Dec 7th, 2012 at 2:00PM: It sounds crazy, but not all ski-town tourists are there to downhill ski. In fact, many don't even know how. I'll also let you in on a local's secret: not all permanent residents of ski towns know how to ski, and of those who do, many can't even afford a season pass.
The fact is, there are now more options than ever for non-skiers and those on a tight budget to engage in other winter sports, if ...Click on a label to read posts from that part of the world.
spas posts
Ski Town Holidays: Not Just For Skiers
Dec 7th, 2012 at 2:00PM: It sounds crazy, but not all ski-town tourists are there to downhill ski. In fact, many don't even know how. I'll also let you in on a local's secret: not all permanent residents of ski towns know how to ski, and of those who do, many can't even afford a season pass.
The fact is, there are now more options than ever for non-skiers and those on a tight budget to engage in other winter sports, if ...Great 'Cultural' Spa Experiences From Around The World
Sep 28th, 2012 at 10:00AM: Even if you're not a spa junkie, it's hard to deny the appeal of a great massage or other self-indulgent treatment. I'm actually a massage school graduate, and although I ultimately decided not to pursue that career path, I've parlayed my experience into doing the odd spa writing assignment. Not surprisingly, I'm a tough judge when it comes to practitioners, facilities and treatments. I also don't ...Summer Travel Trends: Experiential Travel, Weekend Getaways And Digital Tools
Jun 16th, 2012 at 9:00AM: A lot has changed in the way people take summer vacations from last year. According to the American Express Spending & Savings Tracker, consumer behavior is shifting towards experiential travel, with 42 percent looking to learn about local culture. Furthermore, 22 percent of travelers are looking for more "soft adventures," like cooking classes, spa retreats and trekking. Likewise, 36 percent ...Exploring the must-see sites of Tohoku, Japan
Mar 17th, 2012 at 11:00AM: In the twentieth century, tourism was a major industry in Tohoku, Japan, due to its array of unique cultural offerings and beautiful landscape. However, on March 11, 2011, the region suffered much damage due to a devastating earthquake and tsunami. Now, a year later, the area is recovering nicely, and travelers will have no problem visiting the museums, parks, mountains, hot springs, and heritage ...10 best natural spas around the world
Feb 22nd, 2012 at 2:00PM: Who doesn't love a great spa experience? While a traditional Swedish massage or hot stone treatment is always relaxing, why not try something different and 100% natural?
All over the world, there are regions featuring geothermal pools, hot springs, and water heated by volcanic activity that also contain healing and curative properties. And this isn't something new; even the Incas and the Romans ...Luxury accommodation in the heart of Antwerp
Nov 8th, 2011 at 2:00PM:
Antwerp is a compact city with bad weather, so while it's walkable, it pays to be in the center of town. During my visit I stayed at the Hotel Julien, a recently renovated and expanded hotel within sight of the cathedral. In fact, I could see it from my bathroom window!
The Hotel Julien is firmly in the luxury hotel bracket with prices from 195€ ($268) and up, breakfast included. The ...Cocktails, Chilean style
Sep 26th, 2011 at 9:00AM: A few weeks ago, I was sitting at the bar of the very lovely Alto Atacama Desert Lodge & Spa, outside of San Pedro de Atacama in Northern Chile. I'd just returned from an afternoon at 12,600 feet, exploring the Andean Altiplano Lakes of Miscanti and Miñiques, and I was feeling parched.
Small wonder I was thirsty; Atacama is the driest desert on earth. Visually and geographically, ...Daily Pampering: Organic resort spa opens in Malaysia
Jan 12th, 2011 at 4:00PM: The Chateau Spa and Wellness Resort, the world's first organic wellness destination spa resort, will open on April 28, 2011 in a 150-million-year-old tropical rainforest in the Berjaya Hills, Malaysia.
Modeled after an 18th century medieval 'Haut Koesnigburg' castle in Alsace, France, The Chateau has 210 rooms and suites. The Chateau offers three, five, and seven night packages that are ...Forbes Travel Guide announces annual four- and five-star hotel, spa, restaurant winners
Nov 16th, 2010 at 11:30AM: The star-rating for hotels, spas, and restaurants is similar to the Academy Awards for Hollywood. If Oscar is the type prize, a five-star rating for a hotel can be called "Oscar." Luxury properties waited with bated breath for today's announcement from Forbes Travel Guide: the list of Four-Star and Five-Star award winners for the 2011 Forbes Travel Guide.
The list, unveiled today, announced two ...Hotels and spas use corporate retreats for sweet financial revenge
Oct 21st, 2010 at 4:30PM: It's hard to tell who wants a business travel rebound: business travelers or the hospitality companies that cater to them. Routine road warrior jaunts suck, but there are executive retreats, training programs and other opportunities that do appeal even to the most jaded of the white collar folks.
So, the hotels are fighting to get business travelers back, according to Business Insider, and ...Roman ruins in Turkey to be flooded by dam project
Oct 15th, 2010 at 9:00AM: One of the most important Roman archaeological sites in Turkey will soon be underwater.
The Roman spa town of Allianoi will be submerged beneath a reservoir once the nearby Yortanli dam becomes operational. The town was built in the second century AD near Bergama (ancient Pergamon) and has remained remarkably preserved. Archaeologists have uncovered baths, sculptures, artifacts, and elaborate ...Bliss spas discounting for college students
Sep 2nd, 2010 at 9:00AM: When I was in college, relaxation came from the best six-pack of beer I could find for under $5. But, it looks like times are changing. The W's Bliss spa chain is kicking in 20 percent discounts on spa treatments for college kids this year. With fewer business travelers on the road, it looks like Bliss wants to get at least some cash from someone.
For Bliss, targeting the coed demographic is a ...Los Angeles' L.A. Live luxury complex isn't always alive
Aug 3rd, 2010 at 1:30PM: Los Angeles' spectacular L.A. Live development, cleverly planted by the city's convention center near the interchange of the 10 and the 110, cost a reported $2.5 billion to construct. Its two marquee hotels, a Ritz-Carlton (123 rooms, opened in April) and a J.W. Marriott (878 rooms, opened in February), represent two of the more appealing national luxury brands, and their placement in an ...Free spa experience at the Ritz-Carlton Naples
May 10th, 2010 at 2:00PM: Any spa-lover needs to visit the Ritz-Carlton Resorts of Naples, because the Elements treatment at the beach property is nothing short of incredible. Now, the chance to visit the spa free makes this an absolute no-brainer. This is one of my favorite spas, and the deal might be enough to get me to book a flight.
Stay at either the Ritz-Carlton beach or golf resort, with the Spa Escape Package, ...Lon-done? Visit Bath
Jan 22nd, 2010 at 11:30AM: London's pollution and stress getting to you? Take the waters in Bath! Just ninety minutes away by train, this well-preserved Georgian-era resort makes for a relaxing day trip or, even better, a weekend getaway.
Bath is famous for its natural hot springs that supposedly have medicinal qualities. The Thermae Bath Spa offers you a chance to soak, but for old-school elegance you'll want to visit ...Five steps to a better Valentine's Day from Fairmont
Jan 19th, 2010 at 1:00PM: After the toll that 2009 took on your spirit and your body, it's time for you to commit to a relaxed and steady 2010. Fairmont Hotels & Resorts in on board with this and is kicking in some amazing deals through its Willow Stream spa brand, which is available around the world. So, if you're planning to hit Monte Carlo, Miami or the Mayan Riviera, you'll have a top-shelf treatment ready and ...Health tourism is big business for Ghana
Nov 6th, 2009 at 8:30AM: Ghana is not a big tourism magnet. Unlike other African countries that offer wild safaris and impressive archaeological remains, this West African nation has relatively few attractions to offer international visitors. But that's changing under a new plan to promote health tourism. As the name implies, health tourism involves more than recharging your batteries on some serene beach. It's a chance ...Alternatives to skiing: spa, anyone?
Oct 29th, 2009 at 5:00PM: In the interests of disclosure and transparency, I don't ski. I did a little bit of snowboarding 15 years ago, but it didn't amount to much. So, when I write about the ski deals that come across my desk, it's not lost on me that some people don't hit the slopes. The latest package from The Lodge at Vail, a RockResort, has something for those of us who don't stumble down the mountain. The "Spa, ...Fourth night free at Cambridge Beaches, just in time for the holidays
Oct 29th, 2009 at 1:00PM: In Bermuda, Cambridge Beaches Resort & Spa is offering a fourth night free if you pay for three by the end of the year. Experience some serious luxury at this AAA Four-Diamond resort, where you can wander the 30-acre peninsula on the island's west coast, soak in the sun on private beaches and get rubbed down at an award-winning European-style spa. Meals and afternoon tea are intricate affairs ...RockResort deal ignites romance at The Landings St. Lucia
Oct 24th, 2009 at 10:00AM: Now with direct flights from JFK, St. Lucia is even more accessible than ever before. With winter coming, the Caribbean becomes all the more attractive, and RockResort has is amping it up with a new deal. Couples are invited to celebrate their relationships at St. Lucia -- from eloping to honeymooning to renewing -- at a savings of up to 25 percent. Three new deals are designed to get you onto the ...
