May/June 2008

7 Spectacular Spas

Salts, scrubs, saunas and rubs—dedicate your summer vacation to health and wellness by taking the ultimate relaxing getaway.

By Jessica Carlson

Your to-do list is growing, the fridge is empty, the kids are bored, the dog is whining, the house is a mess and you swear your waist grew two inches over night. When are you supposed to get a moment to relax around here?

In Hampton Roads, there are plenty of day spas that provide a small dosage of stress relief. But in these harsh times, it takes a whole lot more than an hour to let go of the burdens we carryóit takes a complete withdrawal from reality and immersion in a healthy lifestyle.

This summer, avoid the pressures of vacation planning and spend a week filled with wellness and "me time"at one of these Seven Spectacular Spas. From the beach to the mountains, these destinations offer all the necessary aspects of a luxurious spa vacation—fitness, healthy food, recreation, pampering, and of course, absolute relaxation.

Bring your family if you want, but leave the to-do list at home. Where you're going, you won't need anything but little old you.

THE UMSTEAD HOTEL AND SPA
{Cary, N.C.}

Extravagance takes on many forms at North Carolinaís only Five Diamond hotel. From original artwork commissioned for the space to the natural light shining into the spa showers and whirlpool, luxury here appears in both lavish and simple ways.

In the main lobby, a rare clear glass Chihuly sculpture seems to grow out of a moss-covered table, and flowers and plants are lit up like museum objects. Beyond the limestone floors and sleek beige and brown décor, large windows frame a view of the resortís own 3-acre, tree-lined lake. Soft music plays in the background.

Nature and art weave seamlessly throughout the Umstead, with artwork inspired by the beauty of nature and nature in the spotlight as world-class art. It is upscale yet serene, classy yet comfortable.

At the spa, natural light shines everywhere—from the whirlpool and lounge area to the relaxation and treatment rooms. An hour before my treatment, full relaxation mode takes over my body as I sip on delicious iced tea, wade in the whirlpool, and look outside at the sunny courtyard garden through floor-to-ceiling windows.

After a customized massage, I'm told I can relax in the treatment room for as long as I want. My body is loose, limp and smells of eucalyptus, and Iím tempted to drift off for a while to extend this rare stress-free moment. But instead, I peel myself off the bed and open the curtains. Sunlight filters in as I unveil the picture-perfect view—a Zen-esque lawn divided by a runway of white stones, the sparkling infinity-edge pool, and a lake surrounded by towering North Carolina trees. Luxury and nature meet again.

Loved the ... original art throughout the hotel and spa, much of it by North Carolina artists. A self-guided tour through the public areas explains many of the artists and paintings.

Could spend hours ... ambling around the outdoor areas. Walk around the lake (it's a third of a mile all the way around), warm up by the cozy outdoor fireplace, or enjoy a cocktail and some sun by the year-round heated pool. Poolside cabanas feature flat-screen televisions, phones and wireless internet. Order "room service" to the cabana and you wonít have to leave the pool area at all. 

Splurge on ... a spa-within-a-spa suite with a group of friends. Rent out the private unit, which has all the treatment rooms attached, and enjoy complimentary fruit, water and champagne with your pals in between treatments.

When not spa-ing ... explore the neighboring Umstead State Park, a true outdoor oasis. Rent a canoe or rowboat, venture out on a hiking or biking trail, or bring a gourmet picnic provided by the Umstead and dine alfresco next to a quiet pond or stream.

Eat ... the spa tasting menu at the hotel's own Herons Restaurant, a Four Seasons-grade eatery inspired by North Carolina flavor. While the menu changes every five to six weeks, the menu I tasted consisted of pan-seared crab cakes, cast iron seared black cod and a refreshing dessert of light yoghurt-based mousse with berries. With herbs from an onsite garden and a focus on local ingredients, any meal at Herons won't disappoint. My favorite for breakfast was the house-made granola, served with fresh berries and clover honey yogurt.

Don't be surprised if ... the attention to customer service catches you off guard. Many of the staff members were handpicked from luxury hotels from around the world. They'll remember your name, your newspaper preference and anticipate your needs before even you do.

Best for ... professional adults and couples seeking an upscale environment.

{UMSTEAD SPA ESSENTIALS}
Location: 100 Woodland Pond, Cary, N.C. About three hours from Hampton Roads in the Research Triangle area of North Carolina.
Built: 2007
Accommodations: 123 spacious guest rooms and 27 suites with flat-screen TVs, iPod docking stations, marble bathrooms, deep soaking tubs, fine linens and thick terry bathrobes. Lakeview rooms have private balconies.  
Fitness: 24-hour state-of-the-art fitness center with bottled water, cold towels and earphones; personal training; and walking paths.
Best deal: Book a spa package through the hotel and get a discounted room rate.
Programs/events: Summer music on the lawn; occasional fitness programs and classes.
Accolades: AAA's Five Diamond rating; listed among the Leading Hotels of the World and Leading Spas of the World; Condé Nast Traveler's 2007 Hot List.

More information: 919-447-4170, www.theumstead.com

For the rest of this article, see the May/June issue of Hampton Roads Magazine, currently available on newsstands.