Elaia keeps a relaxed atmosphere when it comes to complete body, mind, union with their luxury treatments

Relax and enjoy a pool spa treatment at Elaia in Seattle WA

Ladies and Gents, keep your feet pampered with Elaia's exclusive pedicures

Well if you are up in the Seattle WA area you may really enjoy stopping by Elaia Spa. With a variety of holistic treatments. Elaia Spa loves to keep your health care in mind. For complete body, mind and spirit rejuvenation. Elaia like most spas offers body wraps, facials and pampering nail care. But Elaia's promotions also include lessening their carbon foot print. Working in unison with more earth friendly treatments and business recycling practices. Elaia's usage of organic product lines such as REN. (A personal favorite of mine). To hand made market fresh wraps, scrubs and masks. Makes this a spa spot not to miss.

Do you imagine escaping the winter cold? And wishing that you were someone hot and tropical? So if you are alot like me, as you bundle up in your winter wares. You only wish that you could walk around scantly clad in your bikini, cocktail in hand with blue sky's and lots of sun. It's that time of year again for most of us in the northern hemisphere (god know why we chose to live here), where the winter sets in and so do we.

Well to escape those winter blues, is just a plane ticket away. If you are one who likes to getaway to a warmer destination between the months of December through February. Then you may want to consider a few of the options we have planned for you! So pack that sunscreen lotion, bikini or trunks, and defeat this winter! Find inspiration with these ideas for hot vacation destinations with luxury in mind.

Maui, Hawaii - The Magic Isle (main picture, and above)

Closer to home for alot of Americans. Maui has a rich heritage and is the ideal quick getaway for those who love an island retreat. Nestled quite nicely in the pacific. Maui - also known as the 'Magic Isle' for it's heavenly beaches and its scenic natural wonders. Is a true favorite for many travelers, which gives it plenty of reasons why it has been voted “Best Island” by readers of Conde Nast Traveler for more than a dozen years.

Discover your own reasons to love Maui as you stroll the seaside streets of Lahaina and the lovely beaches of Kaanapali. Feel the mana (power) of Haleakala National Park or discover the arts and culture of Kahului and Upcountry Maui. From championship golf courses to the scenic road to Hana, your vacation on the “Valley Isle” promises to be unforgettable. It’s no wonder why thousands of humpback whales migrate to Maui’s warm waters year after year. One visit to Maui and you just might join them.

Zihuatanejo, Mexico

The city of Zihuatanejo belongs to the state of Guerrero and is known as the fourth largest city as well. Zihuatanejo is actually a fishing village and represents the historical region of Mexico. This village is mostly nested in the vicinity of a little bay which features picturesque beaches appropriate for holiday tours.

The five popular beaches in Zihuatanejo offering opportunities for water sports and enjoyment are Playa Las Gatas, Playa La Ropa, , Playa La Madera, Playa Las Gatas, Playa La Madera, La Playa Municipal and Playa Contramar. Playa La Ropa with its medium sized waves is suitable for both swimmers and non swimmers and offers great restaurants.

The tourists in this multifaceted destination of Zihuatanejo can enjoy staying at the luxury and budget hotels like, Arrecife Hotel, Bahia Vista Condominiums, Brisas del Mar Hotel, Bungalows Pacificos, Casa Adriana and Casa Buenaventura. These hotels mostly ensure to provide the guests with the best of the in-house facilities like luxury rooms, beds, suitable bath fittings, in-house restaurants and other sundry necessities like telephone, and toiletries.

Costa Del Sol, Spain

Due to averaging 300 days of sun shine each year and an exceptional climate that moderates its summers, and winters, the Costa del Sol is the mecca for those seeking sea side fun. Stretching along the coast of the Mediterranean from the area of Gibraltar to Malaga, the seaside resorts of the Costa del Sol play host to tourists and is the UK equivalent to Mexico.

Finca Cortesin Hotel & Spa, Costa Del Sol (above) offers a luxurious retreat to weary travelers

The Finca Cortesin, a boutique hotel and resort on the Costa del Sol, has opened an exquisite 23,000 square-foot-spa. Guests can now indulge in a Turkish hamam (or steam bath) and then cool off in the Snow Cave, inspired by the Finnish tradition of rolling in the snow after a sauna as a way to boost immune defenses. There's also a 114-foot indoor pool that bathed in natural light as well as two outdoor pools, one of which is Olympic-size, that offer sweeping views of the Mediterranean.

So it's easy to understand why Costa del Sol is favored for vacations by many Europeans, particularly the British. With exquisite beaches, and lots of activities such as golf and  theme parks. As well as an active night life, this hot little mecca will bring in the young and old alike.

Castles generally aren’t something you’d call run-of-the-mill, but some of the world’s historic castles take things to extremes. Here’s a tour of some of the most notable castles you’ll find — no castle-storming needed.

Eilean Donan Castle, Scotland (above)

Just west of London, Windsor Castle is huge, and it’s hugely old, too. According to the British government, Windsor Castle —one of Queen Elizabeth II’s official residences — is the largest and oldest occupied castle in the world. Its history dates back to William the Conquerer; in the nearly 1,000 years since then, Windsor has expanded to a floor area encompassing about 480,000 square feet.

Prague Castle, Czech Republic

 

Prague Castle is widely considered the world’s largest castle complex. Dominating the Prague skyline from a hill overlooking the Vltava River, Prague Castle has an area of about 750,000 square feet. The castle was probably founded around 880, and it houses the crown jewels and relics of the Bohemian kings who ruled from there over the centuries.

Malbork Castle, Poland

 

Castles don’t come much bigger than the one in Malbork, Poland, near the Baltic Sea. The castle was founded by the Teutonic Order in 1274 and was expanded several times over the years to accommodate the increasing number of Teutonic Knights, of whom up to 3,000 may have lived here in the castle's heyday. It’s considered one of the best examples of Gothic brick castle complexes in existence.

Castle Stalker, Scotland

 

Few castles look lonelier than Castle Stalker at high tide. Castle Stalker — pronounced "stall-ker" — sits on what is usually a tiny island in western Scotland, although at low tide the water recedes enough that you might be able to wade over from the mainland. Castle Stalker may be one of the most-seen in the world, at least on screen: The 14th-century castle starred in "Monty Python and the Holy Grail," appearing in the final scene as Castle Auuggh.

himeji castle, japan

 

Castles are usually associated with Europe and the Middle East, but you’ll also find them in places such as Japan. One of the loveliest Japanese castles is Himeji Castle, about 70 miles west of Kyoto, dating from the 14th century. Sometimes called the White Heron Castle for its white exterior, Himeji Castle is Japan’s largest and most visited castle. It’s also one of the best-preserved, being one of the few Japanese castles to survive virtually intact to the present day.

Bamburgh Castle, England

 

If it’s history you’re after, you won’t do much better than imposing Bamburgh Castle, on England’s northeastern coast. There are written records of a castle here dating back to the sixth century; the core of the present castle was built by the Normans around the 11th century. Archaeologists conduct regular digs here to learn more about Bamburgh’s ancient history, and visitors can join them and even do some hands-on research themselves.

Bing Travel: Extreme Castles