The purpose of a vacation is to get away from it all…to kick back, relax, recharge and escape from the world for awhile. But you don’t need to hop on a jet to Tahiti or book that cruise to Bora Bora just yet; there’s actually plenty of weekend destinations you can plan that will have you relaxed and revived and ready to come back to the world on Monday! Our readers check in with some of their favorite weekend travel destinations, all only a short flight or drive away and guaranteed to offer the ultimate luxuries for under $1000.


Ultimate Spa Destination: Las Vegas

When it comes to luxury, there’s nothing that can top Vegas, baby! Sin City is known for its decadent hotels and resorts, glamorous nightlife and uber-lux restaurants, but it also promises a spectacular spa experience, too. The magnificent Qua Baths and Spa at Caesar’s Palace offer unique “Roman Rituals” such as a full Roman Bath and Laconium spa room, as well as Crystal Body Art, Stone Massages and Bath treatments. Meanwhile, at the Bellagio Spa & Salon, patrons can enjoy the Spa Splendour Package, a 3-hour luxury treatment that incorporates Watsu massage, body polish treatments and specialty snacks. Viva Las Vegas, indeed!


The Endless Summer Destination: Miami Beach

We might be a little biased here (our editorial department is in the heart of South Beach), but Miami Beach is the place to be for gorgeous beaches, luxurious spa treatments and some of the hottest night life this side of… erh, Havana! For a truly beautiful weekend getaway, check in to The Tides South Beach, one of the most sophisticated hotels on Ocean Drive and recently named to Conde Nast Traveler’s 2008 Hot List. Stroll down Collins Avenue for gorgeous fashion boutiques and top designer collections from Nicole Miller, Armani, Barney’s NY, MAC and Giraux. Have a bite to eat at one of the many celebrity restaurants like DeVito, Emeril’s Miami Beach or Govind Armstrong’s Table 8 . Then party the night away at hot spots like B.E.D., the Shore Club’s Skybar or The Fifth. All this and a blossoming Design & Arts District make Miami Beach a paradise on earth you can jet to at the drop of a hat.


The Surprisingly Glamorous Destination: Glamping

If your idea of camping involves half-cooked meals, leaky tents and dozens of other annoyances, get ready for a big surprise! The newest trend to hit the luxury vacation industry is “glamping”, or glamour camping. New destinations like Costanoa Coastal Lodge and Camp in Pescadero, California and the Resort at Paws Up , Montana offer guests a uniquely-wild experience, complete with heated tents, gourmet meals, dry saunas, outdoor fireplaces and even a camp butler. With luxurious amenities like these, you’ll forget the marshmallows completely!


The Get-Away-With-The-Girls Destination: Austin

Only your girlfriends can truly appreciate a luxurious getaway, so why not get together for a weekend where the fun never stops, the shopping is too-die-for and the locals are pretty darn cute themselves? No, not New York City…Austin! Austin has a metropolitan flair with laid-back, friendly atmosphere…the perfect setting for a weekend getaway with the girls. National Geographic Traveler Magazine dubbed it “the Best Little City in America” and with dozens of cinemas, museums, and cultural spots in the area, there’s always something to keep you busy. Feast on mouthwatering tex-mex cuisine (have your pals ever met a margarita they didn’t like?) at Baby Acapulco Restaurant , then work your way through the nightlife of Sixth Street. From dance clubs to lounges to funky live music venues, Austin is the place to pull out all the stops and have a good time! And don’t worry about how you’ll feel the next day; check into the Lake Austin Spa Resort for some much-needed pampering before you head back home.


The Breathtaking Destination: (TIE) New England / Sonoma 

How can we possibly choose one coast as our breathtaking destination?  We can’t! California wine country’s gorgeous, rolling fields and mountains are certainly breathtaking, but come September, New England’s vibrantly-colored countryside and cozy inns are a treasure that should not be overlooked.

Feeling a little “Marie Antoinette?” Book a room at the Les Mars Hotel in Sonoma which was modeled after a sprawling French chateau and furnished with canopy beds and miles of antiques. Several tasting rooms in the area offer you the chance to sample an exquisite collection of wines from family-owned and well-established wineries. Save some room for a decadent dinner at Cyrus , a restaurant that merges French and Asian influences to create dishes like Thai Marinated Lobster with Avocado, Melon and Hearts of Palm, and Summer Squash with Hijiki Noodles, Miso Stuffed Blossom and Sea Stock, and even a special eight-course Chef’s Tasting Menu for the entire table.

On the east coast, the Inn at Thorn Hill & Spa can polish and pamper you with healing and rejuvenating body treatments. There are several boutiques and galleries in the nearby Jackson Village and you can enjoy a meandering walk or scenic drive by the Wildcat River before heading back to the Inn for a gourmet dinner, chosen as one of America’s Most Wine Friendly Restaurants by Wine Enthusiast Magazine. Can’t make it for the fall? Head out in the winter for superb skiing!