Top 5 business destinations

There’s nothing like a business trip, especially when your company is paying. You’re usually flown business class to a city in another state or country, put up by your company in a fancy hotel and treated to delicious meals, all in exchange for a few hours of business. Still, there are ways to make that typical business trip even better. Sure, a quick trip to Denver or Silicon Valley can be great, but why not take a quick sojourn to the Caribbean, budget allowing? Check out these five great destinations for sealing business deals for some more ideas!

Nassau, The Bahamas

One great thing about the Bahamas is that this small island nation is right next to the United States, reducing the chance that your boss will object to your junket to this foreign country. Many Nassau hotels are just a minute’s walk from the beach, meaning that once you have finished with your business dealings, you can take a leisurely stroll down to the sand and relax. Flights to Nassau aren’t too expensive, and many hotels feature business centers.

Hamilton, Bermuda

Here’s another one of those small island territories located just off the United States’ coast. Bermuda, known for its famed ‘Bermuda Triangle’, is a small overseas territory of the United Kingdom located southeast of North Carolina. Many hotels in Bermuda feature business centers, and Bermuda comes with the added bonus of being a center of business itself – the small territory has one of the highest GDP per capita rates in the world owing to its booming finance sector.

U.S. Virgin Islands

If your company will pay for you to go anywhere inside the United States, suggest the U.S. Virgin Islands as a possibility. Although a territory of the United States, the U.S. Virgin Islands (not to be confused with their British counterpart, the British Virgin Islands) are actually east of Puerto Rico, not anywhere near the mainland. The islands are known for their beautiful beaches, so this is another great destination to keep in mind!

Canada

Not a fan of the hot summer temperatures of the continental United States? Canada may be a great option! Companies often do not see trips to Canada as junkets (like those to the Caribbean often are) because there are no internationally renowned beaches there. Although there are beaches in Canada, ski resorts are far more plentiful. If it’s not too warm, head to western Canada to experience what 2010 Winter Olympics competitors experienced – fantastic facilities for snow sports!

Miami, Florida

Who ever said that you had to leave the United States to go on an enjoyable business trip? Several hotels with business centers operate here, meaning that it will never be difficult to find a location to conduct business negotiations. In addition, Miami features some of the United States’ best beaches, making it easy to enjoy the sun while conducting business in your spare time.

As you can see, several locations across North America are perfect for conducting business. Keep these destinations in mind for the next time you go on a business trip!

Top 5 spa destinations in the world

Anyone who has ever been on a spa vacation will know that a spa resort can provide the perfect getaway for anyone looking to unwind after months or even years of suffering under the ever-building pressures of work, study or family life. Check out these fantastic international spa destinations and start planning your next spa getaway today!

CuisinArt Resort and Spa, Anguilla

In case you’ve never heard of it, Anguilla is a small British island territory in the Caribbean, not too far from Puerto Rico. The CuisinArt Resort and Spa adds to the ambience of the luscious Caribbean islands, with specialized treatment rooms dedicated to specific purposes, including a couple’s room. The resort is located just one minute from the beach, and from the resort visitors receive fantastic views of the volcanic cones of St. Maarten, a nearby island. The resort can get fairly expensive when it is busy, so to get the best deal, go when not many visitors are expected to show up.

Marquis Los Cabos, Mexico

This spa is part of a larger resort complex, and despite its size, is very quiet. This spa offers all the treatments that spas in the United States would be expected to offer, except that you’ll receive fantastic service and stunning surroundings. This location is perfect for couples on a honeymoon, as the private nature of the spa makes for a romantic getaway.

Brenner’s Park-Hotel and Spa, Baden-Baden, Germany

If you are willing to go a little further afield from the United States and Canada, Germany has several spas just waiting to pamper and reenergize you. One of these spas is Brenner’s Park-Hotel and Spa, located in Baden-Baden, a town renowned worldwide for its fantastic historic spas.  One great feature of this spa is its pool – instead of using copious amounts of chlorine to keep it clean, the hotel managers have decided to use ozone to keep your skin feeling softer than ever. You won’t be the only non-European at this spa if you choose to go, as it is very popular with international visitors.

Hotel Guanahani, Saint Barthélemy

Another fantastic Caribbean spa destination is the Hotel Guanahani on the island of Saint Barthélemy (or ‘St. Barths’).  The hotel has 76 rooms, making the hotel fairly small and private. Once visitors are finished with their spa treatments, they are free to explore the rest of the hotel, which features a watersports building, a gym as well as a tennis court for those up for a quick game. The hotel also features a restaurant with Mediterranean-style meals.

Rosewood Mayakoba, Riviera Maya, Mexico

If you would like to experience Caribbean-style weather and scenery without leaving the North American continental mainland, check out the Rosewood Mayakoba in Mexico. Situated on the nation’s Caribbean coastline, the spa resort is located on a private island just off the coast of Mexico. The spa features several treatment rooms and a personal level of service. Once you’re finished with your treatment, feel free to enjoy the hotel’s other facilities, including a Jacuzzi and a steam room.

Top 5 spa destinations in the United States

A spa retreat can be just the thing to relieve the stress of a busy work or family life. No matter whether you need a getaway from the pressures of a hard taskmaster of a boss or a high-maintenance family, these five fantastic spa destinations will leave you refreshed, renewed and ready to take on the next barrage of pressures!

1. Cal-A-Vie, California

If you’re close to the western coast, you might like to visit Cal-A-Vie, a resort spa close to Los Angeles and the top destination of countless Hollywood celebrities. If you’re not interested in spotting any famous stars, you can get an immersive spa experience here as well – the location of Cal-A-Vie makes it secluded from the noise of city life, and the surroundings of this spa destination make you feel like you’re in southern Europe.

2. Acqualina Resort & Spa on the Beach, Miami, Florida

For those closer to the eastern seaboard, Acqualina Resort & Spa on the Beach is a perfect destination for a spa getaway, whether it be for a week or a weekend. The facilities at this resort are impeccable – some have described this destination as detached from its surroundings and a world of its own. One negative about this location though is that it is a tourist hotel as well – if you are looking for some relaxation away from the noise of kids, you might like to look elsewhere.

3. Aspira Spa, Wisconsin

This one is great for both those in the northern United States and Canadians in the south of their nation! Featuring body treatments, massages, saunas, whirlpool spas and more, the Aspira Spa is a great destination for those who want a weekend getaway. Aspira has received positive reviews from travelers, with many praising its friendly staff.

4. Red Mountain Spa, Ivins, Utah

The Red Mountain Spa is great for stressed travelers on a budget.  This spa is not just relaxation – the spa also offers hikes through the Utah mountains and countless adventure sports activities. Of course, if you want the usual spa treatments that many travelers have come to know and love, the Red Mountain Spa won’t disappoint – an aromatherapy massage or the spa’s famous Red Mountain Revitalizer is sure to reenergize the most drained of visitors.

5. The Biggest Loser Resort, St. George, Utah

As the name implies, this is a weight loss spa, and is not ideal for those who just want to relax. Although you are bound to lose quite a lot of weight at this spa, the facilities are less than fantastic – the resort features simple motel-style rooms and an outdoor pool. So, if you are looking to lose a lot of weight in a small amount of time, The Biggest Loser Resort might be for you – if you are looking to relax in a country setting, look elsewhere (and in your search, be sure to look at number four in this lineup, which is also located in St. George).