| Special to Memphis Commercial Appeal
How to pack toiletries for travel
Avoid shampoo explosions and other messes by packing toiletries properly for travel.
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Vacations are meant to be relaxing and an escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life. However, that doesn’t happen for everyone when they head out on paid time off.
If you fall into that category, you might want to consider booking a wellness vacation.
Wellness vacations — also commonly referred to as wellness retreats — are designed to promote transformation through physical, psychological, spiritual and emotional activities.
If you’re wondering what a wellness vacation looks like and could include, here’s an idea for a trip to California that could help you rest, relax and recharge.
Begin your journey at La Quinta Resort & Club, located about 30 minutes from Palm Springs. Set against the breathtaking views of the rugged Santa Rosa Mountains, the resort transverses 45 strikingly colorful acres dotted by fragrant flowers and grapefruit and cypress trees.
The historic property is part of the Hilton Curio Collection, offering 617 guestrooms and 161 villas. While all rooms are luxuriously decorated with fixtures and furnishings reminiscent of Old Spanish world design, the King Whirlpool Casita is extra special because it offers a private yard and hot tub, where guests can relax and lounge. The resort also has 41 climate-controlled pools, which are spread throughout the property, so you never feel overwhelmed or crowded.
The resort offers many opportunities to stay fit and active. Visit the state-of-the-art fitness center, which provides many cardio options such as treadmills and spinning bikes. Additionally, fitness classes such as yoga and Pilates are offered daily. If you’re new to exercise classes, La Quinta also has on-site personal trainers who can tailor the workout to your fitness level.
If you’re seeking outdoor activities and fun in the sun, be sure to check out their bike rentals so you can cruise around the property and beyond. Also known as one of the world’s top tennis resorts, they offer tennis lessons where you can play on the same courts as Novak Djokovic and Maria Sharapova.
Off property, a 15-minute drive takes you to Cove Oasis Trailhead, a 114-acre natural open space area that is located at the southernmost part of the Cove. You will find picnic tables, benches and access to many trails for miles of hiking, biking and exploring.
Stop by TWENTY6 for lunch and order the Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad for a healthy option or splurge on the restaurant’s famous Social Burger, which comes on a challah bun and is loaded with local honey aioli. The bistro uses locally sourced, seasonal ingredients whenever possible.
A trip without a spa treatment at the Spa La Quinta would be a huge miss. If you’re looking to indulge, treat yourself to the spa’s HydraFacial, which is a medical grade, noninvasive treatment that cleanses, evenly exfoliates and removes impurities using antioxidants, peptides and hyaluronic acid. The facial will help to improve the skin’s appearance and leave you feeling refreshed and renewed.
For adventurists looking for a bit of speed, arrange for an experience at the BMW M Track Drive and Performance Center Drive, where you can drive a variety of BMW vehicles on a handling course, followed by an off-road course in an X5. Best of all, finish the day with instructor hot laps that will leave you spinning.
Dinner reservations at Morgan’s In The Desert are a must. The restaurant features contemporary American cuisine inspired by the Coachella Valley. Executive Chef Andrew Cooper sources the area’s local ingredients and works with local farmers to serve delicious and healthy dishes set in an elegant atmosphere.
If you’re celebrating something extra special like a wedding or anniversary, inquire about a Waterfall Dinner, which is prepared tableside in a beautiful setting at the resort. The chef surprise diners with jaw-dropping and mouthwatering dishes that one might deem too pretty to eat.
If you happen to be visiting on a Sunday from October through April, be sure to take a 5-minute drive to Old Town La Quinta to browse the farmer’s market, where you’ll find local farms and vendors selling fresh produce and bespoke products such as homemade pastries and much more.
