Mother's Day Escapes

Every year your mom insists that she doesn't want any big production for Mother's Day, but you know better. Plan a Mother's Day getaway that includes a day at the spa, serious shopping or a superb brunch. Here are some options for fun ways to treat mom to something special this Mother's Day.

New-Mom Indulgence
Pamper a new mom at the Mandarin Oriental in Miami with the Pre or Post Natal Escape. The Mandarin Oriental Signature Experience invites moms to tailor their spa day with plenty of pampering followed by brunch at the waterfront restaurant Café Sambal. Other special events to celebrate Mom include complimentary mini-facials for all moms booking other spa treatments and a mommy and me yoga class for moms with wee ones under 9 months old.

Sweet Spa Treatment
Shower Mom with hugs and kisses of the chocolate variety at the sweet Hershey spa in Hershey, PA. Indulge your mom with spa treatments including the Whipped Chocolate Bath or Chocolate Fondue Wrap or opt for the Hershey Rose Garden Collection that is part of the Mother's Day Package. All month long, you and your mom can enjoy a rose garden hydrating body wrap, massage and foot treatment followed by lunch in the Oasis.

Fancy Brunch
Start the day right with a brunch feast at Washington, DC's Art & Soul restaurant. The chef celebrates spring and the bounty of crab season in the Chesapeake region with a prix-fixe brunch menu. The Crab Three Ways features the seasonal favorite fried soft-shell crabs alongside a Maryland crab cake and a chili relleno stuffed with crabmeat and topped with chipotle butter.

Shopping Excursion
Worried about buying your mom another scarf or sweater that will sit in the back of the closet until you visit? Plan a shopping escape for your mom at San Marcos Prime Outlet Center, the largest of its kind in Texas. Take advantage of discount prices and special Mother's Day sales at upscale shops like Saks Off 5th, Neiman Marcus Last Call, Gucci and Fendi.

Outdoor Adventure
If your mom's a woman warrior, plan a Mother's Day adventure at sea in the San Juan Islands. Discovery Kayaks offers 50% off their half-day west-side excursion for all moms on Mother's Day. Glide along the water, and take in stunning views of the Olympic Mountains and Vancouver Island while looking for aquatic life in the kelp beds and bald eagles soaring overhead.

Cooking Class
If you didn't inherit your mom's stellar cooking skills, there's still time to learn. Parties that Cook hosts a Mother's Day Brunch and hands-on cooking class for you and your mom. Classes are held at San Francisco's foodie epicenter -- the Ferry Building. Learn how to make crostini with fava beans, mint and shaved pecorino and other tasty treats while sipping mimosas and bonding with Mom in the kitchen.

Festival of Flowers
If your mom loves flowers, consider heading to the Biltmore Estate Festival of Flowers. Each spring, this grand estate in Asheville, NC, is filled with spectacular blooms of every size, shape and color. Enjoy live music and even get some tips from the master gardeners to spruce up your own green space.

Wine-Tasting
Located in St. Helena in the heart of Napa Valley, the V. Sattui Winery is the perfect spot for a Mother's Day picnic. Sample some wines, and then stroll through the European-style market to pick out some tasty bread, a hunk of cheese and Mom's favorite wine. In honor of the special occasion, the winery hosts free outdoor concerts on the grounds.

Beach
For the ultimate break, take Mom on a true vacation to Jamaica's Franklyn D. Resort. Mom stays free all month long when traveling with Dad and the kids. This all-inclusive resort offers plenty of opportunities for family fun on the beach and moms can take advantage of the vacation nanny to relax at the spa, catch up with a book on the beach or go out to dinner without the kids.