By Nanette Wiser
SPA-TACULAR SENSATIONS For years, Rancho La Puerta and The Golden Door in SoCal were my ultimate unwind and refresh retreats, alternated with Canyon Ranch. Today, wellness vacays are booming with a predicted growth of 20.9% through 2025. Hawaii’s Grand Wailea Maui is renovating its 50,000-square-foot spa area, bringing the outdoors in with a saltwater vitality pool that opens to the outside and co-ed hydrothermal treatments. In Baja Mexico, Montage Los Cabos features “Bathing with Whales,” a therapist-guided floating experience in harmony with whale song; and a cleansing ritual with a shaman. A mezcal massage features Mexican friega (friction) manipulation with locally made heated herbal poultices; a tasting menu features a shot of the drink that Oaxacan culture believes has curative powers.
Book a local wellness day now. At Opal Sands Resort in Clearwater, the Signature Bliss Journey features the calming wellness benefits of wild lavender in its complete rejuvenation experience. Indulge in an invigorating, skin-smoothing body exfoliation, followed by a deeply relaxing full body massage with organic lavender oil and warm healing stones to relieve any muscle tension. Then, nourish your senses and relax inside a warm cocoon as you enjoy a luxurious foot and pressure point scalp massage for head-to-toe rapture. Book an overnight stay and Florida/Georgia residents get 25% off.
The award-winning Spa Oceana at The Don CeSar features 16 treatment rooms, a full-service salon and a stunning rooftop terrace overlooking the Gulf of Mexico. Guests of the spa receiving treatments are welcome to enjoy complimentary use of the spa facilities, including the whirlpool baths, aroma-infused steam rooms and the soothing ambience of the private Whisper Lounge.
CELESTIAL STAY Clear skies in early to mid-August is my favorite time to ogle the Perseids meteor showers. Stargazing vacays, or astrotourism, are awe-inspiring. Top destinations include Fairbanks AK, Moab UT, Mesa Verde National Park CO and Albuquerque NM. As of 2022, there are 195 certified IDSPs globally, with 60 in the U.S., including at least 17 national parks. On 9/22-24, Flagstaff AZ hosts its annual star party at Buffalo Park to celebrate the night sky. Learn more @International Dark Sky Association. www.darksky.org
Close to home, South Florida’s Hillsboro Beach Resort offers stargazing with a Zhumell telescope and a Constellation Concierge and Sky Map as well as itineraries crafted to a guest’s zodiac sign.
The only resort on Hillsboro Mile, the beachfront hotel offers full-service amenities, an internationally inspired restaurant, complimentary bicycles, kayaks, beach chairs, a catch-and-cook fishing package, Sunday morning yoga, and luxury rooms and suites, many with views of breathtaking Hillsboro Beach.
DAYTONA DAZE Max Beach Resort is the perfect work-ation beach getaway, a new short-term rental offering with enhanced guest amenities. Ideally located on a renowned stretch of east coast beach, the 12-story Max Beach Resort is a new concept in the evolving hospitality landscape, with 72 spacious one-, two- and three-bedroom residence-style suites featuring private baths and generous outdoor living space. Upscale resort amenities include full-service dining and fully stocked residential kitchen, an oceanfront pool with private cabanas, bicycle rentals, and a unique sky-level training center and lifestyle lounge. For business and social gatherings, the resort offers sunrise and sunset event terraces, and a ground-level hospitality suite and deck area. State-of-the-art WiFi offers the capability of robust live-streaming and uninterrupted connectivity throughout the property. Adding to Max’s signature experience is curated background music, floor-to-ceiling glass walls throughout, and design advancements such as increased acoustical isolation, turtle-friendly tinted glass, and smart TVs. To celebrate its official opening, Max Beach Resort has announced a special limited-time offer* that includes a two-night stay and a $50 food & beverage credit, rates starting from $369 per night (PROMO CODE: MAXGO) thru 9/22/2022. www.maxdaytona.com
