Everyone needs a little pampering and the Grannies share some of their favorite places to relax, reflect and "chill out." Our suggestions:

Kusatsu, Japan | Onsen Experience

Hot Springs Used by Japan’s Royal Families — http://www.daitokan.co.jp

• Beautiful two-hour train ride through the Japanese countryside from Tokyo on the bullet train
• Book a stay at a Japanese style inn—Ryokan—for full enjoyment of the food and culture
• Separate hot mineral spring pools for men and women scattered in the area, some private pools operated by the Roykan's
• Wear a traditional Japanese resort robe—Yukata’s and wooden shoes while you visit the spas
• Massages and other services found in bath houses
• Browse the small craft shops that are all around the town
• Come all year round—skiing is very popular in the winter
• A great place for a weekend retreat from the bustle of Toyko

"The Sanctuary" on the Crown Princess Cruise Ship

Princess.com/CrownPrincess

• An adults only area on the bow of this beautiful cruise ship – ‘a pocket of tranquility’ on the uppermost deck of the ship
• The Sanctuary features outdoor private cabañas were guests can have exclusive Lotus Spa services, including deep tissue muscle massage or a full body lotus massage designed especially for couples
• Guests may escape to this retreat at any time, day or night
• Appointments include plush outdoor furniture, including double loungers for couples
• The Sanctuary stewards are on hand to provide passengers with everything from a chilled face towel and Evian water atomizer, to a menu to health beverages and fare
• Guests may also have personal MP3 players with noise canceling headphones available for rent, loaded with themed play lists focused on relaxation

The Heartland Spa - Gilman, Illinois

Spas of America ranks The Heartland #1 in Illinois heartlandspa.com

• Warm country hospitality are the watchwords of The Heartland’s realistic wellness program
• The Heartland Spa is located 90 miles south of Chicago
• Two, three or five night packages are available with a variety of fitness activities
• The menu attracts those who are interested in optimum nutrition
• Pampering professionals offer a variety of facials, body treatments, specially massages to relax body and soul
• Ask for information on its 25th anniversary Giveaway promotion

Soothe Your Senses—Chicago (Edgewater)

http://www.sootheyoursenses.biz/

• It’s a day spa for men and women in the quiet neighborhood of Edgewater
• The spa originated from a quaint French Quarter retreat in a small town in Louisiana
• The owners are steeped in a tradition of a Traiteur (Creole Healer) and use herbs in their aromatherapy treatments
• Services are for women and men—hands, feet, and the entire body
• Spa packages include the regular—massages, wraps, waxes, facials, manicures, pedicures etc. as well as special events e.g., sound and scent environments and how they effect your home
• Great teas, cool water are available during your stay
• Look for sales of their natural products—they are reasonable