By Elizabeth Valerio
It’s Mother’s Day, a time for family and presents. But different moms have varied ideas about how they want to spend their special day. Some might opt for the quintessential cookout while others may have something more extravagant in mind—something that doesn’t involve children or husbands. If you’re a woman who needs to get away for your holiday, check out these destinations for some fun, pampering and retail therapy.
For the ultimate in relaxation, take a road trip to Kennebunkport, Maine and check into the White Barn Inn and Spa (whitebarninn.com). Stay in the two-bedroom Loon Cottage, with two furnished patios, wood-burning fireplaces and plasma televisions, going for around $1100 a night. Take strolls in the surrounding gardens and relish in the rustic atmosphere. The inn is known for their superb spa, located in the main building. Indulge yourself with the integrated massage for a combination of therapies including exfoliation and aromatherapy followed by a full-body wrap for $225 or treat your face to the green tea facial for $190. The inn’s restaurant is also award-winning and reservations are a must if you plan on devouring a Maine lobster, caught fresh daily.
If you live to eat, grab your girlfriends and check out Gourmet Safari (gourmetsafairi.com), which offers week-long culinary tours to a wide variety of destinations. Their most popular cities are within the culinary capital of the world: Italy. The “Savor Tuscany” tour features eight days of cooking classes, food and wine tastings and local market tours for $4100 a person. Guests stay at the Casa dei Pipistrelli, a newly restored 17th- century farmhouse. The house has stone fireplaces, a large open kitchen, bedrooms with double beds and brilliant views of the Tuscan countryside. Learn how to pick out ingredients at the market, cook a flavorful dish and select a wine to accompany the tastes.
While some travelers like to keep busy on vacation, others enjoy when there’s nothing to do but sit on a beach, sunbathe and drink cocktails. If this is the case, you’ll want to make reservations at the Grand Wailea Resort (grandwailea.com) in Maui, Hawaii. The resort has a spa and golf course but with 40 acres of tantalizing beach and crystal-blue water, your time will most likely be spent in a chaise lounge with your feet in the sand reading the newest Jodi Piccoult novel. Suites range from $379 to $980 per night, and some include breakfast in any of the resort’s six restaurants.
Looking for something a little more wild? Las Vegas isn’t just for sports-betting guys or Kevin Federline, it’s for ladies too. Settle in to a private villa at The Bellagio (bellagiolasvegas.com) for $6,000 a night and enjoy your own personal terrace, pool, limo entrance and butler service. You can also take lots of relaxing bubble baths and make long-distance calls to friends with the seven in-house bathrooms and 12 telephones. Of course The Bellagio has a stocked casino, and when you’re not playing the slots or eating from the infamous buffets, make an appointment for a manicure and pedicure at the luxurious spa or check out the botanical gardens and the fine art gallery.
If all of these options sound like fair game, then you might want to simplify your trip and get all these elements in one place: Los Angeles. The celebrity-studded Chateau Marmont (chateaumarmont.com) is the home of several Hollywood celebs, including Lindsey Lohan who formerly made the resort her permanent residence. Reserve the two-bedroom suite with queen-sized beds, a full living room and dining room and a private balcony overlooking the hotel’s pool. Experience everything that Los Angeles has to offer from high-end shopping on Rodeo Drive to the nightclubs streaming with socialites and move stars. Become a tourist and visit the Chinese Theater or pretend you’re a kid again and stop by Disneyland. Whatever you’re in the mood for, Los Angeles has it. Back at the Chateau, relax and enjoy a drink at the bar or a gourmet dinner in the restaurant; Lohan might be around for a chat.
Photo: The pool at Grand Wailea Resort
