Bonnie Carroll's Life Bites

Chaminade Resort & Spa has long been associated with quality, and hotel reviewers agree. For the fourth consecutive year, Chaminade Resort & Spa has received the AAA Four Star rating, this time for 2010.

The Mobil Travel Guide's star rating process is based on both facility inspection and service evaluation. The inspections are conducted unannounced by anonymous inspectors who focus on both quality and consistency. Four-Star Hotels are defined as "outstanding establishments in a distinctive setting that provides travelers with exceptional service and a luxury experience", maintaining Chaminade's quality in the same category as Ritz-Carlton and Mandarin Oriental.

Chaminade is not new to being recognized for its exceptional quality, having received the Best of the West for Meetings Media Magazine 2007-2010, the Platinum Choice Award for Smart Meetings Magazine in 2005, and what the locals care most about--the Good Times Santa Cruz's recognition as the Best Brunch in Santa Cruz.

Chaminade Resort & Spa is located at One Chaminade Lane in Santa Cruz. For more information on Chaminade, visit www.chaminade.com or call (831) 475-5600.

SPA - VDARA HEALTH & BEAUTY

Vdara Health & Beauty™ is a 18,000 square-foot, two-level spa, salon and fitness center located on levels 2 and 3 of the hotel. Amenities will include luxurious men's and women's locker rooms each boasting a sauna, eucalyptus steam room and hot plunges. Additional amenities include Champagne Bar.

The spa menu at Vdara is comprised of a variety of massages, body treatments and skin care services. Body treatments offered focus on holistic health and utilize high grade ingredients derived from herbs, flowers, fruits, vegetables and oils.

The Salon at Vdara boasts a full menu of services for men and women including professional hair design, luxurious spa manicures and pedicures and makeup artistry.

The Fitness Center features a variety of cardio equipment with personal entertainment centers, exercise machines and free weights.

The Spa Boutique carries a discerning selection of products that support the spa lifestyle including wellness books, bath & body products, skin care, cosmetics, hair care, sun care and apparel.

Vdara Health & Beauty is engaged in the global greening movement and have created a mission for social and environmental responsibility. Retail partners have been strategically selected that share our care and concern for the environment. www.vdara.com.