Can’t afford a vacation away from home? Why not consider a "staycation?" With historic sites, inviting hotels, and invigorating spa retreats, St. Louis offers an abundance of luxury for those seeking a little rest and relaxation away from home. I admit that initially the thought of staying in the same state for a vacation seemed a little daunting at first; however, with looming home projects and little time off from work, the idea became more appealing. I realized that if I didn’t find the time to invest in refreshing my mental and physical health, I wouldn’t be much use to anyone. With that in mind, I’ve put together some simple ideas that are sure to have you ready for a staycation in no time:
1. Create a sanctuary within your home. Pick a room and bring in all your creature comforts to create an inviting space for downtime. Add in your favorite books and music, then spend the week lounging.
2. Select a local five-star hotel, add in a spa and dining package, and spend the day getting pampered.
3. Take a day trip to one of Missouri’s wineries. Pack a picnic lunch and enjoy a day of great scenery along with wine and cheese tastings.
4. Put everything on hold. Turn off your cell phone, hide the TV remote, and set up an out-of-office response on your email.
5. Have lunch and dinner ordered in for the week.
6 . Plan a week of relaxing excursions around the city or outside city limits.
Don’t let limited funds or time steal your plans for a rejuvenating and much-needed vacation. Check out these hot spots around St. Louis:
• The Four Seasons Hotel: Offers fine dining, along with several spa packages to choose from, and it's a stone’s throw to nearby attractions
• Ginger Bay Salon and Spa: Offers an array of salon pampering services for men and women
• St. James Winery: Offers tours and several entertaining events throughout the summer