Two days in Chicago on my “living like Oprah” vacation

For all of the international travels I have done, there are a few U.S. cities that i am a bit embarrassed not to have visited yet – Chicago was one of them.  The flight from Philadelphia is short enough, there are two major league baseball teams and a plethora of […]

Miraval Art in desert

Breaking barriers….climbing walls at Miraval Spa

I was scheduled to leave Miraval around 11:30/noon for my flight to Chicago.  A lot can be done before noon at Miraval and I was ready to do it.  My day would start with a morning hike on the grounds out in the desert.  We would have two guides, one […]

Miraval Spa Art

Miraval Spa Solo Travel – My Journey to a Better Self

When you think Spa, I am sure it conjures up images of blissful relaxation in a massage room with scents of lavender or citrus or other pleasing scent.  You’d think a spa vacation is just more of that with a side of lounging in your fluffy robe at the pool […]

Miraval Equine Experience

The Equine Experience at Miraval Spa, learning from the horses

At the top of my “to do” list was a unique Miraval experience – they have a few, but I was interested in the Equine Experience.  The sign up sheet process was a bit complicated.  As I arrived on Sunday, the session was full on Monday.  So i had only […]

Miraval Room Spa Tucson

My Miraval Room – a relaxing spa oasis in Tucson

When you first check in to Miraval Spa in Tucson, you are seated in a leather chair that is quite comfortable.  Your room is first explained to you and you are then shown the bedroom showcase – apparently, just like the Westin Heavenly Bed (I have the pillows) or Four Seasons […]

Arriving at Miraval Spa – first impressions

Leaving the cold behind in April, I boarded the first of two Southwest flights on my way to Tucson, Arizona.  Changing planes in Chicago was easy enough in the terminal, I had enough time for a quick walk to get a snack before having to line up by number (quite […]

Positioning for the award flight to Santiago – the PHL to JFK car service

We all know that the award flights are technically not “free” – at some point in the game, you’ve spent money on a credit card, spent time squeezed into a plane seat or maybe you bought miles.  So while I’ve redeemed many points for my “free flight” paying only a […]

Best cookies D.C. Chocolate Chip Walnut

In Search of Desserts and Cookies in New York City

The fun of traveling is experiencing something new and for me, this usually means desserts.  I can honestly say I have an international sweet tooth and the quest to satisfy it is quite fun, especially as my food journal and I are divorced when I travel.  Plus we all know […]