish list.  Families love the new 1,000 sq ft, two-level marina suites built right along the water’s edge by the outdoor swimming pool, seaside restaurant and marina.  But you won’t be spending much time in your room, there are so many activities to beckon you -  golfing, boating, fishing, kayaking, canoeing, hiking, nearby antiques and outlet shopping, historic Strawberry Bank in the lively city of Portsmouth – to name just a few.  We had dinner and breakfast at the resort and both were outstanding – delicious, with interesting offerings, and prepared to perfection.  Wentworth By The Sea is a Marriott resort, so if you are lucky enough to have Marriott reward points, this is a spectacular choice for redeeming them.  Rates usually begin in the $250 per night range for a standard room and I would say this resort is worth every penny.  They do a robust wedding business all year round, making it important to book your spa services in advance if you’re visiting on a weekend.

So the next time you need a dose of pampered living, fine dining and beautiful sea views, that are close to home, head right up Rt 95 to Wentworth By The Sea.  This resort makes a perfect weekend destination for Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, Anniversary or Birthday celebrations, which probably accounts for the fact that they are sold out most weekends of the year – plan your visit in advance and enjoy!

SpaFinder.com announces $50 spa treatments at premier spas across the country from March 8 – 14, 2010.

- Miraval (Tucson)
- Red Mountain Spa (Ivins, Utah)
- Caudalie Vinotherapie Spa at The Plaza Hotel (New York City)
- Canyon Ranch Spa Club (Las Vegas)
- Mandara Spa (resorts nationwide)
- Safety Harbor Resort & Spa (Safety Harbor, Florida)
- Spa Aquazul at Hilton San Diego BayFront (San Diego)
- Cordillera Lodge (Edwards, CO)

And without a doubt at a number of posh  spas near you.  Visit SpaFinders.com to search for spas near you and to make reservations online right now.  Don’t forget to check out the spa recipe page while you’re at it!

New Zealand has a well earned reputation for exclusive luxury lodges scattered throughout the North and South Islands, positioned to take advantage of the some of the best scenic vistas in the country.  The Farm at Cape Kidnappers in Napier on the North Island of New Zealand is one of  the newest and most spectacular.  The lodge opened in November 2007 and offers luxury cottage suites that all enjoy 180 degree views over the headlands and out to the Pacific Ocean.  And the setting is just the beginning of the reasons to visit Cape Kidnappers.

1. The Napier Region of New Zealand is positioned on the southeastern coast of the North Island and is one of the most renowned wine growing regions in the world.  Cool coastal mists and warm days produce exceptional sauvignon blanc wines.
2. Because of a 7.9 earthquake in 1931, the buildings of the area were entirely rebuilt.  Today Napier is a showcase of well preserved Art Deco architecture.
3. The lodge is perched ridge-top on 6000 acres that is a working sheep and cattle ranch.  Guests at the lodge can witness first-hand the modern and traditional ranching techniques of the ‘Kiwis’ on complimentary escorted farm tours.
4. Meals at the Lodge are memorable both for their settings and cuisine.  The main restaurant is elegant and inviting.  For a more intimate setting, you may prefer to dine in the soothing stone walled wine room.  And on sunny days, why not have a casual meal in the Loggia patio room.   Meals and pre-dinner drinks and hors d’oeurves are included with your stay, and as you might expect, only the freshest of ingredients are used from the property’s sustainable farm.  Naturally local dairy, beef, lamb, and fish are all at the ready.
5. Guest rooms have amenities for even the most discerning of tastes.  Each room enjoys expansive views from a balcony or patio and the interior is both relaxing and dramatic in it’s decor.  Of course all the electronic bells and whistles you could desire are at hand.
6. A striking infinity pool invites you to swim at what seems the edge of the world.
7. Cape Kidnappers enjoys a area of unique natural habitat.  Take a Discovery Walk or 4 wheel drive safari to the Gannet bird colony habitat.
8. Activities abound, you will never have dull moment, unless that’s exactly what you need.  There are opportunities to mountain bike, fly fish, kayak, hike, hot air balloon or go wine touring.
9. And when you’re beat and in need of some pampering, the Spa services are top notch.
10. Golf – well you’ve seen it – like nowhere else on earth – incredible!

For more in-depth information and a wonderful display of photographs, visit CapeKidnappers.com.  To book lodging at Cape Kidnappers, I’d suggest contacting a Virtuoso Travel Agent.  Is it expensive?… well yes…it is a premium property that is a destination in itself.  Definitely a once-in-a-lifetime exceptional experience.

#1 Beauty Holiday Boot Camps – All the positive change, none of the sweat!  Offered by Skin Authority locations across the United States, Beauty Workout Holiday Boot Camps will send you home with glowing skin, beauty tips from a personal coach, a plan for healthy living and a daily home regimen.  These fun Boot Camps are mini one day vacations that will revitalize your beauty routine for a mere $45.  Personal coaches will take participants through four regimens that will have them going from drab to glam in 30 days.  Give yourself a pre-holiday gift this year and be radiant for the holidays!

#2 We received this SENSATIONAL Indulge Yourself Package Offer from the folks at SpaWeek.com – call the girls right now!!!

No one does glam like Las Vegas, and the Spa at the Las Vegas Hilton has pulled out all the stops!  Take an Indulge Yourself Package for only $135 for a 2 night stay from now until December 28, 2009.  The package includes TWO nights deluxe lodging, $100 in dining coupons, 2 passes to the fitness facility, 2 welcome cocktails, $50 in Reward Dollars and $150 in Reward Dollars for use playing slot and table games.  So, let’s get this straight…. you pay $135, stay two nights, and get $300 worth of promotions – WOW.   AND for $30 more ($169) receive VIP Check-In, $75 spa credit for one and $50% off select services for second guest.  Don’t leave too soon… you can book a similar 3 night package for $199!  Check out all the details, terms and conditions at LVHilton.com

Spa Week - Yea, it’s back!   Starting on Monday October 12th and running through October 18th.  (Ahhh that’s what I should do for my birthday!)  The promotion features $50 spa treatments at over 750 luxury spas in 30 consumer markets across the USA and Canada.   The intent of the promotion is to introduce a new generation of spa enthusiast to experience and benefits of a wellness spa visit.  Find a complete list of participating spas near you at SpaWeek.com.

And here’s a totally new concept – Hotel Week. The very first Hotel Week event will showcase exciting properties in San Diego California from November 13-26, 2009.  Travelers will be able to take advantage of hot deals and pomotions at more than a dozen high profile properties.  What a terrific time to plan a family getaway!  San Diego has a lot to offer visitors – the world famous San Diego Zoo and the Wild Animal Park, Lego Land, Sea World, a magnificent harbor, 70 miles of beaches and of course that Mediterranean-like climate that we all crave.  Check out all the details at HotelsWeeks.com.  Looks like there are many more cities across the US who are working on their own Hotel Week promotions in the coming months.

The folks at Sceptre Tours have put together this family friendly package for travelers to Ireland from November 1 – Feb 15 (with some holiday blackout dates in between).  Accommodation is at the famed Adare Manor Resort in Limerick (voted #1 European Resort by readers of Conde Nast Traveler).  The resort features a top tier golf course, a luxury spa and lots of dining options.  Plus you’ll love strolling through the very picturesque Adare Village, filled with friendly pubs and welcoming restaurants.  The pricing is based on four travelers sharing a 2 bedroom townhouse on the 840 acre estate.  Included flights depart from Boston or New York, with other airports available at slightly higher prices.  Departures are available for summer and fall dates at marginally higher prices as well.  AND you just know there’s some fine print to read (like the line about air taxes – which are additional).  You’ll need to read all the terms and conditions on the Sceptre Tours website.

For those of you looking for a stay closer to Dublin, have a peak at Sceptre Tours package for $699 ppqo that includes 6 nights at the very beautiful Ritz-Carlton Powerscourt, along with roundtrip flights and rental car.

Ireland is even friendlier in the off season – which makes these trips even more of a great value!

A spa day is a luxury most of us have to stretch to afford, but I have found a true gem in Southwest Florida – at the Sanibel Harbour Resort and Spa that will be worth the splurge. It is located in Fort Myers, Florida (yes right near the spring training camps of the Boston Red Sox and the Minnesota Twins – say goodbye to the guys!), – just on the right before you head over the bridge to Sanibel. Fresh from a multi-million dollar rebuild (thanks to Hurricane Charlie) this property is truly a little slice of heaven. The minute you arrive, you’ll know you are in a special place.

Recently the stress of today’s world put me in need of a short escape. I was willing to forgo a nice dinner out with friends, and cook every meal at home, just for an interlude of relaxation at the Sanibel Harbour Resort Spa. A big vacation was not on my radar, but I so needed a change of pace! I booked some treatments for my daughter as a birthday treat, and of course I needed to go along! Their website claims you will ‘restore balance to your life’. And I actually think it did just that for me. This Spa has been rated one of the Top 10 Spas in the USA by Conde Nast Traveler, and here it sits conveniently in Fort Myers Florida.

The treatments were woondeerfuuull. I really forgot how sore my body was and how much I needed to just escape. The website does not come close to conveying how magical their treatments are. The Four-Layer Facial has been named one of the “Best Facials of the Century” and I could not agree more. I have had numerous facials, but none compare – by far this was worth the trip alone. I kid you not, I felt like I had a face lift, and weeks later my skin is still amazing. The trip was worth this alone.

My few hours inside the spa were better than any vacation I could have taken. The therapists were wonderful, the setting was beautiful and I felt like I had been there for days, rather than only a few hours.

I spoke with the spa Manager, Nikki, who was truly a delight. She set the tone for the spa, wanting to make every customer’s experience the very best. Her positive energy was matched by everyone we met. She referred to their service as “Red Carpet Treatment” from the moment you stepped through the doors. She wants every customer to get the most out of every treatment and leave relaxed and calm.

Making your Spa experience the best, begins with scheduling the right treatments, so here are some tips:

• Focus on the reason you are going to the spa; Relaxation? Therapeutic? Beauty enhancement?
• Make sure you fully understand the treatment you’ve requested, will it provide the result you are seeking?
• Don’t assume you know what is involved in the treatment; products and services- ask for full descriptions
• Ask your therapist before you begin to review what will be happening
• If you are uncomfortable about anything, speak right up
• If you are not happy with the music choice, speak up
• If you need something, don’t be shy to ask?
• If you need privacy while changing, make that known
• If you prefer a male/female therapist, make sure you request this upfront
• If you have any medical issues be certain to inform the spa, as treatments or ingredients could effect your condition
• Make sure you ask for a tour of the Spa so you are aware of everything that’s available
• Ask if you have access to other parts of the facility such as the pool or fitness area
• Never leave the Spa unhappy, tell someone if your treatment has not been satisfactory

Spa Etiquette

• Remember everyone in the spa is there to relax, turn off your cell phone!
• While in the waiting rooms, speak quietly
• Understand the rules of the spa and adhere to them

If you think you can not possibly have a vacation, think again. A 3 day weekend trip to Fort Myers, Florida is well within your reach. Have a look at some of the latest promotions from the Fort Myers/Sanibel Tourism Bureau.  And a spa treatment is also affordable, especially since the Sanibel Harbour Resort Spa is offering 20% off treatments with the gratuity included Monday through Thursday until April 30, 2009.

The sun is warm, the beaches are beckoning and the restaurants are amazing, what more could you ask for…….Don’t forget to tell the Spa you heard all about it from Wicked Good Travel tips!

Your journey to this island paradise begins on Little Torch Key where the concierge reception center greets you and a classic motor yacht awaits to whisk you on a 15 minute cruise across the bay to 5 acre/5 star Little Palm Island.  Cheerful staff members meet you on the dock and personally escort you to one of the 15 luxurious thatched-roofed bungalows or grand suites.  Take a deep breath and leave your cares behind – you’re about to be pampered in grand style.

Each of the bungalows have gorgeous ocean views, are surrounded with lush tropical landscaping and are handsomely decorated in deep sensual tones.  Dramatic four poster beds are draped in fine white netting and stand VERY tall – I’d need a step ladder to even think about bouncing into one!  And you’ll love the private outdoor shower enclave that wraps you in bamboo, vines and warm fragrant breezes.  You’ll find every amenity for a romantic interlude inside the bungalows, and will never miss a TV, alarm clock or telephone (which are intentionally missing), although the resort does have complimentary Wifi throughout. Little Palm Island welcomes guests over the age of 16, and because of the local Key Deer population, does not allow pets on the island.

Strolling along the island’s meandering pathways reveals delightful pockets of indulgence.  The Spa Terre invites you into its Zen Garden and Palpa Point Pavilion where you’ll be pampered and soothed.  Up the bend and around the corner brings you to a perfectly sculpted half-moon white sand beach where rainbow colored adult water toys invite you to frolic in the turquoise waters.  Or recline by the lagoon-style pool to your heart’s content.  You’ll also find discreet hollows where hammocks swing, chaises beckon, and there’s even a giant chess set with tiki thrones inviting you to challenge your partner.  And of course, the island wouldn’t be complete without a  wonderful library cottage filled with great reads and a wide screen TV for anyone who just can’t miss the important game.

Perhaps the most memorable part of your stay will revolve around the restaurant, Monkey Hut lounge and outdoor terraces.  Dining on Little Palm Island is a wonderful culinary treat.  As I popped open the menu, my eyes went blink, blink, blink as I read the full page of exotic caviar selections (and their jaw dropping prices!).  We’re talking gourmet dining with a capital ‘G’ here folks – refined, but never stuffy and completely delicious.

The night becomes magical on Little Palm Island.  As the tiki torches are lit and the Buddhist gong entreats you to gather on the dock for the sunset ceremony.  Twinkling lights sparkle below the dock bringing in pools of brightly colored tropical fish, and live entertainment plays each evening in the cocktail lounge.  Dine in the moonlight, sit by the fire pit or dance the night away with your special someone – you’ll never forget a visit to Little Palm Island.

Have a look at my photo slide show of the island.

Now that I’ve filled you with superlatives, there are a few straight facts you’ll need to know.  Getting to Little Palm takes some maneuvering as it’s located in the lower Florida Keys.  You can fly into Miami, Marathon or Key West, and then arrange for a car service or rental car to take you to Little Torch Key.  Room rates are not for the faint of heart – pricing at Little Palm Island is commiserate with the top luxury resorts around the world.

Here’s the good news. Anyone can enjoy an excursion to Little Palm Island while they’re staying in the Florida Keys, by making a luncheon reservation by calling the Concierge desk at 305-872-2524.  Non-guests can take the complimentary boat launch to the island and indulge in an elegant, leisurely lunch.  Although most of the island is reserved for hotel guests, you’ll be able to enjoy the restaurant’s creative menu and take in some of the dazzling ocean views.  Attire for visitors is ‘country club casual’.

If you’re looking for a destination that drips with romance and luxury, look no further than Little Palm Island in the Florida Keys.