Every year, right before “swimsuit season” strikes, thousands of women (and men) begin to diet, detox, and de-junk their kitchen cabinets in a feeble attempt to lose their winter flab. And then suddenly, they wake up and it’s mid-July, and all they’ve got to show for it is a few fleeting tan lines and broken-in pair of flip flops.

Even though summer is well underway, it’s not too late to recharge your life with an invigorating week of exercise, healthy eating, and the great outdoors, all of which will help you lose that spare tire (or at least feel good enough not to care).

The Red Mountain Spa and Resort in St. George, Utah, is offering a special “July- August Super Deal.” Book at least two nights at this luxurious resort and enjoy the included benefits of three gourmet meals a day, unlimited fitness classes ranging from tai chi to pilates, cooking demonstrations and nutrition classes, and more.

A Delux Room starts at $209 per night, per person, and a Luxury Villa starts at $279 per night, per person. There is a 2-night minimum and teens ages 12-17 can be added at a reduced rate.

For some extra pampering, head to the Sagestone Spa & Salon within the resort, where they are celebrating their 10th Anniversay by offering up to 40% savings on treatments like facials, massages, acupuncture, and more.

Rates available through August 31, 2008 only. Additional nights may be reserved at current promotional rates to extend your Red Mountain Adventure!

For more information, visit http://www.redmountainspa.com/index.html or call 1-877-246-HIKE

Also visit Tango Diva’s Calendar of Cool posting for details at http://www.tangodiva.com/index.php?page=events&view=454

There are only three weeks left to book your dream vacation to Peru- and it comes with snacks! Join A Taste of Peru from October 17 to October 25, 2008, and find out the secrets of traditional Peruvian cooking and agriculture.

Sample the cuisine in Lima, Cusco, and everything in between for 7 days and 8 nights with professional tour guides, chefs, and group no larger than 15. The trip begins in Lima where guests will dine in some of Peru’s best restaurants, visit local markets, have demos and hands-on cooking classes, visit musuems and ruins, and tour the city. Next up is Cusco, where the group will visit Urubamba Valley, a setting of picturesque communities, impressive terraces and important archaeological sites. Guests will taste the ancient, traditional NovoAndino dishes made with seasonal and local produce. Finally, the tour heads to Machu Picchu, the archaeological wonder of the world. Back in Lima, guests commence for a farewell Pachamanca banquet celebration.

Tour Price: $3,300 per person, for twin share accomodation. Single supplement add $685.

Price includes airfare to and from Lima and Cusco, all local transportation, all meals on the itinerary, and twin-share accomodation.

The last day to reserve a spot is July 30, 2008. Visit http://www.atasteofperu.com/default.asp for more information and to make a reservation.

Visit Tango Diva’s Calendar of Cool post for more information at http://www.tangodiva.com/index.php?page=events&view=451

According to Malgorzata (Sarna) Rose, the best way to get to know a country is by exploring local cuisine, which is why Rose founded Poland Culinary Vacations, Inc., a company that provides unique, escorted cooking vacations in Poland. Tango Divas receive a 10 percent discount and are exempt from the $350 single supplement!

This August and September, Poland Culinary Vacations will be leading two trips through Silesia, in the southwest region of Poland, an area known for its hearty traditional fare as well as its hospitality and rich culture of cuisine, music, and dance.

At local farmhouses in the country and at modern city restaurants, guests will participate in cooking classes conducted by top chefs, using the freshest local ingredients.

Guest accommodations are in castles or palaces during the agricultural part of the trip, and in first-class hotels in urban areas- any Tango Diva would approve!

Also on the agenda are blubeerry and mushroom hunting trips, visits to neighborhood markets and Polish food festivals, and countless opportunities to sample the best local cuisine, including breads, cheeses, preserves, sausages, wild game dishes, beer, honey wine, and of course, vodka.

Available dates:

• August 31 to September 6, 2008
• September 14 to September 20, 2008

Tango Divas get TEN PERCENT OFF of the usual $2,650 per person. Divas are also exempt from the $350 single supplement. So the grand total for a traveling Diva is…$2,385 for the entire week! HURRY because offer is only good through the end of July 31, 2008!

For more information on Poland Culinary Vacations and their upcoming trips, or to make a reservation, visit:
http://www.polandculinaryvacations.com/index.php

Also check out Tango Diva’s Calendar of Cool posting for more details:

http://www.tangodiva.com/index.php?page=events&view=448

Grab your girlfriends and head to the Jamaican Inn for their exclusive Girlfriend Retreat package offered from now until December 19, 2008. This 5 day, 4 night package includes private roundtrip transportation from Montego Bay Airport, a stay in a deluxe verandah suite, daily breakfast, and a special 2 hours and 20 minutes marathon spa treatment including:

• KiYara Deep Stress Relief Massage
• Hydrating Aroma Facial
• Cooling Aloe Mint Body Cleanser

The four night stay in a single occupancy verandah suit costs US$1,608, while the four night stay in a double occupancy verandah suit costs US$2,276 — so it’s best to grab a girlfriend and split the difference on fabulous beachwear and gourmet, beachside meals. Those looking for a true escape will rest contently in the pastel and white toned rooms free of television, radio, and clocks. And for those who don’t want a total departure from modern technology, air conditioner, hairdryers, and telephones (for delicious room service) are included.

Girls who want more activity than just sun and sand can use the snorkeling, kayaking, and sunfish sailing equipment available on site. There are also tennis courts, a golf course, and horseback riding all nearby and accessible.

For more information or to make reservations, call 1-800-837-4608 or visit http://www.jamaicainn.com/

It seems that the economy and romance go hand in hand. Buy one, get another one half-off. Our daily purchases are a constant reminder of our romantic status. Family-size is the enemy.

It’s hard enough being a single gal, and the last thing we need is to financially suffer just because we’re going it alone. Vacations, in particular, often pose a fiscal dilemma. Many travel and hotel packages end up being a lot cheaper when traveling in pairs rather than solo.

For over 25 years, Singles Travel International has provided uniquely designed trips for single male and female travelers over 35 looking for adventure with other thrill-seeking singles. But until now, participants have had to pay a higher rate for a requested single room instead of bunking up with an appropriately-matched roommate.

Now, the discrimination has finally come to an end with the organization’s new Solo Super Saver program. This program offers several winter departures with no added supplement for single rooms, so that you still have the freedom to mingle with the group while maintaining the luxury of retreating to your very own room. The trips include first-class hotel accommodations, several gourmet meals, and guided sightseeing tours of main attractions. Details vary by trip.

The following trips are being offered:
British Winter Sampler- February 22, 2009 to February 28, 2009
Winter Taste of Italy- March 1, 2009 to March 8, 2009
Spanish Winter Fiesta- April 10, 2009 to April 19, 2009

If the dates don’t fit your calender, check with STI for additional departure dates for each trip.

To reserve your place on one of STI’s trips, or for more information, call 877-SOLO-TRIP x 705 or visit www.singlestravelintl.com.

The Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa, in Sonoma Valley, CA is offering the Burger and a Beer Package, just in time for grads and NASCAR fans, offers a true locals’ perspective on the “Best of the Valley”. This real deal serves up (what many believe to be) an authentically local Sonoma experience.

The Wine Country Burger and Beer Package includes:

• One night accommodation in a Fairmont Heritage Category Room
• Two Northern California micro-brew beers (or cocktail of your choice) (NO WINE) at the Lobby “Living Room” Bar
• Classic Summertime Lunch, “Painted Hills” organic Hamburger Plate (ok, it is Northern California) for 2, at the resort’s classically cool, town hang, Big 3

The package is available through September, subject to availability. Rates start from $309 USD per night, based on double occupancy.

For more information or reservations, please call 1-800-441-1414 or visit www.fairmont.com.

The Lodge at Sun Ranch, the newest U.S. eco-lodge, opened this weekend. Accommodating a mere 16 people at capacity, the luxury lodge is in the 26,000-acre Sun Ranch sustainable ranching operation in southwestern Montana.

The new lodge boasts 10,000 square feet of space and offers accommodation in six guest rooms and suites in the main building and two freestanding cabins, as well as expanded common areas including a larger kitchen, dining room and wine cellar.

The Lodge at Sun Ranch’s eco-friendly features include flow-restricted fixtures; reuse of “gray water” for plants; reclaimed and non-toxic materials for new construction; and high-efficiency appliances and utilities including Energy Star-rated fixtures.

The Lodge at Sun Ranch recycled all usable lumber from demolition (about 75 percent), donated bath fixtures to area families in need; re-milled flooring for custom trim and furniture; repurposed original patio stone for new landscaping; recycled copper from electrical and plumbing demolition; and performed on-site quarry for road and parking lot materials.

Guest amenities are also green and include recycled paper products, natural toiletries and fair trade cotton linens.

The new lodge will educate guests on ecotourism and eco-ranching through a guest orientation designed to encourage participation in basic conservation practices.

To help offset carbon emissions, The Lodge at Sun Ranch participates in the Trees for Travel program, which plants 10 trees in the Amazon per guest.

Lodge at Sun Ranch works is working with area organic farmers to fill the lodge pantry to offer a “sustainable Western bistro cuisine.” The dining room is open to guests seven days a week for breakfast, lunch and dinner, and also is open to the public for lunch and dinner by reservation Thursday through Sunday.

For additional information, visit  the Lodge at Sun Ranch Web site or call 888-674-3030.

A visit to a major museum or historical site in New York, Boston, L.A., or any other one of America’s cultural hotspots can always be divided into two categories: the time you wait to buy a ticket, and the time you actually spend at the attraction. All too often these categories are equal, or the former is greater than the latter. With such long lines, what should be a memorable visit to a world-famous site becomes a dreaded obligation.

In order to avoid waiting in line like everybody else, consider buying a CityPass before your next trip to one of the big cities. A CityPass is a condensed booklet of everything you need to get around the city with speed and ease, including tickets to main attractions, transportation information, and discount coupons.

Not only does this simplify and economize your time, but the CityPass saves you money, too. The New York CityPass, for example, provides tickets to 6 of the city’s top sites, including the Met, the Moma, and the Statue of Liberty, and costs $74, compared to the $134 it would cost to buy individual regular-priced admissions tickets to each of the 6 sites.

A CityPass can be purchased for the following cities or regions:

• New York
• Atlanta
• Boston
• Philadelphia
• Toronto
• Chicago
• Seattle
• San Francisco
• Hollywood
• Southern California
• Houston

The CityPass is valid for 9 consecutive days and begins whatever day you first use it. So if you’ve only got a weekend, make sure you will have time to visit enough sites to make purchasing the pass financially worth it.

Prices vary by city, and there are lowered prices for a childrens’ CityPass.

For more information or to purchase a CityPass, visit http://www.citypass.com/index.html

The Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. (NYSE: HOT) has a limited time offer for special rates to the cities of Rome, Florence, Milan, Asolo, Venice and the island of Sardinia. Guests will receive a 20% discount on best available room rates including 20% off on food and beverage at the following hotels and resorts:

• ROME: The St. Regis Grand Hotel; The Westin Excelsior Rome; Sheraton Roma Hotel & Conference Center and Hotel Eden (20% off food and beverage not applicable at Hotel Eden)
• VENICE: Hotel Danieli; Hotel Gritti Palace; The Westin Europa & Regina; The Westin Excelsior Resort, Venice Lido; Hotel Des Bains, Venice Lido Resort
• MILAN: The Westin Palace; Sheraton Diana Majestic and Le Méridian Gallia
• ASOLO: Hotel Villa Cipriani
• FLORENCE: The Westin Excelsior Florence and The Grand Hotel
• SARDINIA: Hotel Pitrizza, Hotel Cala di Volpe, Cervo Hotel and Hotel Romazzino

The online offer is valid for bookings made from now until July 31st 2008 for reservations up until October 31, 2008. Potential guests must visit www.italiansummervacation08.com and book through the website. Payment for reservations will be charged at time of booking. All reservations are non-changeable and non-refundable. Additional terms and conditions may apply.

Join me on a 10 night cruise to Tahiti’s Society Islands, May 16-26, 2009, onboard Regent Cruise Lines Paul Gauguin, where you won’t just travel to Tahiti, you’ll be transported! Have the pleasure of 5 star elegance and service which includes all meals and beverages, gratuities, FREE airfare from Los Angeles, a private cocktail party and a $200 per person shipboard credit. This sailing has been conveniently chosen to include two weekends including Memorial Day, to maximize your vacation time and minimize your time away from work. Prices start at $5387.50 per person (5% off the listed price), including all port charges, government fees and fuel surcharges!

Come join me! It would be great to meet you in person! Call 866-408-WIZE (9493)