Staycation? So 2012. This summer’s option for a quick, in-town holiday: the daycation.
We lifted this nifty nontravel nomenclature from the Ritz-Carlton, Buckhead, which is promoting its “Spa DayCation” to locals. Sign up for any spa treatment of 50 minutes or more Monday through Thursday and receive a hydrating paraffin hand dip, access to the hotel’s indoor pool and fitness center, champagne or mimosas and snacks, and valet parking.
Spa options include a 50-minute manicure ($55) and pedicure ($75), a 50-minute deep-tissue massage ($140) and the 60-minute Georgia Red Clay Body Wrap ($165). See www.ritzcarlton.com/en/Properties/Buckhead/Spa for details and a full list of services. And keep in mind this is for you, not your entourage. "Access to pool and fitness center is for the guest receiving the spa treatment," the travel advisory notes. "Guests may not bring other guests or children."
Right around the corner is The Spa at Mandarin Oriental, Atlanta, a 15,000-square-foot palace of pampering that consists of 14 private rooms including a VIP couples suite with a private soaking tub and shower. The spa’s amenities include dedicated men’s and women’s relaxation areas, a steam room, sauna and pool, a fitness center, yoga studio, spa boutique, and indoor lap pool. The spa menu includes the 1.5-hour Mandarin Oriental Signature massage ($280), 50-minute Oriental Essence ($135) and 80-minute Aroma Stone Massage ($185).
The spa offers full- and half-day packages. See www.mandarinoriental.com.
Daycations can be far less luxe and costly, of course. The Georgia Department of Natural Resources' website is full of great ideas for quick and close getaways. Public affairs coordinator Kim Hatcher noted that Atlanta residents could combine three Native American sites — the Etowah Indian Mounds in the Cartersville area, the New Echota historic site in Calhoun and the Chief Vann House in Chatsworth, home of Cherokee Indian leader James Vann, which are all located off I-75 north of town — for a fun and educational day. But the list of possibilities is huge. See www.gastateparks.org and start planning as much of a road trip as you're up for.
If you're looking for spiritual as well as physical renewal, the Monastery of the Holy Spirit in the Conyers area, home to 36 monks, welcomes visitors year-round. The monastery sits on more than 3,200 acres about 30 minutes from downtown Atlanta. Highlights include a visitor center, museum, bonsai garden and nursery, prayer walk, gift shop, cafe, and the abbey church. Admission is free. Visitors are welcome seven days a week, between the hours of 7 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. The welcome center is open Monday-Saturday. For information, see www.trappist.net/.
Then again, maybe you just want to lounge. All the area’s W hotels offer something for day-trippers seeking fun in the sun. Guests at the Midtown W’s weekly “Silent Sunday” events can enjoy poolside cabanas, frozen fruit, fruity cocktails or nibbles from the poolside menu. There’s no admission charge, but there is a $25 food/beverage minimum. At the downtown W, guests who visit the Bliss Spa for services may also use the pool and gym. The Buckhead W’s weekly “Sundaze” event features deep-end cocktail service, chilled towels, rotating DJs, champagne toasts and more. There’s no admission charge.
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