Have you been looking for love in all the wrong places? The Ritz Carlton in Fort Lauderdale, Florida understands your pain and is inviting Casanovas, lovers and single ladies…

… to sail into their luxury hotel on Wednesday, February 8, for a midweek moonlight soiree filled with sultry libations, tantalizing treats and a tarot card reader to reveal a year of luck in love and much more, at the monthly Full Moon party, named “THE Party in Fort Lauderdale” by Conde Nast Traveler.

We think it would be fun to combine the Moon Party with another Ritz Carlton special offer, the “Newly Single” Package. Get the girls together, get ready to party and add to the fun with this sweet deal.

“Newly Single” package tailored to the newly single, for those looking to celebrate the beginning of a new chapter, bringing out the best in what can sometimes be a difficult transition. A detoxifying spa treatment or glam session in the salon, a poolside cabana bed (with Tanning Butler™ visit if staying on a weekend), cocktail session with the Master Mixologist Ramsey Pimentaland and luxury accommodations are all included in the Newly Single package.

Available until March 31, 2012.

Who knows, maybe you and your girlfriends will discover new romance just in time for Valentine’s Day!

The Ultimate Telluride Experience – Celebrating the 30th Anniversary of Women’s Ski Week!

Click here to book this package or to find out more information.

The March Women’s Week (March 4-8, 2012) program includes:

~ Welcome Reception Sunday morning with Coffee and bagels (and perhaps something sweet)
~ 5 day lift ticket
~ Three full day & two half-days of expert instruction by our leading women instructors
~ NEW THIS YEAR! 2 breakout sessions to work on specific topic (moguls, carving, TBD)
~ Use of top-of-the-line gear, compliments of Telluride Ski and Sport
~ Use of Slopeside lockers
~ Assessment of alignment and ski equipment
~ Video analysis of ski technique
~ Use of NASTAR course and timing
~ Après-ski event and Celebration Dinner
~ Gift bag, raffle & shopping discounts

$1075
includes instruction, entertainment
AND lift tickets for lesson days

$875
includes instruction and entertainment

Looking for a fun ski trip with the girls? Explore the spectacular Canadian Rocky Mountains this winter with the Jasper Spa & Ski Package at The Jasper Park Lodge. One of our most popular spa vacation packages, the Jasper Spa & Ski Package lets you hit the slopes for a day at Marmot Basin Ski Hill and then return to The Lodge for a rejuvenating spa experience at the new Fairmont Spa. Treat yourself to a great Rocky Mountain Ski Getaway, and head to toe pampering while staying in beautiful Jasper National Park.

Click here to get this deal or for more info about the package.

Package Includes:

Winter Ski Accommodation for a minimum of two nights
Evening bath turndown gift
One 60 Minute Spa Treatment of choice (per room, per day) as outlined below:

Spa and Ski Massage Experiences
– Relaxation
– Reflection
– Stress Relief
– Joint Relief
– Motherhood (Pre and Post Natal)

Spa and Ski Body Experiences
– Jasper Wrap
– Chamomile Scrub
– All Canadian Body Buffer
– Feet Retreat

Spa and Ski Facial Experiences
– Customized Deep Cleansing Facial
– The Great Canadian Facial

Marmot Basin Lift Tickets:

– If staying for a two night ski package, one day of skiing at Marmot Basin (two adult lift tickets are given)

– If staying for a three night ski package, two days of skiing at Marmot Basin (four adult lift tickets are given)

– If staying for a four night ski package, three days of skiing at Marmot Basin (six adult lift tickets are given)

Availability

Available from Marmot Basin ski hill opening 2011 (approx. Nov. 11) to ski hill closing 2012, subject to availability. Blackout dates may apply.

White Sand, Turquoise Water and a New Coach Purse

Bemused, I gazed at my bright pink, freshly pedicured toes. The pedicure was lovely but what was truly, truly lovely was the view I had over my toes, resting on the end of a lounge chair on a blindingly white sand beach in South Walton, Florida. Clear water shading from dark turquoise to the clear lime green of that true southern specialty, key lime pie, stretched to the horizon of the blue, blue sky decorated with just a few wispy white clouds. It was January back home and snow warnings were predicted for that evening but that seemed far away on this gorgeous day. Far, far away. I stretched, relishing the feel of the golden sun on my legs and glanced over at two of my favorite traveling companions, my sister and sister-in-law.

In the mood for a girlfriends getaway, we had stuffed our car with everything imaginable and headed from Lexington, Kentucky on an easy 10-hour drive to the beautiful, Caribbean-like beaches of South Walton. I had arranged a week-long stay through Visit South Walton in two of the 15 beach neighborhoods which comprise the South Walton area. We began our stay in a kitschy and lovely beach house at the Watercolor Inn & Resort in Watercolor Beach.

56 Buttercup Street is in the Park District of Watercolor Inn & Resort, one of seven different districts, each with houses and townhouses of varying sizes with a variety of views and locations. Our three-bedroom house had been carefully decorated in a beachy theme that was whimsical and entertaining. Each of the three bedrooms was beautifully furnished with ceiling fans and beds so comfy we could barely drag ourselves out of each morning. In the master bedroom was a huge and fabulous Jacuzzi tub which I filled to overflowing with bubbles one night and languished in until I was as relaxed as humanly possible.

An easy walk or bike ride to the beach (free bikes were included with the house), our pretty little beach house was perfect for the three of us, but also had plenty of room for a family. We left our cooking duties at home and headed over to the Inn every night for dinner at The Gathering Spot, a little dining area right off the lobby and had delicious seafood and steaks. Their renowned restaurant, A Fish Out of Water, was closed for renovation but, with excellent reviews and reputation, this would also be a great place to eat. After dinner, we’d head out to the pool area in the cool of the evening to enjoy the open fire and an incredible view of the stars.

We managed to drag ourselves away from lolling on the beach, by the heated pool, and in the poolside Jacuzzi at Watercolor to head for some fabulous shopping bargains at the Silver Sands Factory Stores Outlet Mall in Miramar Beach where we proceeded to buy another carload of items, forgetting that we had arrived with a full car. Somehow, we managed to fit in six pairs of shoes, a Coach purse, and innumerable other items in that full car – it’s amazing what you can find when you have outlets like Coach, Ann Taylor Loft and Jones New York available. Be sure to check out the local Bealls Outlet as well – they also have great prices and a great selection.

There was no question where we would have lunch – Cheeseburger in Paradise in Miramar Beach is a great place to get a burger, fish tacos or a grilled Tilapia sandwich so delicious and huge you can easily share it with your girlfriend. Truly a win-win situation, less calories consumed and more money for shopping! Then, we spent the afternoon in the lovely and scenic village of Seaside, where The Truman Show was filmed – and recognized several of the streets and houses from the movie.

In the middle of the week, we once again stuffed our car full and headed for Condo #4759 in the Westwinds Beachfront Tower at the Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort in Sandestin. With an incredible view of the beach, three bedrooms and three bathrooms, this lovely condo was the perfect location for viewing the incredible sunsets in the South Walton area. The full kitchen and dining area were perfect for quick breakfasts before we hit the beach.

One of the nicest areas in the Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort is the lovely little Village of Baytowne Wharf. A beautiful little pedestrian shopping area full of interesting shops and fabulous restaurants, this is a great place to stroll around in the evenings. We had a wonderful meal one night at the lovely French restaurant, Bistro Bijoux, the best grouper I have ever eaten in my life at the Marlin Grill, and a lovely brunch one day at Another Broken Egg Café.

We shopped until we dropped, beached until we were sunburned and ate until we were stuffed. Now it was time for a spa experience. The Sandestin Day Spa and Salon is located above the Linkside Conference Center and a short walk to Another Broken Egg Café (massage and brunch, anyone?) and offers a variety of services including hairstyling, nail design, facials, therapeutic body treatments and massage. Massages sounded absolutely perfect to the three of us so we each headed off to a massage room and emerged an hour later relaxed and rejuvenated.

South Walton had provided every single experience girlfriends could possibly want and we were all pretty reluctant to pack up our car and leave. Especially since we had to stash our warm coats within reach.

Unfortunately, another snow storm was predicted back home. With memories of silvery white sand and azure water dancing in our heads, we hit the road. And began planning our next trip back to one of the 15 beaches of South Walton.

Jan Ross is a freelance travel writer who has been traveling the world since way back before she can even remember. Her dad was in the Marine Corps so she is used to packing up at a moment’s notice! She loves writing hotel and restaurant reviews since it means she gets to stay in fabulous places and eat wonderful food. She especially loves writing spa reviews because that means she gets phenomenally pampered and, seriously, who does not like that? She has visited lots of places but still gets a thrill of excitement when she boards a plane, steps into a new hotel room, or sees a new location for the first time. And she hopes that thrill never, ever goes away.

Catch Some Rays on Delray Beach

Thinking about a girlfriend getaway in Florida? Tucked in between the understated elegance of West Palm Beach and the high energy of South Beach in Miami is a beach town that sets itself apart from all others in Florida. Don’t be mistaken, however – Delray Beach sits confidently on A1A and isn’t overshadowed in the least by its swanky neighbors to the north and south.

Some friends and I recently spent a weekend in the very walkable downtown Delray Beach – once we arrived, we parked our cars and didn’t move them until it was time to (unfortunately!) head back home. Here’s how we spent 48 hours in the Village by the Sea.

Though the sun sets over the Intracoastal Waterway to the west, what better way to toast the start of the weekend than with a cocktail overlooking the Atlantic Ocean? There aren’t any places directly on the beach, so we went upstairs to 50 Ocean with its ocean views and toasted with signature, hand-crafted cocktails. The décor at 50 Ocean is fun and sophisticated at the same time… the lit bar throws off hues of blues and greens, and the wood beam ceilings are an unusual accent.

Afterwards, we stayed and enjoyed a delicious seafood dinner. The menu at 50 Ocean features northeast favorites such as Maine lobster and whole belly clams, mixed with tropical entrees such as yellowtail snapper with a creamy coconut risotto, and citrus marinated salmon with blood orange and pink peppercorn beurre blanc. We started, however, with a delectably divine conch ceviche with coconut and key lime, served in a coconut shell with plantains.

Dessert is not to be missed at 50 Ocean, though. Fortunately, I was able to squeeze in the Tasting of Crème Brûlée – mango, mocha and honey lavender. A friend had the Banana Tarte Tatin (with vanilla ice cream, run sauce and pistachios), while another more mindful friend opted for a simple scoop of mango sorbet.

The next morning, we decided to get a real feel for Delray Beach and decided to go on a Segway tour. None of us had before hopped aboard the two-wheeled vessel, and we were in for an adventure! Surprisingly, riding a Segway is not about balance, but is all about fun! Zach with The Electric Experience patiently taught our group of newbies the nuances of handling a Segway, and we were off! What a fun way to explore the neighborhoods tucked off of A1A – both the historic areas as well as the newer developments. When our hour was up, none of us wanted the tour to end! Segway is definitely my way when I want to explore an area quickly and efficiently!

Running through the heart of Delray Beach, from the Atlantic Ocean west, is, well, Atlantic Avenue. After our Segway tour, I came upon an outdoor market with lots of tasty-looking fresh produce, loose teas and small gifts perfect to take home with me. I then took some time to stroll along the avenue and found some really fun boutiques to peek into. Though very tempting, I decided against a few very cute dresses, fun pairs of shoes, and beautifully made jewelry. Instead, I popped into Ciao, a little sidewalk café tucked into the avenue, and had a bite to eat.

After a busy day of Segway-ing and window shopping, it’s time for some pampering! My friends and I had appointments at N Spa, inside the Delray Beach Marriott. I always love walking into a spa – as soon as I breathe in the “spa” scent, I’m instantly relaxed. And it was no different at N Spa. After slipping into my cozy robe, I poured a glass of fruit-infused water and chose a chaise lounge on the deck overlooking the hotel’s pools, A1A, and eventually the beach. When my therapist came to find me for my massage, I was ready. I love a good massage, and was not disappointed. Afterwards, I returned to the spa’s lounge and decadently sipped a glass of champagne, not to mention chocolate – yes, the spa has sipping chocolate! I had never heard of such a sublime treat, but did indulge. Sure, there was fruit, so I ate a few bites to feel a bit healthy.

Fortunately for all of us, we were staying at the Marriott, so after our treatments, we easily slinked our way up to our rooms to let the full effects of an afternoon at the spa set in. I enjoyed sitting out on my balcony, watching the sunset and seeing the hive of the night’s activities begin to buzz below. The Marriott is right in the middle of everything, and was the perfect place to make “home base” for our getaway.

One thing about Delray Beach is, it’s a foodie’s paradise! Though small in area, Delray Beach is huge in flavor, boasting more than 70 restaurants along Atlantic Avenue and its offshoots. With limited time in the area, it could be hard to choose which to dine in, but we made some excellent choices!

Dinner Saturday night was a sushi feast at Buddha Sky Bar. When we walked, we instantly felt the electrifying vibe and knew this was a hot spot among the “it” crowd. But even more fun than the atmosphere and funky décor was the incredible menu. We couldn’t get enough, and ordered plate after plate of sushi, dim sum and noodles. Our favorite of the night? The Red Dragon Roll – is there any way to go wrong with tempura lobster?!

We finished up our weekend over a luxurious brunch at Max’s Harvest in Pineapple Grove, a small, artsy community around the corner from Atlantic Avenue. Max’s is a farm to fork concept restaurant, so its menu changes often, according to what’s in season at the local farms Chef Chris Miracolo and his colleagues source. Fortunately, though, many items on the brunch menu are available year-round.

When were there, we ordered a number of entrees to share and taste, and a friend and I split a tomato and mozzarella salad with the freshest mozzarella I’ve ever eaten, and the Florida crab and artichoke frittata with feta cheese. My mouth is watering just thinking of it!

When one in our group ordered deviled eggs, I was skeptical. “Really? Deviled eggs?,” I thought. Well, I’d never had deviled eggs like those served at Max’s, with chives and truffle sea salt. All I can say is, decadent, and that I’m still thinking of them.

While my friends sipped glasses of wine and Bloody Marys, I opted instead of a freshly-squeezed cucumber-watermelon juice. Knowing the effect of the weekend on my waistline, I figured I had to get something good in me!

We all had such a wonderful time in Delray Beach, we’re already talking about when we might return. We may even bring the guys along. Nah, we’ll keep it our secret!

Susan B. Barnes is a travel writer and photographer. A proud Army brat, she was born on a military base in Belgium and has been on the go ever since. While Susan has traveled across the United States and into Canada, she has also managed to visit such European cultural hot spots as Paris, London, Ireland, Athens and Rome, and has even explored the second largest reef in the world off the coast of Belize and the cloud forest of Venezuela, among many other exotic locales. Having learned to rock climb in Yosemite National Park, surf in La Jolla and swim with whale sharks in Mexico, she’s always looking forward to her next adventure.