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200nm Weekend Excursions
Kick-Back • Relax • Unwind
by Jan Gerner
Did you know short, weekend outings have thesame emotional perks as longer vacations?It’s true.
 Squeeze in a night or two away from the routine and demands of daily living and you’re sure to lift and enliven body and soul. Even the most time-constrained traveler will feel refreshed, revived, and renewed at these ten topnotch resorts and spas. And chances are, one of these ten is within an easy 200nm flight from home. There’s no better time to put away the ‘to do’ list and start planning, packing, and reaping the benefits of a quick weekend getaway.
Lake Austin Spa Resort, TX
Imagine having to choose from 100 different types of spa and salon treatments and healing therapies. The Lake Austin Spa Resort offers guests countless ways to relax and recharge. Nestled in the Texas Hill Country, this weekend getaway has been recognized as one of the country’s best spa destinations, offering a bewildering array of treatments designed to please even the most discerning guest.
 The Austin Lakeway Airpark (3R9) is about 10 minutes from the resort. Rent a car, hire a cab, or call in advance and the resort will send a luxury car for a fee. Leave the kids and cares at home, turn off the cell phone, and plan on spoiling yourself.
Choose from a variety of programs on self awareness including journaling, aroma therapy, meditation, yoga, and tai chi. It’s all about choices here. Participate in the numerous programs, or curl up with a good book, or take a long soak in your own soaking tub.
If the thought of spa food conjures up images of carrot sticks and sprouts, you are in for a surprise. Three healthy, tasty meals are served each day by a culinary team headed by Chef Terry Conlan who has written several cookbooks. There is nothing bland about these meals. Dishes are enhanced with fresh herbs and vegetables grown in the resort’s organic gardens. These herbs are also used in many of the spa’s healing treatments.
The waterfront kitchen is the site of weekly cooking classes with Chef Conlan and celebrity guest chefs. Classes are hands-on and include hor d’oeuvres and champagne sunset cruises, tours of a local organic farm for fresh ingredients, and recipe makeovers.
In between tasty meals, certified professionals will help you determine your fitness personality. You will be nurtured and encouraged no matter what your fitness level. And with so many activities to choose from, this is the perfect place to try something new. The emphasis is on fun, laughter, balance, and harmony at this Texas getaway.
 Bodega Bay Lodge & Spa, CA
You are sure to slip into a relaxed state of mind as you gaze out at the beaches, bluffs, and dazzling ocean views at the Bodega Bay Lodge & Spa. Rent a car at the Charles M. Schulz Sonoma County Airport (KSTS) for the scenic 45-minute drive. Redwood forests, bucolic vineyards, and beaches around every corner are part of the natural beauty of the Sonoma Coast.
Check into an Ocean Club Suite or Whirlpool Room and take in the panoramic views of the Pacific on your private balcony. Then curl up in front of your fireplace after a relaxing whirlpool bath. Or check into one of the popular Bodega Bay Upper and Lower guestrooms with ocean views and amenities that are sure to put you into a vacation mindset.
If time allows, hike and bike the trails of Bodega Head. Or walk the beaches to discover secluded coves and tide pools. Then bring your tired feet back to the spa for a Seaside Foot Ritual. Customized spa experiences and peaceful surroundings are an ideal combination for those looking to banish stress.
Fresh local seafood and fresh regional ingredients are also an ideal combination at the five star Duck Club restaurant. And everyday between five and six pm enjoy the complimentary wine hour. This is a great time and place to meet your fellow guests.
Montage Laguna Beach, CA
Rent a car at the John Wayne Airport in Orange County for the 30 minute drive to Montage Laguna Beach Resort and Spa. This elegant, family-friendly, resort is a favorite seaside destination for those yearning to be pampered. This is where you will find first class accommodations and service along with beautiful weather and a white, sandy beach perfect for lounging and looking out to sea.
Situated in the heart of quaint, artistic Laguna Beach, the Montage offers guests a 20,000 square foot oceanfront spa with breathtaking views. A variety of ocean and earth inspired therapies along with beach-side yoga and meditation will refresh mind, body, and soul. For those wanting to get their heart pumping, try the Beach Boot Camp, a Thalassic Beach Walk, or hip-hop yoga.
Sea breezes and spectacular vistas are among the many amenities here. Every room has a balcony, awe-inspiring ocean view, and craftsman-style architecture.
Art lovers will appreciate the museumquality collection of art showcased throughout the resort. And parents will appreciate The Paintbox, the resort’s exclusive kid’s club. Known for distinctive dining, Montage guests have several dining options. If a romantic dinner for two is on your agenda, try the Studio where acclaimed Chef James Boyce creates mouthwatering meals that are also works of art. The Loft is the popular casual gourmet restaurant. Dramatic ocean views, plush décors, and an inventive approach to the best ingredients California has to offer have garnered the resort critical acclaim and awards. Whether you choose to dine in one of the restaurants or lounges, you will be treated to memorable meals to go along with a memorable weekend.
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