As women, we have a natural tendency to spend our time taking care of everything and everyone around us and seldom take the time to recharge our own batteries. We are multi-tasking wonders who don't see the need until we are curled up in the fetal position mumbling about what's left on our to-do lists.

Sadly, sometimes we have to completely separate ourselves from the home base in order to really take some time for ourselves, but the good news is there are plenty of resorts and spas that cater to women to do just that as well as catering to the differing ways women choose to be indulged or what they want to indulge in!

After all, not everybody has the same idea of what inspires, recharges and rejuvenates them. For some, it is completely being pampered; massages, yoga classes and meditation. For others, it's a chance to get away and enjoy more athletic pursuits. Maybe taking the time to pursue a favorite but neglected hobby or learn a new one. Whatever your preference, there are fantastic places to choose from.

The Expanding Light, in Nevada City, northern California is a non-profit yoga and meditation retreat. Here, while on a personal retreat you can participate daily in two guided sessions of yoga and meditation. Help out in their vegetarian kitchen, wander through their 800 acres of forest and meadows and for an additional charge, book a deep, restorative massage.

At Naturally Superior Adventures, on the shores of Lake Superior in Ontario, Canada, you can hike along coastal trails, go on guided sea kayaking trips or white water canoe paddling adventures on the Lake Superior Watershed.

Northwest Women's Surf Camps, on the north Oregon Coast offers three or five day Girlfriend Surf Camp getaways if hanging loose is more your thing.

More of a land lover? How about a week of fitness at Rancho La Puerta in Tecate, California. Take your pick of Pilates, cardio, hiking, volleyball, tennis, dance or golf.

Now me, I would book my time at Tuscookny, Tuscany, Italy. Here you will spend a week being immersed in the culture and lifestyle of Tuscany while learning how to cook authentic Italian dishes and cooking techniques in their friendly and informal environment. Yes please!

I hope this has given you a taste for what's out there and inspired you to plan some time that's all about you in 2012. Of course, whether or not you go it alone or wrangle a bunch of your gal pals is up to you.

Go on now, get planning!

By day, Dawn Marie Kelly is a regular contributor to GrowWrite magazine, social media outreach gal for Chick On The Go and owns Not So Silent Partner Productions in NYC with her husband, Martin Kelly. By night, Dawn is writing a future Emmy award winning scripted television drama series.

Not to be missed