1. About.com
  2. Travel
  3. Spas

Romantic Spa Getaways

romantic spas

Planning a romantic spa getaway for Valentines Day? One couple I know checked into a hotel spa and never saw each other again until it was time to pay the bill! Find out how to make sure you get the romantic spa experience you're looking for.

More on Spas & Romance
Spas Spotlight10

Spa Gift Certificates For Valentine's Day

Saturday February 4, 2012

Looking for a Valentine's Day gift? SpaFinder gift certificates (Buy Direct) are my favorite choice since they are accepted at more than 7,000 spas worldwide, including destination spas, resort spas and day spas.  Have more than two people you love?  Buy one gift certificate and save 20% on a second certificate of the same value (Code VDAY20) when you purchase by February 13, 2012.

You can package it in a gift box for $5, ship it for as little as $4.99, print it out via computer, or email it. One hundred to $150 is the typical amount to give, as it makes sure a full spa treatment is covered. Find out more about spa gift certificates.

The Pleasures of LED Light Therapy

Tuesday January 31, 2012

LED light therapy is one of my favorite forms of skin rejuvenation because it's a painless, relatively inexpensive skin-care treatment that plumps up aging skin by boosting collagen production. 

First developed by NASA, LED works by sending energy-producing packets of light into the deeper layers of the skin. Red light LED stimulates the fibroblasts that produce collagen. Blue light LED treats acne by killing the bacteria that causes inflammation.

Professional LED treatments are given at select day spas, usually those with a serious focus on skin care. It can be a stand-alone treatment or part of a facial and usually cost somewhere between $75 to $125 a treatment. The results won't be as dramatic as plastic surgery, but it's a gentler, less expensive way to go.

Affordable Home LED Machine Relieves Pain, Plumps Up Skin

Monday January 30, 2012

led pain, led beautyI'm a big fan of LED, the source of soothing, painless treatments that plump up aging skin by boosting collagen production. When given in a series and then maintained, LED improves skin tone, minimizes fine lines and pores, and reduces redness.  LED can also improve cases of mild to moderate acne.  Treatments are usually given by an esthetician and can cost anywhere from $75 to $125 a treatment. It adds up.

So I was excited to find out that there's an affordable home LED machine for $350 that can be used to relieve pain and boost collagen. Here's what happened when I gave it a try.

Romantic Spa Deals In 2012

Tuesday January 24, 2012

Valentine's Day is coming up soon and there are plenty of hotels and spas out there with special spa deals for the month of February, 2012.  Here are a few I found:

  • Known for its pink sand beaches and turquoise waters, Bermuda is hosting an island-wide "Feel the Love Month," with free activities for couples like a love cruise, champagne and strawberries museum reception, salsa dancing nights and a love tales walking tour. You can also get a free night at spa hotels, including Elbow Beach and the Cambridge Beaches Resort and Spa. The special events go from Jan. 16 - March 3, 2012. (Remember, this is well north of the Caribbean so it will be a little chillier.)
  • The London West Hollywood in Los Angeles has the "From London with Love" package that includes a well appointed suite, a welcome amenity of sparkling wine and Gordon Ramsay chocolates, two one-hour spa treatments at the Carasoin Spa, breakfast at the Boxwood Cafe Breakfast Table, overnight parking for one vehicle, and 2 pm late checkout. Rates start from $499 night.
  • The Setai Fifth Avenue in New York City is offering a "Weekend to Remember" experience throughout February, 2012. The experience includes overnight accommodations, a twilight trip to the top of the Empire State Building ( just steps away from the hotel), Taittinger Champagne and Read More...

Discuss in my forum

©2012 About.com. All rights reserved. 

A part of The New York Times Company.