Girlfriend Getaways

Washington, D.C.: I am taking 5 very active senior ladies (65-90) to Vegas for a luxurious/over-the-top girlfriend weekend (my gift to mother, grandmother, aunts). I would like to host a spa half-day at the most luxurious spa in the Las Vegas area and am considering Qua at Cesar's. (We are staying at Palazzo.) Thanks!

Tracy York: I was in Las Vegas last weekend and stayed at the Palazzo. I hope you enjoy your getaway. I have visited most of the spas in Las Vegas and would highly recommend Qua. The Paris, Bellagio, Mandalay Bay, Venetian and the Palazzo all have wonderful facilities and treatments. I am sure any of them could accommodate your group. Be sure to communicate with the group sales manager at the different spas to see what options, pricing and amenities they can offer you. Have a wonderful time!

_______________________

Brooklyn, N.Y.: What are the best websites to help with picking a spa?

Tracy York: I mentioned a few in the Girlfriends Getaway question, but I would recommend destinationspas.com for those looking for a spa vacation or spamagazine.com for those looking to get away to a resort spa. Additionally, I would suggest you look up the reader poll of your favorite travel or beauty magazine. Conde Nast Traveler, Travel + Leisure, Allure and Shape magazine just to name a few do annual readers polls.

_______________________

Los Angeles, Calif.: I am the trip leader of a wonderful two day trip to a fabulous spa. Besides meals what can the group do together that might be fun? There are already exercise classes and walking that comes with the trip so I am looking for games or fun things. Thanks, Betsy

Tracy York: Great question! Here at Lake Austin Spa Resort, one of our most popular events for groups are private boat cruises. We also offer an evening of live music or an instructor to teach and then lead a game of Texas Hold'em Poker. Ask your reservationist or group events manager at Spa Fabulous what types of programs and events they offer for groups. If they do not offer any, look to the local commuity for leaders of activities your groups would enjoy and communicate with Spa Fabulous that you would like to bring in an outside vendor to assist. They must give you the approval but if so, your options are limitless.

_______________________

Washington, D.C.: What happens behind the scenes at spas—any funny stories?

Tracy York: Oh I could tell you some stories, but one of the first rules of good spa management is discretion! I won't kiss and tell here! I will say there are crazy times when every spa has to do their best in a very stressful situation while on the surface offering a perfectly calm and relaxing façade. We had a situation a few years ago where our spa appointment software crashed. We had guests showing up for appointments and instead of greeting them by name and confirming their treatment, we had to smile, ask who they were and what treatment they were enjoying that day. As they say, the guest can never see you sweat.

_______________________

Chicago, Ill.: I live in Chicago; my sister lives in New Haven, Conn. and keeps strictly kosher. I would love to find a spa where we can get a full array of services but where her dietary restrictions can be accommodated. (In other words, the price does NOT include meals she cannot eat). We love spas—but we usually go to hotels (Camelback in Scottsdale; Norwich Inn in Conn.), get our a la carte services, but she is limited to picking up produce at the grocery store. (Kosher is not vegetarian). Any suggestions? —Bonnie

Tracy York: This is a great question and one quite honestly that has me stumped. I have sent out emails to several of my colleagues and will continue to do additional research. If you will contact me directly at tyork@lakeaustin.com, I will be happy to share what I learn. Sorry I can't be of more help today.