Girlfriend Getaways

Evergreen, Colo.: Is there a single-source list of all (or nearly all) spa vacation destinations? Perhaps a list of links? Thank you!

Tracy York: We have touched on several web sites to consider but to quickly recap:

Spa Magazine offers a monthly overview of the industry and publishes a spa guide several times a year. You can check their list at spamagazine.com.

destinationspas.com is another option.

Once you find a few properties that peak your interest, contact the spa directly for addtional and more in-depth information and pricing.

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Ft. Lauderdale, Fla.: Are there any common services that you can negotiate for lower rates—is the rate card always a hard-and-fast rule?

Tracy York: I am not aware of any spas that negotiate rates on published spa services. Having said that, there are ways that you can optimize your budget while visiting a spa. Consider purchasing a spa package if you intend to have more than one service as packages typically discount the cost of the treatments or add value by including lunch, a gift etc. You might also ask the spa if they offer frequent visitor discounts or special offers on their slower days. I would encourage you to ask the receptionist or manager of your favorite spa. I am sure they would love to have you as a repeat customer and will do all they can to work with you.

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Wilmington, Del.: I travel often to resorts or stay in large hotel properties in major cities. I would love to use the spa services. Many years ago, I broke my neck diving in the ocean. I am a very blessed and lucky person. I am just not sure how to tell if these spa places are ok to take advantage of their services? Can you help ease my mind so I can stop avoiding them? Thanks!

Tracy York: Stop Avoiding Them!! A spa service might be just what you need! I too, had a serious neck injury several years ago that still results in muscle weakness and nerve damage. I cracked C7—so I speak from experience. You need to be careful and communicate clearly with your therapist. I would recommend you visit the International Spa Association website at experienceispa.com. Member spas of I/Spa operate under a code of conduct that includes proper training of staff. I should add that in the U.S., massage therapists are required by their state to be licensed or certified. As long as you are selecting a reputable spa and ensure that their therapists have proper credentials, you should be fine. I would encourage you to talk with the manager of the spa you select and ask if any of the therapists have any additional training or specialists that work with neck and head issues. I have been blessed to work with a therapist here that has really helped me with the ongoing issues that a serious injury can pose. Communication is vital. Be sure to tell the therapist about your medical history and your concerns so they can work with you. Do not wait for them to ask a question, if the pressure isn't right, say so. If you are uncomfortable, say so. Start slow and ease your way into a greater comfort level. I hope you will be as lucky as I to find someone that can truly improve the quality of your life. Stay safe.

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Chicago, Ill.: I'm 30 and looking to do something on a budget—that's just the mode I work in, but for this kind of getaway, what does that mean? I'd like to drive no more than 3 hours—can a budget spa vacation be achieved and how much should one allot to spend on these kinds of vacations?

Tracy York: You are halfway there to booking your spa vacation by knowing so clearly what you want. That is great. You can certainly find a spa vacation within your desired travel distance that can offer you a budget vacation. There are destination spas that offer all-inclusive package (i.e. no hidden fees) for as little as $200-$400 per day. You should also consider a resort spa in which the room fee is within your budget. In a property like this, you can select each individual expense based on your budget.

Whether you consider a destination or resort spa, be sure to ask when their slow season is as it is this time which most hotels and spas offer their best rates. Have a great time.

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Tracy York: It's been great chatting with you today! Remember, there are deals available to the savvy traveler, even at the #1 destination spa in North America, like Lake Austin Spa Resort. Insider tip—arrive on a Sunday or Monday and stay three nights for the price of two, or travel with six or more of your friends and family and enjoy up to 40% off your spa escape to the Texas Hill Country. Come see us!