Let’s Find Some Beautiful Place to Get Lost

I’ve been unexpectedly home for the last few weeks, and between naps and DVR-ed television, I’ve gotten to daydreaming about what my perfect getaway would be.

Now, I love my big city shopping as much as the next gal, but for rest and relaxation, I’d head off the beaten path for some luxury pampering. This is a daydream, right?

Image from ventanainn.com

First up,  Ventana Inn & Spa. Located in the almost-too-beautiful-to-be-real Big Sur, the Ventana Inn has been on my lust list for years.  Nestled on a 243 acre property, the Inn is the perfect starting point for a leisurely hike and picnic in Pfeiffer State Park. If you’re not feeling too adventurous, you could try a yoga class on the bluffs overlooking the Pacific Ocean or perhaps take a nap on your private patio.  Either way, with five-star dining at your fingertips and a world-class spa onsite, you’re almost guaranteed to walk away stress-free.

Image from MSN.com

Across the country, nestled in the Smoky Mountains, is another destination on the list – the Blackberry Farm in Walland, Tennessee.  Located on a working farm, guests are able to help chefs pick heirloom vegetables fresh from the garden to be used in that night’s dinner or join guides to forage for wild mushrooms and berries in the surrounding woods.   The Farm is known for their cuisine, and to take part in the preparation would be such a unique way of unwinding.

That said, if working on the farm doesn’t sound fun, you can also go for a hike, take a quick paddle around a local pond, or borrow one of the Farm’s many complimentary cars for a drive in to town. They also have their own spa onsite – known for it’s luxurious treatments.  I’m pretty I’d be checked in there – after all, picking tomatoes is EXHAUSTING!

Image from fourseasons.com

Finally, what vacation daydream is complete without a  tropical destination?  While I wouldn’t turn down a week on Maui, my dream resort is a bit more isolated. I’m all for not spending 20 hours on an airplane, so my top Hawaiian pick would have to be the Four Seasons Lana’i at Manele Bay.

Lana’i is only 13 miles across and 18 miles long – and 98% of it is privately owned.  In fact, it used to be a private pineapple plantation.  Accessible only by charter plane or boat, the transportation part is a bit tricky.  But, considering I’m daydreaming, hiring my own plane is no problem at all.

They do have their own golf course and horse stables, but my main attraction would be the quiet, isolated beach. You can snuggle away in your own  cabana, where lovely Four Seasons employees will bring you fresh fruit and spritz your face with a refreshing Evian spray. Sounds perfect, right?

Sigh. I think I need to start playing the lottery. 🙂 What makes up your dream getaway?

Spa PDX

Just a little tip to let you know that Dragontree Spa has finally opened on Concourse C at PDX.

Walk-ins are welcome and they’re offering a complete line of services – massages, facials, mani/pedis, waxing and more.

Next time I have a major delay at PDX, I know where I’m headed.