As an editor for a luxury magazine and the quintessential spa girl, I’ve had my fair share of facials and beauty treatments—it’s a perk of the job and, honestly, something I live for. So when I got the opportunity to enjoy scores of facials and massages in Thailand, I was all-the-way in. My mission? To find the preeminent spa treatment. Was it nestled inside a swanky resort situated on acres of tropical gardens? Does it use ancient rituals to clarify the mind and rejuvenate the spirit in a hut built from clay? To find out, I jumped on the always-luxe Emirates airlines, trekked halfway around the globe, and discovered that Thailand is indeed the grand dame of spas, not just the land of Buddhists, elephants, and adventurous pleasure seekers.

The best honeymoons are as distinct as the wedding, reflecting the tastes, quirks, and personalities of the couple who just said, “I do.” Yet whether the trip takes you across continents or no farther than a few miles from home, all should be a romantic jumpstart to your new life together. Here’s our list of eight great escapes, from traditional to trailblazing, guaranteed to satisfy all types of newlyweds.

For the BEACH BUFFS: Grand Cayman

The Caribbean can be a hard sell to the well-traveled who feel one island barely differs from the next. Yet, even for those who feel “been there, done that” about such getaways, Grand Cayman is still a gem worth exploring. Just 480 miles south of Miami, this British territory is home to seven miles of minimally developed beach; a turtle farm that leaves the most grown-up adult feeling like a kid in a petting zoo, and a laid-back efficiency that doesn’t allow a single worry.

It is this casual vibe of Grand Cayman that gives the island its distinction. Ever notice how supermodel Selita Ebanks is always the coolest one on the red carpet? No surprise…she’s a native Caymanian. A few days here and maybe you’ll leave with her signature ease and glow.

BEST OF THE B’S: BOTOX, BROWS, BRAZILIAN
Re Salon and Medspa is a one-stop shop for spa services and medical cosmetic treatments. Get everything you need, from first-rate Botox and waxing to massage therapy and hair coloring, at this converted fire station (sorry, folks, the fire pole is gone).
Cost: $200 per area for Botox; $20 for brows; $55–$65 for Brazilian.
Re Salon and Medspa. 1212 South Blvd. 704.334.8087. resalonandmedspa.com

FULL STEAM AHEAD
Known for her signature True You blowout, hair guru Tracy Riggs is all about healthy tresses. “In the end, that’s what we’re all searching for,” says Riggs. Her salon’s Steam Treatment benefits all hair types, whether natural or chemically treated: First, the hair is shampooed. Then a customized conditioning treatment is applied to the scalp and tresses are treated to a scalp-stimulating head massage. Hair is steamed for 20 minutes under a steamer, then rinsed and styled to perfection. The treatment pulls toxins from the scalp, prevents dandruff, and helps promote hair growth. It also leaves locks feeling as soft as mink.
Cost: $80 for shampoo, steam treatment, blow-dry, and curl; $25 for steam treatment to be added to any service.
Tracy Riggs Salon (inside Sola Salon Studios). 6324 Fairview Rd., Ste. 126. 704.759.6258. tracyriggsinc.com

THE CELLULITE CRUSHER
Dimples belong on a baby not on your thighs. The Synergie Elite Cellulite system helps speed the process of reducing what we often call the cottage cheese look. How does it work? First, you put on a body- compression suit. Then the tech gently places the suction cups of a machine on targeted areas of the body. The machine creates pressure against them to break up the cellulite. Vacuum massage technology gives the skin a smoother and tighter appearance. The FDA-approved procedure is surprisingly relaxing and promises gradual results. It’s also exclusive—Modern Salon & Spa on Metropolitan is the only establishment in the area that offers it.
Cost: $1,200 for 16 treatments; $700 for eight treatments.
Modern Salon & Spa. 1133 Metropolitan Ave., Ste. 150. 704.339.0909. modernsalonandspa.com

ANCIENT WELLNESS
Hammam Therapy
What it is: A modern twist to the Turkish bath where the body is scrubbed and washed in a heated sanctuary.
Purpose: To stimulate detoxification.
Best part: The stress-free, relaxed state of bliss you’ll experience afterward.
Cost: $110 for 30 minutes.
Why it’s worth it: It soothes your vibe and cleanses your skin.
Exhale Atlanta (at the Loews Atlanta Hotel). 1065 Peachtree St., 7th Fl. 404.720.5000. exhalespa.com

BACK IT UP
The Back Facial
What it is: A “facial” for your back.
Purpose: To ensure that your back is also smooth and silky.
Best part: It takes care of an important yet often neglected body part.
Cost: $81 for 50 minutes.
Why it’s worth it: Raising the thermostat in sexy, backless tops and dresses is priceless.
Spa on Paces. 3209 Paces Ferry Pl., Ste. 1. 404.237.7712. spaonpaces.com

Too bad it was literally raining cats and dogs and more cats and dogs for a drive that’s about seven hours. With a great time to be had, however, rain was a poor obstacle. Besides, what better way to see what a car can do than a wet road trip?

Thank goodness the wipers worked very well. The rear window wiper is genius since having front and rear visibility in a monsoon is so very important. Rain aside, the Terrain mostly glided though Interstates 85, 65 and 10. The leather seats were very comfortable and so was the leather-wrapped steering wheel, which comes with audio controls by the way. And, despite the weather, the sound system boasting Pioneer Premium 8 speakers never faltered.

Almost there, in virtual darkness mind you, the navigation system, aided by OnStar, became a true friend as it not only warned of intense construction on I-10 near New Orleans but, most importantly, steered us there safely.

Once in New Orleans, the InterContinental on St. Charles became home base. The traditional character of the InterContinental suited me just fine. It was just old enough and modern enough, sort of like New Orleans itself. A quick shower later, it was off to Tales After Dark presented by B&B Liqueur at the Royal Sonesta where their Irvin Mayfield’s Jazz Playhouse was transformed into a speakeasy.

Do note that due to the high liquor consumption that goes with Tales, the GMC Terrain remained parked. Luckily, everything was walking distance so, in the morning, it was the Kahlua Coffee Bar, followed by a “Rum Cocktails” tasting room from Bacardi at host site Hotel Monteleone, then the Leblon Cachaca liquor truck, the beautiful Cupcake (Vodka) Lounge at the Royal Sonesta and, back at Hotel Monteleone, the Angostura Bitters luncheon, which had the best marinated chicken breast.

From there, it was off to experience Caorunn Gin, a handcrafted Scottish variety relatively new to the U.S., before hitting the best happy hour ever with Diageo. Try 40 bartenders set up at The Cabildo (The Louisiana State Museum) mixing up “Cocktails From Around the World” complete with a drink passport to document liquid adventures that included Africa and Asia. Even though it was hard to top, the night ended with the Bombay Sapphire VIP Party at the House of Blues.

The original plan was to stay until Saturday afternoon but an emergency in Atlanta cut the trip short. So, back on the road Friday afternoon, the GMC Terrain maintained its composure through even more rain. The brakes were stellar and the lights never failed to shine brightly plus the Terrain accelerated and decelerated with ease. It is unfortunate there weren’t more people on the trip because the backseats come with dual-screen DVD and headsets and that has to be a perfect feature for families and groups.

Highway driving rarely calls for backing up so the rearview camera was on vacation. At an estimated 24 mpg, gas came in at under $200 roundtrip. And though MSRP starts at $24,995, a version like the New Orleans-bound Terrain is $37,145.

Overall, the 2011 GMC Terrain proved to be a true road warrior worth its weight on the highway.

Weaving her way through the endless traffic of new cars, our Atlanta-based contributor Ronda Racha Penrice test drives the best of the best in automotive innovation. Always “On the Move,” Ronda has even been known to pull her bumper du jour into some of the hottest destinations accessible by wheels. Catching her isn’t easy, though, unless it’s on UPTOWNmagazine.com.

By Angela Bronner Helm

1. Sometimes you have to disconnect to reconnect, and sandals royal plantation is all about one-on-one time.

After finally making it through customs at Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay, we peeled off our top layers of clothing and, with it, the grit of New York City. It was my third trip to Jamaica, and my love for the food, culture, and people made me eager to experience a different part of the island (I had previously visited Kingston and Negril). We were headed to Ocho Rios, on our way to Royal Plantation, Sandals’ highest class of its couple-centric, all- inclusive, adults-only resorts. The pampering started as soon as we slid into our private chauffeured Mercedes-Benz for the 90-minute trip to the resort.

For the next hour and a half, as we snacked on appetizers and enjoyed a cooler filled with (what else?) Red Stripe and white wine, we chatted up our driver, Richard. We made a pit stop at Scotchies for jerk chicken before finally arriving at the property, where peacocks prowl the grounds. We willingly gave ourselves to Chris and Curtis—our butlers for the stay.

Oh yes, the butlers. According to Royal Plantation’s general manager, Peter Fraser, the property is the only all-butler resort in Jamaica. Once you are introduced to your guys, you are given a cell phone, and they are on call roughly 18 hours a day. “Our all-butler resorts allow you to do absolutely nothing and to have everything ,” explained Fraser. Indeed, they handled the slightest to the most significant tasks, from unpacking and ironing to booking dinner reservations and spa appointments at the world-class Red Lane Spa, in addition to bringing food and drinks to our cabana on the beach.

No other American city celebrates its culinary roots the way the Crescent City does.

The first meal that I recall having in New Orleans was at Dooky Chase. After we sat down and dug into a heaping plate of creamy red beans accompanied by fragrant, slightly spicy sausage and fluffy rice, I fell in love with the city. Now, more than two decades later, the spot has transformed into a popular fine-dining establishment that’s ideal for lunch (2301 Orleans Ave. 504.821.0535). The chef and owner, octogenarian Leah Chase, embodies the black Creole cooking that has made the N.O. famous. Her grandson is at the stove, but she is in the kitchen every day ensuring quality and taste.

Dooky Chase serves Creole food in an area where the debate rages daily about the differences between Creole and Cajun cuisine. The subtle distinctions are oftentimes difficult to recognize. In brief, Creole fare originated in the city; it’s a blend of influences from the Africans, Native Americans, and Europeans who built New Orleans. Cajun came from the southern Louisiana countryside, where French Canadians immigrated. As such, its ingredients are more varied. Whatever your tastes, the only way to truly sink your teeth into New Orleans culture is to experience its restaurant scene.

Seasoned travelers have long raved about Barbados––for good reason.

Rihanna didn’t put Barbados on the map. Nor did Tiger Woods. The Caribbean nation is consistently selected as the top travel choice over its neighboring island paradises by some of the world’s most discriminating travel bibles, jet-setters and celebrities, including Oprah Winfrey and Mariah Carey. Rumor has it that Barbados’ Platinum Coast is dotted with homes belonging to more than a dozen billionaires. Not so hush is the legendary luxury resort Sandy Lane, where Woods and Elin Nordegren wed in 2004.

Barbados is roughly two and a half times the size of Washington, D.C. Part of the Lesser Antilles, the Caribbean’s easternmost island is also the least prone to hurricanes. Year-round temperatures average between 75 and 85 degrees, so sneaking off to Barbados has no seasonal constraints. Sometimes refered to as “Little England,” the island was a prized British colony until its independence in 1966, and the Brits have long vacationed there. Americans may be tardy to this sun-kissed party, but they are quickly making up for lost time. American Airlines and JetBlue both fl y to Barbados, with direct flights from both New York City and Miami, clocking in at about five hours and four hours, respectively.

The Grantley Adams International Airport is among the Caribbean’s best. However, hospitality and courtesy have their drawbacks: Customs may require a little patience, especially during the high season of mid-December to mid-April. Taxis are plentiful, and many hotels offer airport transfers.

With so many hotels to choose from, there’s no reason to stay somewhere generic. These new or improved properties set a theatrical  backdrop guaranteed to enhance your travel experience.

SIX SENSES, CON DAO, VIETNAM
The five-star Six Senses, which rests on one of the remote islands of Con Dao, has been open for less than a year, yet it’s already racking up awards, like the Asian Pacific Property Award for best hotel construction and design. Forty-five minutes by plane from Ho Chi Minh City, 50 spacious private villas sit among lush mangrove vegetation. Each villa offers its own infinity plunge pool and unobstructed views of the South China Sea. Vietnamese noodles, rice, soups, rolls, and wraps are made-to-order in charcoal-flamed woks or wood-fired ovens by the resort’s chefs, who also offer cooking classes. From $601/night. sixsenses.com

St. Lucia just wrapped their 20^th Anniversary St. Lucia Jazz Festival. Grammy Award-winning singer/songwriter John Legend closed out the annual music gathering, which also featured Ledisi, Chuck Brown, Maceo Parker and Trey Songz. Here are our picks for some of the unique dining, accommodations, and attractions that make St. Lucia the perfect island retreat.