As much as I hated the time I lost to watching the film The Blue Lagoon those many years ago (oh, how I don’t miss you, 1980!), I have to admit that I certainly wouldn’t mind being on that island—without Brooke Shields and Christopher Atkins.

The Turtle Island Resort in Fiji, famous as the site of the above-mentioned film, celebrates its 30th birthday this year. The all-inclusive tropical paradise lets guests join in the festivities by offering a “Stay 7 Nights, Pay for Only 5 Nights” offer—good throughout 2009.

The special package includes lodging (in one of only 14 private bures—Fijian huts), all meals and beverages, as well as all activities (including snorkeling, scuba diving, horseback riding and more). Price per night ranges from $2,079 to $2,999, depending on the bure you choose.

Turtle Island isn’t only an incredibly romantic exotic retreat, it’s also known for its eco-sensibility—with hydroponic and organic vegetable gardens as well as an extensive reforestation program involving more than 500,000 trees to date. And remember, with just 14 couples on the island at a time (besides staff and islanders), the tourist footprint is feather-light.

To reserve, call 800-255-4347 or visit www.turtlefiji.com. It’ll be much better to visit the actual Blue Lagoon than endure that film, ever again.

All aboard! Celebrate the first transcontinental railroad in the United States with activities for the whole family for this year’s National Train Day.

Taking place this year on May 9, National Train Day commemorates the day the “golden spike” was driven into the ground at Promontory Summit, Utah, connecting the Central Pacific and Union Pacific railways—May 10, 1869. Amtrak will host a series of events at its main stations in Washington, D.C.; Philadelphia; Chicago and Los Angeles. For those who can’t make it to those destinations, Amtrak encourages communities to host their own events.

Photo: OneMoreTickets.com

Between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m., visitors can tour exhibits and displays to learn all about trains, (including the newest technologies), admire train-inspired artwork and enjoy musical entertainment. The celebration will also feature a Kids’ Corner where children can participate in interactive activities, as well as watch jugglers and magicians perform.

For an additional celebration of 140 years of train travel, passengers traveling between May 9 and 16 can save 25 percent off their Amtrak train fare on the Capitol Corridor, Pacific Surfliner and San Joaquin routes if tickets are purchased by May 13.

I know, I know: Stress Awareness Month prompts the comment, “I’m already aware of my stress!” But these special spa deals will help those nagging troubles—some offered even after this month ends. Remember, you can be aware of your stress all year long, so take care of yourself.

CasaMagna Marriott Puerto Vallarta Resort & Spa offers an Escape Relaxation package through Dec. 18, 2009. I was recently a guest at the CasaMagna Marriott and its Ohtli spa is certainly something to behold. The package includes accommodations, daily breakfast for two, an in-room spa bath upon arrival (mine had hibiscus petals in the water), two Ohtli spa treatments (I like the Fire Opal Balancing Stone Therapy), two passes to the wellness area and two complimentary fitness classes. Rates from $179 to $329 (based on availability) and a four-night stay is required. For reservations, call 800-228-9290 or visit www.puertovallartamarriott.com and use code ZJ1. 

Eldorado Hotel & Spa] in Santa Fe is offering a Relieve Stress Package, which includes a spa treatment for every day of your stay during the month of April. Pay just $229 per night for your room, and receive a complimentary Nidah spa treatment (valued at $130). Stay two nights or 12 nights, you just have to fit your visit in before the month is over to get this deal. For reservations, call 800-955-4455 or visit www.eldoradohotel.com and use code PKGNID.

Lorien Hotel & Spa, Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants newest hotel which opened March 25 in Alexandria, Va., offers a Spa Relaxation package through May 31. The two-night deal includes a spa-inspired welcome gift, two 50-minute spa treatments and breakfast for two. Package price: $659. For reservations, call 877-856-7436 or visit www.lorienhotelandspa.com.

Enough of all this talk about stress. I’m off to get a massage!

Here’s a travel deal I can get behind: THE TIME Hotel’s TIME to Bring Back Your Vices package, in honor of the end of those Lenten 40 days and 40 nights of restricted living.

For those who gave up chocolate, alcohol, gambling, or something, say, a little more personal the past several weeks, this New York boutique hotel will help ease you back into the sinful swing of things.

The TIME to Bring Back Your Vices package includes:

• Two nights at Adam Tihany–designed THE TIME Hotel

• A Vice Concierge Card that allows you have items of your choice (e.g., condoms, lottery tickets) delivered to your room

• Champagne Brunch for two at Serafina, an Italian restaurant connected to the hotel

• Drinks for two at the hotel’s Inc. Lounge

• Chocolate Turn Down service

The deal costs just $295 (excluding tax—a vice the government won’t likely ever give up), and is available the weekend of April 17 to 19, 2009 only, so hurry to book your wild weekend before rooms run out.

THE TIME Hotel, 224 W. 49th St.; tel. 212-246-5252; www.thetimeny.com

Discounted hotel rooms at a tropical island resort?

You had me at “tropical island.”

Book a room between today and—get this—December 31, and you can get a 30 percent discount at the Blue Horizons Garden Resort in Grenada. That equals $109 per room, per night, based on double occupancy in a superior studio, and $116 per room, per night, based on double occupancy in a deluxe one-bedroom suite. So just what do you get for those low, low prices?

How about a lush, tropical setting, a gourment restaurant and a fresh-water swimming pool? Not enough to tempt you? How does an aviary featuring 21 species of tropical birds?

I’ll tell you what got me—the promise of serenity. Ah, serenity. How I miss you.

Hurry, book now: Call 473-444-4316, fax 473-444-2815, or visit the Web site.

One of my favorite New England destinations is Nantucket island, off Cape Cod. Visiting is like stepping back in time to colonial days, when it was the whaling capital of the world, but with all the pleasures of modernity: charming boutiques, excellent restaurants and luxurious accommodations. Stroll well-worn cobblestone streets, relax at the beach, practice your golf swing or tool along dramatic sea cliffs on a bicycle. The island is child and pet friendly, too.

The Lofts at the Boat Basin

To gear up for the summer season, Nantucket Island Resorts is offering a “Hot Dates, Cool Rates” promotion at its properties, including two of my favorites: the exclusive Wauwinet, a Relais & Chateaux property located on the far end of the island (with a terrific restaurant), and the White Elephant, in town, which is ideal for cocktails on the lawn at sunset.

Here are some sample rates:

Jared Coffin House: Spring rates start at $220 per night; Hot Dates rates start at $99.

The Cottages & Lofts at the Boat Basin: Spring rates start at $210 per night; Hot Dates rates start at $125 per night.

White Elephant: Spring rates start at $275 per night; Hot Dates rates start at $175 per night.

The Wauwinet: Spring rates start at $380 per night; Hot Dates start at $225 per night.

Check www.nantucketislandresorts.com regularly to determine which dates qualify. I know I’ll be making my mid-summer reservations pronto.

I apologize for the late Friday posting—our other Friday Faves gal, Amy Hatch, is recovering from knee surgery (Get well soon Amy!), and I’ve been trying to get through as much of next week’s work load as possible since I’m off on Sunday for a weeklong trip to Israel.

This upcoming journey will be my fourth trip of the year already. Yes, I am still traveling—and not just because I should be for my job. I’ve always loved to travel more than just about anything, and I’ll gladly give up dining out, plays, concerts and new clothes before I give up seeing the world. And I’m not alone.

Our wonderful neighbors to the north are continuing their travels, even in a recession, even with the value of its dollar falling 20 percent compared to the U.S. dollar. Go Canada! — CBC News

Travel writer and photographer Randall Shirley told his readers to take a little piece of responsibility for the economy and keep spending to keep it going—and that includes making travel plans. — Randall on the Road

Now, certainly not everyone is in a good place to continue to make vacation plans. My fiancé, for instance, got laid off more than a year ago, and even though he’s getting by on freelance and contract work, he decided not to join me on a trip to Montreal later this month, even though I’m covering his food and hotel, because he didn’t want to spend the money on the airfare. I understand. He’s a newspaper man. Not only is the economy tanking for him, his industry is imploding.

But if you are still able to travel, there are fantastic deals to be had (not unlike some stock prices these days…). Travel vet Arthur Frommer highlighted where to find great travel deals by following the collapse of currenies against the U.S. dollar by 40 to 50 percent, as well as the collapse of airfares. You'll be shocked at some of the bargains. — Frommers.com

So keep traveling if you can, and if you can't, then I hope you follow my journey to Israel next week. I'll be blogging and on Twitter (TravelMuse and DonnaMuse) with updates when possible.

Shalom!