Top 4 Spa Vacation Destinations

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There are fabulous spas and spa resorts all over the world. It’s safe to say that in nearly every country you can find some sort of spa treatment to add to your adventure. But if you’re looking for a destination that puts the “aah” in spa – a destination that really shines in terms of spa treatments and a focus on wellness? These are our top four destinations: 

Budapest, Hungary – For an abundance of choice

Known as the Spa Capital of the World, Budapest boasts hundreds of thermal springs across the city. Created by the ancient Romans, these spas manage to combine modern spa culture with a traditional feel. You can find everything from Zen spa retreats to public thermal baths. From traditional Turkish hammams to high-end luxury experiences. The city sits along a geologic fault line that sends tons of warm-to-scalding mineral water into its springs each day. So, spa culture is very much intertwined with the local lifestyle. Plus, the city itself is one of the most beautiful in central Europe, with incredible architecture and a unique history. The variety of spa experiences makes this one of the best spa travel destinations in Europe. 

The Riviera Maya- For Beachy Vibes & Ancient Wisdom

two massage beds in a thatch-roofed hut on the beach in Mexico

A 100-mile stretch of beachfront along the Caribbean coast of the Yucatan peninsula, the Riviera Maya was specifically developed with tourism in mind. Packed with stunning beaches and luxury resorts, this is a perfect (and not too far away) destination to enjoy even a quick spa getaway. And you can find something a little different from the classic Swedish or deep-tissue massage. Check out specialized treatments rooted in ancient Mayan practices — like relaxing hot lava rocks, herbal steams, meditations, and Temazcal. Indulging in a spa vacation on the Riviera Maya is the perfect way to enjoy a beach vacation with an extra dose of relaxation.

[Photo Credit Ann via Shared Adventures Travel]

Switzerland – For Luxury & Medical Know-How

Surrounded by the majestic Alps, deep blue lakes, and cool, refreshing mountain air. Switzerland offers the best in medical and holistic wellness programs. Here you’ll find centuries-old thermal pools and unique massage treatments. Alongside them are regimens developed by doctors, osteopaths, acupuncturists, and nutritionists. Switzerland combines jaw-dropping, imposing landscapes and bucket-list ski resorts, with a focus on luxury spa experiences and beauty and wellness products. These spas hold themselves to a high standard, and often incorporate medical-grade treatments meant to boost your health and extend your life.

Costa Rica – For combining adventure with relaxation

Eco-minded, beautifully lush, and pristine, Costa Rica boasts dozens of spas and wellness retreats. Nestled in the rainforest and along the coastline you’ll find a tantalizing blend of eastern and western therapies. The focus in Costa Rica is all natural. Disconnect and recharge from the stresses of daily life by immersing yourself in the beauty of nature. You can expect thermal waters, mud treatments, yoga classes, forest bathing, and mindful nature walks. And throw in a little bit of kayaking or hiking for balance.

[Photo Credit: Ellen via Shared Adventures – read about her Costa Rica honeymoon here!]

a pair of slippered feed on a wooden balcony looking at lush greenery in Costa Rica

Are you deciding on the perfect destination for your next relaxing spa vacation? Or just looking to add a bit of pampering and spa treatment to your next adventure? Let us know!

Iceland: Blue Lagoon vs. Sky Lagoon

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Mention to anyone that you are headed to Iceland, and the first place they’ll ask about is the Blue Lagoon. They’ve been there, or they want to go there. It’s on their bucket list, or they want to know if it’s on yours. It makes sense. The Blue Lagoon has been around for decades, and it’s one of the top tourist attractions in Iceland. 

But there’s a new lagoon in town – the Sky Lagoon, which opened in 2021 and is still a bit “under the radar” for many people. We have started to get questions about this one from our clients (which one is better, is it worth visiting both, etc) so I decided to experience both lagoons, back-to-back, on consecutive days, on my recent trip to Iceland. It’s all in the name of research, right?

I’ve been to the Blue Lagoon several times before, so I was a little bit concerned that it would be unfairly disadvantaged in comparison to someplace fresh and new. But I had my daughter with me on this trip, and she’s a first-timer to Iceland, so I made sure to get her feedback too!

Location

The Blue Lagoon is located near Keflavik airport, and most people visit it on their arrival or departure days, since it’s a little bit far from Reykjavik (about a 45-minute drive). It’s surrounded by dramatic volcanic landscapes, and the drive there really sets the scene. The lagoon was created by run-off from a geothermal power plant, and you can see the steam from that plant rising from the lava fields as you approach. There’s an (expensive) hotel onsite, so you can spend a night there if you like. We spent a bit less and stayed at the Northern Light Inn next door so that we could experience the lagoon first thing in the morning (more on that later).

The Sky Lagoon is located in an industrial/waterfront area on the outskirts of Reykjavik. It’s just ten minutes from the center of downtown, but the drive is not at all scenic. We felt like we were driving to a deserted wharf until we pulled into the parking lot and saw the pretty façade. 

Conclusion: Tie

If you’re staying in Reykjavik and want to soak in a lagoon without taking an entire day to do it, the Sky Lagoon wins for convenience.  But if you’re doing a quick stopover and don’t want to come all the way into Reykjavik, the Blue Lagoon wins for convenience to the airport.  We’ll call this a tie.

Atmosphere/Vibe

The Blue Lagoon is bigger, and attracts a lot more people, but there’s always enough space to spread out. The milky blue water feels otherworldly, and it’s set off nicely by the dramatic black lava rocks that surround it. But around the perimeter of the lagoon you can see trash cans, empty glasses that people didn’t return to the receptacles, and lifeguards/security guards on patrol.  Those all give it a little bit of a public swimming pool vibe. As do the excited children in swim goggles and flotation devices. The minimum age for the Blue Lagoon is just two years old, so there will be families with kids.

In contrast, the Sky Lagoon, with its 12+ age limit, feels much more adult-oriented. We did not see anyone even close to that age, and the crowd was mostly couples.  This lagoon has an infinity edge overlooking the sea, and the water is clear, like the ocean beyond. It’s nicely landscaped with lava rocks and waterfalls, and we appreciated the benches that are built into the lagoon among the rocks. The swim up bar is tucked into a little grotto, and the only other thing you see around the perimeter of the lagoon is a small moss-covered cottage, which is where the spa rituals take place. Behind that cottage façade is a modern and beautiful spa facility.

Conclusion: Sky Lagoon

No kids, spa vibe, and ocean views means that the Sky Lagoon wins this one.

Pricing/inclusions

Blue Lagoon prices start at $67 per person for their comfort package, and $86 per person for the upgraded premium package, which is the one we did.  The prices vary by day/time (based on demand), and there is also a much more expensive “Retreat Spa” package you can purchase (more like $600 pp).  Our premium package included entrance to the lagoon, a towel, a bathrobe, three facial masks, and a drink at the swim up bar. The masks are DIY – they plop some mud or algae in your hand and tell you how long to leave it on before you wash it off in the lagoon and come back for the next one, and there is a big mirror along the side of the pool (and a fresh water spigot) to help with that. No one wants to lounge around with some misplaced or forgotten mud on their face!

Sky Lagoon prices start at about $50 per person for their basic “Pure Lite” package, and $73 per person for the “Pure” package that we did. They also offer a more expensive ($96 per person) package that includes a private changing room. Like the Blue Lagoon, the prices vary by day/time, based on demand.  Our Pure package included admission to the lagoon, a towel, and their seven-step spa ritual. This takes place in the little cottage adjacent to the lagoon. It includes a cold plunge pool, a sauna, an energizing mist, a (self-applied) body scrub, a steam room, and a refreshing shower. The spa ritual is done at your leisure, and we soaked in the lagoon, then did the spa, and then soaked in the lagoon again afterward with a mimosa from the swim-up bar. 

Conclusion: Sky Lagoon

Dollar for dollar, the Sky Lagoon is a better value. The prices are lower, and you get a lot more when you compare their Pure package to the Blue Lagoon Premium package. 

Overall takeaway, and our tips/advice

It’s probably clear by now that we preferred the Sky Lagoon, but the Blue Lagoon is iconic, and if you want to experience the milky, mineral-rich waters, you should absolutely do that.  Or do both, like we did. But if you do both I would suggest you do the Blue Lagoon first for the visual “wow”. And the Sky Lagoon second, for the relaxing “aaaaah”.  

Here are some other tips:

  • For either lagoon, go first thing in the morning. Prices will be lower for the first entry times of the day, and crowds will be lighter. It makes a huge difference in the experience.
  • Don’t get your hair wet at the Blue Lagoon. The minerals are really tough on hair, and it will feel dried out and rough for days.
  • If you’re visiting during the winter months, when it can be cold and snowy outside, remember that the Blue Lagoon has an indoor entrance to the water. It’s to your left as you exit the building. You can walk right into the water inside, and then swim out into the cold. (much better than the dash through the outdoors in your bathing suit)
  • Shower (naked) before you enter either lagoon. In Iceland, this is mandatory, and they take it seriously. There are showers in the locker rooms, and you are expected to use them before and after you swim. 
  • Watch out for the underwater benches at the Sky Lagoon. They’re not visible from above the water. I banged my shins on one before I figured out to check between the lava rocks for benches. 

I hope this helps you plan an amazing trip to Iceland. And if you want an expert to put it all together for you, just let us know! 

Top Tips for Group Adventures

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There’s a lot to consider when you’re going on a group trip — whether you’re planning an adventure with your best friends, a multi-generational getaway with the whole family or you’re embarking on a pre-planned group tour. There are some incredible benefits of sharing experiences with other travelers, but it does take some specialized planning. Here are our top tips for group travel of all kinds:

#1 Make Sure Everyone Is On The Same Page

From big factors like budget, destination, and travel dates, to small details like the number of beds you’ll need. It’s important to start with an open and honest discussion to ensure that everyone’s expectations align.

Do you want to spring for the ultra-luxury hotel with incredible views, pool, and spa — Or is this a more casual trip? Will you splurge on a once-in-a-lifetime experience like snorkeling with whale sharks? You don’t need to nail down exactly where you’re staying or what you’re doing yet.  Just get an idea of what kinds of activities, amenities, and styles everyone envisions for this adventure.

Be upfront about your boundaries, your priorities, and your budget. And allow space for everyone else to express their expectations. Make sure this vacation is a shared vision.

#2 Use Apps

There are a myriad of apps and technology to help keep everyone connected and on the same page. Utilizing things like WhatsApp and Google Docs to stay connected and share itineraries. Tricount or Travelspend will make keeping track of budget and spending so much easier. Make sure you have a plan of what you’ll use to communicate and keep track of costs before you go.

a group stands in front of a large fountain and beautiful vineyards in Napa Valley CA

[Photo Credit: Cailtin White via Shared Adventures — check out their girl’s trip to Napa here]

#3 Balance Free Time & Activities – But always plan food & drinks

When planning a trip for clients, we always try to create the perfect balance between wandering the beautiful streets, relaxing on your own, and pre-planned activities. It’s important to have downtime as well as scheduled activities. Remember, having too many planned activities in a day will leave everyone feeling tired and stressed. Plus, groups take a little longer to get from place to place because there will always be unexpected needs like a coffee, snack, or bathroom. So, leave yourselves breathing room in your schedule.

However, always have a solid dinner plan.  Nothing is worse than trying to decide where to eat when everyone is already hungry and finding that there is a 2hr wait because of your group size. You can always cancel the reservation if you change your mind.

#4 Everyone is good at something

Find the skill sets of the individuals in your group and utilize them! Does someone have a great sense of direction? They are now the navigator. Does someone speak the local language? They are the communicator. Two people with an artistic eye? In charge of photos. This will help spread out the responsibilities and tasks. It ensures that everything that needs doing is being taken care of and gives your vacation a collaborative feel.

Cruise ship group on the small luxury ship

[Photo Credit: Ann via Shared Adventures — check out her group trip aboard a luxury cruise ship here]

#5 Be Flexible & Have Fun

First, agree to have fun. Nobody likes the constant complainer on a trip – this is supposed to be a fun adventure! Entering the trip with a positive mindset from the beginning will ensure you’ll have a good time!

Second, figure out your non-negotiables and communicate them with the rest of the group. Find where you mesh together and where you might need to do your own thing. There will be a little compromise beforehand and some unexpected changes in the moment. So make sure you’re flexible in your plans and expectations.

Above all, remember that the best decision is any decision that gets finalized. Sometimes someone just needs to decide so you can have an experience rather than standing around trying to come to a consensus. Just make sure it’s not always the same person making the call, and remember to step up if no one else has a strong opinion.

Specific Tips for Group Tours

#1 Keep an open mind

On a planned group tour you’ll be in the hands of a trusted guide and might find yourself a little outside your comfort zone – but that’s part of the experience! To be able to do and see things you may never have thought of doing and seeing yourself. Be sure to join these groups with an open mind and willingness to experience new and different things.

#2 Be patient

Everyone travels a little differently – and that’s ok. While each group tour will tend to attract like-minded people, everyone has their travel quirks that you may or may not enjoy. Remember to be patient with others in your group. Especially since moving in a group will take much longer than if you were on your own. A little patience and kindness go a long way in creating a fun group atmosphere.

[Photo Credit: Ann via Shared Adventures – check out her recent adventure to Thailand here!]

#3 Ask Questions

Your tour guide is there to answer all your questions! They often have more in-depth knowledge than just what’s on your itinerary – so be curious! If you start to wonder about something, speak up and ask. Similarly, ask questions of your fellow travelers. Group Tours are a great way to meet interesting people, and make new friends from all walks of life – so indulge in curiosity and ask away!

Specific Tips for Friend Groups

#1 It’s more about the Group than the Destination

The destination is incredible and worth enjoying, but the point of a group vacation is to spend time together! To get away from the day-to-day minutia of life! Carve out time to be in the moment, chat and enjoy each other’s company. Don’t get too hung up on ‘seeing it all’.

#2 Have Some Alone Time

While this adventure is about spending time with your favorite people – sometimes you need a little alone time to be your best self, and that’s ok. You don’t have to do every single thing together.

#3 Establish a leader

Early in the process, pick someone who will be the leader. The organizer, the person who best understands the needs of the group and is willing to take on the final decisions. While it should be an overall democratic process – having someone as the point person for your travel agent or general organizer will be a big help.

[Photo Credit: Ann via Shared Adventures — check out her group trip to the Galapagos here!]

Specific Tips for Multi-Generational Adventures

#1 Cater to Everyone’s Interest

a large family photo in front of the rocky mountains

More often than not, you’ll find that not everyone is interested in seeing the same things – and that’s ok. Make sure to have a balance – a little bit of something for everyone. And a few things that everyone will enjoy.

#2 Schedule time to sit and soak it in

Make sure to schedule frequent breaks and times to just enjoy being together. Whether it’s a long lunch, time to sit in the park, or relaxing together on the beach. Don’t let the vacation zoom by with too many plans and activities.

[Photo Credit: Ginny via Shared Adventures]

#3 Plan for bathroom breaks

The much older and much younger generations tend to need more bathroom breaks and it’s worthwhile to do a little planning ahead of time. Make sure there’s time in the schedule and, if you’re on a road trip or walking around a city – you know where the bathrooms are.

We hope these tips have you feeling ready for your next group adventure! The earlier you start planning the better — so let us know what you have in mind and we can help you every step of the way!

Ann’s Adventure in Thailand

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Thailand is aptly called the “Land of Smiles”, but it is also the land of surprises! My recent trip to Bangkok, Chiang Rai, and Chiang Mai was educational, fun, fascinating, delicious, exhausting, and – yes – surprising. And that’s exactly why I go and visit these destinations personally 😊

Flying to Thailand in a nice little cubby

The flight is long. That was no surprise. But doing it on Qatar Airways in their fabulous business class Q-Suite made it much more enjoyable. With my own private little cubicle, a freshly-made lay-flat bed, and their pajamas, I was able to get a solid night’s sleep en route from Boston to Doha, and then order an on-demand breakfast when I woke up. The Doha Airport is fantastic. Modern, well-run, with a gorgeous business-class lounge. And the eight-hour flight from there to Bangkok was basically two movies and two meals. Who can complain about that? 

The Bangkok airport was a breeze. We were traveling during the slower “rainy season” (more on that later), so the airport was not busy, and my host (Abercrombie and Kent Southeast Asia) had arranged VIP service to whisk me through the formalities, onto a bus, and to my hotel.

Hotels

The Peninsula Bangkok was my first surprise. I’ve stayed in five-star hotels before, but I quickly learned that there’s a big difference between a five-star hotel and a five-star Asian hotel. For a nightly rate that might get you a basic four-star hotel in Rome or Paris, you get over-the-top service and amenities.

A huge room with Panoramic views over the city. Pillowcases embroidered with my name. Exotic fresh fruit and chocolate presentations in the room every evening at turn-down.

A pot of tea delivered (un-requested) to my room moments after my luggage arrived, just in case I needed some refreshment after my long journey. And laundry service that came back (within hours) so beautifully folded and wrapped that it looked like a gift.

This kind of service was not limited to the first hotel. It was consistent throughout my trip. And it was not just because I was a travel advisor there on an educational visit. It’s simply how they treat guests. Amazing.

Thai Massage

My second surprise came that afternoon. I had booked a Thai Massage at the hotel spa, hoping it would relax and unwind me after the long flights. Spa services in Thailand are much less expensive than here in the US, and I was very happy with my very inexpensive price, but I was not at all prepared for exactly what a “thai” massage meant.

I was bent into positions I did not know my body could handle and kneaded so deeply that I was sure I would be black and blue for days. I did tell the therapist that I preferred lighter pressure, and I did not have her walk on me (which many of them do), but it still was borderline unpleasant and painful. That being said, I woke up the next morning feeling amazing. And without a bruise in sight. So it clearly worked. And my fellow agents on the trip with me became Thai Massage addicts, scheduling them every few days. So let’s just say that opinions vary, lol.

Bangkok

Our three days in Bangkok were a mix of sightseeing (the Grand Palace, temples, a sunset cruise on the Chao Phraya River, and street markets), touring hotels (the St Regis, the Anantara Siam, the Mandarin Oriental, and the Sukhothai Bangkok), and eating.

So much eating! We experienced everything from street food and market stalls to lunch at a Michelin-starred restaurant and an amazing ten-course gourmet tasting menu at Baan Phraya at the Mandarin Oriental. All I can say about that experience is do not miss it. And make your reservations the moment you book your Bangkok hotel. 

What we did NOT experience was rain. And this was yet another surprise. Traveling in June, I was prepared for torrential downpours. I had planned (and packed) accordingly, making sure I had not only the required “modest attire” (shoulders to knees covered) for visiting temples, but also an umbrella, rain jacket, and shoes that could trudge through puddles. With the exception of one very brief downpour, while we ate lunch one day, the skies were surprisingly clear. It was very hot and humid, but not nearly as wet as I had expected.

Chiang Rai

When we left Bangkok, we flew north to Chiang Rai to spend a couple of nights at the Anantara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp & Resort.

I know that I should not play favorites, but I could easily have spent a week here. The setting is idyllic, overlooking grasslands, rice paddies, and the Mekong River, at the confluence where Thailand, Cambodia, and Laos all come together (the Golden Triangle). The hotel itself is serene, with a focus on wellness and relaxation, and activities that include cooking classes and visits to the onsite beehives and gardens.

But the elephants, of course, are the stars! There are fourteen rescued elephants that live on the grasslands with their mahouts (handlers/keepers) and guests can interact with them in various ways. We did a “Walking with Giants” experience that I will never forget.

Honeymooners should check out their Jungle Bubbles, and the “Explorer’s Arrival”, where you arrive at the resort via longtail boat along the Mekong River, and the gentle giants greet you. Seriously.

The White Temple

From Chiang Rai, it’s about a 3 ½ hour drive to Chiang Mai, which would be our last home base.

We broke up the drive through rural northern Thailand with a visit to Wat Rong Khun (the “White Temple”) which was yet another surprise. I had wrongly assumed that the temples in Thailand would all be ancient, with lots of history behind them, but this quirky temple was created by a famous Thai artist in 1997 and is still not entirely complete.

It glitters with millions of mirrored mosaic tiles and contains paintings/murals/sculptures referencing everything from Buddha to Elvis and Hello Kitty. Very unexpected and strange, but fun. 

Chiang Mai

In Chiang Mai, we stayed at the Anantara Chiang Mai, which is a beautifully peaceful and relaxing oasis in the surprisingly busy city. I had not expected Chiang Mai to be such a big city, and I have to admit that I was a bit overwhelmed in the crowded and bustling night market there. Far too many people for me!

I much preferred our day in the mountains, where we learned to drive tuk tuks, motored through the countryside, and stopped to visit an elephant home.

Far too quickly, it was time to say goodbye and fly back to Bangkok and on from there to Doha and Boston. We did not get to visit any of the beach destinations on this trip, but we did ask our host to give us a little impromptu seminar about some of the most popular beach towns, so I have lots of info about Phuket, Krabi, Koh Samui, etc. and am happy to share that if you’re ready to plan a trip!

If you’ve made it this far, and want my overall thoughts on Thailand in general, all I can say is that you have to experience it in person, and you need to see more than just Bangkok.

You get a lot of bang for your buck in Thailand. And this is a destination where it really pays to work with a well-connected travel advisor who can build in the amazing, magical moments that you didn’t even know you could experience. Let us know if you’re inspired to start planning your own Thailand Adventure!

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You provided excellent guidance for us. I appreciated that you really had us think about what was most important to us when we were selecting the right cruise – and not to totally focus on what other people had to say. THANK YOU for helping to make this a memorable trip for our family! It really was a trip of a lifetime!

– Clare and Mark (family cruise to Alaska)

The level of service we experienced was out of this world (and we did NOT make it easy on Ann). We weren’t quite sure where we wanted to go, when we would be able to go, or what “vibe” we were going for. After asking us some key questions (what we liked, didn’t like, why, etc.) Ann helped us narrow down our trip details and planned the honeymoon of our dreams. She helped book some of our excursions, answered some emergency questions while abroad and was always available/willing to help. I think it’s safe to say we won’t be using anyone else for future travel planning – Ann is a rockstar!

– Carli (Italy and Spain)