We've got two tickets to paradise. If you are having a difficult time coming up with an exotic vacation for you and your significant other, let us do the legwork for you. There's no better way to conquer burnout -- whether it be from your job or your relationship -- than by rejuvenating with the best laid vacation plans.
We all need a getaway every once in a while. Why not seize the moment to break away from your daily life and get a taste of what's out there? According to a survey conducted by Expedia, the average person in the United States receives 14 vacation days a year, yet leaves at least two of those unused. It's time to make the most of that time off. After all, you've earned it.{relatedarticles}
Besides your career, relationships are also hard work. It's important to reward your partner and yourself for all that you do to maintain a healthy relationship. If you're gonna go, why not go big? There are a few destinations that can make your holiday a rousingly pleasurable one. We gathered a list of the sexiest resorts available where you can relax, have fun, and partake in a bit of bodily delights.
Aleenta Resort and Spa, Phuket, Thailand
This secluded rendezvous is ideal for romance-seekers wanting isolated romance and elegance. Situated on the quiet northeastern coast of Phuket, clothing is optional in your own private plunge pool. The Aleenta Touch of Romance package provides a bottle of champagne upon your arrival in your suite, plus a candlelit dinner, gourmet breakfast, an hour of aromatherapy massage for two and a day trip to Hua Hin town. Just steps from the sands of Pak Nampran Bay, you can arrange for day of sailing, diving or just relaxing.
Puro Oasis Urbano, Mallorca, Spain
This resort is set in an 18th century palace that has a contemporary urban appeal with all the technology-based amenities you may need. The hotel's bleached-out Mallorcan ambiance is offset by the earth-tone fabrics and wooden accents. The leather puffs (chairs) adorn most rooms, which have spa-styled bathrooms for any desirable water escapades.
Canopied daybeds on the rooftop along with a black-tiled plunge pool can give rise to interesting encounters. Set near the beach in Palma de Mallorca, this resort gives you an opportunity to explore the city and meet locals or stay back at the hotel where its own bar and restaurant is a nightspot that's popular with residents and guests alike.{relatedarticles}
Little Dix Bay, Virgin Gorda, British Virgin Islands
A boutique resort, Little Dix Bay is ideal for sand-romping or lounging on the beautiful beaches surrounded by the 6 shades of blue inherent in this part of the Caribbean. For private beach adventures, the resort offers beach drops to seven area seashores that can only be reached by water. Essentials will be provided, such as an umbrella, towels, snorkeling equipment and boat transfer, as well as extras if you'd like to budget for a picnic lunch and champagne.
Teton Ridge Ranch, Tetonia, Idaho
If privacy is what you're looking for, but in a cooler and less sandy climate, then Teton Ridge Ranch may be the place. The 4,000-acre property is seven miles off the main road and more than an hour from Jackson, Wyoming. The ranch has only five guest rooms and the vaulted main lounge has a spectacular view of the Teton Range of the Rocky Mountains. Depending upon the season, you and your partner du jour can ride horseback, mountain bike, hike or enjoy Nordic skiing. A couple of large, roaring fireplaces help set the mood in the candlelit dining room. Follow this up by snuggling under a blanket as the snow falls or take a summer evening stroll under the wide open sky.
Mystique Oia Resort, Santorini Island, Greece
With 22 suites and villas, the Mystique on Oia Santorini Island offers dazzling views of Aegean Caldera. Sea-facing terraces accompany each suite with a canopy and daybed set for steamy interludes any time of day. The outdoor infinity pool brings the sensuousness of water just steps from your door, and even closer is the Jacuzzi bathtub ideal for two. Arrange for a couple's massage from the resort's Asian Spa, which offers wraps, body massages and other services in the privacy of your own suite or terrace.
InterContinental Resort Tahiti, French Polynesia
Located alongside a lagoon, the hotel features a private beach, two pools, tennis courts, the only dive center on the island, and 30 acres of private gardens. The southern Pacific surrounds the island, which offers unique views of endless ocean and Tahiti's sister island, Moorea. Unforgettable sunsets can set the mood for any romantic escapade you may have in mind.{relatedarticles}
Chalet Eugenia, Klosters, Switzerland
If you are dreaming of open fireplaces and romp-ready fur rugs, then look no further. This luxurious Swiss lodge chalet offers rustic appeal in the Engadine region of the Swiss Alps. Its on-site sauna and steam room will keep you heated up, as will the roaring fires available in 3 of the 8 rooms. The onsite chef is available to prepare regional specialties in either the main dining room or the second and more intimate dining space. Expect vintage champagne to woo your lover along with fabulous southerly views of the breathtaking Gotschna.
Viceroy Palm Springs, Palm Springs, California
This one is just for the girls, boys or swingers. There's always mischief afoot at this well-renown downtown Palm Springs spa resort. It has hosted celebrities and an international party crowd since the 1930s with luxury accommodations, amenities, and services.
Begin your experience with a swim to the lobby bar, which allows you to stay wet in more ways than one. Turn on your relaxation response even further with a visit to the Luxury Estrella Spa where you'll be treated to full-service aromatherapy. The Viceroy's 24-hour hot tub alludes to the naughty adventures available at any time of night.{relatedarticles}
Correntoso Lake & River Hotel, Argentine Patagonia
Sitting on a bluff overlooking the Correntoso River as it empties into the lake of Nahuel Huapi, this hotel is great for couples who enjoy outdoor activities together as well as the indoor ones. The Correntoso experience offers the river, lake, snow, and mountains of the Nahuel Huapi National Park, where fishing, kayaking, skiing, snowboarding, horseback riding, and hiking are fancied.
When your energy seems spent, take some time to rejuvenate at the hotel's Herbal Hammam and Spa. Herbs gathered from the nearby mountains are used in all the aromatherapy treatments. Afterwards, relax by the indoor/outdoor infinity pool that features astounding views of the lake and snow-tipped mountains
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Sometimes a woman's biggest competition is not another woman; it's sports. Many men spend what seems to be all their waking hours living and breathing sports. If it's not football, it's baseball, basketball, or hockey. While your boyfriend or husband spends countless hours watching ball games, you're feeling more and more neglected. Are you destined to be a sports widow forever? Not to worry. Here are some things you can do to get your man on your team.
Of course, the answer is not to forbid your man from watching sports. It's never pleasurable to have something you enjoy taken away from you. What if your man forbids you to go shopping or get a massage? You wouldn't like that all, would you? It's OK for the both of you to have different interests.
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Benefits of Being a Sports Fan
There are many positive aspects of being a sports fan that you might not be aware of. Sure, you may not feel that grunting and yelling at the TV is beneficial, but think about the other things your man is doing while watching sports. He is probably watching the games with his friends, which gives him precious male bonding time. In addition, it's his way of relaxing, although it may not seem like it.
Your idea of relaxation may be reading a book, while his is rooting for his favorite team. Watching sports also gives your man an adrenaline rush. Having his favorite team score a field goal in the final seconds or watching his team come from behind and shoot a 3-pointer in the basketball game is thrilling to him.
Why Do You Hate Sports?
If you choose to bring up the topic of being a sports widow with your man, you need to first figure out why you hate it that he watches sports so much. Is he neglecting you and the kids? Is he ignoring you? Do you feel left out? Does he get too emotionally attached to the game and become prone to outbursts if his team loses? Is he foregoing his chores and other household duties in order to watch the game? All these factors can make any rational woman dread the weekends. When yelling doesn't work, it's common to resort to sulking or pouting in another room.
How to Help with the Problem
Just like with most other relationship issues, the key is compromise. First of all, just because you don't like sports doesn't mean it's bad and your man shouldn't enjoy it. You should both be free to pursue your own interests. It's best to have a frank discussion with your man (at a time when there's not a game on TV) and let him know your feelings. Most likely, he is too involved in the game to know how you really feel.
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You don't want to have your man resent you. Don't tell him he can't watch any more games or make him feel guilty for watching them. Everyone needs down time once in a while, but if you feel that he's spending so much time watching sports that the household is being neglected, then you may want to suggest a compromise. Maybe he should only watch the most important games instead of every single one that happens to be on TV.
It can also be good for you to compromise as well. Are you interested in sports at all? Are you willing to learn more about the rules of a particular sport? Pick a game and watch it with your husband. Ask him questions about the rules and the types of plays. You can even ask for his advice on what teams to root for. Your man will most likely enjoy the fact that you are interested in sports. At the same time, it's a great way for the two of you to bond. If he's not willing to teach you the fundamentals of the game, go online on your own time and learn the basics. You can then impress him the next time a game is on. Who knows, you might end up loving sports as much as he does.
If watching sports is just not your thing at all, don't just sit at home and sulk or nag at your man. Use the time to catch up on some relaxation of your own. Go hang out at a nearby park, go shopping, get a massage, or have coffee with friends.
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What if It's an Obsession?
Although most men do not have a bona fide addiction or obsession with sports, there are some instances in which women, children, and households are truly neglected because of a man's addiction to sports. Spending more than 15 hours per week watching sports is enough to ruin a relationship. It's important that your man spends time with you or all you will feel is resentment and jealousy. If the sports get out of hand, you need to be honest with him and let him know your feelings. Allowing your anger to build up will only make things worse.
If your man is watching sports more and more, to the point where your relationship is suffering, then your man may have some deeper issues. Some men become obsessed with work or hobbies to avoid dealing with their personal lives. If your man is placing sports above your relationship, then you need to uncover the underlying issue. Until you do so, sports will continue to rule the household. If the situation does not improve, then you and your man may need to resort to professional counseling to keep the relationship from falling apart.
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Communication is Key
Communication is key to a fulfilling relationship. Be honest with your man and let him know how you feel about the amount of time he spends watching sports. However, as long as he takes care of his household duties and makes time for you later, let him enjoy watching sports. Try to be supportive of his interests. Who knows? He just may be willing to go with you to that new chick flick you've been wanting to see.
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If your vagina is on fire, it's time to get some help. No one ever wants to talk to people about vaginal burning, which is why we're going after all the embarassing problems women experience "down there" that cause a burning sensation.
About Vaginal Burning, Irritation and Itching
Women who have never had vaginal problems before tend to worry there's a serious medical condition as soon as they start having symptoms. The good news is that it's usually nothing to worry about, and it can be treated easily with medication.
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Chemical Irritants
The first thing to think about is if you have changed your body soap, toilet paper, laundry detergent or dryer sheets. If you have, then the different chemicals may irritate your vagina. Simply change back to what you were previously using or opt for products that cater to sensitive skin.
Frequent Sex or Rough Sex
Women who have frequent or rough sex have a greater risk of suffering from vaginal irritation and burning. Sex causes friction, and this can tear vaginal tissue, even if you use lubrication.
While it can be difficult to see the cuts on your vagina, you might notice your nether regions are red and irritated.
The best treatment for this is to avoid sex for a few days until your vagina has healed. To prevent it from happening, avoid frequent or rough sex.
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Bacterial Vaginosis
A bacterial infection, also known as bacterial vaginosis, can cause burning in the vagina. With this type of infection, bad bacteria from various sources grow in the vagina. While symptoms vary with bacterial vaginosis, most women experience discharge and a fishy odor along with burning and irritation.
To treat the infection, your doctor will prescribe antibiotics. Medication typically rids your body of the infection and stops the burning within a few days.
Yeast Infection
A yeast infection, or vaginal candidiasis, is one of the most common reasons why women experience irritation. In fact, 3 out of 4 women will have a yeast infection in their lives.
When a woman has a yeast infection, she has yeast, or candida, excessively growing in her vagina or vulva. Most women will have a thick, white discharge, plus burning and itching when they have this type of infection.
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To treat a yeast infection, doctors typically prescribe an antifungal medication. Some women receive oral medication, while others receive creams, suppositories or ointments to use in and on the vagina. Your history of yeast infections and the intensity of your symptoms will determine your specific treatment regimen.
Sexually Transmitted Disease (STD)
This is what many women worry about when they feel their vaginas burning. Luckily, there's a greater chance of having a bacterial or yeast infection than an STD, especially if you've had protected sex.
If you haven't had protected sex, you may have contracted an STD. Some of the most common ones that include a burning sensation as a symptom include chlamydia, genital herpes, genital warts, trichomoniasis and gonorrhea.
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To treat an STD, a doctor will normally prescribe an antibiotic and request you come in for a follow-up appointment to make sure you no longer experience symptoms. It's important to treat an STD as soon as possible because it can cause internal problems if left untreated.
Lichen Sclerosus
While this condition is rare and occurs mainly in postmenopausal women, some younger women do suffer from it. You can tell if it is lichen sclerosis by using a mirror to inspect your vagina.
If you see white patches on the vagina and vulva, you most likely have the condition and should contact your doctor for treatment. Many doctors prescribe a steroid cream for this condition, as it reduces the inflammation associated with the condition.
Vulvodynia
One of the most misunderstood vaginal conditions is vulvodynia. The medical community is baffled by this condition and can't explain why it happens. They suspect that many women have a genetic predisposition for it. Immune deficiencies, hormones, nerve connection abnormalities, oxalates in urine and chronic inflammation are other considerations for possible causes.
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Most sufferers feel pain at the opening of the vagina and the bottom of the vulva.
If you feel you may have this condition, seek medical attention. Your doctor can use a cotton swab to test for it by swabbing the site of the pain or burning.
Because not a whole lot is known about this condition, there are many options for treatment. Some women spend weeks or months searching for relief. The least invasive treatment is changing your diet to one that is low in oxalates. High oxalate levels in urine sometimes can cause vaginal irritation.
Some physicians also recommend taking a calcium citrate supplement of 1,500 milligrams. Some women respond well to tricyclic antidepressants and anticonvulsants because they reduce vaginal irritation.
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Others do better with steroid injections, which paralyze the nerves and relieve the pain. Surgery is the last resort and involves removing the painful part of the vulva.
Speaking to Your Doctor about Vaginal Burning
While it may not be easy to speak to your doctor about your vaginal issues, it's imperative you address your concerns if you don't believe they are from frequent or rough sex or a chemical irritation. The longer you wait, the worse the condition can become, and that means more pain.
To make your discussion with your doctor easier, write a list of all your symptoms. When your doctor asks you what you've been experiencing, you can simply take out your list and read from it. This way, your anxiety won't get in the way of remembering all of the issues you are having.
It's likely your doctor will ask you questions about your sexual activities in the past few months. To avoid the embarrassment of having to answer these questions, give him the information as part of your symptoms. You can simply say, "I have not had any unprotected sex." or "I have had unprotected sex, and I fear I may have a STD because of the symptoms I've just listed."
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Always remember to report your history of any other vaginal problems. This can help the doctor diagnose you more easily and quickly.
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