Travel News

What If You Don’t Spa?

Locations in this article:  San Francisco, CA

Pink Rose Mother SpaIf you’re sharing this Mother’s Day with mom or the kids, why not skip the traditional pedicures and facials and try out something unexpected and inspiring?

We’ve compiled a few weekend trip ideas to bring your family together, whether it is just you and mom or a girlfriend group getaway.

Who knows, maybe an adventurous Mother’s Day will become your annual tradition!

Surf’s up! How about offering to teach mom to “hang ten” at a weekend women’s surf clinic?

Visit Oregon’s Northwest Women’s Surf Camp and treat mom to the Girlfriend Getaway Weekenders package. Over two days you’ll learn to surf with instructors and practice in the ocean with a coach and learn the challenging sport firsthand.

An organic lunch is catered daily and accommodations are provided. Don’t worry about the wetsuit and equipment… everything, including transportation to and from the beach, is provided along with a departing goody bag to commemorate the weekend. Prices range from $199 to $295 per person. 503-738-0758, https://www.nwwomenssurfcamps.com

Does the idea of winding your way down a lazy river appeal you?

Napa Vineyard MorningHow about sampling the wares from California’s vineyards?

Think you have to choose between the two? Think again.

Nestled in Sonoma wine country you’ll find the city of Healdsburg, home to River’s Edge Kayak & Canoe Trips. Prices range from $55 for a half day kayak rental (for two) to their higher-end Wine Tour Package of $140 for a full day rental, including a gourmet picnic lunch for two, wine glasses and opener (you bring your favorite bottle) and all the fixings.

You and mom can take your time stopping to swim, lounge around and eat lunch before hopping back into the kayak to paddle along a 10-mile stretch of vineyards and forests. The upscale town of Healdsburg is a great rendezvous point with plenty of B&Bs, chic shopping and eateries to wind down your day after relaxing on the river or visiting the nearby vineyards. 800-345-0869, https://www.riversedgekayakandcanoe.com

If you want to bring a little creativity into your life, try a weekend artist retreat.

Water color painting Mom’sArtista Creative Safari located in Carmel-by-the-Sea offers an all-inclusive artist’s dream weekend. Women can consult with an individual instructor, get reviews and coaching tips on their work and have access to professional artists’ tools and supplies, all while painting an unforgettable Mother’s Day memory.

A complete Safari package includes three days of painting instruction, daily yoga and of course, the essential items of chocolate, wine and fruit. Rates start at $1,050 per person. 831-625-5748, https://www.artistacreative.com

Feel like dancing? Treat mom to an unforgettable weekend at The Oaks Spa at Ojai where you can tap your toes to a custom mix of belly-dancing, jazz, Funk, African and the spiritual “Nia” method of dance that is tailored just for you!

If you still feel like stretching your legs, then you can take advantage of outdoor activities like a morning stroll for 30 minutes around town, or a four-mile jaunt into the foothills of the Ojai Valley.

Don’t worry about having a big meal after your day of dancing and trekking –the health and calorie conscious meals feature locally grown produce and natural foods. 800-753-6257, https://www.oaksspa.com

If you long to get out into nature and aren’t afraid to get your heart rate up, why not go trekking with the girls? Scott Walking Adventures offers a six-day women’s only hiking trip along the rugged coastline and Hemlock-studded forests in Nova Scotia.

If you’re worrying about the pamper factor after a long day of walking, don’t…. the trip includes gourmet breakfasts, picnic lunches and dinners complete with local delicacies. 800-262-8644, https://www.scottwalking.com

By Loretta Copeland for PeterGreenberg.com.

Check out more Women’s Travel Tips.

And don’t miss “What If You Don’t Ski?”

Previously by Loretta Copeland for PeterGreenberg.com: