rufus102

I figured I'd post here rather than the general travel forum to get some more empathetic responses.

Suggested to wife she take a 3-4 day weekend to get away from it all. She's 3 months pregnant with our second. The first does seem to understand the whole "mommy is tired and needs to sleep" thing.

She responded by saying "I don't know - how about you surprise me?"

So here's the parameters currently:

Dep: BDL (BOS/NYC at a pinch, but she'll be driving solo and that's not her thing)

Sometime in the next 4-6 weeks. Most likely Fri dep, sun/mon return.
Flying UA is a VERY seconday consideration, but keep it in mind.

Desires:
- SAFE (she'll be on her own)
- Warm
- Nice hotel with nice room service. Possibly a SPA in or nearby for massage type stuff.
- Pool (for reading beside, not swimming)
- Casino
- Stay in the US (I suggested the Caribbean, but she doesn't want to leave the country)

Budget - $750 ($1000 at a pinch)

Intial Thoughts:
- Vegas (she's been there and loves it)
- Down South, I guess they have some casinos?
- ummm...

If this is the wrong place, I'll repost (somewhere).

Thanks in advance.

flyerwife

OK, maybe I am missing the boat but the Mystic Marriott meets all of your parameters (with the possible exception of warm) and is literally right in your backyard. They have an Elizabeth Arden Red Door Spa on site, an indoor pool, room service from their excellent restaurant Octagon, and 2 casinos nearby.

I know this doesn't quite meet the standard of an exotic weekend away, but it will fit within your budget. If she were to fly somewhere, you are talking at least $300 for airfare, then another $250 a night for hotel, and once she eats and gets a massage and pedicure, your budget will be shot. Plus, I am really thinking that she might not want complete solitude if she is flying alone. I personally prefer enjoying hotels/casinos/spas with my friends rather than going solo. Of course, you know your wife best.

Vegas seems like a lot of walking and very hectic for a pregnant woman alone (again, your call as to her tolerance for these kinds of things). The Southern casinos (Biloxi, Gulfport, etc.) are gone, courtesy of Hurricane Katrina.

There's always the casino in Montreal but that won't be a warm spot.

Airfare to the Bahamas is cheap now. Though she doesn't want to go out of the country, that might meet your other requirements.

Maybe try and get a sitter (parent, trusted friend with whom you could reciprocate) and go with your wife. That would be the best surprise of all!

Good luck choosing....hope she has fun, and congrats on the new addition!

CDTraveler

A couple years ago Mr. CDTraveler gave me a week at Club Med Ixtapa while he stayed home with the 2 year old. It was heaven - I slept the hours I wanted, ate when I wanted, took naps every day, lounged by the pool, and just enjoyed a lifestyle for 7 days that did not involve doing anything I didn't want to - like cooking, cleaning or diapers.

I wouldn't suggest Club Med Ixtapa from your starting point, but why not check out the one in Florida, or maybe the Caribbean?

Analise

To add to these great comments by flyerwife, going to a local resort hotel means that your pregnant wife won't have to deal with the hassles of airport stress and flying ALONE. From the way flyerwife describes this hotel, it sounds wonderful.

JS

Why would you want to send your pregnant wife anywhere for a vacation? She will still be pregnant during as well as after the trip.

IMHO that was a bad idea to suggest to her. I recommend you take it back and let her relax at home. Take a relaxing trip some other time, like when the kids move out of the house.

Calliope

I would suggest against Vegas as second hand smoke is not good for the mother or the baby. Now if you are in a smoking family then that wouldn't matter. I would definately investigate nearby places that way if she does get homesick she can cut her trip short. Unfortunately I have no suggestions. We have some great spa's here in CA but that would involve flying. Best of luck to you.

CDTraveler

You're not female, let alone pregnant, are you? Had any direct, first-hand experience with the physical exhaustion of pregnancy? Know how it feels to see everything you need to be dealing with right in front of you, including a young clid who needs you, and just not have the energy to stand upright?

I think the OP's idea is wonderful. For many women, relaxing at home just doesn't happen because they want to be doing what needs to be done. I know I work that way, and so do most mothers that I know. It is really stressful not to be able to do the jobs in front of you; getting away from the house is the only way I can really rest up.

Yes, these are probably sweeping generalizations, but they are based on my life and the lives of women I know.

OP, go for it! Send her somewhere she won't have to life a finger for the duration of her stay.

And have fun with your toddler while Mommy's gone -make it a special time for her, too.

rufus102

Thanks for the replies everyone!
(except for that one about her still being pregnant when she returns???)

After some more tentative discussion,
- Caribbean/Mexico is out "I just don't want to leave the country - I don't know why"
- Local/driving is out. - I mentioned about being able to leave early if necessary and avoiding connections/security/crummy seats/waiting in airports. Didn't bother her at all. So a plane it is.
- Casino is IN.

Seems like she's wants me to surprise her with a Vegas trip, without actually asking.

party_boy

What about San Diego? They do have some Indian Casino's as well as great spas nearby. I was thinking along the lines of San Juan PR. Not exactly international either....

SkiAdcock

Nice hubby to understand your wife needs a break/want to do that for her.

I'm not a big fan of Vegas (nothing personal; just not my thing), but Vegas has hotels that have spas, nice restaurants, etc.

Get prepared though - Vegas on the weekends is EXPENSIVE (it's the new hot spot/rebounded from 9/11). Check into air/hotel deals as that might fit in w/ the budget.

Also, if you're going to choose Vegas, post on the Vegas forum w/ parameters/questions. It's a active forum & you'll probably get responses.

Cheers.

TrishBOS

San Diego area would be great. Pala resort has a casino and a GREAT spa. Pechanga resort has a nicer hotel but just ok spa.

Santa Barbara is also very nice and relaxing. Nearby Chumash casino has a great spa with good specials.

Travelin Dreams

Heard much of the same. I'm sure wherever you select will be wonderful- your wife will be happy for the getaway and even happier at the thought you put into selecting and planning for it.

dmbeatty

What about a couple of weekdays (usually cheaper) at Canyon Ranch in the Berkshires?

mbstone

The Venetian (Las Vegas). 4th floor room near the pool, the Canyon Ranch Spa, and the Caynon Ranch Spa Cafe.

thomasrayw

Have you thought about Reno? They have quality casinos and spas, with less hubbub than Vegas. I like the Reno Hilton. They have everything you want. You can spend days there and never leave the hotel. Awesome sushi and steak restaurants. Only 5 mins from the airport so no rental car is needed. I like to stay there, pay for my room, spa, and meals with comps, and still earn HiltonHHonors rewards!

Another great option close by is Lake Tahoe! Only a little extra drive time required.