Hilton Honors

I just added some helpful information about Hilton Honors and their credit cards.  You'll find it under Getaway Deals on Hotels.

I've been doing a lot travel lately, so I've decided to expand this blog to include anything related to travel.  Like my experiences with loyalty programs, trips that go to places other than a destination spa, airports, whatever I can think of related to my travels.  I'll be including some posts that refer to older events, since I've been very lax in posting.  (As you can see from the last post date!)

Champney's Henlow, near Arlesley UK

I've been away from the blog for a very long time but hope to get back to it while visiting Champney's.  I was able to talk a girlfriend into joining me so we could take advantage of the two for one sale.  For just over $1,000 each we will have six days of meals, lodging, several treatments, and tons of exercise classes.  Join us as we Get Away and Get Fit in England at the end of January.

Atlanta, Georgia, Blogging Conference

 This isn't about get fit spas.  I'm in Atlanta for a 3 day conference to learn how to improve my blog.   Stay tuned and see if I find some new ideas.

Miraval, Tucson Arizona - Last Day

The last day is always sad.  I went to water aerobics as usual and didn't wear my SFP 50 pool shirt.  I decided I needed a little color before heading home.  And I was successful!  Maybe a little more burn than I would like, but livable.

A wonderful relaxing week..... but then while waiting for the bus to take me to the rental car agency, I didn't see my bag.  It was 15 minutes before departure.  I asked the man in charge if that was normal.  Then there was a flurry of activity.  Calls on the pager, golf carts going back and forth, all in search of my bag.  Just before departure they discovered that a patron had claimed my bag as their own and taken it to the airport on an earlier bus!  Now I had to go to the airport and go to security (some unknown place at the airport) to claim my bag.  At the airport they said what do you mean by security?  The police department?  TSA?  airlines have lost and found departments? And now instead of being dropped off at the rental agency I had to walk.  By the time I got there they had given away my reserved midsize car and I had to settle for a compact.  Just a total nightmare. All of the relaxation wiped out in one short hour.  The bus driver was extremely apologetic and went with me into the airport and waited until I actually had keys to the rental car.  However, I rather expected some sort of apology from management or customer service.....They have my email.  It may not have been Miraval's fault, but it certainly was their responsibility.  Too sad that the visit had to end on a downer.

Champney's Special Deal

For three select weeks in December you can get the 6 day traditional week package for two people at the price for one person.  That's a really big savings!  Of course, the weather in England isn't great in December.  Go to Champney's website for all the details.

Miraval, Tucson Arizona - Day Five

This is the water aerobics pool.  Just your garden variety large pool but check out the surrounding mountains.  You can watch the weather appearing over the Santa Cantalina Mountains while participating in the class.  It's a beautiful view.  Under the eaves behind you, you will find two nests containing the cutest little barn swallows.  Mom and Dad are flying around regularly gathering meals for the kids.  All of the other pools are the resort style kidney or oval shaped, smaller, and surrounded by palms.

I got up early today so I could breakfast in time to take the Cardio Drumming class.  But I decided to take it easy.  I went to three classes yesterday so I deserve a break.  Of course, I attended water aerobics at 10.  It was a major workout today both cardio and resistance.  Now I have the grueling task of my 80 minute massage(!).  No other exercise on the program today. Later...  the massage was fabulous.  The extra 30 minutes is worth every penny because every muscle gets a little extra attention.  My favorite parts

rock formations near spa entrance

were the small muscles in the hands, face and ears lobes.

Thunder and lightning are in the vicinity.  Luckily the resort supplies umbrellas at every entrance.  The class on Anti-inflammatory Diet was really informative.  I have taken copious notes that I will try to transcribe next week after I get home.  On the way out from the nutrition class, we discovered that the spa shop was offering champagne and meringue cookies along with 15% off anything in the store.  I partook of the champagne, but with 15% off, the baseball cap was still too expensive at $34.

Enjoyed a wonderful dinner with new friends.  Did I tell you that Miraval doesn't have a 'friendship table' like so many resorts have?  It's nice to have an option to socialize, but usually it's more comfortable to sit by yourself.  Here at Miraval it was the norm to sit by yourself.  But tonight I really enjoyed spending time eating dinner, having good conversation and sharing a meal with kindred souls.  I hope I get to meet up with them again soon.