Here, for less than the price of a bare-bones retreat back home, you get daily massages, facials and other treatments, excellent food, and the excitement of a new culture and adventurous sightseeing. Among the best choices is the Ixtapan Hotel and Spa in the Sierra Madre Mountains of southwestern Mexico. In addition to the usual spa amenities, Ixtapan boasts a large natural mineral pool and optional excursions to archeological sites, underground caves, and Taxco, famous for its intricate silver jewelry. You can rent a cabin, pitch a tent on the Solarium deck, or just sprawl out on one of the reclining lounge chairs. All the ferries offer food, heated sightseeing lounges and public toilets and showers.
Many sailings have on-board interpretive programs run by naturalists.
Three-night ferry trips along Alaska's inside passage, from Bellingham, WA, to Skagway, AK, depart Fridays. We welcome your feedback. All rights reserved.