PAMPERED PET VS. SUPER SAVER
Rita and Louis, Raleigh, North Carolina Rita’s a girl, all the way. Every morning, she applies an impeccable layer of makeup and blows out her hair, a two-hour process. For a weekend trip, Rita packs all three of her floral-patterned suitcases. While she excels at her marketing job and believes in workplace equality, she still expects a man to open the door. She knows she’s high maintenance, and her motto—“Why settle?”—also applies to vacations, which Rita likes to fill with spas, room service, and shopping.
Louis loves spoiling Rita, but fears the attached price tag. He’d rather save money for a house, or put it into his retirement plan. He especially can’t understand expensive hotels—how much time do you really spend there anyway?
Although he doesn’t consider himself cheap and will gladly pay a decent sum for something of value, Louis chooses buses over cabs, and believes that a bottle of cabernet with bread and cheese can taste as good—and be as romantic—as any meal in an upscale restaurant.
COMPROMISE DESTINATIONS:
An Arizona spa Canyon Ranch would be Rita’s dream, but steep discounts (for Louis) are available at Arizona’s Boulder Resorts in the summer months,when most tourists avoid the desert’s 100-plusdegree weather. Beat the heat at this Southwestern-style establishment near Scottsdale by starting the day early with golf, tennis, or horseback riding. By the time the sun blazes overhead, you’ll be ready for a swim or indoor activities: the spa and beauty centers, the weight room, a yoga class. When evening comes, have the concierge arrange Jeep rides and nighttime hikes in the cooler air. The resort’s informal Mexican restaurant, Cantina del Pedregal, is known for its fresh salsa and strong margaritas. But everyone needs to bust out of a resort at some point, and in nearby Sedona red rock formations in awe-inspiring shapes sit on the desert like sculptures. Native Americans consider Sedona a well of spiritual power, so tap into the energy.