For the laidback couple: beach time

Riviera Maya, Mexico

Rosewood Mayakoba  knows that running around town to pick up save the dates, sample wedding cakes and find the perfect dress is hard work, even with the help of a great wedding planner or maid of honor so the five-night “Honeymoon Mayan Romance” package begins with top-shelf tequila upon arrival, and is all about chilling out. Take a Tantric Yoga class and enjoy a Moonlight Massage for two on your suite terrace. Glory in your private plunge pool and butler and end the day in an Aroma Bath with champagne and chocolate. You’ll also get a Couple’s Massage instruction session with 30 minutes of “alone time.” Let stress slip away at this gorgeous resort, nestled between the Yucatán jungle and Caribbean Sea that marries high design with serious luxury. Rates start at $1152 per night.

Visit www.rosewoodmayakoba.com or 888-ROSEWOOD for more details.

Maldives

At Naladhu, the Island Romance package begins before you even reach the property. A speedboat will meet you as you leave the airport to take you directly to this Maldivian island resort. A House Master will lead you to your private house, where Champagne cocktails and fruit are waiting. Spend the day by the pool or snorkeling in the reef then relax with a complimentary coconut milk bath for two. As if that wasn’t enough, chocolate cake to share is included!  Nightly rates for the Island Romance package begin at $1,475 per night with a four-night minimum (rate excludes service charge and Maldivian government bed tax).

 For the stress-crazed couple: inner peace

 Bali

Begin your journey together in Bali’s spiritual heartland, at the COMO Shambhala Estate, with a Wellness Program tailored to your needs. Give your marriage the brightest possible beginning by learning how to stress-battling techniques based on the philosophies of Yoga, Chi Kung and Tai Chi. Then let the experts in holistic healthcare go to work using massage, acupuncture, Ayurvedic therapy and hydrotherapy (using water from the Estate’s sacred, mineral-rich spring). Rates begin at $2,100 for a three night Stress Management program in a Garden Room. Visit http://www.cse.como.bz/rates-2010 for more details.

Turks & Caicos

Stay at Parrot Cay and simply ‘be’ as a couple in one of the few pristine places in the Caribbean: a 1,000-acre private island where the spacious, teak-filled bedrooms spill out onto a mile of powder soft beach. Recover from the pre-wedding jitters with complimentary extras like Pilates and yoga classes and use of windsurf boards and catamarans. A seven-night Parrot Cay Honeymoon also includes 60-minute couples massage, a candlelit dinner in the COMO Shambhala Cottage and a bottle of champagne on arrival. (BONUS: The COMO Shambhala Stress Management program is available here as well!) Rates start at $6,012 per couple.

For the classic couple: New England whimsy

 Nantucket, Massachusetts

The Wauwinet, a natural, stunning waterfront setting in Nantucket, is perfect for the couple that doesn’t want to go stray too far from home. Newlyweds can stay at one of the Wauwinet’s charming garden cottages, just slightly removed from the main buildings. Arrive at the hotel via the Wauwinet Lady, the hotel’s private charter, then indulge in couples treatments at The Spa by the Sea. With Nantucket Island Resort’s Hot Dates, Cool Rates promotion, rates at the Wauwinet start at $225 for 2010.

For the foodie couple: Southwest seasoning

Santa Fe, New Mexico

Stay at the Inn on the Alameda and explore our oldest capital city’s culinary and cultural delights for your honeymoon. With the Taste the City Different package, couples can take a three-hour walking tour around beautiful and historic Santa Fe with a chef guide to introduce you to the city’s most unique dining destinations. The next day, see who’s got better mincing skills with a cooking class and lunch to follow. When you’ve had your fill, the hotel’s Kiva fireplaces, triple-sheeted beds, and afternoon wine and cheese will be waiting. Don’t forget to bring home those authentic Southwestern recipes ‘por dos.’ Rates begin at $675 for a three-night package.

 For the adventurous couple: exotic escapades

Bhutan

Honeymoon in the largely unspoiled kingdom of Bhutan, and participate in adventurous activities that include rafting, archery, camping and fly-fishing at Uma Paro. Then hit the road with biking and trekking courses that visit local monasteries and villages for a slice of culture.  And don’t forget, the Bhutanese measure their wealth in Gross National Happiness, so the joy of recently married duos will certainly spike that statistic! Stay in a Como Suite and you’ll have a stunning 180 degree view of the Paro Valley. Rates start at $595 per night.

 Chiang Saen, Thailand

High in the rolling hills of Thailand’s north, Anantara Golden Triangle Resort & Spa  is the perfect locale for the adventurous honeymooners to hang their hats before setting off for an unforgettable adventure.  Never a dull moment at the resort, couples can learn to ride, bathe, and feed Thai Asian elephants at the on-site elephant camp.  Choose the Mahout Discovery package for a three-day intensive mahout training course and learn all the sublties of elephant driving, or partake on a tri-country expedition on the Mekong through northern Thailand, Laos, and Burma, with the Three Country Discovery package.  Nightly rates for the Mahout Discovery package begin at $480 for a Deluxe Room, double occupancy, and at $682 for a Deluxe Room, double occupancy, for the Three Country Discovery package. Certain restrictions and conditions apply. Please refer to the package links for details.

For the couple who wants it all: beach, adventure, culture

Changlang Beach, Trang, Thailand

Anantara Si Kao Resort & Spa in Thailand will satisfy the couple looking for an unforgettably full cultural experience. Try pretty much every water sport imaginable, from sailing, snorkeling, diving, windsurfing, waterskiing, to even swimming with sea cows! Need something to hang beside the marriage certificate? Get scuba-certified on site with the resorts 5-star PADI scuba diving center. And you both can learn how to prepare a full Thai meal with staff-led cooking classes.  More creative couples can partake in the art of Kae-Sa-Luk, Thai fruit and vegetable carving.  Book your stay online 40 days in advance between now and December 20, and receive 20% off and daily breakfast buffet for two with the Early Bird Bonus special package. Nightly rates begin at $270 for a Deluxe Garden Terrace room.

CARIBBEAN

Parrot Cay, Turks & Caicos
Getting married at a private island resort in the Caribbean is a fantastic kick-off to a new life.  Parrot Cay offers two beachfront setting for wedding ceremonies – a boardwalk aisle that leads to an unspoiled beach, or the beachfront of a private villa available for rent.  Parrot Cay also insists that stress need not be a part of the preparations; all weddings include the dedication of a planner to assist with all preparations, including reserving the dates, food and beverage details, music and entertainment, photography, and any other service requested.   Parrot Cay can accommodate small, intimate weddings, or can be bought out for larger weddings (up to 120 guests). 

Rosewood Mayakobá, Mexico
Weddings at Rosewood Mayakobá are all about choices – choose stunning outdoor venues like the white sand beach or the Plaza with views of the resort, lagoon, and tropical jungle.  Three different restaurants are available to cater.  Retreat to the privacy of a private plunge pool after the ceremony, or come down a day early with the wedding party and receive treatments at the resort’s spa, Sense, which is its own private island. 

NANTUCKET

White Elephant, Nantucket
The landmark White Elephant offers the perfect venue for an in-town wedding with 64 beautifully appointed rooms, suites, and stunning spa.  The hotel can also accommodate guests in the newly added White Elephant Loft, a luxurious three-bedroom, four-bathroom Loft complete with gourmet kitchen, gas fireplace, exquisite living room and dining room, sitting room, and massive skylights.  Also new this year are the White Elephant Hotel Residences – a collection of 25 one-, two-, and three-bedroom Hotel Residences just steps from the White Elephant.  At White Elephant, Nantucket Island Resorts can arrange for an array of ceremonies, from the sandy beaches of Brant Point Light to the green lawn overlooking Nantucket Harbor. The Sun Deck at the Brant Point Grill caters to up to 60 guests; for larger receptions of up to 300 people in the spring and fall, couples have the option of reserving the entire hotel and holding the reception under a tent on the lawn.   And if the soon-to-be newly-weds need to relax from all the hectic planning, guests can go off to town for shopping and biking, or the 32 miles of beach, while the couple can relax at the White Elephant Spa, complete with champagne and strawberries.


The Wauwinet, Nantucket
For those couples seeking a truly intimate experience, The Wauwinet offers an unrivaled location for the most elegant and classic weddings. Wedding season at The Wauwinet is in May or October, and the inn can accommodate up to 150 guests. Located nine miles outside of town on the peacefully secluded northeast tip of the island, guests can relax in one of the 28 guest rooms with bay or garden views or in one of the four garden cottages.. With a backdrop of Nantucket Bay at sunset, those who wed at The Wauwinet are hard-pressed to find a more romantic location. The Wauwinet offers the services of the highly-lauded TOPPER’S Executive Chef David Daniels who caters food to a pristine tent on the lawn overlooking the Bay.   Pre-wedding jitters can be taken care of with a couples’ massage at The Wauwinet Spa by the Sea.

THAILAND

Anantara Golden Triangle Resort & Spa, Chiang Rai, Thailand
Perched amidst luxuriant tropical forests, Anantara Golden Triangle is culturally rich and naturally beautiful – a meaningful setting for an intimate garden wedding.  The resort offers two wedding packages that include everything necessary to make it a celebration to remember. The “Regal Elephant” wedding adds a Thai touch to the ceremony as the bride and groom share a memorable elephant ride.  

Anantara Hua Hin Resort & Spa, Thailand
The gentle lull of rolling waves and rose petals strewn on golden sand makes a wedding at Thailand’s original seaside resort paradise a favorite.  The “Western Wedding” at the Anantara Hua Hin provides a ceremonial cabana for the wedding, along with cake, decorations, and music.  For a more traditional Thai ceremony, The “Thai Wedding” includes sacred chanting by Buddhist monks during the “Rod Nam Sang” well-wishing holy water ceremony. 

Anantara Bophut Resort & Spa, Koh Samui, Thailand
Choose a stylish indoor ceremony or a beachfront exchange of vows at Anantara Bophut. Awaken to the sound of jovial drumbeats and the festive “Hae Khaan Maak” parade, as the groom escorts his bride from her chamber. Adorned in traditional Thai costumes and flower garlands, tie the knot in front of family and friends, followed by blessings from Buddhist monks and well-wishers during the “Rod Nam Sang” ceremony.

Anantara Si Kao Resort & Spa, Thailand
Glide into marital bliss on a catamaran weaving through the islands of the Andaman Sea off the coast of Trang. Anantara Si Kao offers these exotic options for exchanging vows.  For those looking for a more traditional approach, the resort also arranges for land ceremonies and receptions.

MALDIVES

Anantara Dhigu Resort & Spa and Anantara Veli Resort & Spa, both in the Maldives, offer several different packages for unique destination weddings.  Wedding experiences offered include getting hitched aboard a yacht sailing through the sea, or walking down a torch-lit aisle to the beat of island drummers.  Both resorts provide for all the necessities of a wedding ceremony; from photographers to flowers and cakes to spa treatments for bride and groom.

Cocoa Island
A private island in the South Male Atoll, Cocoa Island has just 33 suites and villas – so forget about crowds of strangers peering in on the ceremony.  Weddings are Cocoa Island are purely ceremonial (not recognized by law), so maybe the perfect place to take those gorgeous wedding photographs after a less aesthetic wedding at City Hall.

SOUTH ASIA

Uma Paro, Bhutan
Take part in an intimate and spiritual marriage blessing ceremony at the magnificent shrine of the Kyichu Lhakhang, one of Bhutan’s oldest temples. Wed amidst the splendor of this 7th-century temple’s magic orange trees, bearing fruit year-round. During the two-hour ceremony, 20 monks will conduct prayers, accompanied by drums, horns, and cymbals.

INDONESIA

Uma Ubud, Bali
Choose a legal marriage, commitment ceremony, or even a simple, traditional Balinese blessing in the quiet, culture-rich countryside of Bali. Arrange for your ceremony to take place in the remote meditation bale, a site for some of Bali’s most inspiring views of the River Oos and the Tjampuhan Valley. Let the resort do the work for you, covering everything from table settings, to flowers, even traditional masked fire dancers and Balinese music.

Picture a countryside trek, the soft tramp of feet on earth, and the quiet rustling of stately pines. Tune-in to nature’s soundtrack in 2010 as Uma Paro expands its Adventure Retreat series to include a new ultra-relaxing itinerary – Bhutan & the Bumdra Monastery Camp (May 17—24 and November 1—13). Guests will spend the seven-night trip immersed in the Himalaya’s Buddhist culture, culminating in an overnight campout high above the Tiger’s Nest Monastery.

Looking for more of an adrenaline rush? Dabble in all your favorite outdoor extracurriculars with the Multi-Activity Adventure in the Kingdom of Bhutan (July 6—13 and August 31—September 6) featuring rafting, biking, archery, camping, and fly-fishing.

Die-hard nature lover? Book the Flowers & Monasteries of Central & Western Bhutan (July 6—13 and August 31—September 6) trek to catch a glimpse of the Bhutanese conservation efforts: some 770 species of birds, 50 species of rhododendron, and a dazzling selection of medicinal plants and orchids dot the landscape.

There is truly an adventure for everyone – from shopaholics and photographers, to festival-goers and hardcore-hikers. Check out the eight other available retreats here.

Note: Rates for the adventure retreats range from $3,197—$5,260 for single occupancy. Group size minimum is 3, maximum is 12. All rates include seven, ten, or twelve nights of accommodation at a combination of Uma Paro and other tourist standard hotels or camps previously set up for trekking adventures.

Make a New Year’s resolution that’s easy to keep: achieve total health in mind, body, and spirit by booking an invigorating yoga retreat with COMO Hotels and Resorts.

Choose between the On Top of the World yoga and meditation retreat at Uma Paro in Bhutan, January 9 – 15, 2010, or Yoga in Balance at Parrot Cay in Turks and Caicos, February 28 – March 6, 2010.

Meditate with top Australian yogi Judy Krupp as she returns for her third encore at Uma Paro. Or join Parrot Cay’s yoga specialist, Andrea Curry, and her sister, Christina, the COMO Shambhala Estate’s resident instructor, for a combined inspiring and nurturing approach to teaching at the Turks and Caicos resort. Guests of the retreats are encouraged to overcome physical and mental barriers to promote balance, energy, and relaxation.

Prices for Uma Paro start at $3,227 single occupancy and include the following:

• Six-nights of accommodation
• Up to 21 hours of yoga and meditation instruction
• Return airport transfers
• Daily breakfast and lunch (beverages not included)
• Two dinners – one welcome and one farewell (beverages not included)
• Cultural excursions to Bhutan’s oldest temple Kyichu Lhakhang, a traditional Bhutanese farmhouse, the Taktsang monastery (Tiger’s Nest), and Uma Paro’s majestic government and monastic center the Rinpung Dzong

Prices for Parrot Cay start at $6,617 single occupancy, $9,605 double occupancy and include the following:

• Six-nights of accommodation in a Garden Room
• Five days of yoga and meditation instruction
• Round-trip airport transfers (for commercially scheduled flights only)
• Daily American breakfast, lunch, and dinner (beverages not included)

LOVE to get away? In 2010, Valentine’s Day and President’s Day coincide, so take your partner or your posse on a trip without using all of your vacation days!  It’s never to early to start planning a “True Love Tryst” or a “Singles Escape!”

True Love Trysts

Run away to: The Maldives

Stay at: Naladhu

What:  The romance begins when you step out of the airport and onto the speedboat that will take you directly to this Maldivian island resort. A House Master will lead you to your private house, where Champagne cocktails and fruit are waiting. Spend the day by the pool or snorkeling in the reef then relax with a complimentary coconut milk bath for two.

As if that wasn’t enough: Chocolate cake to share is included!

How much: The “Island Romance” package starts at start at $1474 for an Ocean House. Visit http://naladhu.anantara.com/Island-Romance/default.aspx for more information.

Run away to: The Mayan Riviera

Stay at: Rosewood Mayakobá

What:  The five-night “Mayan Romance” package is all about relaxation. Take a Tantric Yoga class and enjoy a Moonlight Massage for two on your suite terrace. Then soothe your muscles in an Aroma Bath with champagne and chocolate and you’ll be on your way to rekindling that fire all day, and night, long.

As if that wasn’t enough: You’ll also get a Couple’s Massage instruction session with 30 minutes of “alone time.”

How much: Package rates start at $810 per day, minimum 5-nights. Visit http://www.rosewoodmayakoba.com/en/specialoffers.cfm for details.

Run away to: Moscow

Stay at: Ararat Park Hyatt Moscow

What:  For the lovebirds who are itching to get out of the nest, this city was made for you to explore together.  Visit Lenin’s Mausoleum in Red Square and the Kremlin in the old city center. For a classically romantic evening go ice skating on Gorky Park ponds, transformed into rinks for the winter.

As if that wasn’t enough: The “Romance at the Park” package allows a 4PM checkout, so spend the afternoon in bed!

How much: Check http://moscow.park.hyatt.com for best available rates.

Run away to: Turks and Caicos

Stay at: Parrot Cay

What: Leave your boots behind and grab your swimsuits! After an afternoon of white sand beaches and turquoise waters, rent out the COMO Shambhala Cottage for your Valentine’s Day dinner. This screened-in cottage overlooks the nearby wetlands and is decorated with candles and tropical flowers.

As if that wasn’t enough: The resort lets you set the mood with your own music!

How much: Rental cost including service is $400 (excluding food and beverage) and rates start at $775 per night for a Garden View Room. See http://www.parrotcay.como.bz/rates for booking details.

Run away to: Geneva

Stay at: La Réserve Genève Hotel and Spa

What:  Fashioned along the lines of an African Lodge by renowned designer Jacques Garcia, La Réserve Genève is sophisticated yet playful. With ten acres of private gardens and beaches on the shores of Lake Geneva, you’ll find everything you need including two excellent restaurants, a stylish bar with live DJ, a full-service spa, and even its own vineyard.  For added romance, arrive to the hotel by Venetian motorboat – a complimentary service that whisks guests to and from Geneva.

As if that wasn’t enough: Reluctant to leave the little ones behind? Bring the kids to La Petite Réserve, where they can play in an open-air playground, a magical tree house, or the indoor childcare center.

How much: Rates start at $450.  Visit http://www.lareserve.ch/english/ for more details.

Singles Escapes

Run away to: London

Stay At: The Metropolitan

What: Call your best friend and go visit Union Jack. For the girls, the Met London’s “Tote-to-Toe” package includes overnight accommodation for two, £50 ($80!) worth of Selfridge’s vouchers, a bottle of champagne, and a priority reservation at the uber-trendy Japanese restaurant NOBU. For the guys, the Met recommends some ‘arty boozing’ in Camden Town at Proud, a gallery and bar in a former Victorian Horse Hospital.

As if that wasn’t enough: As a guest of the hotel, you have access to the chic members-only Met Bar.

How much: Tote-to-Toe starts at $472 per night in a King Park room and a City Room starts at $595. Visit http://www.metropolitan.london.como.bz/ for more information.

Run away to: Miami

Stay At: Acqualina Resort and Spa

What: Recover from a recent heartbreak with a little pampering. Guests at Acqualina receive complimentary access to the ESPA spa’s steam rooms and Finnish saunas. Then hit the town along with the scantily clad residents and reward your suffering with a fun weekend fling.

As if that wasn’t enough: Each day of your stay you’ll receive a $40 spa treatment credit. Massage the pain away!

How much: See http://www.acqualinaresort.com/rooms-suites/special-packages/ for more information.

Run away to: Buenos Aires

Stay At: Palacio Duhau – Park Hyatt Buenos Aires

What: Return to the pre-breakup pleasures of a bottle of great (Argentine) wine with friends at the Palacio Duhau’s Restaurant and Vinoteca. Book the “Culture at the Park” package and get two Tango lessons, then take your skills out on the town and dance the night away.

As if that wasn’t enough: The stunning property combines a restored Palace and new building, has its own art gallery, and an 8,000 square foot spa.

How much:  Visit the Special Offers page at http://www.buenosaires.park.hyatt.com for best available rates.

Run away to: Bali

Stay At: Uma Ubud

What: Go far, far away to get over that ex and regroup mind, body and soul. With the “Ubud Escape” you’ll visit local villages, temples and artisans’ workshops.  Get a 60-minute COMO Shambala or Indonesian massage, a daily Yoga class, and a daily group guided walk.

As if that wasn’t enough: Included is a three-course dinner at Kemiri, the open air restaurant next to a waterfall-fed pond.

How much: The Ubud Escape starts at $665 per room, double occupancy. Visit http://www.uma.ubud.como.bz for more information

Already dreading the coming winter doldrums, Christmas sweaters, and endless shopping lines? Get away (far, far away) and put the cheer back in the holidays with Uma Paro’s festive offering.

Guests can prepare for the New Year with this five-night, personally-guided itinerary. Spend the day mountain biking through the Paro Valley, exploring Thimpu (the capital of Bhutan), and delighting in the magic orange trees of one of the oldest temples in Bhutan, Kyichu Lhakhang.

After a full day of adventure, come home to a COMO Shambhala traditional Bhutanese Hot Stone Bath treatment and an evening of snuggling up by Uma Paro’s wood-burning stoves – or head out on the town to take part in these spirited holiday events!

Festive highlights include:

December 24: Long-life puja (ceremony) at one of the oldest temples in Bhutan and complimentary canapés in the Lobby Bar with traditional Bhutanese music.

December 25: Afternoon Archery Tournament and special degustation at Uma Paro’s Bukhari restaurant.

December 31: Bhutanese dance performance and degustation New Years Eve dinner menu. Traditional Bhutanese music, complimentary canapés, and a champagne toast in the Lobby Bar.

Five-night stays start from $3,513 single, $5,306 double. Booking must be for a five-night period starting on a date between December 20 and December 29.

There’s a new chill to the wind, with autumn just around the corner, but you can still work up a sweat with these three heart-pumping fitness programs from Crystal Cruises, Anantara Resorts & Spas and COMO Hotels.

Crystal Cruises: Illustrating its commitment to offering innovative wellness programs, luxury specialist Crystal Cruises is introducing Nordic Walking, fitness walking with lightweight poles, aboard its ships. Through an exclusive new partnership with LEKI USA, a leading manufacturer of skiing, trekking and Nordic Walking Poles, Crystal continues to break new ground in fitness options at sea. Specifically designed to engage the entire body, the Nordic Walking poles will be available complimentarily to guests aboard Crystal Symphony and Crystal Serenity this October. Nordic Walking Poles specialist Rick Deutsch will be on board Crystal Serenity’s October 8 cruise from Athens to Venice, and Crystal Sympony’s October 19 cruise from New York to Montreal to teach the opening classes and train the ships’ fitness instructors, who will lead demonstrations on following voyages.

Anantara Madives: Surf’s up dude! Hang ten and conquer the wild waves with the Anantara Madives’ 5-star service ‘Ticket to Ride’ program. Anantara Resorts & Spas has partnered with the award winning Australian company Tropic Surf to offer an unforgettable experience for all – from beginners, to intermediate and advanced surfers. Your surf-pass entitles you to quite the package: two dhoni boat transfers per day to your designated surfing area, as well as expert guides, board valet, surf reports, movie and information nights, and more. The lessons are intimate, too – only eight surfers are permitted to book the program at any one time to ensure personal, one-on-one coaching and safe, un-crowded seas. Make sure to book in advance to save. Depending on which program you choose, costs can range from $175-$990 for prepaid bookings prior to your arrival, and from $195-$1,120 for payments at the resort.

COMO Hotels: COMO Hotels’ exclusive, luxurious, and life-changing yoga retreats are taught by top yogis in unbelievable settings. Judy Krupp, who led a retreat at Uma Paro in July, was the returning guru this year, joined by newcomers Elena Brower and Sarah Powers. The workshops provide nearly five hours of daily practice with the masters and are held at COMO Shambhala Estate in Bali, Parrot Cay in Bali, and Uma Paro in Bhutan. Students at all levels have unparalleled access to these yoga rock stars, as well as to the renowned COMO Shambhala Retreat spas. The weeklong programs include six nights accommodation, most meals, and airport transfers. Single occupancy rates start at $5,681 at Parrot Cay, $3,515 at The Estate, $4,668 at Uma Paro; and double occupancy rates begin at $8,669 at Parrot Cay, and $7,056 at Uma Paro. All three properties offer daily yoga classes, as do most other COMO Hotels including Cocoa Island in the Maldives, and Uma Ubud, also in Bali. Daily Pilates classes are also offered at COMO Shambhala Estate and Parrot Cay.

These unconventional end-of-year getaways will scratch the travel itch. Rounded up here are cozy and kid-friendly locales for families, unique spots for adventurers and enriching destinations for those craving cultural stimuli.  

Family Festivities

WHAT:  Getaway to a Country Cottage

WHERE: National Trust Holiday Cottages – UK

WHY: Because a trip to the English countryside with a family membership in the Royal Oak Foundation to see old castles and gardens (for free!) could just be the best present for the Harry Potter-loving kids (or parents).

DETAILS, DETAILS: With over 360 cottages from which to choose, here are a few:

• Emley Farmhouse in Surrey sleeps up to 10 and has a traditional country kitchen, perfect for that big Christmas dinner. A three night stay starts at $740.35, a seven night stay, $1416.75.
• 89 Church Lawn in Wiltshire sleeps up to seven and has exclusive access to the National Trust’s stunning winter gardens. You can even go fishing in the beautiful lake. A three night stay starts at $590, a seven night stay, $1065.50.
• Abermydyr in Wales sits on the banks of the River Aeron and sleeps up to six. Brings the kids here for the Christmas food and craft fair at Llanerchaeron, a Trust protected gentry estate. A three night stay starts at $493.50, a seven night stay, $957.30.

WHAT: Swiss Family Reunion

WHERE: The Victoria-Jungfrau Grand Hotel & Spa – Interlaken, Switzerland

WHY: Christmas dinners, a Children’s Party for New Year’s Eve, and Dad treating Mom to a Festive Foam Bath with winter aromas and champagne all conspire for festive fun.

DETAILS, DETAILS: Splash Hour at the pool, the Zurich Zoo and the St. Beatus caves will thrill the kids, and fitness classes, Turkish baths, and professional childcare will restore their parents’ sanity. Rates start at $877 per night for double occupancy.

Adventurers Only

WHAT:  Arabian Eco-experience

WHERE: Anantara Desert Islands Resort & Spa – Sir Bani Yas Island, UAE

WHY: It feeds the craving for sun while heeding the call of the wild.

DETAILS, DETAILS: Home to one of Abu Dhabi’s largest Arabian wildlife conservancies, guests can go hiking, snorkeling, kayaking, take a game drive, or learn archery. Double occupancy rates start at $537 per night; book at least 30 days in advance to receive a 15% discount.

 WHAT: Modern Day Pilgrimage

WHERE: Uma Paro – Bhutan  

WHY: Because hiking to a Buddhist monastery sure beats waiting in line at a department store with frantic holiday shoppers.

DETAILS, DETAILS: One of its many active adventures includes a trek to Tiger’s Nest monastery, located in the sheer cliffs 2,700 feet above Paro Valley and a peaceful orchard picnic with spectacular views. For the month of December, double occupancy rates start at $330 per night.

WHAT: Chance to Step Foot on Antarctica

WHERE: Crystal Cruise’s Symphony departs from Buenos Aires, Argentina to Valparaiso, Chile.   

WHY: Due to an upcoming ban on cruise ships in the Antarctic Ocean, this will be Crystal’s final voyage to the area.

DETAILS, DETAILS: In addition to visiting amazing locales in South America, six thrill-seekers will take the rare overland trip to Antarctica to see remote villages, a petrified forest, and a penguin breeding ground. Rates start at $8,995, double occupancy.

Cultural Cravings

WHAT: Revelation in the Red City 

WHERE: Royal Mansour Marrakech – Morocco 

WHY: It will be impossible to miss the carolers when exploring Djemma El-fna, a square in the historical district of town known for having the best musicians, dancers and storytellers.

DETAILS, DETAILS:  When in this city of cultural fusions be sure to visit the Koutoubia Mosque, the Saadian Tombs, and the largest souk (traditional market) in Morocco to bargain for spices or clothing or tea pots. Riads start at €1,500 a night.     

WHAT: Balinese New Beginning

WHERE: Uma Ubud – Bali  

WHY: What better way to start the year then with the New Year package’s complimentary massage on the first day of 2010.   

DETAILS, DETAILS: Guests will see the village decorated with traditional bamboo poles and banana leaves and enjoy a Balinese-inspired New Year’s Eve dinner, followed by a cocktail party with DJ at the pool bar. Rates start at $260 per night, double occupancy.

WHAT: A Resolution Well-Kept

WHERE: Anantara Golden Triangle Resort & Spa, Chiang Rai, Thailand 

WHY: Utilizing those new Thai cooking skills back home will keep the post-holiday gloom at bay.

DETAILS, DETAILS: The cooking lessons are just the beginning of the cultural immersion; at the Elephant Camp (part of the Thai Elephant Conservation Centre), a 30-minute lesson will teach adventurers to drive an elephant. Rates start at $520, double occupancy.

We’re constantly dreaming of a getaway to the kingdom of Bhutan … days filled with trekking to ancient monasteries, mountain biking from one village to the next, and learning to channel the residents of a country whose GDP is measured in happiness.  With these deals from COMO Hotels and Resorts’ Uma Paro – combined with the summer sale on Druk Air (Bhutan’s official carrier) – now is the time to hop on the next flight to “the land of smiles.”

What’s the Deal?: Lone Ranger – Bhutan for One

The Steal: For those seeking solace and adventure, book an Uma Paro package solo and receive a 50% discount on single occupancy rates (excluding Druk Path Trek and Bumdra Camp packages and Adventure Retreats).

For Real: Rates start at $1,305.50 with discount and include government fees for a three-night Himilayan Escape package.

What’s the Deal?: Buy one, get one 50% off

The Steal: Book two Himalayan travel packages (i.e. five-night Himalayan Discovery or seven-night Himalayan Explorer packages) and get a 50% discount on the second.

For Real: Rates for the five-night Himalayan Discovery package start at $4,490 per room and $6,166 per room for the seven-night Himalayan Explorer package, both based on double occupancy.

What’s the Deal?: Bangkok, Bhutan, and Back

The Steal: Break up the long-haul journey with a FREE night’s detour in bustling Bangkok on each leg of the trip.

For Real: Book a minimum of five-night Himalayan Discovery package and receive two complimentary nights at its sister hotel, the Metropolitan Bangkok, for some well-deserved shut-eye in a chic urban oasis.  Room rates at the Metropolitan begin at $260 – so that’s about $510 in added value.

Note: All of these offers are valid for stays from June 1 to August 31, November 1 to December 20 and January 1 to March 31 in 2010 and cannot be used in combination. Uma Paro’s full-service travel packages are carefully prepared by English speaking guides who show guests around the mystical kingdom.  The hotel will look after all formalities, including visas and taxes as well as arranging flights on Druk Air.

These wellness retreats aim to give us what we need to feel like our best selves, whether it’s a boost or a true paradigm shift.  None of them are simply ‘spa packages.’ All are hosted by beautiful resorts, from Mexico to the Caribbean, France to Switzerland, and Bhutan to Bali.

Summertime Yoga Retreats – Rosewood Mayakobá, Mexico

Where: Fly to Cancún and drive 40 minutes down the Riviera Maya to the 1,700-acre enclave of Mayakobá.

When: Four long weekends this summer: June 18-21; July 16-29; August 20-24; September 27-30.

Details: Morning and evening yoga classes, led by TJ Jackson, who has also studied Ayurvedic medicine in India, in the Sense spa.  The spa is on its own private island within the resort.  Includes accommodation, daily breakfast, a spa treatment, a session in the Temazcal, a Neo-Vedic Astrology reading, and a tour of a mystic Mayan temple inside a cenote.

This One’s For You If: You want to deepen your practice, refresh your senses, and have plenty of time between downward dogs to sit by the pool.

Cost: Nightly rates are $650 for single occupancy and $850 for double occupancy.  Includes tax and service charges.

More details here, and call 888-ROSEWOOD to book

Stress Management Programs – COMO Shambhala Retreat, Parrot Cay, Turks & Caicos

Where: Fly to Providenciales in Turks & Caicos and boat over to the 1,000-acre private island of Parrot Cay.

When: Three, five, and seven-night programs, available whenever you are.

Details: A pre-arrival consultation and on-site guides tailor a program, using spa treatments, yoga, and other disciplines, to counteract all that stress has wrought: instability, fatigue and disrupted sleep cycles.  Consultation, treatments, and classes, as well as all meals and airport transfers are included.

This One’s For You If: You will give up control (just this once) to experts who will help pry the Blackberry away, slough off a few layers of stress, empty out your mind, rebuild balance, and make sure you’re sun-kissed on the flight home.

Cost: Rates start from $2,862 per package for single occupancy.  Includes tax and service charges.

More details here, and call 649 946 7788 to book

Six-Day Spa Program – La Réserve Ramatuelle, South of France

Where: A just-opened hotel in the Mediterranean hills, just outside of Saint-Tropez.

When: Six nights, anytime between now and November, when the hotel closes for the winter.

Details: The all-inclusive program includes a consultation with the on-site ‘spa doctor,’ a complete physical examination, and a personal nutritional plan.  While they do take a body mass index (yikes), this one’s also high on the pleasure index: guests receive a minimum of four spa treatments daily.  And no less a brand than La Mer supplies the products.

This One’s For You If: You want to be slathered in Crème de la Mer as your waist is whittled – this is how French women don’t get fat.

Cost: Price upon request.

More details here, and call +33 4 94 44 94 44 to book

Signature Experience – Victoria-Jungfrau Grand Hotel & Spa, Switzerland

Where: A grande dame resort in the middle of the Bernese Alps of Switzerland.

When: Five nights, whenever you’re ready.

Details: The Signature Experience helps you take full advantage of the 60,000-square foot wellness wing, which includes just about anything you can dream up – light therapy saunas, a loveable Tai Chi master, an outdoor saltwater Jacuzzi.  The program includes ESPA treatments galore, such as a two-hour joint-release massage and an advanced firming facial, as well as daily breakfast, daily dinner at the renowned restaurants (with spa menus, naturally), and accommodations in the modern, meditative spa suites.

This One’s For You If: You find mountains therapeutic and want to see what Old School hospitality is really about – this hotel defines it.  You’d also like the option of staying in a bathrobe for five days straight.

Cost: 3575 CHF (about $3,340) for single occupancy, and 7150 CHF (about $6,675) for double occupancy (rates based on the Junior Bel Air Suite).  Includes VAT taxes.

More details here, and call +41 33 828 28 28 to book

On Top of the World Yoga Retreat with Judy Krupp – Uma Paro, Bhutan

Where: A luxe hotel in Paro Valley in the happiness-obsessed, Buddhist kingdom of Bhutan.

When: July 12-18 (six nights).

Details: Led by Judy Krupp, who founded The Yoga Room in Sydney, Australia, there will be 21 hours of instruction, with active asana in the mornings and restorative poses, pranayama, and meditation in the afternoon.  Includes accommodation, daily breakfast and lunch, welcome and farewell dinners, cultural excursions (including Tiger’s Nest monastery), a 90-minute traditional Bhutanese hot stone bath and massage, and round-trip airport transfers.  Uma Paro can take care of visas and travel details for you.

This One’s For You If: You want to explore the Himalayas as well as your own inner landscape.  Or you want to quit smoking – cigarettes are verboten in Bhutan.

Cost: Program rates start at $4,668 for single occupancy and $7,056 for double occupancy.  Includes tax and service charges.

More details here, and call 975 8 271597 to book

Insight Yoga Retreat – COMO Shambhala Estate, Bali

Where: A sublimely beautiful, holistic retreat in the hills outside of Ubud (and an hour’s drive from Denpasar, Bali’s international airport).

When: December 10-16 (six nights).

Details: Led by California-based Sarah Powers, who has taught yoga for over 20 years, guests will have five hours of yoga instruction in the Yin and Yang practices per day.  Includes accommodation, daily breakfast and brunch on yoga days (December 11-15), welcome and farewell dinners, the services of a personal assistant, and return airport transfer.

This One’s For You If: You don’t want to sound like a cliché, but Eat, Pray, Love really did strike a chord with you.

Cost: Program rates start at $3,515 for single occupancy.  Includes tax and service charges.

**The COMO Shambhala Estate offers the option of staying at nearby Uma Ubud (single occupancy starting at $3,135, car transfers included) and participating in the retreat as a non-resident ($1,210 daily yoga classes only).

More details here, and call 62 361 978 888 to book

The Peninsula Spa by ESPA, New York

Where: A wellness aerie at the top of The Peninsula New York (just off Fifth Avenue, a few blocks down from Central Park).

When: How about today?

Details: The new ESPA spa offers weekday specials, which include treatments as well as full use of the exercise facilities, pool, sun terrace, sauna, steam room, and Asian Tea Lounge.  The “Weekday Spa Experience” includes a 60-minute intensive facial, a 60-minute holistic massage, and a spa lunch; the “Weekday Spa Ceremony” is simply two hours of deep tissue massaging.  Where else in New York can you get a facial after you swim, sun, and steam in 24-karat gold? Just bring your newspaper and bikini.

This One’s For You If: You can’t fathom taking a real vacation, but can justify playing hooky for the sake of your well-being.

Cost: The “Experience” is $420 and the “Ceremony” is $400.

More details here, and call 212 903 3910 to book