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Travel -- Vacation at two Spa Resorts Wentworth-by-the-Sea, NH, and Don CeSar, St Petersburg, FLA

Two historic, refurbished elegant, waterside spa resorts -- one in New Hampshire, the other in St. Petersburg, Florida (untouched by hurricanes) -- offer north and south choices to vacation and pamper yourself. Fabled Wentworth-by-the-Sea , a restored Victorian landmark built in 1873 as a grand hotel, is now operated by Mariott Hotel & Spa, in Newcastle, NH, is stunning place to do just that with sightseeing, shops in nearby Portsmouth, a Spa resort to rejuvenate, relax and restore bodies and minds. Reopened last May, 2004, after a $25 million restoration, adding two new wings, ended a 21-year closure and possible wrecking ball, it’s once again a beautiful grand hotel, with a sweeping profile, and bow-shaped side, which once hosted Gloria Swanson and hired Annie Oakley in the 1900s to teach socialites how to shoot. The hotel also hosted the 1905 peace talks between Russia and Japan which ended that conflict, brokered by Pres. Teddy Roosevelt. The Peace treaty was signed at the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard across the Piscataquis River.
But it is not a pretentious place, and the staff was New Hampshire amiable, down to earth, friendly, and excellent. Surrounded by this history and luxury, I felt like a movie star on my three-day stay there, dining in the elegant dining room with large windows overlooking the harbor, used the indoor and outdoor heated pools, Jacuzzi. strolled around the hilly grounds, to chatting it up with other guests on the wrap around porches. If you go, try the lobster roll for lunch; lamb for dinner, and...oh, well, the chefs are fantastic.
In the year-round Spa at the Wentworth, in a new, separate wing, I had several spa treatments, from a warm stone massage, to facial, to pedicure. Spa director Jeraldine Hoffman said many men use the spa, too, not just women.
My large room, furnished with comfy down quilts, chairs, a couch and gorgeous fall view, was quiet and near the tower rooms, which I toured. These rooms would be my choice next visit, for they have high panoramic views of sea and marsh. The 161 rooms and 34 suites include heated marble floors, at $175 to about $895 a night (rates can change). All have an Atlantic Ocean or Little Harbor view. The Little Harbor Marina Suites are on the ocean; various prices. A Spa Package is available; ask. Beach access if provided via a free trolley; tennis courts, fitness room; golf course access. Kittery is close by. For More Information, visit www.wentworth.com; call 603-422-7322, hotel; reservations, 866-240-6313.
The Pink Palace, Don CeSar Beach Resort & Spa, a St. Pete, FLA Treasure
In May, I was invited to visit the St. Pete Beach’s fabled restored 1920s “pink palace,” enjoy a spa treatment, stroll the white sandy beach on the Gulf of Mexico, and sightsee in nearby St. Petersburg, where I toured the wonderful Salvador Dali Museum, some outdoor malls, and waterfront. Fortune smiled on the hotel, and area, and neither one was damaged during the horrendous hurricane season. If I have a chance for a Florida sunshine trip this winter, this is where I would go because the area is so gorgeous. And the hotel, a romantic, classic treasure. he crowing achievement of Florida's stunning Gulf Coast, The Don CeSar Beach Resort & Spa , on Pass-a-Grille Island, is a monument to more romantic times. Opened in 1928, the Legendary Pink Palace is a much deserved member of the National Register of Historic Places and Historic Hotels of America. here I observed two weddings in the “bridal” courtyard as I leaned out of my ocean-view fourth floor window (Lynch Park Rose Garden is still better!). The European-style seaside spa specializes in rejuvenating body wraps, massages and reflexology. A writer from Canada enjoyed a two-hour massage (I was jealous, you bet!) on the beach, under a little open-air hut. Uncle Andy’s, an old-fashioned ice cream parlor (buy chocolate alligators); mini-mall of boutiques on the beach level. We enjoyed meals and Mojitos at the outdoor Beachcomber Bar & Poolside Grill. Indoors, the topnotch Maritana Grille served fresh seafood and other specialties, cooked to perfection.
We learned the ghostly lore of the Don CeSar -- a good Halloween story -- about the owner’s ghost roaming the rooms and halls.
The Don, a Loews Hotel, features 275 guestrooms, including two luxury penthouses and 43 spacious suites. While The Don is famous for its majestic archways, elegant furnishings and soaring ceilings, just a short stroll down the shore, The Beach House Suites by The Don CeSar is known as the ideal place for families and extended stays. If You Go: The Don Cesar Beach Resort & Spa, 3400 Gulf Blvd., Saint Petersburg Beach, FL, For reservations, call 727-360-1881; www.loewshotels.com/hotels/stpetebeach.

Tidewater Inn

Long for legendary Southern hospitality, a gentle pace, manners, uncrowded country roads, and a chance to relax and smell the magnolias? Then, amble down to The Tides Inn.

In mid-October, I had the luck to spend four days at the inn and also luxuriated in two amazing spa treatments by the amazing Patrcio Foronda, a Brazil with pizzazz. My citrus firming body polish left me shiny, relaxed, and in love! Janice Rice’s The one-hour hydrating facial finished the tranquil transformation. Susan Cox, the elegant Spa co-ordinator, had to drag me out of the Spa.

The 480-acre Tides Inn resort is tucked away off Chesapeake Bay, on a 45 foot bluff, overlooking Carters Creek, Irvington. Irvington is a bucolic Lancaster County town along Highway 3 on the banks of the Rappahannock River in the Eastern Region of Virginia. At the end of the Northern Neck peninsula between the Rappahannock and Potomac rivers, this golf and water sports resort opened in 1947. Although a local favorite, it was overdo for a makeover. Then, wishes came true.

The Tides is now the new Tides Inn, reborn after a spiffy redo by new owners Sedona Resort Management company. SRM bought the Inn in 2001 and just completed a $12 million restoration. The Tides Inn is now on Zagat Survey’s “Top 20 Resorts in the US” for 2003, and members of the Leading Small Hotels of the World. SRM also owns the Enchantment Resort in Sedona, Arizona.

Although plenty of activities entice-- large swimming pool, beach, mini-boardwalk, nine-hole golf on grounds, tennis, jogging and walking paths -- nothing has “must do” written on it. Take out the kayaks, canoes, paddle boats, luxurious 1926 127-foot long yacht Miss Ann, sunset dinner or Saturday cruise to Urbanna -- across the Rappahannock River, cruise for an hour on The Tides yacht, along Carter’s Creek to admire the gorgeous homes, boats and scenery. Or, just laze around the terrace with a bloody Mary!

Legends and lore surround The Tides Inn, like the Whiskey Run, a cruise aboard Miss Ann that recalls Irvington’s “dry “ county days. To buy alcohol, yachtsmen cruised across the Rappahannock River to Urbanna for spirits. Returning to The Tides, the men stored their liquors in locked walnut boxes lining one wall of the bar. On Sunday, we luxuriated on the cove cruise on the 65-foot cabin cruiser called the High Tide. The Premier Sailing School offers charters, day sails, quick lessons. The children’s program features on-site lessons for children ages six to teenagers. A children’s program, fitness room and pet accommodation complete the offerings.

Golfers tackle the top rated Golden Eagle Golf Club, par 72, set around its 50-acre lake. Then, enjoy lunch at Cap 'n B's - the New Orleans-style restaurant at the Golden Eagle Golf Club.

The Tides Inn boasts a spectacular west-facing setting, so sunsets are a nighttime “entertainment,” along with star-gazing. A bright lobby with huge picture windows overlooks a red brick patio and croquet lawn, docks, yachts and little boats. The more than 100 spacious rooms have a British colonial decor, comfortable furniture, luxurious beds, fans, window shutters and large bathrooms and tubs. My vista suite faced west, and gorgeous sunsets mesmerized me.

An elegant, tri-level dining room faces the water, docks, patio, Miss Ann , and Tides -- the Tides’ two wonderful yachts -- and a huge old spreading tree with chairs under it, facing west. The Tides marina is a full service, 64 slip facility, offering boaters many amenities, from water taxis to showers.

Enjoy Croquet, Tennis and Par-3 Golf at the Tides Inn. Or visit the marina for an ride on a pedal boat, canoe, kayak, or rowboat. Stroll or bike out the inn's main entrance to visit funky shops in Irvington.

Food

Tides Inn dining room, features scrumptious New Chesapeake Regional Cuisine by the fabulous new Executive Chef, Kevin Maguire. During my stay, from breakfast to lunch to dinner the food was outstanding, especially the fresh, Chesapeake Bay oysters and crab cakes. The she-crab chowder, to die for. The appetizer crab cakes was four incest high, enough for an entire meal. Our last night, we ordered the Chef’s Sampler, four courses plus dessert, accompanied by six wines. I gained about four pounds, but lost two in the Spa.

In season, the enclosed Commodore Club, by the pool, features sandwiches and burgers.
The Trick Dog Cafe, 4357 Irvington Rd., Irvington, is hip, funky, huge red-shaded lamps, bar and dining room. Bill Westbrook, Owner Irvington's top trendy eatery. The dog on the bar divider is worth a photo. Don’t forget to “sit, stay” as a wall motto commands; listen to the doggie songs in the bathrooms! 804-438-1055,

Sights

Sightseeing beckons history buffs. But, guests don’t need leave Irvington to see a preserved, restored, elegant Colonial building because the Historic Christ Church, completed in 1735, is a short ride away in Irvington. It is the only church from Colonial Virginia with its original, high-backed pews, and one of only two with its original, triple-decker pulpit. This 18th century landmark is an architectural treasures. A short film narrated by broadcaster and local resident Roger Mudd, details its importance, and describes Christ Church and its builder, Robert "King" Carter. .

Drive north for an hour to see the George Washington Birthplace National Historic Site. Colonial Williamsburg is 40 miles southwest of Irvington Farmer’s markets, fishing villages, are all nearby.

The Spa at the Tides Inn

The Spa at the Tides Inn - is on the lower level of the inn, near the Garden Wing.

For more Tides information, call 804-438-4441 for reservations, and information. 480 King Carter Driver, Irvington, VA 22480, www.tidesinn.com. For Northern Neck Tourism Council, 800-393-6180.

At the Los Cabos Hilton Hotel Beach, Spa and Golf Resort in Mexico, Paradise Seems Close at Hand, and vacationers can luxuriate in the Serene Ixchel Spa, named for the Mayan Moon Goddess, revel in the natural wonders of sea, sand, desert; enjoy fabulous food, outdoor dining or room service overlooking sea and shore.

Los Cabos Hilton Hotel Beach, Spa and Golf Resort, is in Los Cabos, Mexico on the end of the Baja Peninsula (head south from San Diego until you reach the end; that’s Los Cabos. It’s a touch of paradise in a stupendously gorgeous setting on the coast of the Sea of Cortes, close to the Pacific Ocean, and the migrating pods of whales who return here each year. The Sierra de la Laguna mountains form a scenic backdrop to desert, sand and surf. Fishing, golf and spa vacation rule here, along with a plethora of activities ranging from sightseeing, trips to the artist town of Todos, Santos dinner cruises on the Caborey past the iconic Cabos Arches; and snorkeling for peeks at sea turtles, angel, clown and other colorful tropical fish. Desert, dunes and blue sky and turquoise sand add up to an incredible setting.

The Hilton Hotel Beach, Spa and Resort is about twenty minutes from both lively Cabo San Lucas, and quieter San Jose del Cabo. So after massages, facials, pedicures and manicures and of other fabulous treatments in the idyllic Ixchel Spa at the Hilton, vacationers can choose to beach it at the Hilton’s wide beach; dine at one of several gourmet restaurants, from the outdoors La Hacienda to the Sunset Palapa cafe, to the semi-formal Fenicia Restaurant, with its Mediterranean cuisine, all supervised by the superb Executive Chef Gerald Blay.

The surroundings of the resort add to the relaxation I had after my spa treatments in the Asian-influenced, serene, calming Ixchel Spa. Named for the Mayan moon goddess, Ixchel, the spa’s secluded treatments rooms on the third floor, with a comfy lounge with huge, overstuffed settees and lounge chairs, add to the sense of peace and quiet. From mineral salt scrubs to hydrotherapy baths, and Swedish massages to hot stone therapy, to facials with a twist -- Omar added some shiatsu and massage to my treatment. For my manicure and pedicure, an indulgent treat lasting a little over one hour, I chose a French manicure on toes and hands. My manicurist was charming and allowed me the serenity of not talking! The Baja Desert Cleanse, offers overall purification.

Body Therapy treatments have been embraced for therapeutic effects—detoxifying the body, revitalizing the skin and refreshing the mind. Specific treatments are the hydro-active mineral salt scrub (25 min., $56), enzymatic sea mud pack (50 min., $85) and body-therapy hydro pack (30 min., $70). Skin-Care Therapy features the classic European skin-care regimen (50 min. at $95 or 80 min. at $130). It begins with deep cleansing followed by a gentle enzyme peel, then a relaxing face, neck and shoulder massage. Aromatherapy skin-care treatment (50 min. at $95 or 80 min. at $130) stimulates blood circulation and revitalizes tissues, finishing with a masque and moisturizing cream. Express skin-care treatment (30 min., $60) cleanses, nourishes and rehydrates skin to a natural and youthful glow. Treatments range from $40 to $230. Did I mention the herbal tea served in the lobby before and after treatment? Or, the Jacuzzi and steam rooms in the spa? Everything is topnotch, spotlessly c! lean.

After a treatment, choose between swimming in the infinity pools, wandering the shore picking up shells, or just staring at the Sea of Cortes from a balcony with an endless view of horizons, sand, dunes, and sea. Oh, yes, and the pelicans flying in at dawn to fish for their breakfast even as the local Mexican fishermen fish the same rocky shore for bait fish for the Cabo San Lucas fishing fleet.

Hilton Los Cabos Beach & Golf Resort boasts AAA Four Diamond Award service, accommodations and amenities. For more information, contact Hilton Los Cabos Beach & Golf Resort, with Spa . Make reservations online at www.hiltonloscabos.com, or www.hilton.com, or call 1-800-HILTONS. For information on Los Cabos, visit the Los Cabos Tourism Board’s website at www.visitloscabos.org. or call 1-866-LOS-CABOS.