*Reserve a Leading Spa Escapes package and enjoy a 30% savings on accommodations as well as a complimentary 60-minute spa service when you stay at one of 48 Leading Spas. Here are just a few.

Located on the Croisette Boulevard, facing the sea, the Hôtel Majestic Barrière in Cannes, France features the U Spa Barrière; a haven of wellbeing devoted to relaxation, serenity and recharging your mind and body. The spa is a modern and sophisticated source of harmony and tranquility. It offers a range of personalized body and beauty treatments with four treatments rooms and also includes a “shower experience”, sauna, steam room, relaxation room and fitness hall. The luxurious décor creates a soothing and peaceful ambience making it the ideal sanctuary for recharging and regaining perfect balance of body and mind, protected from stress and tension. Rates are starting from EUR 262 per night, based on double occupancy.

The Tabacón Grand Spa Thermal Resort taps into one of the world’s most beautiful locations – the thermal mineral springs set amidst the Costa Rican rainforest at the foot of the Arenal Volcano. Treatments are given in 11 open-air bungalows, all with Jacuzzis, a fully equipped gym, outdoor manicure/pedicure areas, and an open-air Yoga Center and Ayurvedic focused spa menu. The wide range of treatments and therapies features the Temazcal ritual, a native purifying ritual performed in a sweat lodge by a Shaman (native doctor). Tabacón’s Temazcal is the first of its kind in Central America and the only one in the world in an energetic active volcanic environment. Rates are starting from USD 400 per night, based on double occupancy.

Nestled in the one of the largest lagoons in the Maldives, the Taj Exotica Resort & Spa is a destination for romance and rejuvenation. Its Jiva Grande Spa offers contemporary techniques blended with traditional Indian treatments. Ayurvedic therapies are performed in the sanctuary pavilion, there is a yoga deck for sunrise practice, and healthy and organic dishes are served in the dedicated spa restaurant. All products used at the spa are natural and uniquely developed from Indian herbs, essential oils and special ingredients. Traditional Indian herbal pastes and essential oils are used for more than its physical benefits; anointments have traditionally been an integral part of ceremonies and rites of passage. Deeply symbolic of the body as a revered vessel to hold divinity, they pay homage to and elevate it to a higher, more harmonious centered state of being. Rates are starting from USD 808 per night, based on double occupancy.

On Florida’s Sunny Isles Beach, Acqualina Resort & Spa on the Beach is a Mediterranean-style retreat overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. Its on-site, award-winning ESPA is an Ayurvedic sanctuary specializing in holistic and meditative treatments. There are volcanic stone therapies for restoring the body’s chakras and massages specializing in body firming, as well as Reiki and reflexology. The 20,000-square foot spa, spans two stories and features 11 multi-functional treatment rooms, one private Spa Treatment Suite, four Spa Express Beauty Suites, an outdoor spa pool and heated jet pool – all of which feature stunning views of the ocean. The flow of water, lighting and its reflections symbolize the cleansing process of the body and soul as they take on different forms throughout the spa. Rates are starting from USD 350 per night, based on double occupancy.

Nestled in China’s inland lake region on a rolling hillside tea plantation, the Fuchun Resort has a natural air of calm that’s reflected in its stellar spa. Inspired by the pristine surrounding environment, treatments focus on spiritual as well as physical wellness, with aromatherapy, shiatsu, tai chi and morning sessions of traditional Himalayan yoga on offer. Conceptualized and developed exclusively for Fuchun Spa, the menu features a series of pampering treatments that utilize traditional Chinese herbal elements including the resort’s famed Longjing tea. All products are pure botanical extracts which are petrol chemical free and contain no additives. The spa design is contemporary with Chinese overtones; the treatment rooms are located around a small courtyard, with views of a serene blue-tiled pool with fountains. Rates are starting from CNY 3150 per night, based on double occupancy.

Please note: All programs/packages listed above are subject to availability. Discounts and special offers cannot be combined. Not applicable to previous bookings. Not applicable to group bookings. Local taxes and service charges are additional.

Day 1 & 2 —Monart Destination Spa, County Wexford

What a way to recharge. Located 130 kilometres south of Dublin, the adult-only Monart is an idyllic haven in a woodland setting. Behind the Georgian heritage manor house, a modern fusion of glass and wood brings the gardens indoors and takes the spa outside. Unexpected pops of colour and design are everywhere, like a fuchsia settee or life-sized metal horse.

The Monart is a true destination spa, which means that no one will look twice if you wear your robe to breakfast. The heart of the spa is the thermal suite that contains various water therapies such as a steam room, indoor jet pool and salt grotto. Outside, a wooden sauna cabin is piping hot and the adjacent icy bucket shower offers a bracing — make that shocking — way to cool down.

Treat yourself: For a true touch of Ireland opt for a treatment with Voya products, an organic line that uses hand-harvested seaweed from Sligo. A Tangle Me Up Body Wrap will help detox and fight cellulite.

Go on, try it: The Celts believed that willow groves were healing places. Walk the Monart’s living willow labyrinth to slow down and shed that hectic city vibe.

Sightsee: You’ll appreciate your deluxe digs even more if you visit the Dunbrody Famine Ship in New Ross, an evocative reconstruction of a 19th-century Quebec-built ship that carried passengers on the gruelling journey to America during Ireland’s potato famine. New this June: a multi-million dollar Irish Emigration History Centre.

The deal: A Spa Break offers two nights B&B, access to thermal suite and fitness classes from $520 per couple. Treatments extra. Free Perk: Flag down a therapist in the thermal suite for a free mini-foot massage. Monart Destination Spa, The Still, Enniscorthy.  Tel: 353 (0) 53 9238999.

Day 3 & 4—The Cliff House Hotel, County Waterford

Built right into the rock, this seductive 39-room Relais & Chateau property is known for its sea views and cuisine (it has the only Michelin-starred restaurant outside of Dublin) but don’t discount the spa. The Well Spa has just three treatment rooms but offers topnotch therapists and big time facilities including an indoor pool and outdoor Jacuzzi.

Treat yourself: For a novel — and romantic — way to soak up the scene, try the spa’s new outdoor side-by-side soaker tubs. Set on a private deck, these baths-with-a-view come in three healing varieties: seaweed, peat or salt.

Sightsee: You don’t need to go far to explore Ardmore’s history. This tidy town was Ireland’s first Christian settlement, stemming back to St Declan who predates even St Patrick. Don’t miss the breathtaking Cliff Walk, which takes you past St Declan’s ancient well, believed to have curative powers, and along Ardmore Bay.

Go on, try it: As the sun sets, take a plunge in the chilly rock pool at the base of the hotel. An experience you won’t forget.

The deal: A Choose & Chill Spa Package offers two nights B&B with one evening meal in the Michelin-star restaurant and one treatment per person from $955 for two. B&B only: from $315 per night. The Cliff House Hotel, Ardmore, County Waterford. Tel: 353 (0) 24 87 800.

Day 5 & 6—Fota Island Resort, County Cork

Keep heading south. Set on a small island in Cork Harbour, Fota is a large resort with a championship golf course. The elegant lobby is manor-house tweedy and the spa has an extensive hydrotherapy area, indoor pool and gym. Bonus: it’s popular with a local clientele who always seem up for a chat.

Treat yourself: Follow a detoxing green tea hydrotherapy bath with a steaming wrap of milk and honey to nourish and moisturize. The key to the wrap’s success is the heated waterbed-like treatment tub that gets you sweating.

Go on, try it: Experience the Emerald Isle at its best. Get a trail map from the concierge and stroll through a lush forest filled with moss-covered trees and blooms as big as leprechaun heads.

Sightsee: The city of Cork is just 20 km away — don’t miss the English Market where Queen Elizabeth II did a recent groundbreaking walkabout.

The deal: A Spa Dinner Package includes two nights B&B, one three-course meal in the Fota Restaurant and a facial or massage per person. From $585 per couple. Fota Island Resort, Cork, Tel: 353 (0) 21 467 3131.

Just the facts

ARRIVING: Air Transat offers affordable flights to Dublin and Shannon from $399 plus $325 taxes and fees. To add a wee bit o’ luxury, an Economy-class Options Plus gives you priority check-in, seat selection, 10 kg excess baggage allowance and onboard perks from $99 one-way. If it’s space you want, Club Class starts at an extra $225 per person. All prices are approximate and subject to change.

ADDING: If you want to add spa time in Dublin, the Mandara Eastern Retreat in the centrally located La Stampa Hotel at 35 Dawson Street has a massage facial combo for $140. Rooms from $190. Don’t miss the sophisticated Café La Seine just steps away.

SAVING: If you’re on a tight budget but still want to spa, consider adding just one or two spa nights onto an Air Transat Go-As-You-Please package that includes seven nights Bed and Breakfast, rental car and flight from $929 plus $326 in taxes and fees. (Prices increase in high season.)

WEB SURFING: For more information on Ireland click here

Source: thestar.com

So what if you don’t like skiing in some of Europe’s most beautiful mountain ranges, maybe you don’t fancy the idea of strolling or sunbathing on the magnificent hot sandy beaches along the Black Sea Coast, or the abundance of the wildlife, from beautiful butterflies to Brown Bears just doesn’t interest you? Then why not consider taking a well deserved relaxation break in one of Bulgaria’s many Spa resorts?

Bulgaria has over 500 mineral springs all offering different compositions and temperatures. Each spring is believed to have its own healing and health properties due to the many dissolved mineral salts, gases and micro-components. Peat deposits and the many firth mud lagoons also have huge health benefits.

Bulgaria is believed to be the first country in Europe to offer treatments from its spa resorts, and has grown through the years to be the preferred country by many people from all over the globe.

The spa resorts can be found all over Bulgaria; the more popular ones are;

Bankya which is only 10km from the capital city of Sofia. The water here is always between 36.5 and 37 C and is said to be invigorating. This resort benefits from all year round tourism.

Pomorie is known for its mud treatment, The Pomorie Healing Mud is extremely well known in Bulgaria for its medicinal and healing properties. This resort is a small peninsular on the Black Sea Coast near to the City of Burgas.

Sandanski is a town at the foothills of the Pirin Mountain range and the mineral water here has a temperature of 42-81 C. This resort is known for its curative benefits in the treatment of bronchial asthma.

Other spa resorts include, Devin, Golden Sands, Sunny Beach, Chiflik, Razlog, Velingrad amongst others too many to mention here.

Getting to the spa resorts from outside of Bulgaria is not a problem as the country is well served by its airports, Sofia, Plovdiv, Burgas and Varna which are all within reach of spas in their region.

It has also to be said of the very economical costs involved in visiting spa resorts in Bulgaria, which is without doubt the most least expensive in E.C Europe.

Source: Quest Bulgaria

The Royal Spa Kitzbuehel is a five-star luxury hotel in Jochberg, seven kilometres from the ski slopes of Kitzbuehel, with direct access to the ski area. The spa‘s signature treatment is the “Mountain Stone Massage” using warm mountain crystals. This hotel is the only one in and around Kitzbuehel in Tyrol which has been accepted into the renowned hotel association The Leading Hotels of the World.

The four-star Theresia Gartenhotel in Saalbach Hinterglemm offers spa facilities and organic gourmet food in a modern interior decorated with contemporary art.

The Spa Hotel Wiesenhof in Pertisau offers quiet relaxation in an area of outstanding natural beauty. The property is surrounded by 70,000 square metres of countryside looking out over the Lake Achensee.

The Hotel Cervosa in Serfaus is centred around its 2200-square-metre spa faciliites with 11 themed saunas and steam baths including a Tyrolean sauna, Moorish steam bath, and Roman Laconicum.

The Alpenresort Schwarz is located on a sunny plateau in Mieming, close to Innsbruck and is popular with both spa seekers and families. The hotel was one of the finalists in the European Excellence Awards 2010.

Other alpine spa hotels featured in the brochure include the Im Weissen Rossl on the banks of Lake Wolfgang, Interalpen-Hotel Tyrol in Telfs-Buchen, and the eco-friendly Biohotel Stanglwirt in Going am Wilder Kaiser.

Source: OnTheSnow.com

Treat your Valentine with this great offer in Istanbul

The Moevenpick Hotel in Istanbul, Turkey is specifically catered for guests to enjoy a romantic getaway. Couples can relax in the Hotel’s Wellness Centre or indulge at the sauna, Jacuzzi or massage suites.

This luxury hotel is offering a very special Valentine’s package including breakfast and taxes, one bottle of house wine, a lovely box of chocolates in room upon arrival and a romantic dinner for two in their elegant Azzur Restaurant.

For more information or to book click here 

Enjoy your Valentine in St Petersburg

With its maze of romantic bridges and canals, over 200 museums, beautiful parks and palaces, St Petersburg is the ultimate place to spend your Valentine’s Day. The luxury Corinthia Hotel is situated on the Nevskij Prospect, St Petersburg’s main avenue, and is offering the perfect romantic package.

This includes one night’s accommodation in an Executive room, a sumptuous buffet breakfast, flower bouquet, sweet surprise and a bottle of Italian wine. The hotel is also offering early check in and late check out (upon availability).

For more information or to book click here

Spend the time with your loved one in Bulgaria

Overlooking the town, the Medite Resort Spa Hotel not only provides stunning views but has perfect leisure facilities for your romantic trip including a swimming pool and modern spa, offering a range of tempting treatments. Bulgarian and European cuisine is served in the restaurant, which boasts an open-air terrace – perfect for evening meals under the stars.

The luxurious Valentine’s package at this hotel includes two nights accommodation in a luxury room (upgrade available at additional cost), two breakfasts, Champagne and strawberries in the Jacuzzi at the Hotel’s spa centre, a candle lit three-course dinner for two, box of chocolates and complimentary late check out at 18.00.

For more information or to book click here

Experience the Romance Cyprus has on Offer

Surrounded by stunning white cliffs, vineyards and orchards with an unspoiled beach stretching out in front, Valentine’s Day at the Columbia Beachotel in Cyprus will be full of magical memories you’ll never forget. Many activities such as golf, spa treatments and water sports are available during your stay.  

The hotel is offering a luxury four night package for two adults including a sumptuous breakfast, spa treatment per person, a candlelit dinner for two, free use of the gym, sauna, steam bath, Jacuzzi, use of squash courts, tennis courts and regular exercise classes. The choices of spa treatments include: a Molton Brown Bespoke Back, Neck & Shoulder massage or A Molton Brown Bespoke Body Polish or A Molton Brown Pagoda Sandology Foot Therapy. Package is for min/max four nights on selected dates. All taxes included.

For more information or to book click here 

Relax with your loved one this Valentine’s

Overlooking the Tirrenian coast, the stunning Grand Hotel Principe di Piemonte is a prestigious hotel with a truly unique décor as each floor is decorated with a different style. Couples can relax this Valentine’s Day by the hotel pool overlooking the panoramic views or book a pampering treatment in the hotel’s Wellness Centre. The hotel also offers a rooftop bar and a Michelin star restaurant, which will guarantee a great treat for you and your partner this Valentine’s.

Stay three nights for the price of two as part of the hotel’s Valentine’s offer. The offer also includes breakfast, taxes and a three course romantic dinner, with a menu created by the hotel chef and wine combination at their Michelin Star Gourmet Restaurant, Il Piccolo Principe.

For more information or to book click here

Fancy a trip to the most romantic city in the world this Valentine’s?

Only a short walk away from the Champs-Elysees, La Villa Malliot serves as the perfect setting for a romantic retreat this Valentine’s Day. Once an embassy, La Villa Malliot features an interior courtyard with a fountain yet still retains a modern interior and a great atmosphere.

Stay at the Villa Malliot this Valentine’s Day and receive a breakfast served in the hotel restaurant or in your room, a bottle of Champagne in room upon arrival and free access to the hotel spa with sauna and steam bath.

For more information or to book click here

Planning a wedding can be hectic and a common mishap among couples is to leave honeymoon preparation to the last minute, which means they run the risk of resorts being fully booked and international flights prices at levels beyond their budget.

Escape Travel brand leader Sally Wiseman said the today’s generation of lovebirds was hunting for bargains and saving money by locking in their honeymoon in advance.
“Young couples are travel savvy when it comes to getting the best deal and are stretching their budgets further by booking their honeymoon up to two years in advance because the price is right,” said Sally.

“The perfect honeymoon will be different for everyone, so it is important for couples to know what they want early to secure the best price and availability at the destination of their choice.

“The recent strength of the Australian dollar against the US greenback and the Euro has contributed to affordability across the globe, seeing some couples switch their choice of destination from the Queensland Islands to Hawaii.”

Sally said there was still strong interest for traditional beach honeymoons in Fiji, Thailand and Bali, although new destinations such as the Philippines, Cook Islands, Kota Kinabalu and Honolulu were on the love radar for 2011.

See below for Escape Travel’s top 5 honeymoon beach breaks, offering newly weds excellent value for next year.

1. Fiji from $379* per person twin share. Price includes a 35% discount on four nights’ at the 5-star Sheraton Fiji Resort in an Ocean Breeze room, breakfast daily, use of kayaks and windsurfers, and daily activities such as aqua aerobics, volleyball and cultural demonstrations. Honeymooners receive a bottle of sparkling wine on arrival. Valid for travel from January 10 to March 31, 2011 and for sale until December 31, 2010.

2. Phuket from $599* per person twin share. Package includes eight nights for the price of four at the 5-star Moevenpick Resort & Spa Karon Beach, return private car airport transfers and breakfast daily. Bonuses include a room upgrade, welcome drink, a flower lei, decorated bed and complimentary sparkling wine on arrival. Valid for travel between April 1 and October 31, 2011, and for sale until March 31, 2011.

3. Honolulu from $799* per person twin share. Package includes eight nights at the 4.5-star Waikiki Beach Marriott Resort & Spa in a City View Room and return airport transfers. Honeymoon bonuses include a complimentary room upgrade, a meet and greet service and flower lei upon arrival. Valid for travel between January 4 and June 30, 2011 and for sale until June 30, 2011.

4. Bali from $955* per person twin share. Package includes six nights at the 5-star Conrad Bali Resort in a Deluxe Garden room, breakfast daily, return airport transfers and a free US$500 resort credit per room. Honeymoon bonuses included a complimentary a welcome drink, chilled towel, souvenir and daily water, coffee and herbal teas in room daily. Valid for travel from February 7 to March 31, 2011 and on sale until November 30, 2010 unless sold out.

5. Mauritius from $1799* per person twin share. Package includes five nights at the 5-star Shandrani Resort & Spa, return airport transfers, breakfast, lunch and dinner daily, all snacks and pastries served at the bar, a mini bar, premium alcoholic drinks, unlimited access to the nine-hole and putting golf course, nightly entertainment and more. Honeymoon bonuses include a bonus 45-minute massage, French champagne and tropical fruits in room on arrival, a gift voucher for use at the Beachcomber Boutique, and a treatment for the couple in the Spa by Clarins. Valid for travel from May 1 to September 30, 2011 and for sale until September 30, 2011.
*Price is subject to change and availability at the time of booking.

Vietnam’s based Luxury Travel Company unveils a special spa package entitled “Luxury Spas of Vietnam in 14 days” from South to North Vietnam featuring the creme de la creme of spas destinations in Vietnam.

“This luxury spa of Vietnam tour includes leisurely stays at the best spa resorts – providing ample time for you to focus on the treatments and activities of most interest to you” said David Nguyen, Sales and Marketing Manager of Luxury Travel Company.

This is a new spa vacation for anyone seeking an exotic location, the flexibility to choose your own spa program, and daily private chauffeur and expert guide to introduce saps lovers to the local culture at your own pace.

This tour covers the highlights and popular destinations and the best hotels and resorts for spas in Vietnam: Ho Chi Minh City, Nha Trang – Hoian – Hue and Hanoi. Travelers relax with a hot stone massage on a private beach at sunset and rejuvenate with hydrotherapy, mud masks, and facials.

“This spa experience is private, depart daily, and can be customized to suit individual interests and schedules. Join the many who have discovered the healing effects of a spa getaway at one of these extraordinary destination spas and spa resorts, handpicked by our experts,” adds David.

Conde Nast’s ranking, based on a reader survey, breaks the winners up into separate lists by the type of spa (hotel, resort or cruise ship) and by region.

Hawaii is represented with a list of 20 resort spas, but when all overall rankings are combined, the Four Seasons Resort Lanai, the Lodge at Koele, which tops the Hawaii list, is tied for fourth place among all ranked resorts in North America, Hawaii, Central America, the Caribbean and among cruise lines.

The Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea is No. 2 on the Hawaii list and at No. 11 overall.

Tied for No. 20 among the overall top 25, which is expanded due to ties throughout the list, are the Four Seasons Resort Hualalai and the Hotel Hana-Maui and Honua Spa.

Conde Nast reports that the spa industry has exploded in America over the past two decades and that spas are part of a $12.8 billion global industry that saw nearly 18 percent growth last year.

Source: Star Bulletin

With a endless amount of locations, you can find resorts in Jamaica, St. Lucia, Antigua and the Bahamas. Sandals offers three honeymoon packages: the luxury package, romance package and adventure package.  Each package is specially tailored to fit different honeymooners, according to its Web site. All meals and drinks are included in packages, which sets Sandals’ resorts apart from others.

“We offer meals, drinks, and airport transportation; there are no hidden back door prices,” Greg William, a customer service representative, said.

Another fun destination, Ceiba Del Mar Beach and Spa Resort, is in Puerto Morelos, Mexico. Several packages are offered at the resort, according to Sandals’ Web site. The most popular is the Honeymoon Blissful Experience package. That includes a candlelit dinner for two with wine, a couple’s massage and all with exclusive honeymooner’s amenities. The accommodations are for seven nights in an ocean view room. 

The Mayan Heritage Experience package offers accommodations for three nights in an ocean view room along with a foot massage for two. A one-day Mayan expedition for two is also included. What truly draws people to the Ceiba del Mar is the spa.

“The spa is awesome,” customer service representative, Samy Magallanes said. “We’re also offering a special: if you stay three nights, you can get the fourth night free.”
Cruise lines are another route couples might go. Beautiful scenery mixed with fair prices has drawn many lovers to call this their honeymoon.

“We are cruising to Jamaica, the Bahamas, Cozumel, and the Grand Cayman Islands using Princess Cruises,” recent graduate, Ashley Carpenter, said.
The couple wanted to go somewhere tropical and had gone to Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, last year. But they decided they wanted to see something different for their honeymoon.

“We decided to go on a Caribbean cruise, plus with a cruise you get to see more than one place and with reasonable rates too,” Carpenter said.

Princess Cruises offer trips to Alaska, Asia, Europe, and many other beautiful places, according to the Princess Web site. From playing sports to relaxing in the library, the onboard activities are endless.

Even when it comes to the honeymoon, there is such a thing as the one, just like your mother has always told you ­— it just takes a little shopping around.

Source: The Daily O’Collegian

The collection additionally features such impressive properties as Solmar Resort, an intimate oceanfront property offering unmatched privacy in an extraordinary natural setting; Playa Grande Resort Grand Spa, a charming Mexican hacienda-style resort featuring the rejuvenating Thalassotherapy Spa; The Ridge at Playa Grande, with a collection of elegant one, two or three bedroom villas; and Quinta del Sol, an ideal hotel for business travelers featuring spacious junior suites.

Source: Travel Agent Central