The online thesaurus is a great place to look for unique words and ideas too:

http://i154.photobucket.com/albums/s279/andyandopie/sing.jpg

Let's say you want the word "Oasis" here are some other options with the same meaning:

haven, retreat, sanctuary, refuge, resort

And for the word "special":

choice, distinct, gala, festive, exceptional, exclusive, notable, paramount, surpass

Not that you'll want any of those words, but you can get some good ideas there. (I actually like the word "haven")

Kathy