Top 3 Weekend Getaway Ideas

As the weather gets warmer and the blooming buds fill the air with that special spring magic, many of us finally feel the need to stretch our mussels after the long winter months, and leave the house for a quick, no fuss getaway, to recharge our batteries. Whether your ideal is soaking up some Caribbean sun, delving in the decadence of the North Carolina's charm and beautiful mountain scenery, or going for a one of a kind retreat in the desert, here is a list for that easy fling that will chase away all your blues.

A taste of Caribbean Paradise

My number one preference goes to a quick Caribbean vacation, where sugary white beaches and the warm sun rays melt away the stress, as the beautiful turquoise sea lulls you with it's the gentle rhythm.

My favorite location in this heavenly part of the world is definitely the Bahamas. I have visited Paradise Island in early spring and it was an idyllic vacation. The locals were friendly, the sea was incredibly clear and everything was just right.

Accommodation and Activities

I would positively recommend a brief vacation at the Atlantis Resort if you are traveling with your family. Check out the Ruins Lagoon to explore ancient Atlantis artifacts as you swim alongside snappers or take the daring Leap of Faith water slide which propels you down a 60ft vertical drop or head to the Hibiscus Lagoon to feed native sea turtles and sink in the 14 acre Dolphin Cay to feast your eyes on the playful antics of these gentle sea creatures.

If you are looking for an idyllic vacation filled with romance and quality time with your loved one, check out one of the oceanfront suites at the One and Only Ocean club. The massages at the on-site spa begin with a floral foot wash that erases all lingering traces of the outside world. If you feel more adventurous try your hand at racing the wind on a catamaran cruise or reel a trophy catch on a deep sea charter. If you are like me, get close and personal with the Caribbean turquoise waters and go for a Scuba adventure.

Cost

Airfare from New York to the New Providence costs approximately $550 per person using Jet Blue airlines and the cost of your weekend stay starts at approximately another $500 in the resorts I mentioned. A more economical resort that receives top points is Wyndham Nassau Resort on cable beach at $ 167. (source Expedia.com)

Your personal Mountain retreat

Another favorite pick if you are more into a dynamic downtown area and scenic mountain views is Asheville in North Carolina.

Activities

Nestled in the awe inspiring Smoky Mountains region, Asheville has an active downtown area with a thriving arts scene and there is plenty to do over here. Architecture buffs will delight in the town's beautiful art deco buildings and Shoppers will find a treasure trove in the numerous fine arts and crafts at local artisan galleries, but this picturesque town main attraction is certainly the imposing beauty of the surrounding mountains Smoky mountains that need no introduction.

Accommodation

A cozy weekend retreat at one of the many delightful bed and breakfasts in this area is a must for those seeking the peace and tranquility the mountains offer. My favorite pick is the Apple wood Manor Inn surrounded by its quiet one and a half acre of oaks and pine trees and just a few minutes away from the magnificent old homes in Asheville downtown. The owners take pride in paying particular attention to the fine details. The formal dining room and parlor are ripe with the distinct North Carolina charm and a stroll to the nearby Botanical Gardens is the perfectly peaceful activity that will make you forget the hectic bustle of city life.

Cost

Prices for bed and breakfasts in this area start at $120 per person per night.

A one- of- a- kind adventure

My final suggestion for a perfect weekend retreat is all about vast open spaces, arid mountains with rolling sand dunes, old ghost towns and barren salt pans. The Death Valley is an underrated national park that comes alive with vibrant life in early spring. Since temperature soar to above 120F in summer and winter lows go below freezing, Spring and Fall temperatures make it the prime season to visit the 3.3 million square foot park. Activities include hiking the lowest place in North America (almost 300 feet below sea level), surfing a sand dune and visiting a Moorish style castle.

Accommodation

Yahoo travel recommends Stove Pipe Wells Village. Among the hotel's amenities the site lists a general store, RV hookups and a landing strip for private aircraft near the Big Sand Dunes. At the Stovepipe Wells Village you can explore ancient rock formations, watch the sun set behind surreal sand dunes and observe the unique animal life of the Death Valley.

Cost

Prices start at $120 per person per night for a deluxe room and go down to $80 for patio rooms - a steal - if you crave an escape from boring office life and wish to embark in an adventure a la John Wayne - don't you think?

Works cited

"One and only Ocean club - top 10 Bahamas Resort " Resorts and Lodges.com

"Atlantis Resort - top 10 Bahamas resorts" Resorts and lodges.com

Apple wood Manor Inn website

"Top 10 easy spring getaways" msnbc.com

Stove Pipe Wells Village website