Luxury experiences like spa treatments, limousine rides, exquisite dinner and wine combos and stays at cozy inns can give anyone the feeling of living high. But booking luxury services doesn't have to be expensive or in exotic locations. You just need to employ a little ingenuity.
To find a charming bed and breakfast in your locale, call, write, e-mail or check the website of your local Chamber of Commerce or state Department of Tourism. Most groups maintain a roster or directory of quality establishments. Or you can search the Internet yourself, entering a search of your city or state and "bed and breakfast" to find detailed descriptions and photos of worthy inns online. When booking your room, tell the innkeeper why you chose his or her place, and don't be afraid to ask for a local discount.
If you want to rent a limousine, the best strategy is to consult the web or telephone business listings for companies in your area. Word of mouth also works—if you know someone who has recently gotten married or had a landmark anniversary, ask them if they used a limousine service and were happy with the company they hired.
Meals that pair wines with courses are one of the hottest new trends in fine dining. To plan your own experience, start by checking in with local wineries to find out what arrangements they may have with restaurants in your area. Scour the food page in your local newspaper or alternative weekly for advertisements or stories about wine and dinner deals. Or call the food critic at the daily paper or weekly alternative. Most would be happy to recommend a quality restaurant or winery for you.
Nothing eases you out of your hectic routine like a good massage or body treatment at a heavenly spa. Many of the best spas are situated at the most luxurious hotels. Call or visit the websites of the most exquisite hotels in your city or state to see if they have a spa and whether or not services are open to day visitors. Inquire about seasonal specials or discounts for local residents. Or, scour the archives of local publications for reviews of some of the best spas around. |
