Daily Pampering: Thai detoxifying ritual at Canyon Ranch

by Melanie Nayer on

There’s a massage that leaves you relaxed and rejuvenated, and then there’s a massage that transports you into another universe. Enter: the traditional Thai detoxifying ritual from Canyon Ranch Miami.

The 100-minute session is a celebration of Thai healing therapies based on the royal healing traditions of Thailand. It begins with an application of aromatic Thai herbal pouches, combined with warm-oil massage to increase energy flow, relax muscles, soothe soreness and increase flexibility. The masseause stretches you while applying pressure to muscles, allowing better circulation before you step into a personal steam treatment, meant to uplift and detoxify. Called the “time machine” by those at the spa, you’ll steam the space-age looking capsule for 20 minutes before enjoying a 50-minute massage. Thanks to Canyon Ranch’s Aquavana, a European-inspired aquathermal oasis that offers everything from igloo capsules to personal rainshowers, you can continue on with your bliss following the treatment.

The price for this pampering: $330

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Daily Pampering: Artisanal butchering workshop at The Sanderling

by McLean Robbins on


Care to “meet your meat” before eating? At Outer Banks resort The Sanderling in Duck, North Carolina, you can. In keeping with the resort’s culinary philosophy of S.O.A.L. food, or utilizing sustainable, organic, artisanal and local ingredients, they are opening their kitchens for the first time to help interested foodies learn the art of butchering.

With the help of a 30-year butchering veteran, German Master Butcher Frank Meusel, guests will learn the art of breaking down whole animals with a focus on primal cuts. Held once per month from November through February, guests will experience steer, hog, lamb and veal butchering experiences (meat varies depending on month).

For $325 per night, guests will enjoy hands-on butchering lessons at the nearby Weeping Radish Farm (also home to North Carolina’s oldest microbrewery), cooking lessons including emulsion and smoking techniques, and an additional class on how to make hot dogs and sausages.

The package includes a lunch of house-made charcuterie and the farm’s own microbrews, plus a private farm tour from owner Uli Bennewitz. Once guests return to the resort, a three-course dinner will be served family-style at The Left Bank, the resort’s signature restaurant and the area’s only Four Diamond dining destination. Dishes will be prepared in the restaurant’s show kitchen and are inspired by the meats guests helped prepare earlier that day.

Want more? Get your daily dose of pampering right here.

Daily Pampering: Sanyo’s $2,299.95 hybrid bicycle

by Melanie Nayer on

No more will you have to pedal your heart out to make an impression. Thanks to Sanyo’s pedal assist-hybrid bicycle, you can take your lady out for a ride and let the bike do most of the work.

Sanyo’s eneloop pedal-assist hybrid electric bicycle allows you to pedal like a normal bike, or allow the synergetic three-speed regenerative bicycle to sense when you need help on tougher terrain and give you a boost of power. The bicycle recharges along the way, and is also a greener and more eco-friendly way to travel around town (up to 46 miles).

The price of this sweet ride? $2,299.95

Want more? Get your daily dose of pampering right here.

Daily Pampering: The Parisian life at Le Meurice

by Melanie Nayer on

Admit it, you’ve always wondered what it would be like to live life as a true Parisian. If the thought of French press coffee and freshly-baked baquettes turns you on, the Dorchester’s Collection Le Meurice in Paris has a deal for you.

Located opposite from the Tuileries Gardens with breathtaking views overlooking the Musée d’Orsay, the hotel is now offering an exclusive package, giving guests a VIP peek and chance to “live the life as a real Parisian for 24 hours.” With grand 18-century architecture combined with the design of Philippe Starck, dishes prepared by three-star Michelin Chef, 160 spacious and elegant guestrooms and more, Le Meurice is the quintessential glamorous Parisian hotel now giving a real entrée into the best that the City of Lights has to offer.

Package for two includes:

  • Arrival airport transfer
  • Minimum two night stay including breakfast
  • VIP welcome with Champagne
  • Dinner for two at Executive Chef Yannick Alléno’s Le Dali restaurant (beverages excluded)
  • Two hand treatments “speedy mani” at the Spa Valmont
  • Use of Le Meurice’s scooter or bicycle to explore the city
  • VIP kit at Printemps, Paris’ luxury department store
  • Garment bag for all purchases
  • “My Little Paris Passport” booklet which gives an insider’s list of the best places to eat, see and explore

The price for this Parisian pampering? Rates per room per night begin at 805 Euros (approximately $1,101 USD).

Want more? Get your daily dose of pampering right here.

Daily Pampering: Rum flights at Ritz-Carlton Key Biscayne

by Melanie Nayer on

While the U.S. and Cuba continue to talk through travel options, the Ritz-Carlton, Key Biscayne has found a way to bring a bit of Old Havana to Florida. The dark, sophisticated and sultry RUMBAR in the hotel sets the mood for what could be a steamy night. Thanks to the endless bottles of rum, however, guests won’t go thirsty.

On the weekends, RUMBAR transforms into Miami’s only upscale live Latin music venue with Grupo Nostalgia, a four-piece band in white dinner jackets, reminiscent of vintage Cuba. While you’re getting your groove on, take advantage of some of the unique and tasty offerings. Guests can choose from 52 rums, cachacas and piscos from 18 countries, an extensive cigar collection and, if you’re so inclined, VIP Rum Lockers for storing personal bottles.

Not that hip to your rum yet? No worries. The hotel offers rum flights so you can taste a few of the best.

On the flight menu:

  • Atlántico- Dominican Republic / aged between 5-15 years / $225 per bottle
  • Zacapa- Guatemala / aged between 6-23 years / $215 per bottle
  • Santa Teresa 1796 / aged over 15 years / $200 per bottle

Don’t worry my rum-tasting travelers, you don’t have to shell out a few hundred for a sip. The price of the flight is $30 and includes three (3), one (1) ounce pours of each rum.

Want more? Get your daily dose of pampering right here.