Take to the waters of Virginia's relaxing hot springs and spas.
The American Indians first discovered the healing benefits of the natural springs that bubble to the surface in pools in the Warm Springs Valley of Virginia. Later, when the European colonists migrated to the area, the springs became places for retreat and rejuvenation - such as today!
Warm Springs Valley
Three major springs in the Warm Springs Valley of the Allegheny Mountains in Bath and Allegheny Counties can be found in western Virginia along U.S. Route 220 - Warm Springs, Hot Springs and Healing Springs.
The Homestead Spa in Hot Springs was established in 1766. A soak in the 104-degree clear mineral waters can be combined with various therapies - hydro, massage, skin care, body scrubs and wraps.
The Jefferson Pools, five miles from the Homestead Resort, is the oldest spa structure in Virginia. Thomas Jefferson actually soaked in the Gentlemen's Pool House in 1818. Patrons need not stay at the resort to visit the 98-degree Jefferson Pools, but need to make reservations through the resort.
Popular Spas in Mountain & Countryside Settings
Although the natural springs of yesteryear were once popular resort areas, most have been forgotten. Some enterprising resorts have re-created the spirit of the natural springs in their luxurious spas offering signature packages, massages and body treatments:
Wintergarden Spa at Wintergreen Resort is located in Nelson County overlooking the Blue Ridge Mountains. Soak in heated hot tubs from the highest point in the resort. Various therapies are offered as well as specialized youth spas and a gentleman's spa.
Poplar Springs — The Inn Spa nestled in the northern Virginia countryside in Warrenton is a full-service European spa. The Inn also offers an International Water Bar to refresh your insides, too.
Boar's Head Inn Spa in beautiful Charlottesville offers deep-tissue massage to gentle Thai bodywork. Take a Monticello Dream Soak and relax in bubbling goat's milk, honey and their signature Monticello Dreams herbal blend, probably named for Thomas Jefferson's Monticello, his mountain-top estate located nearby. Visit the Spa Café for a peaceful meal or fresh juice from the Juice Bar.
Lansdowne Resort's Spa Minerale opened in April 2006 in the beautiful hunt countryside of northern Virginia. Minerals from nearby Luck Goose Creek Quarry and botanicals from the Dogwood tree and flower are signature spa products. Your choice of treatment packages can personalize your spa experience. Enjoy the spa's unique relaxation lounges with fireplaces and terraces, whirlpools, saunas and steamrooms, too.
The Martha Hotel & Spa in Abingdon features a beautiful saltwater pool. Nestled in the Blue Ridge Highlands, this popular inn offersThe Royal Treatment for less than $200.
Popular Spas in City Settings
The Eden Spa at The Ritz Carlton Tysons Corner in McLean is located in the heart of Virginia's most popular shopping district near Washington, D.C. The Spa provides a fabulous respite from the day's activities and offering the various therapies, including Le Renovateur Body Polish.
The Spa at Westfields Marriott Resort & Conference Center in Chantilly features a unique black mud body treatment from the Black Baltic Sea. Another popular treatment is the Westfields Signature Body Treatment with Vitamin C, sugar, silica beads, jojoba oil and essential oils of grapefruit, orange, lemon and jasmine.
The Spa at Colonial Williamsburg is in the heart of Williamsburg is tucked in a garden setting between the Williamsburg Inn, the Williamsburg Lodge and adjacent to the Golden Horseshoe Golf Club. Wellness, like history, is a continuum. The Spa of Colonial Williamsburg’s menu of services is anchored by exclusive spa experiences inspired by relaxation and healing practices from each of the last five centuries.
Popular Spas Overlooking Waterways
The Tides Inn Spa at The Tides Inn in Irvington in Lancaster County is located at the edge of Carter's Creek, just off the beautiful Chesapeake Bay. The Spa's signature body treatment is the Lilacs of Lancaster Body Polish. Other popular treatments include the Aurveda Treatments based on three mind/body principles — doshas — that are said to create lifestyles and habits.
Kingsmill Resort & Spa in Williamsburg is located along the James River. The Spa's signature Hops Massage is a 50-minute experience not to be missed. Also, learn the Art of Massage with your partner in just two hours in your own private treatment room.
Great Wolf Lodge's Elements Aveda Spa/Salon in Williamsburg features a Feng Shui-balanced atmosphere with environmentally friendly products. While your family is playing in the Lodge's gigantic indoor waterpark, you can escape for an hour or two to your own retreat, featuring soft music, aromatherapy and trickling water. Try their signature Caribbean Therapy Body Treatment.
The Founder's Inn Spa and Conference Center in Virginia Beach features their Flowering Almond Spa, which brings relaxation techniques from the Orient . . . "where balance and bliss bloom." Try their caviar facial and/or body wrap — rich with antioxidants and potein.
Try the views of Smith Mountain Lake from Mariner's Landing Resort and Conference Center in Huddleston. An unwinding massage, detox or Lake Mud Wrap might just be the key to your relaxation.