Journey to health
Envision a young Elizabeth Taylor exercising her pampered pets on the sports deck of the original Queen Mary. Today, the Queen Mary 2 (QM2) – a seagoing palace with Old World, white-glove service and ultra-modern amenities – is home to the only Canyon Ranch SpaClub® at sea. On land or sea, Canyon Ranch sets the gold standard in fitness, wellness and spa treatments. The two-level, 20,000 square foot spa boasts spectacular ocean views. Canyon Ranch chefs created the extensive spa menu available at QM2 restaurants. After running laps on the open-air promenade deck of the world’s longest ship (3 laps = 1.77 km), indulge yourself at the spa. Luxuriate in an 80 minute ‘solid gold’ one-of-a-kind treatment based on ancient Chinese and Egyptians remedies. The 18-Carat Body Scrub massaged over the body in long strokes transforms your skin into dewy smoothness with a golden, sun-kissed glow. Or pamper yourself with the Rasul Ceremony Canyon Ranch signature treatment using Middle Eastern medicinal mud and steam therapy performed in an exotic tiled steam chamber. There are many offerings to experience at the spa and on the ship.
www.cunard.com
1.800.7.CUNARD
www.canyonranch.com
1.800.742.9000

Longitude 180 in Tahiti is a new wellness holiday concept that engages the five senses. Enjoy a vanilla-scented island as you explore coral reefs. Visit islands encircled with white sand as you cruise emerald waters by yacht. Rejuvenate with a meld of Polynesian and European curative spa therapies using seawater taken from a depth of 2,500 feet, and take comfort in the knowledge that the deep-sea water is later used for hotel cooling purposes. For the ultimate well-being experience, take advantage of 25 years of experience as Reiki Master and certified Kripalu Yoga teacher Philippe Lacaille helps ease physical discomforts from conditions like MS, fibromyalgia and cancer.
www.longitude180.ca

Since 1835, the palatial Le Meurice hotel on the rue de Rivoli near Tuileries Gardens in Paris, France has welcomed guests with the finest of traditions. Spa Valmont located at Le Meurice specializes in anti-aging treatments using the nutrient and mineral rich Valmont cosmetics line. Clinique Valmont, founded in 1905 on the shores of Lake Geneva in Switzerland, boasts state-of-the-art medical techniques. Film legend Ingrid Bergman trusted her health and beauty to the hands of Valmont specialists. Using glacier spring waters, Valmont cosmetics prolong the effectiveness of such signature treatments as the Copper Body Scrub with Dead Sea Salts. Cryogenic body wraps increase circulation to offset tired leg syndrome and varicose veins. After your specialized treatment, enjoy a classic English afternoon tea in the elegant Jardin d’Hiver as the light spills through the century-old Art Nouveau-style glass roof.
www.lemeurice.com

Experience your next family reunion or corporate power meeting learning to sail a tall ship to the French Caribbean aboard the finely appointed, square-rigged, 245-foot Caledonia. If the high-octane thrill of becoming a chef is more to your taste, learn to crack open conch, mix a blockbuster rum mojito, or cook French Creole style from Caledonia guest chefs using local ingredients and fresh ocean bounty. At the various ports of stay, tackle rapids by tube or kayak; view untouched terrain by aerial tram; climb mountains; scooter around quaint fishing villages; or dance Steel Pan, Shak Shak or Calypso.
Canadian Sailing Expeditions
1.877.429.9463 www.canadiansailingexpeditions.com

Green retreats Ireland’s “Greenbox” suits the eco-traveler who wants to experience a sustainable tourism destination. Fermanagh, West Canan, South Donegal and northwest Monaghan are a few of Ireland’s most ecologically and socially conscious areas. Take a carbon neutral Weekend Wilder-ness Therapy Session offered by the Lough Allen Adventure Centre, ideal for ages 16 and up. Led by qualified instructors, this getaway allows you to experience natural shelter construction, fishing, and open boat skills in preparation for a two-day visit to a remote island. Visit a holy well, a sweat lodge and a megalithic tomb. Enjoy traditional Irish hospitality at a pub with a twist – it also serves as an undertaker’s office. www.greenbox.ie www.loughallenadventure.com

If you want more from your vacation, volunteer tours provide the opportunity to make a lasting difference while experiencing cultural immersion. The Canadian travel company G.A.P. Adventures developed the non-profit Planeterra Foundation as a way for travelers to give back to the people and places in a Planeterra community project. Vacations are based on your interests and available tour time.

Elaine Dembe, a Toronto chiropractor, took a Planeterra vacation. She visited Taquile Island on Lake Titicaca in Peru, where 300 native Quechuan families still live as their ancestors did. Dembe experienced a night in a Quechuan family’s cave-like home. Her contribution to the community – the rare, not often received treasures of rice, fruit and vegetables. The family matriarch prepared a delicious soup in celebration. Planeterra has numerous charitable projects worldwide, including Africa, Cuba, Honduras, and Costa Rica.
1-800-708-7761
www.gapadventures.com
www.planeterra.org

Participating
Marathon to your health goals
Marathons are not only for the adrenaline rush, camaraderie and health benefits, but also for the adventure of exploring new landscape before and after the event. Canadian Donal O’Neil ran in the 2003 New Zealand Triathlon (swim, bike, run) to achieve a personal fitness goal. To recharge after the race, he took time to learn about the people and culture. Pat Laplante enjoys the health benefits of marathon training, but she especially enjoys the emotional bond that’s created at the finish line, “You don’t know who’s going to catch you as you cross the line exhausted.” Pat plans to run through the streets of London and Berlin, and experience exotic Asia in a Hong Kong marathon. The Running Room’s web site provides a list of upcoming marathons, including a half marathon in Prague.

You can also use your marathon abroad to help those at home. The Arthritis Society Fundraiser ‘Joints in Motion’ helps you meet your own fitness goals as you raise funds for 4.5 million Canadians who suffer with arthritis. Marathons in 2008 include Jamaica, Scotland, China and Maui. Trek to Machu Picchu or up Mount Kilimanjaro.

H&L

www.triathlon.org
www.jointsinmotion.ca www.events.runningroom.com