Nancy Monson

Sprawling hills and rolling green valleys? Check. A rustling wind that swirls the warmly colored autumn leaves? Check. The gentle neighing of horses breaking through the stillness? Check.
Wait—horses? At a destination spa and resort? Yes, very much yes.
Horse encounters are a core component of the “Life in Balance” philosophy at the quintessential New England-styled Miraval Resorts and Spa in the Berkshire Mountains of western Massachusetts.
A unique offering among spa destinations, the Equin...

While a massage and facial always hold appeal, it’s also fun to try newfangled spa and wellness treatments. And as luck would have it, many upscale spas are luring guests by offering innovative and cutting-edge services that combine traditional techniques with wellness add-ons like water treatments, beer baths, Himalayan salt and honey.
So say goodbye to stress and say hello to indulgence with these latest newfangled spa and wellness experiences.
The Beer Spa—Denver, Colorado
Sip it, soak in ...

When it comes to companions, you can’t beat having a dog by your side. Canine pals add to enjoyment of life, help you stick to a schedule, reduce feelings of stress and give you a sense of purpose, according to the 2019 National Poll on Healthy Aging. Plus, they can make you healthier by keeping you physically active and even helping you cope with physical and emotional symptoms (like taking your mind off pain).
As a senior, it’s important to choose the right dog for your lifestyle and abilit...

There are health coaches, life coaches, business coaches, and now, inevitably, travel coaches. Wait, travel coaches? Why would you pay someone to teach you how to travel, especially when they don’t plan itineraries or even book flights and hotel rooms?
Well, says Sahara Rose De Vore, founder of The Travel Coach Network, because travel coaching is more about the “why” of travel than about the logistical and geographical details. It’s about maximizing the experiential and transformative power of travel.

Guide to Boston for American Way's website

Can’t decide whether to go to Foxwoods or Mohegan Sun? Guest contributor *Nancy Monson offers the scoop on both to help you decide. (Warning: You may end up visiting the two—just as she did.)
I am not a gamer. I couldn’t care less about slots, blackjack tables and craps, and I dislike the smoky environment that pervades many casinos. And yet I recently visited Foxwoods and Mohegan Sun, Connecticut’s two premier resort casinos near the Rhode Island border, lured by the expanding array of activ...

Sewing machines are flying off the shelves these days as people take up making face masks and return to the hobby of sewing in the age of spending more time at home.
Are you ready to learn—or relearn? Ask yourself two questions as you start your search for the best sewing machine for your needs…What kind of sewing do you want to do? A mechanical machine that does straight and zigzag stitches is fine for simple projects such as making face masks and tote bags, although many entry-level machines...

When Debra McGinniss, an art instructor at The Lodge at Woodloch in Hawley, Pa., received an artist's sketchbook from her boss as a gift in 2019, she wasn't quite sure what she would do with it.
"I decided to bring it to Thailand with me where I was going for my son's wedding," she recalls. "I didn't speak Thai and my daughter-in-law's family didn't speak English, but it turned out art was our common language. As soon as I took out my art supplies and the sketchbook, everyone in our group — m...

As someone who has been firmly planted on both coasts (I’ve lived in New York, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Vermont and California), I’ve never had the opportunity to spend much time in the Midwest. So I was pleasantly surprised to discover Elkhart Lake, a beautiful vacation destination in Wisconsin that offers a mix of traditional charm and modern, even sophisticated, comforts.
Located just one hour from Milwaukee and two and a half hours from Chicago, this two-street town has just 957 reside...

Once you’ve seen the Eiffel Tower, well, you’ve seen the Eiffel Tower. But when you learn about the history of how it was built (this architectural marvel was designed as the entrance to the World’s Fair of 1889 commemorating the 100th anniversary of the French Revolution), you get a new world view.
On his website, European guidebook author and public television travel host Rick Steves says, “Travel changes people. It broadens perspectives and teaches new ways to measure quality of life. Many...

Part of the Vitality Arts Special Report
Like most Americans, I’ve been feeling empty, numb, shell-shocked and dumbfounded by the COVID-19 pandemic. I’ve been socially isolating as directed, except for daily walks. I am used to working from home as a freelance writer, but I’ve often had trouble concentrating on work and worry about spending even more time alone than I normally do.
A few days after the first directive to stay at home, I pulled out some of my sewing and quilting supplies, sorti...

Say OM: Compelling justifications for a pampered spa vacation

I made my first trip to Paris ten years ago this past October and was pleasantly surprised at how well the city of my memory matched the city today. But that doesn’t mean I didn’t find some surprises in Paris. After all, great cities are always evolving: That’s how they stay world-class worthy.

This article describes the health benefits of probiotics.

Restrictive diets aren't a revelation, but now they come with a twist. WH examines the science behind intermittent fasting and whether playing hunger games is a dangerous fad or a time-honored way to shed pounds....