If you really want to relax and pamper yourself when you plan your next vacation, do we have the list for you! There is no better way to let your body know you appreciate it than to take in a few luxurious spa treatments. Here is a list of some of the resorts that have the inside track on how to really relax.
Grand Floridian Resort & Spa – Walt Disney World, Florida
While some may tell you otherwise, you can have it all. Thanks to Walt Disney World you can have a great family vacation that keeps the kids entertained and also have never before reached levels of pampering. While the rest of the family plays with Mickey Mouse in the theme parks, you can spend a day at the Grand Floridian Resort & Spa. This spa has premier offerings including mineral soaks, hydrotherapy, reflexology, and a complete line of massages, including Swedish and sports massages.
Aveda Spa at Alexis Hotel – Seattle, Washington
Rejuvenation is the theme at the Aveda Spa at the Alexis Hotel. Once you arrive at the hotel there will be chocolate and champagne waiting to help you begin your path to relaxation. The spa has a series of treatments for all your ills. From focused to total body massages, to herbal treatments and aromatherapy, it’s all available at the Aveda Spa. Before you leave, they offer you an opportunity to take a little bit of that pampering home with you, through the purchase of their skin care products.
Wentworth by the Sea at Marriott – New Castle, New Hampshire
As soon as you arrive at the Wentworth by the Sea Spa, you will immediately be put in a relaxation mindset. You will be guided to a relaxation room, where you can enjoy a beverage at the seaside retreat. Once you select a spa package to take advantage of, you’ll be immersed in focused treatments with paraffin wax treatments for your hands, body scrubs and wraps, soothing facials, or you could go for the complete body massage with essential oils, Reiki, or warm stone treatments. They even have a specialized maternity massage for expectant mothers.
Grand Wailea Resort Hotel & Spa – Maui, Hawaii
It’s a double treat at the Grand Wailea Spa. First, you’re in Hawaii. That already starts you on a path to relaxation. Then you check into this facility. The 50,000 square foot spa has a number of exclusive offerings – aromatic baths, Swiss jet showers, redwood saunas, Japanese Furo baths, massages, Roman jacuzzi tubs, personal trainers, and their renowned Termé Wailea Hydrotherapy.
Sandy Lane Resort – St. James, Barbados
Enjoy a get away to the sandy beaches of the West Indies where you can revitalize your skin by taking advantage of a signature Dr. Hauschka Classic Treatment. They have spa treatments for all levels including a full-day six-hour spa experience which starts with a water massage, progresses to a hydrotherapy bath, a full body massage, then an aromatherapy facial, exercises to promote deep relaxation and a manicure and pedicure to have your body revitalized from head to toe.
Concentrating on the area of Spain, Johnathan Bakers writes articles almost entirely for http://www.alicante-spain.com . His abstracts on Golf in Spain are published on his website .
Having your own RV is a great way for you or your family to get away from it all and enjoy some vacation time away from our hectic and stressful daily lives. Finding the right RV destination is important but with some many to choose from it can really be difficult to find the right one that has everything you need. While there are many great RV destinations around the country, some of the best ones are found only in California. California is an ideal RV destination thanks to its size and excellent facilities that camps and recreation areas provide just for RV goers. The majority of RV tourists who visit California head to Southern California, but some of the best RV spots are actually found in Northern California. If you feel like being a little adventurous, try Northern California instead as you’ll be pleasantly surprised. There are plenty of California RV parks available which makes getting to these scenic spots even easier.
Lassen National Forest is just one of the many great places you can stop at to take in the beautiful sights and scenery that Northern California has to offer. This national park is famous for its volcanic activity and you’ll be able to get firsthand experience at the might and power volcanoes can have in shaping the planet we live on. This is the home of the world famous Lassen Peak, which is the largest plug dome volcano in the world and has to be seen to be believed. If volcanoes aren’t your thing, don’t worry as there is plenty to do and see for everyone. A wide range of outdoor activities can be enjoyed and include fishing, hunting, hiking, bicycling, boating, snowmobiling, cross-country skiing and much, much more. No matter who you are or what you enjoy, Lassen National Forest is a place that anyone can enjoy.
Another great spot that shouldn’t be missed is Lake Davis. Lake Davis was designed with recreation in mind, literally. Why is this? The lake was actually built specifically for recreation purposes, so the motto is recreation and having fun. There are plenty of summer activities to be enjoyed by everyone that include camping, picnicking, fishing, hunting, boating and mountain biking just to name a few. RV goers will find that the camping grounds were designed with RVs in mind and space is provided for up to a whopping 40 self contained RVs. If hiking is your thing then you might find that Plumas National Forest is the place for you. This national forest is a heaven for hikers and there are a wide variety of streams, lakes, deep canyons, lofty peaks and much, much more. The park is well known for its pleasant climate and not being crowded.
Next time you go RVing, why not be a little different and head to North California and take the road less traveled. California is well known for its scenic beauty and wide variety of outdoor activities that RV goers enjoy, but most people don’t know that some of the best scenic spots to visit are actually in North California. Why not take advantage of the California RV parks in the area and take sometime out to enjoy the beautiful scenery and activities that are on offer.
If you’re looking for a “cabin-in-the-woods” experience, just drive east from Fresno, California, to Shaver Lake.
One of our most recent discoveries is Shaver Lake, a little more than an hour’s drive northeast from Fresno and an ideal spot to include in a Northern California vacation. The change in scenery during that short trip is dramatic, taking you from the flat farmlands near Fresno through wooded, rolling foothills and then up nearly 6,000 feet into the pine forests that surround this idyllic lake. Central Valley residents have long known that Shaver Lake is a great spot to experience the Sierras; now – judging from the area’s real estate boom – people from all over California have started to catch on.
Shaver Lake is tucked between Yosemite and Sequoia National Parks and hints at the same natural beauty found in the parks. The difference is that Shaver remains largely undiscovered and therefore not quite as prone to seasonal traffic congestion. Shaver is still “off the beaten path” for vacationers who want the experience of visiting a small mountain village with just a couple of general stores and a handful of restaurants serving home-style grub. Only about 3,000 people live in the entire area.
All of this is exactly what we wanted as we set out on our own “cabin-in-the-woods” getaway. We contacted Vacation Rental Specialties to reserve a cabin meeting our specifications. With pictures to study on the internet, we were able to see exactly what kind of place we were renting, both inside and out. We wanted a true log cabin experience, but with modern conveniences – and that’s exactly what we got.
We use the word “cabin” here a little loosely – our rental was really a complete vacation home built like a cabin. Almost everything was constructed of logs, all right, but the home’s amenities are more modern than most people have in their primary residence. We learned that this particular “cabin” is owned by a Monterey family who uses it part of the time themselves and puts it into the Vacation Rental Specialties rental pool for much of the year.
Our rental, the “Whalen Log Cabin,” was a million-dollar home with two bedrooms, a loft, 1.75 baths, dishwasher, cable TV, DVD and a washer and dryer. A 1,750-square-foot deck is the perfect place to barbecue or watch the sun set over the mountains. Out back cabin near Shaver Lakethere are plenty of pine trees reminding guests that, yes, this is the mountains and, in fact, the edge of the wilderness. These aren’t exactly cheap vacations but when you consider the cost of premium hotel rooms nowadays, the rental fee of 5 a night plus a cleaning and booking fee is one of the best travel deals around.
Our family of three was swimming in extra space and, according to Bill Wingo, owner of Vacation Rental Specialties, many guests are bring another couple or family and stay for a week at a time. It’s a new trend called “togethering” – sharing vacations with other family members or friends and thereby reducing rental costs while at the same time getting the chance to visit and experience new places and activities together.
According to Wingo, there also is a trend in vacation rentals now toward high-end properties such as the Whalen Log Cabin. In the business for nine years, Wingo says it was not long ago that people were just looking for a rustic getaway in the mountains – a simple cabin with few amenities but located in the wilderness. Today, guests are looking for all the extras and willing to pay extra to make their home away from home both relaxing and luxurious.
Also, guests are starting to expect the property rental firm to be more service-oriented, Wingo explained. Instead of just handing over a set of keys, property managers today also have to put on a concierge hat and do such things as make reservations for boat rentals, dinner or whatever else the guests may have planned for their stay. It used to be that guests were responsible for taking out garbage and providing bedding – nowadays, those often are among the services provided by the rental firm, although sometimes at an extra cost.
Equally important is the location of the vacation rental, and the Shaver Lake area is proving popular with active vacationers. With 23 miles of shoreline, Shaver Lake has plenty of activities to choose from including fishing, boating, water skiing, windsurfing, hiking and, in winter, all the winter sports including downhill skiing at a nearby ski area. The lake actually is part of a hydroelectric project owned and operated by California Edison. Shaver Lake was first constructed and filled in 1927 as part of the Big Creek Hydroelectric project. It was named for pioneer lumberman C.B. Shaver, who logged in the area during the late 1890s.
For many visitors, Shaver Lake actually is a jumping off point for treks further into the Sierra National trading post near Shaver LakeForest and two other lakes, Huntington and Edison, are nearby. Eighteen small lakes are located in the Kaiser Wilderness, just north of Huntington Lake.
We were looking to do a little hiking and to just soak up the local culture down in Shaver Lake’s tiny business district. We enjoyed our steak dinner down at the Trading Post – the floor is tilted downhill in a few areas, but the big rock fireplace sets the mood perfectly.
The fireplace back at our vacation home also helped set the mood for this “cabin-in-the-woods” experience – instead of watching television like we might normally do at home, we put some games on the spacious floor in front of the crackling fire and thoroughly enjoyed a family respite from everyday life in the city.
If you’re planning a Northern California vacation, you can get more information on cabin rentals at Shaver Lake by contacting Vacation Rental Specialties at (800) 730-8688 or visiting www.goshaverlake.com. Nightly rental fees are about 15 percent lower when properties are rented a week at a time. Ask about Vacation Rental Specialties’ special vacation packagesthere are many excursions they can set up for you ahead of time such as boats, restaurant reservations and horseback riding. Even if you have last minute travel plans, call for availabilitysurprisingly, there sometimes is a last-minute opening.
Cary Ordway is president of Getaway Media Corp which publishes websites focused on regional travel. Among the sites offered by GMC are http://www.californiaweekend.com, which focuses on California travel and http://www.northwesttraveladvisor.com, which covers Northwest vacations.
Vacation Disaster Cancelations – Hawaii KPIX 5 CBS Northern California
Hey, i’m considering going to Humboldt University, and I was wondering what the weather is like? I’m used to weather in Washington (cold, grey, rainy), but I love the sun. Is it usually sunny there?
My X-Box had the three red rings and so I sent a repair request to Microsoft on Dec. 14th . The repair check status on my X-Box says that the repair is currently in repair . It has said that for the last three to four days . I live in Northern California and I was wondering how long it would be before my X-Box got sent back . I heard that Microsoft takes a vacation around this year because of Christmas and New Years so with all that in mind I would like to know approximately how long it would take until it gets sent back . Any help would be great , thankyou 😉
If you have ever wanted to take a good long scenic drive along the ocean, then the best place to start and end is in California. It has a coastline that is famous all over the world for its beauty and intrigue. There are literally hundreds of places to see and things to do up and down these hundreds of miles of gorgeous coastline.
San Diego is close to the Mexican border and you might just want to take a little trip to Tijuana before you head up the coast. If not, you can visit the San Diego zoo or Sea World before your trip even gets started good.
The trip North will land you next in Oceanside and further up, Santa Ana. Next you come to Long Beach and the ever popular Los Angeles. Here you will certainly not find any shortage of fun and interesting things to do and see. From Beverly Hills to Hollywood there are so many star studded things to enjoy.
There is Grauman’s Chinese Theatre, shopping, Universal Studios, Disneyland, and so much more. When you stop in Los Angeles, be prepared to stay for a few days if you want to be able to take advantage of all there is to enjoy here. Who knows, you might even get a peek at one of your favorite star while you are there.
Your next stops will probably be Ventura, Santa Barbara, and further along north, Santa Maria. Each and every one of these towns is worth a short visit along the way. You will never know about all the small attractions when you take a road trip like this unless you stop and take a few hours to look around. Discovering out of the way restaurants and attractions that you never knew existed is what makes road trips so much fun.
Big Sur, Monterey, and Santa Cruz are all on your way to the historic and incomparable San Francisco. The San Francisco Bay area is another place where you will want to delay your coastline adventure for at least a day or two. The countryside and city life alike here is something you will want to tour and enjoy at your leisure.
After San Francisco you can travel on up to the top of this huge state to see the famous Redwood Forrest. These spectacular historic trees are also something you will not want to miss. They are one of the great beauties of California. The ride up along the California is one that you are sure to never forget.
Disney’s California Adventure is a newly made theme park in California. It has a variety of beautiful sceneries, rides and facilities that excite the tourists.
Disneyland is the number one California charm. It now has a new theme park that opened last February 8, 2001. It is called Disney’s California Adventure and it sits in a centerpiece of a .4 billion growth for about 55-acre big at The Disneyland Resort. This park celebrates the rareness of the Golden State providing visitors a taste of joy, diversity and California’s way of life.
California Beachfront
The famous Hollywood is the inspiration of California Beachfront. You will see here brought to life the nature side of California, and the diverse cultures that mix well to make California a unique city state. You can visit here Paradise Pier where many thrilling activities await you. It is a recreational area with many sites to and graphics to see.
California Screamin
California Screamin is the name of a roller coaster. It is very big and exciting, patterned after real wood coasters. It is also very high at an overwhelming 150 feet. The riders will be shot up at a speed of 55 miles per hour. They will be brought up and around once the riders are seated. The seats will move en sync with the inner movements as the wheel begins to roll.
Another ride, the Mali-boomer, places the visitors in the field and vertically skyrockets them up 200 feet through a strong compressed air launch system to strike the top and sound the gong.
King Triton’s Carousel
King Triton’s Carousel is a one of a kind carousel bearing an ocean theme instead of horses. Children will ride in sea creatures like a seahorse, flying fish, whales, and sea lions. A sea music will play in the background while it spins.
Mulholland Madness
Mulholland Madness is a mini-roller coaster ride for children. It will give kids a very wild and out of this world ride for a rare experience they could get. Another kiddie ride is called the Jumping Jellyfish. It looks like a parachute in the form of a jellyfish and the kids will get a vertical, up and down ride, just like a real parachute.
Orange Stinger
The Orange Stinger looks like a real orange peeled halfway through. The structure is made of steel. There are several games you can try here unique to Disney California Adventure. Paradise Pier invented it.
Hollywood Pictures Backlot
This facility is one of the most popular in Disney California Adventure. Visitors will get to enjoy seeing how movies are produced, specifically in Hollywood. The area has a very glamorous ambiance inside, with backdrops and other designs showing celebrities and other popular figures on screen. California owes Hollywood for partly giving the state its fame and name throughout the world.
You could go and take a ride on the Superstar Limousine to experience riding on a limousine just like the real celebrities. Get to know up close how it looks like inside this luxurious cars that bring celebrities to different shows and theaters.
There is also the Disney Animation Complex where you will get an overview on how animations are painstakingly made for your viewing pleasure on the big screen. The Hyperion Theater is likened to a broadway theater and it can seat 2000 persons. It is used as a venue to many big and spectacular shows.
You could take pictures alongside real people dressed up to look like the real movie stars. There are many restaurants shops and other attractions with obvious theme of Hollywood.
The visitors also eat among the angst-filled world of a daytime drama at the ABC Soap Opera Bistro. The waiters wore soap star dresses while serving on the diners both food and the updated scenarios from the ongoing daytime soaps. ABC Soap Opera Bistro is for music lovers.
Grizzly Peak
The Grizzly Peak is the main landmark and recreation area. It features a Redwood Creek Challenge Trail for kids. A very beautiful river flows during the white water ride. Visitors may also go for a rafting ride and enjoy the cool splashes along the way.
There is also an area where visitors can enjoy their own pacing in walking and hiking the forested path imitating the national parks of the state.
Redwood Creek Challenge Trail
The Redwood Creek Challenge Trail is a risky obstacle course showing rope bridges, cable slides, rock climbing and cargo netting woven via the treetops. It provides educational programs on the wondrous outdoors with simple homespun entertainment. The contribution of the Golden State to the wealthy well-known flying legacy of the state is called the Condor Flats. This was formed as the high desert airfield in 1940. The aircraft memorabilia, test materials, and period buildings from the progressive days of flying are also conducted into this area.
California is a state with long coastal line; and hence is popular for beach vacation. The state has many popular beaches; it is difficult to cover all the beaches in a single-go – that is the reason travelers return to California again and again. It does not matter whether you visited California in past or you haven’t – you have got all the reasons to plan a trip to California this winter.
Many popular beaches are there in Northern and Southern California. Tourists from all over the world visit these beaches throughout the year. Winter is exceptionally enjoyable in California. Travelers indulge in beach activities; sunny and sandy beaches are good for beach sports and fun with family members and kids as well.
If you are an avid traveler you would admit that the most important aspect of a vacation is to find a suitable accommodation. It’s true that you will spend most of your time in the spectacular California beaches, but if you do not get a comfortable shelter to lay down your head, you won’t be able to enjoy the next day. Accommodation is the most essential factor of a vacation; the success of the entire trip depends on this.
To make your California trip fun-filled and enjoyable, you should look forCalifornia vacation rentals close to your favorite beach. Contact vacation rental home owners directly or, visit any California vacation rental directory to get a list of vacation homes in the state. You can get California beach vacation rentals, condos, villas, bungalows and 2 or 3 story apartments as per your requirement.
Southern California beaches receive more visitors; for example, Venice Beach. It is one of the popular California beaches. Venice Beach is known for the street performers, body builders and vendors. This southern California beach offers an unparallel experience. Sandman of Venice Beach, one of the sand sculptures by Marc Goodrich, cannot be seen anywhere else other than Venice Beach. He creates animals made of sand and these artworks remain on the beach just for a day or two. If you are lucky enough you can experience a rare artwork in the Venice Beach. Unfortunately, no calendar, yearbook or travel guide can let you know when these artworks will be available next – it depends on the artists entirely.
If you decide to stay near a Southern California beach, look for Southern California vacation rentals close to your dream beach. Whether it is Venice Beach, Cardiff State Beach, Marina or Santa Monica State Beach, you can definitely find a suitable vacation home there.
Dwayne Kulad is a travel author. For California vacation rentals he recommends you to visit: http://www.myvacationrentalguide.com/
One of the most impressive things in Northern California, aside of the scenic beauty is the great shape the road (highway 101) is maintained in. The road way is clean and the warning lights for sharp corners and other things plus the call boxes, which there are lots of, are all solar powered. Awesome. Video Rating: 3 / 5
