With the line between business and lifestyle almost indistinguishable, it’s becoming more important to make time to escape the pressures of day-to-day demands — if only for a few days. Yes, you may have to spend a few more hours catching up on your return, but investing in a retreat from the office has far reaching benefits on your health and mental state. Since the going is always tough, here are a few suggestions on where the tough can go to get away from it all. Maybe a good deal will serve as an incentive.
Sundance Mountain Resort & Spa, Utah
Accommodations The ecologically-sound studios, cottage suites, and mountain homes are typical Western-style lodgings with rustic fireplaces, woodsy furniture, luxurious beds, and Native American accents.
Spa Inspired by the Sioux concept of Hocoka — a sacred environment for the restoration and healing of the body and spirit — the Spa at Sundance offers organic products for treatments.
Restaurants Often voted one of Utah’s best, the Sundance Tree Room is the height of rustic elegance, serving seasonal mountain cuisine, including locally raised game and organic vegetables.
Best Deals The Romance Package for two includes two nights in a luxurious Sundance Suite, breakfast daily, two 60-minute spa treatments, and a dinner for two in the award-winning Tree Room. Prices start at $740 (March 27 through June 6).
Stay Three Nights, Ski Free Package: includes three nights in a suite, breakfast daily, and two lift passes per day for the duration of your stay. Prices start at $548 per person (until March 26, 2005).
800 892-1600; resop@sundance-utah.com; www.sandton. hilton.com; www.sundanceresort.com.
Qamea, Fiji
Accommodations Twelve spacious yet intimate beachfront bures (Fijian bungalows) offer high woven-bamboo ceilings, polished mahogany hardwood floors, indoor and outdoor showers, and locally made furniture and art.
Dessert Take a trip to Taveuni to Audrey’s, where the Boston native serves up homemade coconut cake and her own version of Kahlua on the pretty verandah.
Entertainment After dinner, try kava — a root-infused libation served from a ceremonial tanoa (hardwood bowl). The beverage tastes like mud but will provide a respectable amount of levity. Best of all is meke night, where islanders perform a traditional song and dance once a week. And you’re expected to join in.
Best Deal Rates until March 31: Beachfront Bure, $590; Honeymoon Villa, $725, double occupancy. 866-TO-QAMEA (866-867-2632) usares@qamea.com; www.qamea.com.
Kensington Place and Kapama Lodge, Premier Tours Wildlife & Culture Tour, South Africa
Days 1 – 4 Upon your arrival in Cape Town, you’re transferred to the exclusive Kensington Place (www.kensingtonplace.co.za) for a four-night stay. A half-day tour of Cape Town includes a trip by cable car (weather permitting) to the summit of scenic Table Mountain. In the afternoon is a boat tour to Robben Island, where former President Nelson Mandela was incarcerated for 18 years. A full-day tour of the Cape Peninsula includes Cape Point, Simons Town, and Boulders Beach. You’ll also visit Kirstenbosch National Gardens, considered one of the world’s six floral kingdoms. You’ll also visit a nearby township.
Days 5 – 6 Fly to Hoedspruit, situated alongside the fabled Kruger National Park. At