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6 Romantic Spa Getaway Deals to Book Now

By U.S. News & World Report

Relax and rejuvenate at top spas across the country.

This Valentine’s Day, skip the expensive jewelry, flowers and chocolate assortments in favor of a swoon-worthy spa getaway for two. If the combination of indulgent massages, decadent body treatments and spectacular scenery doesn’t entice you to restore romance with your better half, perhaps the attractive packages will seal the deal. From desert oases that emphasize boosting health with wellness treatments to sumptuous hotel spas filled with decadent couples services, these relaxing retreats offer the chance to reconnect and cozy up with your loved one without putting a dent in your wallet.

Sanctuary Resort Spa at the Sanctuary Camelback Mountain Resort & Spa

For a mix of striking desert scenery and invigorating spa treatments, head to the Sanctuary Camelback Mountain Resort & Spa in Scottsdale, Arizona, says Jeanenne Tornatore, senior editor at Orbitz.com. A top-ranked hotel in the U.S., Sanctuary is currently offering a special Romance in Paradise package that boasts a 28 percent savings and includes a stay in your choice of mountain and spa suites, a romantic dinner and decadent amenities, like a bottle of Champagne, chocolate-covered strawberries and a rose-strewn turndown service, she explains. At the Sanctuary Resort Spa, you and your sweetie can imbibe in Asian-influenced treatments, such as Thai and Zen Shiatsu massages or body treatments like a divinity detox wrap. Best of all, getting to Scottsdale is kind to your wallet, too, with bundled flight and hotel packages currently hovering around $600, Tornatore adds.

Guerlain Spa at the Waldorf Astoria New York

Gabe Saglie, senior editor at Travelzoo, points to the lavish 14,000-square-foot Guerlain Spa at the Waldorf Astoria New York as a top spa retreat for complete pampering with your significant other. Currently, Travelzoo is offering a promotion (available through April 14, 2016) for a spa day at $169, a 36 percent reduction from the regular price. Apart from a 50-minute massage or facial with the option of one enhancement, such as a hot stone therapy or a facial mask, the package also includes two glasses of wine and the option of interconnecting rooms to cater to couples.

The Spa at Thompson Miami Beach

Travelzoo is currently offering a rooftop spa getaway promotion at the Thompson Miami Beach, a swanky hotel in the heart of Miami Beach. For $89 (a nearly 50 percent drop from regular pricing), spa enthusiasts can enjoy a 50-minute customized facial or massage treatment, pool access with up to $25 in poolside snacks and beverages and admission to the 24-hour fitness center, which hosts complimentary classes. The open-air spa also offers couples cabana massages and lavish body wraps, organic facials and beauty treatments. In addition, guests have access to valet parking and a complimentary glass of wine as part of the promotion.

The Spa at Four Seasons Hotel Chicago

In the Windy City, you can escape winter’s chill with your better half without breaking the bank. Travelzoo is currently offering a promotion for a 50-minute facial or 55-minute massage treatment at the upscale Four Seasons Hotel Chicago for $99. In addition, the promotion includes access to spa facilities and amenities such as the fitness center, steam and sauna rooms and the hotel pool. Plus, the promotion grants visitors the opportunity to enjoy a 20 percent discount on another spa appointment during your stay.

The Spa at Wentworth Mansion

“Charleston has long been considered one of America’s most romantic cities, and couples can do it all, combining fine dining, shopping, historical attractions and time to relax at a spa that speaks to them,” Tornatore says. She points to the historic Wentworth Mansion in downtown Charleston, South Carolina, as a top retreat, thanks to its “couples treatments under 14-foot vaulted ceilings” and “exposed beams for the ultimate rustic escape.” An hourlong couples massage, complimentary Champagne and a candlelit turndown service, among other romance-kindling amenities and a luxurious stay in the Mansion Room, are included in the Wentworth Spa Experience package, which is priced at $685 a night. Alternatively, guests can book individual spa treatments, such as a customized 60-minute massage starting at $115 or a Swedish-style 60-minute hot stone therapy massage starting at $135. Standard nightly hotel rates start at around $500.

The Spa at Cranwell Resort, Spa and Golf Club

Tucked away in the Berkshires (or Berkshire County), the far western edge of Massachusetts, the Cranwell Resort, Spa and Golf Club offers a storybook setting, cozy nooks and enticing nightly rates starting at $233, Tornatore says. And beyond the intimate atmosphere and reasonable rates, the sprawling spa offers more than 50 types of treatments, 16 treatment rooms and a glass-encased pool. Here, you and your partner in crime can indulge in exotic treatments such as a Moroccan massage or reiki therapy.

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6 Romantic Spa Getaway Deals to Book Now originally appeared on usnews.com

Don’t Settle for Student Loans to Pay for Online Education

By WTOP Staff
Online college programs are becoming a more popular choice for prospective students, with one study finding that more than 6 million students enrolled in at least one online course in fall 2015. The popularity of these courses can be attributed in part to their flexibility with working adults' schedules, students' ability to progress more quickly through online programs and, oftentimes, cheaper tuition. [See 10 low-cost online bachelor's programs for out-of-state students.]Online degrees can be beneficial to many college students, but some studies have shown online learners complete their programs at lower rates than students at traditional brick-and-mortar campuses. Individuals with student loans but no degree comprise two-thirds of defaulted borrowers. Though these numbers are not encouraging, just like for traditional programs, there are ways to reduce how much you'll need to borrow for an online program to ensure you won't become one of these statistics. Don't just settle on borrowing student loans to cover the whole cost of your program and living expenses. Instead, start thinking about how to cut costs and cover your balance in different ways, such as the following. -- Grants and scholarships: Even though you are taking an online course, you can still apply and receive grants and scholarships. But your first step should be to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, commonly referred to as the FAFSA, which will allow you to receive a Pell Grant if your expected family contribution is low enough. The EFC criteria and award amounts are adjusted annually, but the 2017-2018 academic year awards range from $606 to $5,920, which could significantly lower the amount you borrow annually. Your next step is to apply for scholarships. You can start by checking online scholarship search engines, such as the Salt Scholarship Search, College Board's BigFuture and Peterson's. But don't forget to take advantage of local organizations and your school's financial aid office. Both may offer scholarships that you can't find with a national scholarship search. [Review these 10 sites to kick off your scholarship search.]For instance, organizations like the Elks Club, Knights of Columbus or the Rotary Club typically offer scholarships annually to local students. Just because you're going to school online doesn't mean you're ineligible. Visit your local library for scholarship listings, and ask around town. You might be surprised how many local organizations offer scholarships. While these scholarships typically aren't large, every little bit counts. Each dollar you receive in a scholarship is a dollar you don't have to borrow and pay interest on. -- Work-study: Another option for online students may be work-study awards. Not all students enrolled in online programs are eligible, but students at some schools -- including, for example, SUNY Empire State College and Liberty University -- are. Work-study awards are not given upfront like scholarships and grants. In most cases, they are an offer to earn up to the awarded amount if you secure an eligible work-study job. While there is a misconception that all work-study jobs must be on campus, students can work for off-campus, nonprofit or public employers as long as the work is in the public's interest. You may be able to work for a for-profit employer if the job is relevant to your course of study. No matter who the outside employer is, it will need to have an established agreement with your college for you to receive work-study funds. Remember, to be eligible for federal financial aid, you must be enrolled and pursuing a degree or certificate. If you're not working toward a credential, Pell Grants and work-study won't be option, but you may still be able to take advantage of private scholarships -- just be sure to read the eligibility criteria carefully. [Explore what to know about financial aid in online programs.]-- Pay as you go: One of the great benefits to enrolling online is the flexible schedule, which can allow you to complete your college coursework around your responsibilities. But prospective students often overlook using their part- or full-time job earnings as an option for paying for college. Almost 80 percent of college students in 2015 worked at least part time while attending classes, according to the National Center for Education Statistics. By budgeting and thinking strategically about your college costs, you can likely reduce your dependence on student loans by paying a portion out of pocket. Many -- but not all -- online programs are less expensive than traditional programs and often have shorter payment periods. Six, eight or 10 weeks are common course durations. Because of the frequency of payments in an online setting, you may be well-placed to pay as you go and possibly avoid borrowing altogether. Attending college online and avoiding student loans may be challenging, but if you are willing to put in the effort, you can limit the amount you need to borrow. More from U.S. News Q&A: Understanding Student Loan Discharge Eligibility Student Loan Refinancing Isn't Right for All Borrowers
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