Beach

Miraval just opened its first spa expansion beyond their Arizona location to Monarch Beach in Orange County April 2, 2016.

The soft pink sand, warm waters, fantastic food, modern accommodations and premier spa make Elbow Beach a standout boutique hotel — the first hotel on the island’s South Shore, just minutes from happening Hamilton, the capital and heart of Bermuda.

We love this destination’s bold, unpretentious admission: “More than a fat farm!” Indeed, this South Carolina seashore retreat has changed thousands of lives with their smartly conceived program of calorie reduction and personal attention to mind/body fitness. We salute them for their inspiration and education.

Question:

I just turned 50 in April, and am looking for the ultimate spa/spiritual renewal trip of a lifetime, anywhere in the world, and need help choosing my destination! I’ve looked everywhere and am now more confused than ever. My ideal trip is someplace where I can spa, [enjoy] light treks and beach/mountain water activities and whatever else a trip of a lifetime can offer. I am looking anywhere between July 9-August 7 for around a two-week stay.

I love the challenge of helping people find a place that meets all of their unique requests. It gives me a chance to use the neat filter feature on the SpaFinder website. I know I may a bit unusual in that I find filtering fun – it kind of reminds me of a slot machine where things are whirling and then all of a sudden it stops – and you have your answer.