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Finding the Best Spas and Resorts

Finding the Best Spas and Resorts

by Josie Lee

Most of us live very hectic lives so being able to take the time to relax at a spa and resort is something we deserve. To ensure you get the most out of the vacation time it is important to carefully conduct research. You want to find the very best spas and resorts available for you to spend your time at. You also want to get your money's worth. Even if you are on a budget you can find some excellent spas and resorts to stay at. Look for special promotions and discounts online. You can also sign up for free newsletters because they often come with special features for those on the mailing list only.

To get the best rates on top spas and resorts travel during the off season. While it may be a different vibe if you go in the off season you can easily save half the cost or more. This is because they don't want the spas and resorts sitting empty during the slower periods of the year. You will also save the most money if you plan your trip to spas and resorts during the weekdays instead of the weekends. Check in on a Monday and leave on a Friday to beat the crowds and safe a ton of money.

It is important to realize the term "the best" spas and resorts means something completely different for everyone. You need to identify what you are looking for in a spa and resort and then find those that meet your standards. Don't waste your money on spas and resorts that offer package deals where most of the amenities you won't be taking part in. It is well worth it to use those spas and resorts that offer everything you are looking for. You should look for individualized packages so you only pay for what you will be using.

The internet is a wonderful resource for finding quality spas and resorts that will meet your needs. You can search for them by the amenities you are looking for or by location. Some people want to spend their time at a spa or resort in a particular area of the world. That is a good way to see other sites as well as treat yourself to some amazing pampering.

Many sites online show you virtual tours of spas and resorts. You can see how your room will look, find the qualifications of those who will be performing services on you, and get a quote for your stay there all at the same place. This definitely cuts down on the time it takes to find the right spas and resorts. You also will know exactly what to expect so you won't be disappointed upon arriving.

How to enjoy a spa in Bangkok more effectively

How to enjoy a spa in Bangkok more effectively

by John S Ryou

How to enjoy a spa in Bangkok more effectively

In Bangkok, there are endless things to enjoy. So, many tourists end up with fully exhausted body at the end of the day. Then, there comes another joy of Bangkok. Relaxing spa treatments. In Bangkok, you have 3 different choices of spa treatments. The first choice, is a luxury hotel spa or resort spa. Usually all the big hotels and resorts offer spa services. For example, From Peninsula Hotel (www.bangkok.peninsula.com), or From Mandarin Oriental (www.mandarinoriental.com) have been famous for their spa services. The only problem is the prices. When you enjoy 2 hour service with your girlfriend, the actual bill (including 7% VAT and 10 % service charge) will be easily over $ 600 US (or 20,000 THB) which is quite a big money here.

The second choice is cheap massage parlors. In fact, this is the easiest choice. In almost every street of Bangkok, you can't miss a massage shop. Here you can get a 2 hour decent thai traditional massage at only $ 12 USD (400 THB). For couples and some good tip (100 THB per each) , this is only $ 28 (1000 THB). Usually, back packers and locals just go with this option. At most of these places, you can also get aromatherapy oil massages. But you have to be careful because many of these places are using just cheapest massage oils. If your skin is sensitive, there's a big chance, your skin can be in trouble. Also, these places tends to be noisy sometimes, especially the place with many tourists. For example, "Health Land" (www.healthalandspa.com) in Sathorn Road has been popular for some time. But now, they are occupied by Chinese tourists, and people are avoiding the place because it's too noisy. But, if you can stand that and just want to enjoy "maximum value for the money", this is excellent choice.

The third choice is enjoying at one of independent day spa. Many day spa in Bangkok are consisted of few treatments rooms. Some of these places are named under "beauty clinic" or "treatment center". Actually some of these places provide quite a good service comparable to luxury hotel spas except that their prices and interior design look much cheaper. One of the example of day spa in Bangkok is "The Sense Of Spa" (www.senseofspa.com) located in Silom Road. They are providing a lot of facial and body treatment services and of course, thai massage and foot reflexology. And the price is quite acceptable. And using their promotions, you can enjoy 2 hour full quality spa services around 58 USD (2,000 Baht) per person. So, for couples, it's 116 USD (or 4,000 Baht) for 2 hour spa services. You can check their promotion page for most current information. Another nice place I've been to is "King and I Spa & Massage" at Sukhumvit 12. (Tel 02-252-5248). I was not able to find their website. "King and I" is located near Asok and convenient from many Sukhumvit places. There are also a lot of places named as "XXXX spa". But you have to be aware that many places are just more expensive version of "cheap massage parlor".

The Best Resorts for Family Vacation in 2007

The Best Resorts for Family Vacation in 2007

by Caitlina Fuller

It is almost summer time and the kids will be out of school soon. That means it is time to start planning your summer vacation! However, you want to be extra careful with kids when planning a family vacation because you want to wind up in a place that is kid friendly and where the entire family will have a great time. The following resorts are some of the best places to take your family on vacation in 2007.

A Cabo San Lucas resort is a wonderful place for families. In fact, a Cabo resort is a wonderful place for anyone. There really is something for everyone in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, and the warm water and white sand are certainly drawing points for families. Many of the resorts offer family packages where quite a few family oriented activities are included. This is perfect for families who want to know what they should anticipate when they arrive. A Cabo San Lucas resort is a wonderful place for families. Cabo really is a place for everyone and the beautiful weather makes it a perfect place to take kids because there are few days when the beach, pool, or other outdoor activities are rained out.

A Florida resort is also a great idea if you don't want to travel to Mexico because of passports, flights, or time. Most people can drive to Florida without too much trouble and there are so many theme parks in the area that there is always something to do. In fact, you will probably find that you would need to stay in a Florida resort the entire summer to see half of what's available. Seeing it all would take a really long time and a whole lot of money. But, in Florida you can see your favorite places one time and save the others for the next Florida vacation.

If fun in the sun is not your idea of a great family vacation then consider a Colorado resort where you can go and enjoy the mountains and lots of snow activities. There is a lot going on in Colorado during summer and winter so no matter when you travel or what you are looking for you will find just that.

These are just a few suggestions of resorts you can visit for a great family vacation in 2007. There are of course plenty others out there that are great too and you can ask around to find the one for your family.

The Best Florida Resorts For Family Holidays

The Best Florida Resorts For Family Holidays

by R. Ritchie

Florida has to be one of the very best destinations in the world for family holidays. Florida's top family resorts have programs designed for children of all ages. Some of the more popular activities are instruction in water sports such as snorkelling, waterskiing, windsurfing and sailing - others offer coaching in tennis and golf. For younger children, the resorts organise special days around a theme, with crafts, activities and games. The programs are often part of your holiday package, but some resorts charge an additional amount per day for each activity.

The Northeast Coast Set on lovely Amelia Island, Amelia Island Plantation, covers 1350 acres, with winding roads and paths that meander through natural woodlands. Here you'll find Kids' Camps, and a Teen Explorers program that offers tennis and golf clinics, arts and crafts, and field trips, plus a highly popular games room.

Northwest Coast The giant 2400-acre Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort has many activities for kids: sailing, tennis, kayaking, golf, and the Jolee Island Nature Park with pirate-ship playground. Watersports include body surfing, with complimentary boogie boards. Programs include day and night activities for teens and a water park.

Central Florida The 800-room Nickelodeon Family Suites, located within five minutes of Disney World in Orlando, will be a big hit with your kids. The resort's pool is actually a water park, and a complimentary nine-hole miniature golf course, several basketball courts, and a state-of-the-art theatre are all geared for family fun.

Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort has the relaxed feel of a brightly coloured island village - a perfect setting for a moderately priced family holiday. Parrot Cay, a one-acre adventure island built in the middle of a lake, is a play area for children, connected to the lakeshore by footbridges. A wide variety of eating options will satisfy the fussiest eaters. Another exceptional accommodation option for Disney World visitors, the new All-Star Music Resort Family Suites are particularly inexpensive and family-friendly. They sleep a family of six and offer two full baths and a kitchenette with microwave and refrigerator.

At Universal Studios Florida, you can choose from three luxury resort hotels: Royal Pacific Resort, Hard Rock Hotel, and Portofino Bay Hotel. Here you are within easy reach of Universal's theme parks, their Wet 'n Wild water park, themed restaurants, entertainment complex and a 20-screen movie theatre.

On the central west coast, The Colony Beach & Tennis Resort, a five-star resort, on Longboat Key, was named the 5th Best Family Resort in the United State by Child magazine in 2006. The complimentary children's programs include a wide variety of indoor and outdoor activities.

The Southeast Coast Located on the St. Lucie River, the Club Med Sandpiper has a great ambiance and its outstanding programs include waterskiing and wakeboarding, inline skating, tennis and golf, plus a circus school, complete with flying trapeze. The Breakers, at Palm Beach, is particularly suited for families. Children 17 and under stay for free, and kids from 3-12 can attend the Coconut Crew Interactive Camp for a fun day of tennis, golf, arts and crafts, lawn hockey, or swimming. The family entertainment centre includes a toddlers' room, a computer X-box room, and Italian restaurant.

The Southwest Coast Noted for its Victorian style, with big verandas and wicker rockers on the porch, Sanibel Harbor Resort and Spa is a top-rated 80-acre oceanfront resort that overlooks Sanibel and Captiva islands. There is a Kids Club for ages 5-12. At the South Seas Resort on Captive Island, you can paddle a kayak, canoe or rent a Hobie; try the fishing, parasailing and body boarding at the beach; bike or jog; join in the Fun Factory kids' programs, and there are excellent teen and family activities.

Bahamas Resorts

Bahamas Resorts

by James S.

The Bahamas is home to several resorts, a few of which also have the so-called "all-inclusive" vacations.

Before going into the resorts themselves I think the term "all-inclusive" should be defined because most people think this means one thing, when in reality it means something else all together.

All-inclusive is a term to mean that three major meals and some soft-drinks during the day, are included in the hotel charge. It does NOT automatically mean that everything there is to do at the resort is free of charge (though some things are).

European is a term to describe hotels where you are paying for the hotel room, but drinks and meals are extra. It does NOT automatically mean that other amenities/ "things to do" will also come with a charge.

DO NOT make the mistake of automatically assuming that one of the above is automatically going to be less expensive or have more things to do than a hotel/resort that operates under a different one.

There are numerous pros and cons, and VAST differences from one hotel/resort to the next.

The major resorts are: Atlantis Paradise Island *European Plan* The Atlantis Resort on Paradise Island in the Bahamas hardly needs an introduction. With its 2,300+ guest rooms divided amongst 3 tower sections, this 4 star, family friendly resort offers more to do than many major theme parks.

This is one of the most popular destinations for first-timers to the Bahamas for a very good reason.

However, due to its size, you can't really "get away" at this resort.

Breezes Bahamas *All Inclusive* Here, beside the crystal clear waters, you can listen to the gentle call of the sea bird and feel your worries drift away with the tide. At night, a short stroll along the beach takes you to the excitement of Nassau's glittering casino.

This is one of the few resorts where "all-inclusive" almost really does mean that. Food and drinks whenever you want them are included and there is A LOT to do right here in the resort. Somehow, this resort does a FANTASTIC job of never seeming crowed or over busy.

While there isn't as much to do as at the Atlantis, this may be one of my favorite resorts for a short getaway.

Comfort Suites Paradise Island *European Plan* Comfort Suites Paradise Island Bahamas is located on Paradise Island in the Bahamas adjacent to the Atlantis Resort. 5 minutes from Paradise Island International Airport. 10 minutes from downtown Nassau.

If you're on a budget, and money is tight but you still want a vacation in the Bahamas, this "resort" is the ticket. While it is little more than a glorified hotel with virtually zero on-site amenities, the price of this one is right. Further, it is close to just about everything and they do an admirable job of keeping the feeling still up-scale enough to make it a worthy vacation destination.

Nassau Beach Hotel *European Plan* A 3 star budget hotel located amidst the hustle and bustle of the other Cable Beach facilities, Nassau Beach Hotel owns 750 feet of beachfront property and offers complimentary watersports to guests, who can also sign up to take advantage of the amenities of its companion hotels the Wyndham Nassau Resort and Crystal Palace Casino, which it neighbors.

This is another hotel for the budget conscious, and many people prefer this hotel over the Comfort Suites thanks to the fact that this hotel is RIGHT on the beach. I will say that I'm partial to the Comfort Suites, but if you're going to the Bahamas to spend most of your time relaxing on the beach then this is the hotel for you.

Pelican Bay *European Plan* Nestled at water's edge, the 90-room Pelican Bay at Lucaya is a Caribbean hotel with a distinct European architecture and a spectacular location on Lucaya Bay. For our more discerning guests, we offer The Pelican Bay Suites.

When it comes to the budget 3 star resorts, those that are Paradise Island, or within the city of Nassau itself, are typically just a little better in my opinion. This one however is an ENORMOUS exception. Part of its appeal is that it isn't on the main island where almost every "newbie" to the Bahamas goes. It is well maintained, in expensive, and thanks to being on the Grand Bahama island isn't quite as crowded. The hotel is well maintained, and one of my personal favorites for the short getaway when I'm not planning on spending much.

RIU Paradise Island *All Inclusive* Located right next door to the expansive Atlantis resort on Paradise Island, RIU offers an endless variety of activities for every traveler. Watersports on the fabulous beach, daily activities for adults six days a week, and nightly entertainment are offered.

Seriously, for the money, I don't think this one is worth it. I know lots of people however that absolutely love this resort ... I don't. It isn't that there's anything "wrong"; it's just that for the money you can do better.

Sandals Royal Bahamian Resort & Spa Quote or Book Online Here *All Inclusive* Voted the Caribbean's Leading Resort, Sandals Royal Bahamian Resort & Spa is the ultimate getaway for travelers. Absolutely nothing compares to this Four Diamond All Inclusive resort. Nestled on Nassau's famed Cable Beach.

If you've got the money, this is THE location to go to (and honestly, if you're going to RIU you can probably afford this). Easily my single most favorite resort in the Bahamas PERIOD. If you're going to be taking a week or more in the Bahamas and can afford a little extra, then I highly recommend this over th much more crowded Atlatis.

Viva Wyndham Fortuna Beach *All Inclusive* Among the many amenities, the property offers two delicious restaurants, three bars, a disco, an invigorating activities program, a kid's club, and gymnasium. Often referred to as vacation paradise,

Some of the best golfing in the Bahamas can be had right here at this resort. I've only stayed once and it was pleasurable, but my time actually IN this hotel was quite brief so unfortunately I can't say any more about it.

Wyndham Nassau Resort Quote or Book Online Here *European Plan* This 3 star resort on the banks of Cable Beach features a Las Vegas style casino, a 75-yard swimming lagoon and 200 yards of private crystal sand beachfront. Along with its own amenities, guests staying at the Wyndham Nassau Resort can enjoy the comforts of its neighboring resort, the Nassau Beach Hotel.

Little more than a glorified Wyndham you can stay in anywhere else in the states. Its one saving grace is some fantastic activities for kids.

The bottom line: I do want to point out a couple of things real quick. First, there are other smaller hotels that are in quite a large number of ways BETTER than these that you can stay in for less money. There are also beach cabanas you can stay in (think small beach cottage) for about the same price as some of the more pricey resorts.

If you haven't been very many times to the Bahamas, then these popular resorts/hotels are definitely the places to stay, and which one you choose should be determined by your budget and planned activities.

If you have plenty of money for your vacation, and if you have not been to the Bahamas often, then the Atlantis, Sandals Royal are the places I most recommend.

If you've got a budget and plan to spend time out and around town in Bahamas, then go for the Comfort Suites.

If you're on a budget and you plan on spending most of your time at the beach, then the Nassau Beach Hotel is for you.

However, if you've been to the Bahamas more than three or four times and want to stay away from Paradise, then shoot for Pelican Bay (no matter what your budget).

Those are my recommendations anyway.

Summer Family Vacations With Global Resorts Network

Summer Family Vacations With Global Resorts Network

by David Hopper

As summer approaches, millions of people will make plans for a family vacation either in the United States or internationally and usually for a week at a time. The Internet allows them to plan a vacation as the family decides on a destination, negotiate their way around it for the best possible price on a hotel, and then they have to decide whether their budget allows them to fly or pack up for the road trip. Others may use a travel agent, utilize a timeshare, or use a certificate system to hopefully lock down their discounted hotel price. Not exactly a simple task to undertake by anyone's standards. Along comes Global Resorts Network (GRN) to make it all possible.

GRN is a 20-year-old company who is in the business of selling and supporting affordable, high-end, luxury hotel and resort memberships. This not only saves the customer thousands of dollars per vacation but also expands the destination possibilities to over 5000 four and five star luxury hotels and resorts in 55 countries. With GRN, the toughest part shifts from finding a bargain hotel to selecting which luxury hotel or resort bargain to find.

David Hopper, an independent distributor with Global Resorts Network, says "this is the best vacation membership because it gives people the freedom to travel to places that families may have considered unreachable, with savings that can pay for the membership after only one trip". The membership is so powerful, unique, and affordable that it no longer makes sense to purchase a timeshare or take the time to research that one beautiful resort to stay in. They are all laid out for you on one user-friendly webpage.

GRN offers a one-stop shop with its secure website for selecting the resort, flight, or cruise trip. Their customers can enjoy two types of memberships: gold and platinum. While there are differences between the two, they both offer the same database of resorts at the click of a button.

Gold Membership · $1295 one time fee · 3-Year Membership · Access to over 5000 4 & 5 Star Hotels and Resorts worldwide · Members enjoy some of the most sought after locations in the world for $398 to a maximum of $698 for 8 days and 7 nights · Secure website to confirm and pay for your destinations · Download accurate maps for directions · Print out your own registration confirmations

Platinum Membership - Flagship Product · $2995 for a 100 year lifetime membership · Unlimited access to membership - vacation 52 weeks a year if desired · 3 Guest passes per year · Access to over 5000 4 & 5 Star Hotels and Resorts worldwide · Members enjoy some of the most sought after locations in the world for $298 to a maximum of $698 for 8 days and 7 nights · Secure website to confirm and pay for your destinations · Becomes part of your estate to will it down to loved ones · Download accurate maps for directions · Print out your own registration confirmations and guest certificates

"At these prices it's no wonder why it is becoming so popular," says David," anyone who sees it wants it." Since GRN introduced this new private membership in March they have already amassed thousands of satisfied customers. Customers like Davis Sheah have said, "the last trip to Bangkok you arranged for us was superb. Thank you for your good service, we enjoyed it very much." Derek Choon of Singapore said, "First of all, let me say this to you: You are the best travel agent I've had, and I've used quite a few in my career - You're efficient, fast, polite, helpful, and most of all very pleasant to deal with. Many Thanks."

As if the product wasn't good enough, GRN has a staff of customer service agents available to assist you with your questions or concerns. The staff is ready to take great care of the needs of any individual or business that uses the membership. The savings spans to all travelers who want to take advantage of the one-time fee and begin traveling to the most desired locations the world over.

After all, don't we all want to see a thousand places before we die?