As the entertainment business continues to accelerate at breakneck speed, industryites find their leisure time in short supply. But one valuable privilege of working hard is the ability to play even harder.

With your busy schedule and hard-to-please tastes in mind, The Hollywood Reporter has gathered some quick getaways -- from platinum-level pampering and spiritual retreats to journeys for the adventurous -- that will satisfy your travel bug and have your batteries recharged in time for work on Monday morning.

LUXE ESCAPES
for THE PAMPERED TRAVELER

Las Ventanas al Paraiso -- Los Cabos, Mexico
Only twenty minutes drive but light years in tone from the sun-burned revelers, booze cruises and trinket vendors of Cabo San Lucas lies a gem of unblemished Baja with a decidedly upscale twist -- Las Ventanas al Paraiso. Translating to Windows to Paradise, it's an apt description for this haute haven hugging the cobalt blue Sea of Cortez. Seashell-white structures, free-form pools and artfully designed cactus and succulent gardens dot this polished property rendered from Baja's rugged coastline. Many of the 61 suites, particularly the oceanfront category, feature expansive verandas and patios, infinity pools and are accented inside with prized Mexican artifacts like Talavera pottery and generous spa tubs with beach views. The comforts don't stop at your oversized, colonial-style door, but extend to the sybaritic Spa and the popular al fresco Tequila & Ceviche bar. The Spa specializes in taking indigenous botanicals like desert lavender and damiana plant and transmuting them into sublime treatments such as the Desert Healer. The T & C bar serves up over 100 varieties of Mexico's finest firewater in tandem with fresh fish from local waters for a delicious indulgence. Privileges at six championship golf courses, access to excellent diving, snorkeling and sportfishing are just some of the other diversions that make Las Ventanas truly a paradise found.
Las Ventanas al Paraiso: 888-525-0483; www.lasventanas.com

Montage Resort & Spa -- Laguna Beach, Calif.
The plein-air paradise of coastal California of the early 1900's inspired world-class art and design. Taking its cue from this evocative legacy, Montage Resort & Spa artfully revives the sensibilities captured by the era's California Arts & Crafts movement and legendary artists like William Wendt. Indeed, museum-quality pieces by Wendt and his contemporaries are found here amidst other nostalgic elements such as classic period furniture, rich dark woods and crown moldings. Balanced with the jaw-dropping vistas provided by its sunsplashed setting on the cliffs of Laguna Beach, the effect is as near to California Dreamin' as you're likely to get minutes from a freeway. Montage, which has hosted meetings for several studios since opening earlier this year, knows how to evoke this bygone era while remaining totally in the present tense. The resort's 262 guestrooms and suites (which incidentally all afford ocean views), feature flatscreen TVs and network dataports, as well as comforts such as lavish 400-thread count linens and premium bath products. The 20,000 square-foot Spa Montage is quickly becoming recognized as a destination unto itself, with an extensive menu of sought-after treatments like the California Citrus Polish. Cuisine is taken to a high art as well at the Studio restaurant, helmed by celebrated chef James Boyce. Diversions range from golf privileges at nearby Pelican Hill Golf Club to more active pursuits such as sea kayaking, hiking or simply lolling on the four idyllic beaches below.
Montage Resort & Spa: 949-715-6000; www.montagelagunabeach.com

Rancho Valencia -- Rancho Santa Fe, Calif.
Set amidst 40 acres of rolling hills and lush landscaping in North San Diego County's idyllic Rancho Santa Fe, Rancho Valencia resort features 49 richly appointed suites designed to recall early California haciendas -- though it's doubtful Zorro ever had it this plush. (However, during the 1920's, Douglas Fairbanks and Mary Pickford actually owned some adjoining acreage they called "Rancho Zorro"). Pioneers in the all-suite genre, Rancho Valencia, a Relais & Chateau property, does it with polish and panache. Each suite features cathedral ceilings, hand-painted tiles from Mexico, fireplaces and shuttered windows leading to a private garden. Newer Grove Suites boast private Jacuzzis on the patios and steam showers in luxe marble and tile bathrooms. For those who ascribe to bigger is better, there is the Hacienda, a 5,000-sq ft adobe home built in the 1940's, featuring three bedrooms, a private swimming pool, Jacuzzi and sprawling yard sheltered by bougainvillea. More decadence is found in the award-winning restaurant, which serves up tempting California-French cuisine. When you're ready to work off last night's indulgences, look no further than the 18 Deco-Turf hard court tennis courts staffed by tennis pros at the renowned tennis center. Other activities here include golf privileges at four area courses, including the Del Mar Country Club. Then there are hikes at nearby Torrey Pines State Park, hot air ballooning and in-room massages. Then again, you could work -- or try to -- as Seinfeld's writing team did here several years ago. Nice gig if you can get it.
Rancho Valencia: 800-548-3664; www.ranchovalencia.com

Stonepine Estate -- Carmel, Calif
Feeling the need for a jaunt to Europe but no time to cross an ocean? Stonepine Estate provides a gracious, Euro-centric getaway without the jet lag and French phrasebook. Nestled near Carmel on 330 acres of rolling, oak-studded hills, Stonepine evokes a kingly country estate with a rambling manor house, Chateau Noel, and several smaller houses and cottages. The setting for several celebrity weddings and film shoots, the estate was built in the late 1920's by a San Francisco banking family. Today, the super discreet venue hosts Hollywood royalty such as Brad, Jennifer, Tom and Nicole, who have all been guests. For a princely sum, the entire estate becomes yours to lord over, including the eight-suite chateau, the houses and cottages, a European-trained staff, tennis courts and an historic equestrian center. This year, a deluxe Thanksgiving package has been created that includes a royal repast in the formal dining room. For the day after, massage therapists and physical trainers are just a phone call away. And to ensure guests arrive in style, transportation from the nearby Monterey Airport is provided by the property's own Phantom V Rolls Royce.
Stonepine Estate: 831-659-2245; www.stonepinecalifornia.com

ZEN-FLAVORED RETREATS
far FROM THE MADDING CROWDS

Brewery Gulch Inn -- Mendocino, Calif.
Serenity and solitude seem to increase as you move up the California coast, reaching a sublime balance of rustic refinement and raw natural beauty in the historic logging town of Mendocino. A welcomed soft spot amidst the craggy cliffs and towering redwoods of the area is Brewery Gulch Inn. Blending harmoniously with its surroundings thanks to the extensive use of eco-salvaged redwood, the two-year old inn was built in a temperate micro-climate on the site of a 150-year old farm. Guests here cocoon in ten rooms, most of which feature private decks perfect for viewing the crashing surf below, Jacuzzi and soaking tubs, down comforters and fireplaces. In the airy, Arts & Crafts-themed main room warmed by an ample fireplace, certified organic cuisine (including fresh eggs from the inn's own free range chickens) is served along with various California vintages. A favorite on-site indulgence are various in-room massages and treatments, such as the Hot Stone Therapy massage. And while it would be easy to stay secluded at Brewery Gulch, the colorful, quirky town of Mendocino with its excellent restaurants, galleries and shops beckons, as do countless outdoor activities such as cliff-hugging hikes, horseback rides, sea kayaking and whale watching.
Brewery Gulch Inn: 800-578-4454; www.brewerygulchinn.com

Sanctuary on Camelback Mountain -- Paradise Valley, Ariz.
Befitting its name, Sanctuary resort is a rarefied retreat that blends equal parts Zen and cosmopolitan chic to superb effect. This yin and yang dance of opposites in harmony is seen in facets such as elements, the resort's sleek, minimalist restaurant which serves the haute cuisine of award-winning chef Charles Wiley and the bliss-inducing Spa, aligned in feng shui harmony with Camelback Mountain's Praying Monk formation. Formerly a tennis ranch, a multi-million dollar makeover two years ago has resulted in a desert gem consisting of 74 redesigned mountain casitas and 24 newer luxury spa casitas. Splurge on the Spa casitas, where notables such as Muhammad Ali find refuge. A design diva's dream, these casitas mesh unerring aesthetics such as polished cement floors, leather headboards and undulating furniture forms in offbeat colors with other tony touches like Frette linens and Erno Lazlo bath products. Arguably even more inviting is the aforementioned Spa, an Asian-infused catacomb of calm with a Zen garden, reflecting pools and a menu of treatments with names like Sumatra Coconut Polish for those with appetites for pampering. (For a singular experience with your significant other, consider a couples' treatment in the Spa's private, open-air Sanctum). Adjacent is a movement studio, state of the art fitness facility and lap pool where active souls can work with expert instructors. And as tempting as it is to stay within the bounds of this enclave, don't forget you're sitting on the doorstep of the storied Sonoran desert, where activities such as rock climbing, desert hikes and walking meditative labyrinths can be arranged by the resort.
SanctuaryCamelback Mountain: 800.245.2051;
www.sanctuaryoncamelback.com

Two Bunch Palms -- Palm Springs, Calif.
Ensconced amidst a true desert oasis that seems summoned from the Arabian Nights, Two Bunch Palms and its natural hot springs have offered shelter over the years to everyone from indigenous tribes to Gwyneth Paltrow. Forget the polished marble, granite and gloss that you might encounter at other spas -- the flavor here is decidedly funky, with flashes of purple textiles, stained glass windows and aged wood plank floors setting the tone. Accommodations include an eclectic assortment of guestrooms, suites and villas ranging from contemporary Southwest to vintage Prohibition-era furnishings possibly selected by Al Capone himself (the original "Scarface" reputedly owned the property at one time). What Two Bunch lacks in primp and polish, it more than makes up for in its quiet, contemplative setting, complete with spectacular vistas of the San Jacinto Mountains. Winding stone pathways, bubbling fountains and The Grotto, two natural hot spring-fed pools managed at different temperatures (a toasty 104 and a soothing 98) that are considered the heart of the retreat, allow guests to drift into a no-frills-needed nirvana. If that isn't enough to ease the blood pressure of the tightly wound, one of 45 treatments selected from the Spa menu, such as one of the legendary Mud Baths, is certain to do the trick. Another menu of note is found in the Casino Dining Room, where a selection of healthful entrees that stress fresh are savored.
Two Bunch Palms: 800-472-4334; www.twobunchpalms.com

JOURNEYS
For THE ADVENTUROUS SPIRIT

Red Mountain Spa -- St. George, Utah
Framed by towering cliffs and red rock formations near some of this country's most magnificent state and national parks, Red Mountain Spa is the perfect solution for active types who like their adventure on the rocks, but with a dash of decadent pampering as well. Billed as an "adventure spa," Red Mountain is ideally situated adjacent to Snow Canyon State Park in Southern Utah, and day-trip distance from Zion National Park, Bryce Canyon and the Grand Canyon parks. Outdoor fitness is stressed here and is served up in a variety of adrenalin-laced flavors, including kayaking, rock climbing, mountain biking and four levels of guided hikes on over 40 trails through stunning backdrops of Navajo sandstone, lava flows and petroglyphs. Some hikes are creatively themed for a deeper understanding of the region, such as the introspective Spirit Hikes and Star Parties, which have nothing to do with celebs but with the brilliant constellations that light up the night skies. Post-adventure pampering is a specialty at the Spa, where treatments such as the Extreme Sports Pedicure and the Mother Earth Wrap renew and revitalize weary weekend warriors. Holistic health is further emphasized at the resort through their signature Adventure Cuisine which features inventive presentations of nutritious, energizing specialties such as pan seared elk tenderloin with cherry rhubarb demi-glace.
Red Mountain Spa: 800-407-3002; www.redmountainspa.com

Baja AirVentures -- Bahia de los Angeles, Baja California
If your idea of adventure includes a serious disconnect from civilization and cell phones, the rustic and remote adventure offered by Baja AirVentures at La Unica Wilderness Retreat will ensure "I can't you hear you now" isolation. Accessible only by boat, guests first fly-in via six-seat Cessna from San Diego to the "other" Los Angeles, ruggedly beautiful Bahia de Los Angeles, located on Baja's Sea of Cortez. From there, it's a 45-minute panga ride to La Unica and it's 16 small cabanas and pristine beach shadowed by towering, sawtooth mountains. Called the Galapagos of Mexico by John Steinbeck, there are no TV's, air conditioning or Jacuzzis here, but La Unica does offer unparalleled wildlife sightings including sea lion rookeries, dolphins and various species of whales. Activities include guided sea kayaking tours, hikes and snorkeling trip encounters with the elusive, gentle giants of the area, the whale shark. Baja ranchero style meals featuring fresh fish, home-made tortillas and a steady stream of cold Pacifico beer are served in a large central palapa. (For Thanksgiving, an American-style turkey feast is planned). Evenings are generally passed at beachside campfires admiring star-filled skies while savoring tasty margaritas. Who needs a cellphone anyway.
Baja AirVentures: 800-221-WAVE; www.bajaairventures.com

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