The Spa Report 2011

Every year, along with my fellow Gateway colleagues, Vivian Paesano and Roseann Konke, I head out to visit Virtuoso spas across the country. Not only do we get to enjoy a few days of pampering, relaxation and exercise, we gain expert knowledge of the properties and what they have to offer our clientele.

The Resort at Pelican Hill 

Imagine arriving at the gates of a Tuscan villa and finding it in Newport Coast, California! Open just three years ago, the Resort at Pelican HIll is your destination for luxury accommodations, both bungalow and villa in style. Fabulous spa, golf and gourmet dining with five-star service awaited us, along with a view from the villa we never wanted to leave. Breakfast at the Coliseum Pool, with a view of the golf course and the ocean beyond, plus dinner at Andrea, the epicurean Italian restaurant, left us in gourmet heaven. With two Tom Fazio golf courses, a children's program, 24 hour room service and the short drive to Laguna Beach, Pelican Hill may be just the spot for you! 

Four Seasons Biltmore Santa Barbara

On our way north we stopped at the fabulous Four Seasons in Santa Barbara, a Spanish colonial 1927 retreat. Recently updated, with a fabulous spa and the new Coral Casino Beach and Cabana Club(pictured), there is a feeling of stepping back in time to Hollywood's playground. This Virtuoso property offers extras to our clients. Ask me how you can make this your hideaway! 

Ojai Valley Inn and Spa

North of Los Angeles and south of Santa Barbara is a well-kept secret, the Ojai Valley Inn and Spa. Located on a sprawling 220-acre property, the Old Mission style resort is the place to indulge yourself with world class spa, golf, tennis and cuisine that emphasizes locally grown foods. The Spa Village is the star attraction here with 30,000 square feet of services, including their one-of-a-kind, signature Kuyam mud treatment. The Artist's Cottage and Apothecary is another highlight where you can engage creatively with local artists. With wonderful fireplace rooms and suites, all overlooking the gorgeous, scenic Ojai Valley you will have all spa, golf, hiking, biking and bird watching you could possibly want! 

Length of Trip: 3-4 days per resort
Places visited: Newport Coast, Newport Beach, Santa Barbara and Ojai,  California
Time of Year:  spring, summer, fall
Appeals to: golfers, spa, active couples, girlfriend weekends
Traveled with: Two Gateway Travel Agents, Roseann and Vivian
Note to Traveler: do as much or as little as you want; pampering is the order of the day!
Insider tip: make your tee times, spa appointments and dinner reservations before you leave.