Why Take A Trans Atlantic Cruise

Why Take a Trans Atlantic Cruise

I get this question a lot, as we will be taking our fourth this fall from Barcelona

to Miami aboard the beautiful intimate (270 suites) all inclusive Silver Spirit.

First, there are usually some interesting stops prior to the crossing. In this case, we will explore the great ports of

Barcelona, Cartagena, Valencia and Malaga in Spain. Then we will make a day stop in charming Funchal, Madeira.

After lots of touring for 5 or 6 days, we will kick back and enjoy the ship as she crosses the Atlantic, usually in beautiful weather in the fall.

This part of the trip is not unlike spending a week at a resort except: There are 375 staff to take care of every whim, there are 5 restaurants to try,

all your beverages and gratuities are included, and when you tire of watching the sea from your cozy outdoor sofa or lounger (which I never do) or swimming in the pool, there are lectures to attend, cooking classes to take, and all other manner of activities to enjoy if you wish.

Usually I try to get into an exercise program (the facility will never be closer!) and learn something new from the guest lecturers on board, but I have to admit that many of these days are spent reading, writing, and stretching out on our private veranda or on the back of the ship, mesmerized by the great expanse of water. 

Toward the end we will have a day to explore the island of Bermuda, and then on to Florida, where we hop on a quick 5 hour flight to home. AND-no jet lag, as you gain an hour each night of the crossing. Painless.

So what does it cost for 15 nights of relaxation and travel in  your suite, with butler, delicious dining, unlimited champagnes, wines, cocktails and all gratuities?

Well this year, it is about $4000 pp. Air is under $1000. What are you waiting for? It is the best of all worlds.

Arriving in the early morning Funchal

Setting up for dinner at the hot stone grill above the pool.

How we spend our late afternoons at sea

Some of Silversea's Finest: Hotel Director Gianni
and Maitre'd Jorge Caeiro

Rancho La Puerta

An Annual Week at Rancho la Puerta.

Most women have a week at a spa on their bucket list.The Golden Door, Ashram,Canyon Ranch are well known and prestigious. But for a truly wonderful spa experience, luxe but not fussy, in a beautiful setting, you cannot do better than the oldest spa in North America, Rancho la Puerta. Just 8 miles south of the border and 30 miles inland, set in the low mountains of Baja, lies this spectacular 3000 acre respite from the stress of real life. Founded 73 years ago by a Hungarian professor, it offers today a lush landscape dotted with brick and stucco casitas that surround organically designed gyms,studios, pools, spas and the gracious  2 story dining building, with its tile roof, rustic, traditional interior and  massive fireplace. All guests take their meals here and enjoy the delicious organic , primarily vegetarian fare which also features fresh fish most evenings.

In between meals, your day can be as full or empty of classes as you wish. There is no pressure to accomplish anything except whatever pleases you! Most women I know, were  only pressured by how many new activities they wanted to try and how to fit them into their week.

Cardio, kick boxing, circuit training, Pilates, yoga, tai chi,spinning, tennis, water aerobics and weight classes are just a fraction of what is on offer. In addition, there are hikes for every level, cooking classes, water shiatsu (Watsu) meditation classes, cranial sacral therapy and more. Not interested in working out? Join the bird watching walks, read in a hammock under the trees, try crystal bowl healing or your hand at sculpture and water colors. Take a Spanish class, attend a concert or lecture on nutrition, dreams, or relationships given by an ever changing roster of experts from around the USA. And of course, take time for a few spa treatments such as a loofah scrub, hot oil hair treatment or Swedish massage.

Who will you be around? If you come with our great group from Seattle on Jan. 17th 2015, ( our 4th year!), you will have a built in group of instant friends. If you go a different week, you will likely find 85 per cent women ages 35-75, no celebrities or prima donnas, but many interesting, well educated and successful women, who happen to be interested in meeting other women. One feels at home quickly, which is enhanced by the ranch creating a special welcome program for new guests.

The cost? Quite reasonable compared to other spas and all the elements that are included. A full week in your own casita with private patio, all classes and all meals, transfers from and to San Diego airport can be had for as low as $2800. Share a room with a pal, or perhaps a daughter or sister, and the price goes down. Accommodations range from cozy cottages called rancheras up  to lovely casitas that feature 2 bedrooms, kitchen, living room with fireplaces that are set twice daily with aromatic piñon wood. These are perfect for a group of 4 or two couples.

The staff will charm you, the cuisine delight, the instructors are so welcoming and perhaps most importantly, the classes are never intimidating. On the final night, a local Malbec wine is served at dinner, and the Mexican band plays your music, and you will feel like a real dancing queen!

Our group is already looking forward to next January. Make plans to visit the ranch, book through me and enjoy exclusive pricing on some weeks, or at least the lowest offered, plus a 50 minute spa treatment on me! See you at the Ranch!