Archive for December, 2008

Mental Wellness Getaway

Sunday, December 21st, 2008

I recently returned from a  long weekend at a spa resort. Thoughts of relaxation and  mental wellness  are definitely on my mind.  I admit it, I am  a spa enthusiast.  I love the tranquil atmosphere inside a spa. I truly enjoy the luxurious feeling I have when I’m taking care of myself and being pampered.  I do focus on taking care of my skin and my body, by having facials, body treatments and massage whenever possible. The spa- type atmosphere is what relaxes and centers me the most. I believe that everyone has a different definition of  mental wellness. For me, this is how I achieve it; by getting away, relaxing, and allowing myself to be pampered a little.

Wellness is defined differently by each of us.  Some see it as physical well being, or medical health others think of mental well being and state of mind.  It is defined in many ways.  However, to me, it includes a getaway with tranquility, relaxation, time to clear my head as the main focus. A general feeling of relaxation is what makes up a wellness getaway to me.  While relaxing at the spa resort I can indulge in some pampering, find time for much needed R&R and eat fabulous well prepared healthy foods and get myself back to feeling normal again.

Some time alone,  without stress is what most of us need to make us feel mentally balanced again. Certain times of the year are more stressful than others. During the busy holiday season, is bad for most of us. With shopping and parties and work and kids; a little “down-time” is perfect to get back a calm state of mind and a renewed spirit.  A quick trip to a day spa, or a night or two at any resort, may be just what is needed if you’re feeling completely overwhelmed and stressed to the limits. What’s more, many health insurance plans cover spa treatments for injuries, or stress.

If spa treatments and pedicures don’t quite do it for you, You may prefer a weekend in the country.  This type getaway may be better for some people.  Maybe you would prefer a log cabin up in the mountains, or possibly a relaxing weekend on a beautiful beach somewhere. Some might consider a big metropolitan high rise hotel in a big city to be a place where they can find their center again.  It’s important to just take the time to lock yourself up,  away from the world. Take time to stare out a window for hours, take  long naps, enjoy a book or rent a few movies. Any or all of these activities, are a great way to unwind and promote mental well being. Taking  a trip, relaxing and being alone, can help create wellness in anyone.

Think about what might interest you, and make you feel like your most comfortable you.  It’s important for each of us all to take some time away  to renew our own wellness, however we may define it.

Guy’s-Getaway

Monday, December 15th, 2008

Many women plan “girl’s-weekends” or “girl’s getaways” but not too often do men plan “men’s weekend’s” or “dad’s getaways”.  Sure they play golf for hours on end and take all-day-long fishing trips, but how about planning a whole weekend, a getaway just for the guys?

Now, guys weekend wouldn’t be quite the same as girl’s weekend. There would be no spa involved, no hours of relaxing by the pool.  But a long day on a chartered fishing boat, or a weekend deep sea fishing would be part of a perfect getaway for most guys.

The men could plan a trip around a big sporting event.  Take in all the local sites while staying in the city of a big bowl game or tournament of some type.  Think the Masters in Augusta, or the U.S. Open in New York. The Superbowl would be the ultimate sporting event,  but it is quite out of reach for most of us.
College buddies could plan a great time hanging out in some of the old dives, and take in a college ball game of some sort.

Golf outings are very popular among most men.  I’ve never quite understood it but men can play 36 holes one day and go back out and play again the next day.  Find an area that boasts lots of great courses and plan the weekend around that.

Some men are roller-coaster enthusiasts.  A weekend planned around a couple theme parks may be a fun time.  There are many parks in Florida and Georgia, all within driving distance of one another.

While food may not be as important to the men’s trip as it would be to the women, it is still a consideration.  If you are planning a men’s getaway, a hotel that has a restaurant or in the very least continental breakfast is a must.  The ladies may make an event out of getting dressed up and enjoying a nice meal in a fine establishment, but the men will probably want to get in and out and on with their day/night’s activities.

Whatever your men-only plans are it should be geared toward fun and male bonding.  The men need the down time as much as the women (almost). The ideas are unlimited, just find what interests you and your group and go from there.

Safety Harbor Resort and Spa

Wednesday, December 10th, 2008

Safety Harbor Resort and Spa is heaven on earth to me.  Safety Harbor Resort/ Spa is located in the Clearwater, Florida area in a town called Safety Harbor.  Nestled directly on the pristine waters of Tampa Bay.  This spa/resort is built atop 5 natural springs with much history surrounding them.

The 2,000-year-old Espiritu Santo Springs, meaning “Springs of the Holy Spirit,” are considered a liquid treasure, located beneath the resort. Ancient Indian tribes discovered the springs in the 1400s. Hernando de Soto found them in 1539 when he came upon these shores, and thought he had discovered the legendary “The Fountain of Youth.”

History reports that many others have been attracted to the purity of our mineral springs. In the early 1900s water from all five springs was bottled, and labeled according to the various Healing properties then shipped to eager customers around the world.  In 1936 a doctor purchased and rebuilt the facilities and it was used as a healing retreat. Nine years later, the famous Dr. Salem Baranoff bought the property and transformed it into Safety Harbor Spa.

Some of the spa has remained original, while most has been rennovated and transformed into the four star resort we know and love today.  The rooms are beautifully decorated; some elegant and classical others with a “Tommy Bahama” inspired feel. Some of the rooms have water views, while others are poolside with balconies and patios.  I’ve stayed there many times adn never had a bad room or a bad view.

The treatments in the spa are AMAZING.  I recommend the 50 min massage, and the salt glow body treatment.  My skin felt unbelievable after the body glow and the relaxation massage was the best ever.  They robes they offer for you to wear while in the resort are luxurious as well.  They are available for purchase but carefully monitored to avoid theft.

There is a nice restaurant on site and room service is incredible.  The chef will make you just about anything you want as long as he has the ingredients on hand; this is great for room service.  There is a nice tiki bar by the pool that offers a wide variety of drinks and a small menu.

A weekend at the spa is the perfect retreat for anyone.  It’s a great place for “girls weekend” or for a couple to get away and reconnect.

Why Travel at Christmas?

Wednesday, December 3rd, 2008

Traveling for Christmas, in my opinion, is not always a good idea.  There are so many reasons not to travel on Christmas (or other holidays).  Christmas travel is always hectic.  No matter how you decide to travel, by car, train, bus, or plane.  Christmas time is usually, in most parts of the country, the WORST weather.  With this bad weather comes bad weather delays to contend with.  Including delays in traffic, and arrival and departure times.  These hours of endless waiting send most people into angry panic mode. This is not fun for any one.

Christmas travel is also very confusing for young children.  They will often worry about how Santa is going to find them.  Then there is the whole ordeal of packing all the gifts, and what size gifts are appropriate.

Once you’ve reached your destination, there is so much pressure to make it a memorable Christmas with the family.  Pressure to participate in many of the Holiday traditions.  Some of which you have chosen to abandon as an adult. You may be forced to attend a church you are unfamiliar with, and leave behind those you worship with weekly.

I feel that there are so many other opportunities to travel and visit with family throughout the year, that don’t involve all the pressure and formalities.  Christmas time is one of the most hectic times of year for everyone, by throwing a big trip in the middle of it I think you are asking for trouble.

I think travel should be relaxing and enjoyable for everyone involved the host and the guests.  It is very hard to relax during this type of trip.  Another consideration, is other friends and family you may like to visit while you’re in town. Some of them may be traveling as well. If they’re not, they are likely busy with their crazy Holiday schedules and it is a hard time to fit in a casual get together.

There’s nothing like waking up in your own home on Christmas morning, and enjoying the joy of your children as they casually open their gifts. Somehow being at another person’s home, or worse, a hotel, takes away the magic for the children.

Christmas-time travel is just bad timing all the way around and I think it should really be avoided.