Spa-tastic

...Spas with a view...

I am in the mood to get pampered....how about you???  And what is better than getting a massage while melting into a beautiful sunset or drifting off to the sound of waves crashing on a beach.

Let me take you to 7 spas around the world that are known for their views all of which United Military travel can book for you.  

1. Canyon Ranch - Lenox, Massachusetts 

This is a wellness resort located in the Berkshires and is said to offer R&R for the soul.  The mansion was built to mimic the Petit Trianon in Versailles and is the main focal point of the resort.  All the rooms are decorated in warm tones, the beds are dressed in Italian linens, and the bathrooms are made of cherrywood and granite.  The main view from the mansion across their Great Lawn are the mountains to invoke a sense of calm and peacefulness.  One person has said that, " I have been all over the world, but never feel as healthy and happy as I do when when I am here."

2.  Miraval Tuscan - Tuscan, Arizona

This mind-body-spirit resort near the Santa Catalina Mountains in the High Sonoran Desert boasts reviews stating their experience was "life-changing" and "transformative."  The spa's fusion therapies combine massage, stretching, acupuncture, craniosacral therapy, and sound therapy.   

*Craniosacral therapy: CST is a gentle, hands-on approach that releases tensions deep in the body to relieve pain and dysfunction and improve whole-body health and performance.  

3.  Body Holiday - Lesport, St. Lucia

Sometimes its hard to compromise with others on what kind of resort to stay at.  Here you can please everyone, Body Holiday has combined an award winning spa with a luxury island resort - few other destination spas are able to offer scuba lessons too.  Also, unlike other destination spa here serves alcohol so it is the perfect place to wind down, relax, do sports, eat healthy, and just enjoy life!

4.  Post Ranch Inn - Big Sur, California

To me it really seems that Big Sur has a little something to offer everyone.  I feel in love with it the first time I went and since then I have been discovering news things to lure me back.  And it really does not surprise me that it is one the most scenic because central California is a force to be reckon with.  One person described this spa saying, "Nothing comes close to the serenity" but that is to be expected when you are staying in a 19th century homestead along a mountain ridge above the Pacific Ocean.  The rooms are made of slate, marble, and wood and some even have grass growing on the roofs.   

5.  Grand Hyatt - Kauai, Hawaii

To be surrounded by gardens and lagoons all while being massaged or getting a facial just sounds like heaven to me.  And while you are getting pampered the boys can be off golfing or lounging pool side.  Anara Spa offers their treatments in open-air bungalows so you can fill your lungs with the fresh Hawaii air and rejuvenate your soul.

6.  Grand Solmar Lands End Resort and Spa - Los Cabos, Baja Mexico

This relaxing resort sits upon granite cliffs where the Pacific Ocean meets the Sea of Cortes and the rooms are so close to the ocean you feel like you are drifting on the sea.  Pair those accommodations with a world renowned spa and you have a recipe for a perfect vacation!

7.  Capella Pedregal, Cabo San Lucas - Baja, Mexico

This resort spa is said to replicate a Mediterranean mountainside village that promotes a real state of nirvana the moment you walk through the door.  The magnificent rooms have plunge pools and private terraces all with Pacific views. 

Top Honeymoon Destinations

Let United Military Travel send you on the honeymoon of your dreams!

Ever since I was a little girl, my honeymoon was something dreams were made out of.  I think the destination changed at least 100 times but the one thing that stayed constant was that it was a going to be a BIG trip.  

Hopefully, you will only have one honeymoon in your lifetime and I believe that you should make it everything you have ever dreamed of. 

United Military Travel sends a lot of couples of their dream honeymoons each year.  It is something they are skilled in so the best advice I can give you to help off set the expenses is take out a travel loan that will allow you to pay it back over time. 

Take a look with me at the top 8 honeymoon destinations!

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1.  East Africa and the Seychelles

From what I can tell, a beach-safari honeymoon is the hottest thing for this year since sliced bread.  Africa is getting more and more popular - their safaris have always been their main attraction but now beaches too? The Seychelles are in the beautiful, crystal clear waters of the Indian Ocean so you can feel like you are in the Caribbean but then take off to Africa to witness the Great Migration!

   

  

2.  Brazil

Brazil is not only a fantastic honeymoon destination but a killer vacation spot too.  The country is so diverse and offers a traveler the chance to mark multiple items off their bucket list in one trip.  They have super sexy beaches, nightlife that rivals Las Vegas, and pristine jungles.  Start your honeymoon off by celebrating in Rio de Janeiro, then relax on the beaches of Bahia, and finish by taking a river boat cruise through the Amazon.

  

3. Rwanda and Mauritius

It is becoming more and more common for people to create multi-destination trips, especially for their honeymoons.  If you are looking for an eye opening trip choose this combination and you will be searching for wild mountain gorillas in Rwanda then relaxing by the Indian Ocean at a Mauritius resort. 

4. Java, Indonesia

If you want a trip where you can stay in one spot and be completley satisfied, Indonesia offers some of the world's best beaches, private islands, cuisine, and ancient temples.  You can stay at a romantic resort and still be as adventurous as you want to be.  If it were me, I would travel to Java just to go to the deserted island of Kura Kura.  There are only a handful of beach cottages and pool villas so you can be as private and romantic as you want to be!

5. The Maldives

We already know that I am a fanatic for the Maldives and if I could die and go to Heaven, it would be here.  This is the ULTIMATE honeymoon destination, who wouldn't want to travel to an exotic island with their partner to wake up to fish swimming under your bed and stepping onto your balcony to your own private swimming area.  You can also watch the dolphins play on a sunset cruise, spend a day on a deserted island, or book a night time snorkeling adventure!  These are the things I would do :) 

  

6. Marrakesh, Morocco

My style is very bohemian so Morocco appeals to my inner self.  Between the rollings desert, ancient markets, belly dancers, and snake charmers, this city will make you feel like you are on a movie set not a honeymoon.  The whole idea of Morocco is very sensual to me, you can be wandering the markets or watching the belly dancers and feel the romance but be sure to keep it private as public displays of affection are frowned upon!

7. Jackson Hole, Wyoming

Lets get domestic again for a minute, I hate to leave out destinations in our own back yard.  Jackson Hole is a great place to visit year round and for many reasons.  Spending your honeymoon here is something a lot of folks do.  According to The Knot wedding website, the town offers many "honeymoon" like activities year round.  Like taking sleigh rides through National Elk Refuge or staying at Rustic Snake River Lodge and Spa to enjoy honeymoon specials.    

8. Argentina

Just thinking of Argentina makes my mouth water for their fabulous food and wine!  Buenos Aires can offer you delectable food while taking in some of the most impressive architecture anywhere. Then to work off the calories go dance the tango, walk through the city markets or travel to Mendoza - the wine capital of Argentina!  If cities are not you idea of a honeymoon, the country offers glaciers and mountain ranges where you can choose your favorite outdoor activity and do them for the duration of your stay!

  

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I am curious as to where my followers took their honeymoons.  Leave me a comment on the details of yours, I would love to hear about them!

2014 Top Rated All-Inclusive Resorts

What is important to you when booking a vacation?  

Is it this:

 An all-inclusive resort is a holiday resort that includes a minimum of three meals daily, soft drinks, most alcoholic drinks, gratuities, and possibly other services in the price. Many also offer sports and non-motorized watersports and other activities that are included in the price as well.

If so then check out this years most coveted all-inclusive resorts to help plan your next vacation through United Military Travel. 

Hermitage Bay, Antigua

Staying here you will experience a true luxury all-inclusive resort that offers 25 cottages resting in their 16 acres of rich tropical forest with views of the picture perfect, caribbean beach.  Hermitage Bay offers casual dining with a luxury feel by making sure the guest is waiting on hand and foot.  And for the ladies you cannot miss out on their world class Garden Spa for an ancient Eastern treatment. To find out more visit their website.

Beaches - Turks and Caicos

If you are looking for a family friendly destination, look no further than the all-inclusive resort at Beaches in the Turks and Caicos.  They know what it takes to entertain all ages so they offer endless distractions for all ages.  Seriously, you can mingle with Elmo and his gang, sip sarsaparillas while listening to the top 40 at the teen disco, spend hours at their water park, or get out on the beach and enjoy the different water sports.  Don't worry mom and dad, you can spend your days at the spa, golfing, lounging by the pool or beachside, or dine at each of their 19 restaurants. Check out more of their activities here!

Amanyara, Turks and Caicos

I would suggest this luxury resort to the couple who wants to truly experience the Caribbean in a "holistic" way.  Amanyara provides secluded lodging on some of the most pristine reefs in the Caribbean and borders the Northwest Marine National Park to give their guests an ample diving opportunities.  The resort itself is open to all the elements - the sun and its reflection off the water, the sea breeze and the sights and sounds of the ocean.  This would be the ultimate honeymoon destination for me if I could do it all over again! 

Hayman Island, Great Barrier Reef - Australia 

If wildlife is what you are looking for, look no further!  The island provides access to an abundant amount of exotic fish, wallabies, and kookaburras.  It also is a great place for adults and kids so feel free to bring the whole family along!  I know some people are the "get up and go" type while others rather "hang low" and try the local cuisine.  Well, Hayman Island provides both - it is a place where world-class winemakers and chefs display their talents and how could you not find something to do on the Great Barrier Reef!   And for the kids, they can take guided tours of the island, sailing trips or play on their very own beach.  See for yourself!

Howie's Homestay -  Chiang Mai, Thailand

I am in love, Howie's Homestay is impressive to say the least!  This is a place where only one group, family, or couple can book at a time so you will have the place completely to yourself.  It offers exquisite gardens and rooms with antique Thai furnishings that are world re-nowned.  Nestled against the Himalayans you will have access to all the distinct Thai activities you would anywhere else.  Wait no longer to check out what this American expat has made abroad here!

Mii Amo Spa - Sedona, Arizona

This American spa actually is more of a wellness resort with 16 suites that offer whatever kind of "well-balance" you are looking for.  Some people travel here to lose weight, tone, become one with nature, discover ways to reduce stress, or learn how to live a healthier lifestyle.  Whatever the reason one would chose to go to a "wellness resort", Mii Amo can cater to everyone by offering cooking classes, tennis, yoga or spa treatments and psychic healing.  Namaste.  

Nizuc Resort and Spa - Cancun, Mexico

Since its opening in September of 2013 it has remained the "most luxurious" resort in Cancun to this day.  If you are looking for suites or villas that come equipped with their very own infinity pools or multiple multiple high-end restaurants to choose from look no further.  But you do not have to stay tucked in your room all day, the resort is nestled against lush foliage of mangroves and beaches to offer you all the privacy in the world....even in Cancun. Their motto is "A Mexican Spirit. A Mayan Soul." 

Travaasa Hana - Maui, Hawaii

If you are traveling to Hawaii and would like to stay in an all-inclusive resort beware that you will not find many among any of the islands.  Travaasa Hana became the first all-inclusive resort on the island of Maui so it draws a lot of visitors each year.  Unlike the other resorts listed so far, here does not offer flat screen televisions or devices to check the time.  You will stay in a rustic, island cottage, get pampered in a outdoor lava-rock pool and do yoga against the Pacific Ocean while humpback whales play in the background.  What else could you want out of a vacation in Maui??  

ME Cancun - Cancun, Mexico

This adult-oriented luxury resort is a great place to get away from the kids and reconnect with the activities YOU like to do best.  In order to stay in you only have one choice, and that is to book the "complete experience" package - they do this because their primary goal is to make you feel "human" again.  It is a large resort with 417 rooms that either view the ocean or sunset lagoon and when you are not in your room you are swimming in on of their two pools, using their 24/7 fitness center, reading in their library, or getting pampered at their YHI spa.  Check out their website here.