Banff National Park, Alberta, Canada

Buzz: Back to nature getaways relieve stress, revitalize the spirit and provide inspiration. An escape from the city with crystal clean waters and super fresh air. A nature retreat can be enriching for the body and the soul.

Gondola excursion and hike (across from Banff Upper Hot Springs): The 10 minute gondola ride to the summit of sulphur mountain provides the most spectacular vantage point in the rocky mountains. The gondola stops at the restaurant level where you can take in the views of six mountain ranges from the observation deck. From there, embark on the 1 km skywalk - a series of steps and walkways to get a little higher (and a little firmer) to some 7,500+ ft. Exhilarating! The skywalk features interesting historical sites (Cosmic Ray Station and Sanson’s Peak Meteorological Station). You also have the option to walk down to the base of mountain on a 5 km hiking trail. Afterwards a relaxing soak in the nearby upper hot springs makes the perfect getaway.

Review: The skywalk ascent and the medium difficulty trek down the mountain was challenging enough to provide a good workout. Banff is truly inspiring, the weather was great and the hot springs were an unbeatable bonus that provided the uplift I was looking for.

Cost: Gondola <$30, Upper Hot Springs <$10


Shopping: Shop Banff Avenue for quality art, jewelry, gifts and candy. What more could a girl want? You will also find plenty of fine restaurants pubs and cafes.

Spas: Willow Stream Spa located in the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel (403-762-1772); the Spa at the Rimrock Resort Hotel (403-762-1835); Pleiades at the Banff Upper Hot Springs (403-762-1515). All very good.

Other Area activities: Golfing, horseback riding, rafting, mountain climbing, world class skiing, wildlife...