If you think this is beautiful, you should see the rooms. Simple and clean, with not a lot in them, they're just exactly what you would want a room in a Greek hotel to look like. And the views from them are to die for. By the way, there's also a covered part to this pool as well in case you're not aIf you think this is beautiful, you should see the rooms. Simple and clean, with not a lot in them, they're just exactly what you would want a room in a Greek hotel to look like. And the views from them are to die for. By the way, there's also a covered part to this pool as well in case you're not a sun bunny.… see moresee less

When a resort has the word "serenity" in the name you know you have to be in good hands. They'll even pack a picnic for you, take out out to a nearby island by boat, and come pick you up when you're finished.

Just because you can't escape city life, doesn't mean you can't relax. There are two very central locations here and they teach both aerial yoga as well as regular floor work if yoga hammocks aren't your thing.

You can do just about everything here from ride horses to take spa treatments...or, you can just do nothing!

Belize, home to some of the best diving and snorkeling in the world, amazing barrier reef

The staff here is as good as it gets as is the incredible scenery.

The V.I.P. villas here have their own little private pools--not that the regular ones are bad. In fact, they look right out over the water. Hard to find a more glorious place than this.

This is actually a pretty big complex, but their villas are totally private. The spa here is breathtaking and the treatments available just go on and on.

The views from this place are insane and the rates can be excellent if you go at the right time. A real gem.

This place has both an in-studio waterfall and a fireplace.

are you camping, or where are you staying?

Nothing like Joshua Tree for a yoga retreat... this was actually the first and only time I've actually slept in a tent for a retreat and it was terrific. Only downside is the heat, so make sure you have lots of water cause you're gonna sweat. A lot of my friends on this trip were climbers, so if Nothing like Joshua Tree for a yoga retreat... this was actually the first and only time I've actually slept in a tent for a retreat and it was terrific. Only downside is the heat, so make sure you have lots of water cause you're gonna sweat. A lot of my friends on this trip were climbers, so if that's you're thing you'll be in luck. Some stones are up to 6 stories high! Enjoy.… see moresee less

This place holds all kinds of different retreats here from yoga to boot camp. Interestingly, this resort has been instrumental in a facility for orphaned children. Nice to know that's where part of your dollars would go if you stay here.

Isn't that Hotel Caruso in Ravello Italy?

If you don't go to the beach (btw, its beautiful) no one would blame you, when you have this for a view and a pool

This place has 24 rooms with their own infinity pools. I'd imagine there are guests who never leave the room.

This place is so gorgeous. The rooms have a bit of a New England feel--very clean and simple. You can actually buy into a sort of time share here if you really, really don't want to leave.

This place is known for its "Deep Sea Therapy" which apparently was brought here by the make-up artist Shu Uemera whose products I'm addicted to. This is really, really high on my list.

If there's only so much relaxation you can take before you start to get a little stir crazy, this is a good option. Lots to do around here like hikes and biking and golf.

Lilianfels is decorated like a cute little country-style B & B rather than a super-hip innovative spa, but that's why I want to go here so much. I've heard the views from here are insane.

GORGEOUS property.

There's a tree here that goes right up through the hotel which will give you a sense of the vibe here. Wine lovers will go nuts over the wine cave here.

never seen anything like this! wow, off to Africa...

trippy. beach within a beach.

Don't bother trying to find a more stunning place to relax because you just won't. If you're a serious spa goer, you'll love the Givenchy spa here which consistently rates among the world's best.

If you're really, really serious about starting the year afresh, this resort has detox and cleansing programs. Just be forewarned that they involve some fasting and some treatments you might not be used to!

This place has won just about every major travel award you can think of. They have about 65 villas that come with their own butlers.

Villas here start at about 1,100 euro a week which really isn't horrible. It's a tad modern for me, but if that's what you like, this is a good deal.

Amangiri, 1 Kayenta Road, Canyon Point Utah, USA

Close the Grand Canyon, Zion and Escalante National Park

Ordinarily I'm not a desert girl, but this place is incredible. The mountain views here are so incredible they look fake. Something very peaceful and calming about this place.

You can only arrive by plane or boat!

Only reachable by boat, this resort is the epitome of privacy. Every guest is given a bike for their duration of their stay. A perfect way to enjoy the island.

The four-course prix fixe menu features European and Caribbean dishes, like braised lamb shank and grilled mahi, and boasts one of the area’s best wine lists. Plan ahead, as the resort is accessed only by boat or helicopter, both surprisingly less expensive than you’d think.

If you're really feeling depleted you might want to try this resort's special "healing package" that includes a cleansing program, yoga, and some downtime at the spa.

I'm always on the lookout for resorts that are close to home in case I don't have the time to go far away but need a break. If you live in the Southern California area, this is a great choice.

Affordable too!

This is a good, unpretentious place with decent rates if there's something about snazzy resorts that freaks you out.

How would you compare this to Las Ventannas?

Please feel free to reach out to me at michaldalesandro@gmail.com for my playbook....

Josh - Recently had my wedding there for 130 people. Everyone at the resort did an amazing job. My point of contact was Claudia Morales cmorales@esperanzaresort.com.mx

Amazing trails, beautiful setting. awesome food. GREAT bar (owl bar) that is reclaimed from old mining town, featured in Butch Cassidy/Sundance Kid and has awesome live music. Chef among best in state .

One of the best things about this resort is that they have a special kids' area so you can go off and do your thing and not worry about the kids.

While it's definitely not one of the more elegant choices on this list, the price here is right and the views are insane. They also have most of the usual amenities you'd find at more expensive resorts so it's a good option if you're on a budget.

Simply put, it just doesn't get better than this. Every nook and cranny of this place just screams elegance and there are no words for the surrounding views. This should be at the top of your list of places to see in 2013. Seriously, run, don't walk.

Not super elegant, but a great place to bring kids as they have some good family rates and lots and lots of ways to keep them occupied. The accommodations are sparse but lovely.

As a large resort, the Westin doesn't have the intimacy that a smaller, independent resort would, but it's very tasteful and there are some excellent rates depending on the time of year you're there.

This is one of the country's, if not the world's, most renowned resorts and there are a lot of good reasons for that. In addition to just being a stunner of a hotel, they have everything from baby sitting to scuba clinics to the world's first "water elevator". They even have a few Picassos on the This is one of the country's, if not the world's, most renowned resorts and there are a lot of good reasons for that. In addition to just being a stunner of a hotel, they have everything from baby sitting to scuba clinics to the world's first "water elevator". They even have a few Picassos on the premises.… see moresee less

If you want to renew but need to do it with a sense of humor, this is the place. In addition to the wine baths, they also have a noodle bath that was built to celebrate the resort's anniversary. I wonder which anniversary is the one one which you give noodles.

I'm a little obsessed with both Monaco and hammams, so I could pretty much live here. The baths here are made from salt water and in general, the spas in the south of France are some of the best in the world. They even have a chocolate facial which I haven't tried...yet.