It is New Year’s Eve, and all the island and staff are anticipating some fabulous festivities. Craig and I are very excited; perhaps we will finally make some friends. We have found that the other island guests are very inclusive. The kids express concern.

Miraval is a destination health and wellness spa an hour outside of Tucson, Arizona, not only have they been voted, “Number 1 Spa” in Spa Finder magazine, they have also been featured in Conde Naste. It goes without saying, well I guess I just did say it, that Oprah has also voiced her approval for the spa and took fifty of her “best friends” to the resort for a girl’s getaway. This has only increased my desire to take annual or bi-annual trips to the spa. Most guests are returnees to the spa. The last time I visited the spa, there was a well know psychic there, her name is Maggie Garbarni. The one lecture that I attended was standing room only, or sitting room only as we were required to sit in a very large circle as she lectured about the meaning of psychic powers and intuition. Maggie also used numerology and tarot cards as aids.

It started out as a simple idea: Why not go to Mexico for Christmas? No tree, no presents, no last minute stress of getting just the right thing for someone for the Holidays. Yes, this was a most excellent plan. My husband also liked the scheme; he is not so sure about all of my relatives attending, but is gracious about my stinking family. My sister, brother, cousin and their families love the plan. My parents initially elected to stay home, but later decide to attend, rather miffed that we would all desert them so readily for a warm climate.