Lodging

Feeling too old for the boozy celebrations and cardboard top hats that seem to be standard on New Year’s Eve? Afraid that if you stay home you won’t stay awake until midnight? Instead, why not kick off 2010 by getting a headstart on your resolutions? Everyone seems to have at least one promise about treating your body better in the coming year. Check into a spa for a relaxing celebration that will leave you invigorated.

Celebrate 2010 with a massage

California

The Napa Valley Marriott Hotel & Spa is offering discounted rates on December 31 starting at $229 per room. This rate is valid until January 3, 2010, for those who mention the code “Eve.” Price includes drink tickets, complimentary shuttle and tickets to the Wine Train Station party. After such an affordable evening, book a treatment (not included in package) such as the Napa Cleansing, Salt Glow Scrub or a massage. Call 707-253-8600 for details.

Napa Valley Marriott Hotel
3425 Solano Avenue
Napa, CA 94558

Florida

Amelia Island Plantation is offering a special deal: Book the two-night, three-day “Retreat from Reality” package and choose four pampering treatments: Relaxation Massage, Pure Facial, Sweet Island Wrap, Sweet Sugar Glow, Paradise Manicure and Pedicure combo. Couples massages also available. A variety of yoga classes are held on site. This package starts at $311 per person (double occupancy) in a resort-view room. Call 888-261-6161 for details, or check out aipfl.com.

Amelia Island Plantation
6800 First Coast Hwy.
Amelia Island, FL 32034

New Mexico

Celebrate the New Year at Hyatt Regency Tamaya Resort and Spa. Their celebration package includes dinner and champagne the night of, as well as breakfast in the morning. To attend the Hyatt’s party, rates start at $349 for the night. Or, should you want a quieter evening, book the “Tamaya Experience” package, which start at $309 for the night, and includes 25% discount on spa services. Additional nights cost only $129. Call 505-867-1234 for more details.

Hyatt Regency Tamaya Resort and Spa
1300 Tuyuna Trail
Santa Ana Pueblo, New Mexico, USA 87004

Special thanks to the Napa Valley Hotel and Spa for the calming photo.

From Nancy D. Brown of What a Trip

Calistoga's Pink Mansion

Willliam Fisher, Founder of the Calistoga Beverage Company, would be rolling in his grave if he heard the news that his famed water company was closing their Calistoga location this week. Fisher, along with his good friend and Calistoga’s town founder, Sam Brannan, were well known in the Napa Valley back in the 1800’s. In fact, Fisher built his home, now called the Pink Mansion, on land given to him by Brannan back in 1875.  I recently had the pleasure of sleeping in the Pink Mansion Master Suite.

One of the benefits of living in the San Francisco bay area; I can drive an hour and be in the romance-filled Napa Valley. A wee bit further up Highway 29 and I find myself in Calistoga.

This particular trip had me staying at The Pink Mansion as a guest of owners Toppa and Leslie Epps for Calistoga’s Winter in the Wineries Passport Weekend. For $40, guests are entitled to special wine tasting events in the Napa Valley. Corkage will be waived at participating restaurants and discounts are offered on several Calistoga lodging properties.

I stopped by Twomey Cellars and picked up a $50 2007 Anderson Valley Pinot Noir and then drove down the road to Castello di Amorosa where I was able to have a $15 tasting for free thanks to my Passport.

Winter Wine Country Bargains

Mid-week in the winter is one of the best times to visit Napa Valley. The summer crowds have left and the local vintners and chefs have time to actually visit with guests. Wine country winter weather is often mild and some of the best lodging bargains can be found.

Pink Mansion Master Suite

At The Pink Mansion, “Tempting Tuesdays” means one night in a deluxe Master, Honeymoon or Carriage House suite in addition to dinner for two at the JoLe* Restaurant. Don’t forget that wine and hors d’oeuvres are included at the Pink Mansion, as is a gourmet breakfast. *A $70 value with taxes, gratuities and alcoholic beverages not included. $295 Winter Special Package Rate Tuesdays November 1, 2009 through February 28, 2010.

With all of the money you’ve saved on your room and dinner at JoLe, consider an in room massage from Special Occasion Massage.

The Pink Mansion is pet-friendly and charges $25 daily for rooms that have an outside entrance.

The Pink Mansion (707) 942-0558 or (800) 238-7465

1415 Foothill Blvd. Calistoga, CA 94515

Photos courtesy of Nancy D. Brown

From Nancy D. Brown of What a Trip

AVIA Napa

It’s the beginning of December and I’m in the Napa Valley for a couple of days. Holiday lights twinkle across Napa’s Main Street and the temperature is dropping. As I walk into AVIA Napa, after self-parking my car in the city owned lot behind the property, I spy frosty jugs of Sangria and lemonade offered for guests upon check-in. A nice touch for summer time, but I prefer a cup of steaming hot chocolate from Anette’s Chocolate Factory, located a couple of doors down. By the way, AVIA does offer valet parking. I appreciate that I’m given a choice in parking options.

Greenhaus European Day Spa

My day started with a  Royal Bamboo massage as a guest of  the Greenhaus European Day Spa. Avia doesn’t have a spa on property, but they partner with Greenhaus for in-room massages, or you can go directly to the Day Spa located on Pearl Street. On this foggy morning, I was happy to walk into the candlelit room and relax to the warmth of the dry heat from the bamboo sticks. As I carry my laptop as often as one carries a purse, I now have shoulder issues.  The skilled masseuse left me feeling rejuvenated after a 60 minute massage. Note to self, Greenhaus Day Spa would be a great place for a girl-friend getaway day of pampering.

Greenhaus European Day Spa Bamboo Sticks

My Avia room, #323, is a Master Tub Suite and is handicap accessible. The white marble bathroom boasts a soaking tub for two, over-sized shower and waterfall shower head. Be sure to make time to visit the second floor Terrace, complete with hardwood decking, porch swings and a fire pit.

The Tower Suite, with 12 ft. ceilings and 520 square feet of hickory hard wood floors, gives way to not one, but three step-out balconies, yet bargain seekers should ask for room #208, a Classic King guest room with balcony. While Napa has its share of romantic bed and breakfasts, AVIA Napa offers an urban oasis in downtown Napa.

Currently the property is offering 20% off room rates, but buyer beware, there are no cancellations and no refunds on this pre-pay offer. That means that my Master Tub Suite, which rented for $264 during my stay, could be had for $179.25.

Staycation Special for Californians

Attention California residents, Avia Napa offers a Napa Staycation rate of 25% off best available rates.

Avia Master Tub Suite Room #323

 Executive Chef Chris Aken offers a daily wine and appetizer sample from 5-6 p.m. in the Avia Kitchen & Wine Bar. If your stay falls on a Thursday, local vintners and wineries pour new releases for Avia guests. And if you prefer coffee to hot chocolate, try Avia’s signature blend of 100% organic certified coffee.

Avia Napa is a pet-free and smoke-free hotel. Property photo courtesy AVIA Napa, all other photos courtesy Nancy D. Brown

Avia Napa (707) 224-3900

1450 First Street, Napa, CA 94559-2843

Posted by Nancy D. Brown of What a Trip

Shibui Spa in Sisters, Oregon

I’m the first to admit that I love a good massage. In fact, if I won the lottery, I’d have a massage once  a month; once a week if it was the super-lotto. But I don’t play the lottery, so I splurge on a massage whenever I can.

Here are some of my favorite lodging properties where I have experienced wonderfully relaxing massages:

Aurora Hotel and Spa  Certified Massage Therapist Lavina Jones works out of the Aurora Hotel and Spa on Southern California’s Catalina Island. Her speciality massage combines aroma therapy with Swedish massage and finishes with hot river stones and warm towels.

Bernardus Lodge and Winery provides a relaxing place to unwind and recharge in Carmel Valley, California.  The Spa at Bernardus Lodge offers services from vinotherapy and marine-inspired, to international treatment techniques. While you’re there, visit the spa’s meditation garden, warming room, and soaking pool.

Carnival Splendor a floating resort on the sea, offers a 21,000 square foot, two level spa and gym facility. The Thalassotherapy Pool features jets of water that massage your body and a special formulation of ocean water. If you splurge for a Cloud 9 Spa Stateroom, you’ll have access to the special pool and Theramal Suite, in addition to two complimentary fitness classes and priority spa appointment bookings.

Five Pine Lodge in Sisters, Oregon is also home to Shibui Spa. I had the Thai Bandle massage, heated Maja Bandles, filled with lemon grass and other herbs are steamed and used as heated compresses during the massage. Guests leave with a suggestion card for using the herbal compress with a Metta Mantra on the other side of the card.

Metta Mantra

May I be safe

May I be happy

May I be healthy

May I be peaceful

May I be filled with loving-kindness

Spa Gaia in the Napa Valley is connected to the eco-friendly Gaia Hotel. I tried the Ayurvedic Hot Stone massage and it was wonderful. After filling out a short survey, my dosha (natural constitution) was determined and the relaxing massage began.

After a day of horseback riding at Riochet Ridge Ranch, I was in need of a massage. Fortunately the Third Court Salon and Day Spa is located on the Little River Inn property. I have plenty of recommendations on places to visit, stay and dine in Mendocino.

Visitors to southern Napa can check out the 9,000 square foot underground Spa Terra  and try the cave stone massage.  Pardon the pun; this massage rocked! If you are a guest at Meritage, you are welcome to use the spa facilities, including the hot tub, complete with water wall, until closing time.

Sheraton Maui Spa at Black Rock

For an outdoor massage experience with the privacy of a treatment room, The Sheraton Maui’s Spa at Black Rock is Kaanapali Beaches’ newest addition. The Mango Pomegranate signature line of products smell entoxicating.

While not on property at Sonoma’s Inn at Occidental, the Osmosis Day Spa in nearby Freestone, California offers a unique spa experience. Now that I’ve tried it, I can say that I am not a fan of the cedar enzyme bath, but the massage was first-rate.

On a recent trip to Lugano, Switzerland, I experienced my first water massage at Villa Sassa Hotel and Spa. The Aurum Spa offers the Mare massage on a bed of colored water reproducing the effect of the vibrant blue shoreline.

Photos by Nancy D. Brown

Napa Valley naturally brings to mind a grown-ups getaway, with plenty of wine tasting to be enjoyed in a luxurious setting. But the Silverado Resort makes it easy for multiple generations to enjoy the beauty of wine country, with convenient and spacious accommodations, plus on-site family-friendly activities.

Two-bedroom fireplace suite at Silverado Resort

The “Family Extended Stay” package, which starts at five nights in a two-bedroom condominium for $2,250, includes private luxury lodging in a beautifully landscaped setting, plus all the amenities the resort has to offer, including 10 (!) swimming pools, tennis on nifty plexipave courts, access to the fitness center, and free breakfast for kids under 12. The package also includes free wireless internet and free movie rentals.

The 1,200-acre resort features biking and walking trails, two 18-hole championship golf courses, two restaurants, a 16,000-square-foot spa, concierge services and a business center. With plenty of meeting space and other spots to congregate, the resort offers visiting extended families the opportunity to hold special celebrations or family-reunion gatherings.

One of 10 pools at Silverado Resort

If you can drag your kids away from the pool(s), consider day trips in and around Napa. From your home base at Silverado, you and your family can enjoy all that Napa Valley has to offer. Popular kid-friendly attractions include the Petrified Forest, the “Old Faithful of Calistoga,” the Sterling Vineyards Sky Tram, the Napa Firefighters’ Museum and Bothe Napa Valley State Park.

Silverado Resort also offers appealing packages just for the girls, such as the wonderfully pampering Spa Girl package, which includes wine tasting at a nearby winery as well as daily spa treatments. In fact, you can blog about the reasons why you need a relaxing retreat with three of your best friends, and you might just win a girls’ getaway at the Silverado valued at $1,140!

For a truly luxurious Spa Resort Destination head to Auberge du Soleil. You’ve probably heard of it–it is home to one of the first premier wine country restaurants.

Hot Air Balloon over Napa Valley

Sitting on a hillside looking over Napa Valley, this Mediterranean inspired resort features fine Italian linens, down bedding and duvets. Pair that with plush robes, slippers, and a private outdoor terrace with a view of the vineyards, you know you’re being pampered.

But that’s just the basics. This is all about romance, so why not indulge yourself and your loved one. Start with a grape seed crush body exfolidation and hair and scalp treatment, then bathe together in the garden bath, soaking away your tension. When you’re fully relaxed you each will get a full body massage with warm grape seed oil and a grape seed crush foot therapy treatment.

After all of this pampering, enjoy a glass of local wine on your terrace as the sun sets over the vineyards. And now that your body, mind, and spirit are revived, a romantic dinner awaits. Remember, this was how what made Auberge du Soleil so popular in the first place. And they continue to raise the bar in sophisticated dining.

Heart held in hands Photo by aussiegall@flickr

A romantic escape will help you reconnect and revitalize your love life.

Auberge du Soleil
180 Rutherford Hill Road
Rutherford, CA
(707) 963-1211
http://www.aubergedusoleil.com/

Photo of balloon courtesy of  lyng883@flickr

From Nancy D. Brown of What a Trip

1801 First Inn

Romance and Napa Valley go hand in hand.  Perhaps it’s because I live in Northern California and a day trip to Napa is a short drive away.  Once again my birthday is approaching and I find myself selecting Napa for a celebration retreat. I stayed at 1801 First mid-week last winter when the rates were low and there were no nightly minimums.

Owner Darcy Tunt saw a need in her travels for something different and wanted to create a boutique luxury inn.  “This was always a dream of mine,” noted Tunt.  “We’re recognized for our extensive concierge service.  We offer in room massage.  We’re all about the couple and romance, privacy, too.”

Carriage House

The Carriage House

A glass of sparkling wine appeared at check-in and home made truffles were waiting in the room.  That room was the beautiful Carriage House, a detached private cottage with a king bed, two-way fireplace and two-person Jacuzzi tub. Don’t repeat my mistake of filling up on the tasty hor d’ oeuvres served with local wine in the dining room before you venture out for the evening.   I had made reservations at Celadon, a downtown restaurant owned by Chef Greg Cole.  Finally, leave room for the individual breakfast served by the in-house chef.  My mouth waters at the memory of the homemade scones.  For those of you watching your calories, a “spa” selection is offered, but Napa Valley is not a place to hold back.  The 1801 staff is happy  to fill your day with suggested activities.

Conde Naste Johansens recommends 1801 First, a member of Unique Inns. With five suites, two cottages and the Carriage House, rates range from $375-$525. TIP: During the month of January, ask for the $195 Friends & Family rate.

1801 First Street, Napa, CA 94559

(800) 518-0146