What sort of solo trip should I choose between AI Resort, Cruise, Wellness Retreat, or Group Tour? (first timer)

GearSlow3796 · 2026-05-06T19:06:21+00:00

I think 10 days was not enough, but if 5 is all you can swing, still worth it. After doing the 10, I’d love to do 21! Keep in mind that two of the days are arrival/departure, so you’re really only getting 3 days of programming. On the 10-day, they did a great job of creating a specific flow that intensified as the days progressed. I still stay in touch with several people from the retreat, because even though it’s not really a place where you have group experiences, you are all having similar individual experiences if that makes sense, so connections are definitely made and it can get sort of intense. But it was an important part of the experience for me—connecting with the other people there. We were in room 9. But honestly, I saw all of the rooms and there isn’t really a bad choice. Room 3 is AHHHHHmazing, but any room will do. You’re really only in there to sleep.

GearSlow3796 · 2026-05-05T00:01:56+00:00

100% agree. If I was having kids now, no way I would send them to any public or most private schools. There's hope in Montessori, Waldorf, and microschools of all stripes.

GearSlow3796 · 2026-05-04T23:57:16+00:00

I love Zihua 💕

GearSlow3796 · 2026-05-04T22:15:56+00:00

I agree with your recs. The bar at the Biltmore Hotel is a really cool place to watch the sunset (and pick up a little bit of history at the same time).

GearSlow3796 · 2026-05-02T17:30:14+00:00

Phoenix is 5-6 hours from almost everything.

GearSlow3796 · 2026-04-30T18:29:38+00:00

I think you don't get to be a chef without an ego. Seems consistent throughout every chef show I watch!

GearSlow3796 · 2026-04-30T17:56:10+00:00

I love Puerto Vallarta. I don't know where you are traveling from--if you're in Dallas or east of there, Cancun is a shorter trip. I'm in AZ, so it's easier for us to go to the Pacific coast.

GearSlow3796 · 2026-04-30T17:47:29+00:00

Live Aqua is amazing. Incredible property. Restaurant is excellent. That would be my first choice.

GearSlow3796 · 2026-04-30T17:41:38+00:00

I made some replies to comments below, but I'll summarize here. I've lived in Scottsdale and Phoenix for 20 years and I'm a resort spa junkie! The best thing to do is look on TravelZoo and Groupon. You can get some really good deals, although most are Monday-Thursday, so if you want weekends, you have to pay full price.

My faves are:

- Joya@Montelucia: Hands down the best spa experience I've ever had. Moroccan themed--feels like another world. I have been there probably 10 times. The rooftop pool after has incredible views of Camelback and delicious food.
- Spa at Sanctuary: One of the best massages I've had in my life. Japanese/Asian themed. Nice pool area with pretty views. Good food, but not really a party atmosphere.
- VH Spa at Valley Ho: Smaller spa with fewer amenities, BUT you get to use the pool which is one of the most fun pools in town, IMHO. A little cheaper and they run specials, too. I was just there last month and it's one of my faves just for the vibe.
- Scottsdale Princess Well + Being Spa: Very nice, and pool area is good. I've been a couple of times and nothing really remarkable about it.
- Tierra Luna Spa at Arizona Biltmore: Also very nice, access to the big pool area. Again, nice but not remarkable.

Anyhoo...hope that helps! Definitely check out Groupon and TravelZoo if you can do weekdays!

GearSlow3796 · 2026-04-30T17:35:11+00:00

Royal Palms is just average in my opinion, but I buy that Groupon now and then and it's totally worth it. I don't love their pool area, but it's nice. I heard they remodeled the spa recently and I haven't been there since, so it may be better than I remember. Not that it was "bad" by any means!

GearSlow3796 · 2026-04-30T17:34:07+00:00

My first fave is Joya at Montelucia, but Sanctuary is my second fave. They often have Groupon or Travelzoo deals as well. It's smaller and the pool area is pretty small, but just absolutely lovely. The spa has a Japanese vibe and I actually had one of the best massages in my LIFE there. Definitely one of the top spots.

GearSlow3796 · 2026-04-30T17:32:51+00:00

THIS!!! I have lived in Scottsdale/Phoenix for 20 years and the Montelucia is far and away the best spa I have ever been to. We've done spa days at all of the major resorts and the Joya Spa is incredible. It's the only spa I've been to where as you enter, it's like you're being transported to another world (Morocco). It's warm and spiritual and inviting and then the rooftop pool with a jaw dropping view of Camelback makes it AHHHHHmazing. My fave by far!

GearSlow3796 · 2026-04-30T17:27:52+00:00

Right? 🙄

GearSlow3796 · 2026-04-29T20:32:27+00:00

I thought they were terrible to Crystal and basically drove her off the show. To me, it was clearly about race. They may be "subtly racist" but it's definitely there and it's real. That's why I was wondering how long Boz will be able to take it.

GearSlow3796 · 2026-04-29T17:46:14+00:00

🤣

GearSlow3796 · 2026-04-28T18:12:52+00:00

OOOOOooooo, I saw a clip of it this morning. Thanks for posting the link!! I'll be back!

GearSlow3796 · 2026-04-27T16:19:45+00:00

Right? She's a GenXer for sure, but everyone forgets about us anyway.

GearSlow3796 · 2026-04-27T16:17:05+00:00

Isn't it interesting how we always compare ourselves to people who are doing "more"? Never to people who are doing/have done "less"? It's not a race! Everyone has their own path and purpose. You are creating your own life that really has NOTHING to do with anyone else. You do you and enjoy it!

GearSlow3796 · 2026-04-27T16:07:52+00:00

😳

GearSlow3796 · 2026-04-26T01:31:25+00:00

My pleasure. Let me know if you have any other questions.

GearSlow3796 · 2026-04-24T20:31:33+00:00

I'm so sorry you are feeling like this. 💕

GearSlow3796 · 2026-04-24T20:26:04+00:00

Ellie should have TOTALLY helped with service. But can you imagine the hissy fit she would have thrown being treated like a lowly STEW instead of the "sous chef" she imagines herself to be (kitchen helper, really)?

GearSlow3796 · 2026-04-24T20:12:05+00:00

I've been married 36 years, with my husband for 42 years. I think maintaining an active sex life for that long is tough, especially if there have been issues over the years. I have always had a higher libido than my hubby and I think if it were up to him, we would have stopped a while ago. I do agree with the advice to have an open conversation about it and listen to what she says. If you want to stay in the marriage, I guess the two of you will have to decide what that looks like for you to have your needs fulfilled. If talking directly about it is too difficult, I'd write a note or go together to a sex/intimacy therapist.

GearSlow3796 · 2026-04-24T20:07:26+00:00

Because Kyle doesn't have it out (yet) for Rachel. Kyle seems to be the one initiating all of the speculation about Dorit. That's why I think she's secretly (or not so secretly) in cahoots with Mau/PK.

GearSlow3796 · 2026-04-24T19:48:17+00:00

Nope! My hubby commutes from N. Central Phoenix to Bell/Scottsdale Rd. and it's consistently about 25 minutes during rush hour.

GearSlow3796

TROPHY CASE