By Mary Rambin

Admittedly, I’m a spoiled gypsy travel writer.  So when I say my Saturday at The Pelican Hill Resort in Newport Beach California was pretty much perfect, that should make you curious as to why. I actually got out of this delicious bed early for an early workout.

Spent the morning playing a round of golf on one of two plush beachfront courses. Devoured a delicious lunch on this lovely terrace. Layed out by the pool overlooking the ocean with a surprisingly lively crowd drinking and mingling to a Jimmy Buffet cover band.

Spa-ed the rest of the day away with a soak, steam, and massage.

And dined on traditional, hand-crafted Italian food. What more could a girl want?!

I’m not the only one who touts this property as extraordinary. The Pelican won The Conde Nast Readers’ Choice Awards in 2010 for #1 California Golf Resort,  #2 of the “Top 100 U.S. Mainland Resorts” and #22 of the “Top 100 Best in the World.” The Spa has won the Forbes Five Star Award in 2010 and 2011. The golf courses have won so many “The Best…” awards I don’t have enough space to list them all. So, this place is legit.

The Pelican resort is what I call a “fully furnished” destination – it has everything. Anyone can find something to fall in love with, and in my opinion, it’s the ultimate vacation for a golfer with a family.

The sprawling property designed with Palladian Italian symmetry and style (that honestly seemed very Tommy Bahama to me) includes 204 bungalows and 128 stand alone villas, two golf courses constructed by Tom Fazio (clinics and all-inclusive packages available), a gigantic pool with cabanas, multiple restaurants that serve fresh pasta and olive oil produced on-site, wine tastings, a huge spa, kids’ activities for all ages, free wifi, and coaches to drive you around the meticulously landscaped, palm-tree lined streets.

Should you want to enjoy this little adult wonderland without the room rate, simply book a spa treatment or buy a day pass!  They offer weekday specials to locals who aren’t guests. Otherwise you can expect regular spa prices.

For Spa Week (October 10-16), The Spa at Pelican Hill will sweeten the deal:

• $50 for a 50-minute Amber Gold Massage
• $50 for a 50-minute Classic Cleanse Facial

In additional, they are also have other special offers in honor of Spa Week that aren’t listed spaweek.com:

• $30 for lunch at the Coliseum Pool & Grill, overlooking one of the world’s largest circular pools and the Pacific Ocean
• $25 for one-day Coliseum Pool access (a rare opportunity as pool access is usually reserved exclusively for Resort guests)
• $50 for a 50-minute Personal Training Session at The Spa’s Fitness Center (full-price regularly $76)
• $20 for an add-on Bright Eyes Facial upgrade (conducted within any facial treatment) to rehydrate the delicate eye area and soften fine lines and dark circle in the orbital area.

The Pelican Hill Resort and Spa
22701 Pelican Hill Road South
Newport Coast, California  92657
800.820.6800

Mary Rambin of MoreThanMary.com is a professional blogger and travel features writer for The Houston Chronicle. In NYC, she co-founded NonSociety and produced a weekly web series called TMI Weekly. Now she trains small businesses in the basics of social media amidst her travels all over the world.  Follow Mary on Twitter at @MaryRambin.

(Full disclosure:  A generous media rate and comped golf was provided for my stay.)

Any spa loving golf players out there? Here’s your chance to win 6 days and 5 nights of Tee Time and Me Time at the Innisbrook, a Salamander Golf & Spa Resort® in Innisbrook, FL. You’re in for a real party as the Salamander Golf & Spa Resort celebrates 40 years of business this December.  The stellar package includes $200 worth of spa treatments at the Indaba Spa, $100 Gift Certificate for the resort restaurant of your choice, and one round of golf for two at any Innisbrook course including the acclaimed Copperhead course.

The annual PGA Tour hosted championship resort has won many awards including top honors “Top 75 Golf Resorts in America” from Golf Digest and “Top 100 You Can Play” from Golf Magazine. After hitting the green, it’s highly suggested that you indulge in the treats at the newly renovated Indaba Spa. The 20,000 square foot spa, salon and fitness center is nestled right in the middle of nature. The tranquil spa environment features a meditation labyrinth, relaxation courtyard, treatment terraces, a plunge pool and steam rooms. There is a wide range of services  to choose from including a few of our favorites: oxygen facial, sports massage, scalp massage, four hand massage, and reiki.

If you’re looking for a great escape with the perfect infusion of golf and spa then click here to enter.

Carefree isn’t just a mythical state of mind. Your boss or mother-in-law may insist otherwise, but SPA WEEK® subscribes to a system of beliefs that occasionally insists upon it. This month, the Carefree Resort and Villas in Scottsdale, Arizona is offering a deal that’ll help you and yours make carefree a reality while achieving the “perfect balance of mind, body and spirit.” Clear your head, indulge your palate, revitalize at the spa, play 18 holes, and forget your inbox ever existed.

For Only $1,195, an All-Inclusive Package For Two Includes:

* A Three night stay at The Carefree Resort & Villas
* 1/2 day Carefree Spa Package including massage therapies, skin care, aromatherapy, nail care, and body treatments
* A round of Golf at one of Carefree’s premier Golf Courses
* Sonoran Desert Adventure for Two. See the beauty of the desert from horseback, in a Hummer, or on an ATV
* All Meals Included

Read all the package details at Travel by SPA WEEK®

The Carefree Resort and Villas is a desert oasis too serene to simply tell you about… so we’ll let the pictures do the talking. Can you imagine yourself here?

Sonoran Sunset Villas

Lariat Grill

Resort Lobby

Opera House at Night

Tennis Courts at Carefree

Resort Pool

Sonoran Desert

When you think of Atlanta I’m guessing images of sprawling vineyards and panoramic views of the foothills don’t come to mind. But one visit to the breathtaking Chateau Elan and you’ll be singing a different tune. Located only 40 minutes from the ATL, the Chateau vibe is French provincial meets Southern Hospitality. There’s a winery, first-class spa, golf course and a variety fine dining restaurants.

Next time you’re planning a jaunt to the Dirty South, I highly suggest staying or even just visiting Chateau Elan. And if it happens to be during April 13-19, stop by for your Spa Week treatment. Ya hear?