I know… I know… you’re rushing around doing last minute shopping and rattling your brain for a gift under $500 for your teenager! At this point you’re close to the “get out of jail” gift card… right? Even though you know most teenagers hate them.

So stop for just a minute… and look around. Do you see the absence of anything?

How about snow? Maybe they have it at the top of Mount Washington in New Hampshire, but there’s a distinct lack of it at the moment in New England. The White Mountains are anything but white, and the Green Mountains in Vermont are… well, still green.

Our weather pattern everywhere in late fall has been the same since early fall… mild.

Now, New Englanders know that this could change in just one storm during the holidays, but at the moment ski resorts in the region are making ice!

I’ve been an advocate for some time for the region not to be at the mercy of the white stuff, but also cater for alternative visitors who want to just enjoy the New England experience. These people want to surround themselves with the winter wonderland of New England - but not at breakneck speed. And not with long sticks on their feet or riding an out of control snowmobile… but with a sleigh ride and a hot cup of chocolate after being pampered all day with luxury and warmth.

Enter the New England Spa and Resort alternative.

If you’re planning a winter getaway then you’ve some regal choices for lodging and spa facilities in New England. Here are just three suggestions from the region to get you started…

Red Jacket Beach Resort – Cape Cod, Massachusetts

Located in South Yarmouth on Cape Cod, and just minutes from Hyannis, this resort offers accommodations that run from suites to townhouses to oceanfront properties. For romantic getaways, Red Jacket Beach offers deluxe Jacuzzi Rooms with all of the amenities of traditional guest rooms, plus a king bed and private, and in-room Jacuzzi.

The Spa at the resort offers massages and body therapies, facials, and nails. Massages options include Aromatherapy, Hot Stone, Chocolate Fix, traditional Swedish, and many other choices.

Call 1-800-cape-cod for information and reservations.

Wentworth by the Sea Hotel & Spa – New Castle, New Hampshire

Just a few minutes from Downtown Portsmouth and one hour north of Boston, is one of the landmark seacoast resorts of New England. Opened in 1874, the Wentworth by the Sea resort went through major renovations and reopened in 2003.

The Spa caters to beauty and fitness with facial therapies, nine different body massages, body wraps and renewals, and manicures. The Exercise Studio and in-door pool with whirlpool are available daily from 6am-11pm. The Exercise Studio houses strength and cardio equipment.

The resort offers gourmet dining and AAA Four Diamond accommodation. For more information and rates call 866-240-6313.

Stoweflake Mountain Resort & Spa – Stowe, Vermont

Stowe is the premier destination for the sophisticated après-ski crowd. Situated in Northern Vermont between two mountain ranges Stowe glistens best during the New England winter. The Mount Mansfield ski slopes are just a short drive away, but at Stoweflake traveling is optional to have a memorable experience. On campus the resort has a 50,000 square foot spa, fitness center, award-winning restaurants and luxurious accommodations.

Stowe village has many gourmet restaurants to taste for a change of scenery, and a shopping experience rivaled by none in the state. For rates and availability call the resort at 800-253-2232.

And if your mind still keeps wandering back to gifts, and you’re looking for one for your spouse, then why not give the gift of your time with them, at one of these spas.

For more destinations in our wonderful New England region hop over to the sister web site by clicking here.

Enjoy the holidays,

Cliff Calderwood
Executive Director
New England Vacations Guide