I came across the following post this week on twitter from @thefutureisred : “my travel allergy salve: eat raw honey from whatever place you’re visiting as soon as you arrive. Always makes a difference.”

After some internet research I found that many people feel this method of allergy prevention is helpful…I figure you can’t go wrong, because even if it does not work for you it still will taste good!

Very rarely do spa resorts ever fall in the “budget” category.  But I just got word today that the spa-future of the budget-minded might be a bit brighter…

Opening on 6 November 2009 in the city of Berlin, a new and unique refuge from the bustling city will open behind the trees and noble façades of Berlin’s affluent Charlottenburg district: the Aspria Hotel, a 42-room retreat connected to a renowned 150,000 square feet state-of-the-art spa and sporting club. The result: the ultimate city health and wellness resort.

“Aspria never stands still. We’re always looking for ways to improve and continuous growth is part of our philosophy.” says Brian Morris, CEO of Aspria Group. “That’s why it is a priority for us to provide visitors to Berlin and our Club members with a truly special accommodation experience – the new Aspria Hotel. There’s really nothing in the city that will compare with this hotel, it will be a real ‘escape’ and we’re very proud of it.”

The generously sized open plan rooms have elegant furniture by Vitra and Walter Knoll. Guests enter their accommodation with a clear view of a panoramic window and a tailor-made pedestal bed that seems to float in the middle of the room. Along the length of the window stretches a desk with the same grey surface as the bed. It varies in height and can be used as a writing desk, a bench or an area to open suitcases. Even the television has not gone without a rethink: the cutting-edge Philips Ambilight screens are ceiling-mounted at an angle that corresponds perfectly with the bed’s backrest.

The three larger apartment suites contain the same mix of harmonious lines, soft colors and modern materials. Intended for guests who need more space, or might be planning a longer stay, these suites are larger, have a kitchenette and dining table, a sitting area with a sofa that can fold out to be a second bed, and have an expanded bathroom with separate bathtub and shower.

Equally as important as the rooms, however, is the hotel’s setting: in place of a standard lobby and a tucked-away afterthought of a gym, the Aspria Hotel allows guests to take advantage of 150,000 square feet of fitness and wellness space. The spa has been extended and refurbished, adding a hamam, a salt inhalation room and a wave dream installation relaxation room to the saunas, whirlpool, kneippbaths and the amazing rooftop terrace. Treatments and massages by the professional spa team complement this range of almost endless wellness opportunities. The club’s sporting offer includes state-of-the-art fitness equipment, an extensive class timetable, innovative training methods such as Power plates and highly qualified Personal Trainers.

Now here is where the budget twist is….room rates range from only 89-119 Euros per night, which is unheard of for a destination spa in the US. For more info visit: www.aspria-hotel.com

If you want to say “hello” in Chinese, you say “ni hao.”  Listen to the audio below to hear how NOT to say it and HOW to say it…..

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Kylie Minogue has teamed up with Bollywood icon Sonu Nigam for the song “Chiggy Wiggy” which is featured in the upcoming Bollywood film “Blue.”  Enjoy!

Kanantik Reef & Jungle Resort, located on the southern coast of Belize, is welcoming guests this November with special savings that allow for extra time to explore.  From November 1 to December 15, 2009, guests who book four nights pay for just three (a savings of more than $300 per couple) and those staying for seven will pay for five (a savings of over $650 per couple).

This eco-sensitive resort, built where the forest meets the sea, offers guests a variety of excursions to experience the surrounding wildlife. Guided adventures include canoeing in the nearly uncharted Cabbage Haul Creek to see crocodiles, water birds and possibly manatees in the Sapodilla Lagoon, bird watching on the property, outings to the Cockscomb Basin, the world’s first jaguar sanctuary, scenic hikes to spectacular waterfalls and even a full day trip to see Mayan ruins.  Guests can explore the nearby coast with Hobie Cats and sea kayaks available at the resort.  Snorkeling and SCUBA diving excursions with certified dive masters can also be arranged directly at the resort.  Of course there’s always the option of relaxing in a swaying hammock or taking a refreshing dip in the pool.

Kanantik Reef & Jungle Resort is situated on the southern coast of Belize, surrounded by 300 acres of pristine land teeming with wildlife.  The resort is located 18 miles south of Dangriga, the cultural center of the Garifuna people, and four miles south of the Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary, the 150,000 acre national park dedicated to the preservation of the jaguar.  Kanantik offers 25 secluded oceanfront cabanas, each designed with an ancient Mayan feel.  There are two daily rate options available – “Cabana Only” or “Deluxe Mayan Dream” all-inclusive daily rate.  Children aged 14 and older are welcome at the resort.  For more information visit www.kanantik.com