Archive for the ‘Spa/Resort’ Category

Fabulous St. Augustine

Monday, February 16th, 2009

When considering travel in Florida, do yourself a favor and consider St.Augustine. There is something there for everyone. Visitors enjoy multiple sightseeing adventures including it’s vast history, spooky evening ghost tours, fabulous coastal seafood, and beautiful beaches and surfing, just to name a few.

St Augustine is full of History. It is said to be the oldest city in the United States. Ponce De Leon first discovered it in the year 1513, and at that time also discovered the famous “Fountain of Youth” It was the first city to be discovered almost a half century before the English landed in Jamestown. The rich History of St. Augustine is quite interesting even for those who are not particularly interested in history.

The beauty of the city is almost breathtaking. The lush landscaping and the fabulous old architecture are certainly something to behold. The Flagler University building is spectacular. Henry Flagler (oil tycoon) built it in the late 1800’s as a wiinter resort, along with the Cordova and the Alcazar Hotels. These buildings are still standing and operating as a university, a hotel and a museum and are quite fabulous in themselves.

St. Augustine Beach is also known as Anastasia Island. This East Coast beach is breathtaking. There are many exquisite hotels on or very near the beach. The Castillo Real is one such hotel that is not to be missed. A small boutique hotel with only 60 rooms, but a true gem for any traveler.

Shopping in St. Augustine is plentiful. Again there is something for everyone. There are fine bakeries, second hand stores, clothing boutiques, cigar shops, souveneir and novelty shops and a multitude of antique stores.

While touring St. Augustine you will find many horsedrawn carriages available for hire which take passengers on a personally narrated tour, pointing out all the historical places of interest as well as some of the local hot spots. Most vacationers enjoy a day of just wandering through the streets of downtown St. Augustine. This is a really great way to just take it all in. On the downtown streets you will see a little bit of everything. There are many local street performers, artists and galleries and shops of every kind asn so many fabulous little restaurants. The Columbia Restaurant is another must see during your visit, offering amazing authentic Spanish cuisine.

St. Augustine is great destination for a romantic getaway, a girls’ getaway, a family trip, or any type of vacation.

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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.

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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.

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