Canyon Ranch - looking for a deal

   Canyon Ranch has recently changed their website so it is harder to see what rates are available.  I prefer researching possibilities on the web instead of calling.  What do I say?  Um... how much is one night in January.   Um.... what if I stay 4 nights.   Um.... What about if I stay in June.  Um... do you have any specials coming up?  On the web I just poke around and see what my choices are.  A few weeks ago, they listed regular double occupancy, regular single occupancy, spa sampler double occupancy, and spa sampler single occupancy.  Now they only list regular double occupancy.  The old spa sampler included a smaller resort credit which is what I prefer. 
     They have two destination spa locations:  Tucson, AZ, and Lenox, MA.  Tucson in summer and Lenox in winter are the cheapest options.  Both provide complimentary transportation from nearby airports.  The cheapest web price is about $3000 for a four night stay including a $650 resort credit.  As a first time visitor I can ask for a 20% discount, but that still leaves $600/night.  And I would be either visiting Tucson when it's 100 degrees or Lenox when it's 30 degrees.  A prime time visit to Lenox is $5120 for the same four night stay or $1024/night after the 20% first time discount!!  It must be a really special place.
     I will be calling sometime in the future to see if my old favorite "spa sampler" rate is still available.  Or maybe their clientele will complain and they will reinstate viewing of multiple rate types on their website.

Red Mountain, St George, UT, special

If you connect to Living Social you can get accommodations at the Red Mountain Resort until September 30, 2013 for two people for $280/night.  Normal cost is $400/night.  Of course, this is only a good deal if you have someone to share the room with. 

Champneys UK special

From July 1 - August 31 you can book a six day stay at any Champneys and not have to pay the single supplement.  They also are throwing in $100 to use during the week for extra treatments, food and beverage, etc.  That's about $250 in savings over the regular rate.  However, since it's last minute, you can't take advantage of the advance purchase discounts of 10% (30 days), 20% (60 days), or 30% (90 days).
I discovered this because I signed up for their email notifications.

Miraval update

I've been checking the Miraval website daily to get the August activity schedule.  I didn't need to bother - as soon as it was available, the "pre-book supervisor" sent me a copy of the entire month.  I will have my favorite water aerobics every day at 10am.  And it looks like I will be able to find at least two other classes per day.  My resort credit will take care of a massage and facial which I plan to book next week.  So far customer service has been fabulous!  I'll let you know how they deal with my questions and treatment reservations.

Champney's an even Better Deal Now - UK

Just checking for deals at Champney's.  Champney Springs was one of my first destination spa experiences and I have a goal to try out all four locations.  So far I have been to Springs and Forest Mere.  Next will be Henlow or Tring.

They have always had a 20% discount if you booked 60 days ahead.  Now I see that you can get 30% off if you book 90 days ahead.  Or 10% if you book 30 days ahead.  I will definitely try to schedule a visit this year (October to March sometime!)

Booked for Miraval - Tucson, AZ - Here's the Deal

The first deal I discovered was through a Vacationist email.  Girls Getaway for $578/night which includes $150 per day resort credit.  The resort credit can be used toward spa treatments or some of the special classes with a fee.  In order to make this be a deal I need to have a spa treatment every day.  I booked for 4 days.

Then right after I booked I was on the Miraval web site and found a Discover Miraval rate for $462/night which includes $50 per day resort credit.  Since I don't want to have a massage every day, I changed my reservation.  For a slightly lower total price I will be staying 5 nights instead of 4 nights.  By booking three days or more I get an extra $100 resort credit for the stay.  The price goes up to $633/night on September 13.

They don't have a penalty for cancellation unless it is within seven days.  Better than most places.