Escapes: Spa Getaways

You don't have to go far to have a spa vacation.

by Mary Welch

June 1, 2008

A tlanta and its environs certainly have a mother lode of terrific day spas. But sometimes, a woman needs a little more pampering and getting away from it all – if only overnight.

There are a number of wonderful retreats just a few hours away that provide a welcome change of scenery as well as a seaweed wrap. Below are several spas that fit the bill:

The Ritz-Carlton Spa at Reynolds Plantation
Named in Conde Nast Traveler's 2006 Gold List as among the "World's Best Places to Stay," the Mobil Four Star 26,000-square-foot spa rejuvenates guests with treatments created around the seasons and with natural products made of minerals, crystals and nutrient-rich clays. Plus, you have the Ritz-Carlton service at your service.  The resort, located in Greensboro, Ga. (about 75 miles east of Atlanta), has teamed up with Prada Beauty, a leader in scientifically advanced skin care, and the Payot product line of balms and clays. The spa offers four signature Prada treatments, including the Prada Replenishing Body Facial. Guests choose a customized treatment from three Payot product families, all of which are designed to achieve specific results. The harmony family relieves stress and tension; the corrective family relieves water retention, and the revive family is used by those wanting antiaging, firming and a renewal of energy. Guests are also able to use the sauna, steam room, whirlpool and the 60-foot indoor heated lap pool. If you want a new experience, try the Zen of Kayaking, a two-hour treatment that combines a one-hour kayak session and a one-hour massage.

Callaway Gardens
Callaway Gardens has been a favorite of Southern vacationers for decades, but its spa is relatively new. The 13,000-square-foot Spa Prunifolia opened in March 2007 as part of the new Lodge and Spa. About 90 minutes southwest of Atlanta, the new spa is named after Callaway's signature flower, the plumleaf azalea, and reflects the resort's long-standing commitment to the environment. All treatments are inspired by nature and use Naturopathica® and B. Kamins product lines with many of the ingredients found in Mr. Cason's Vegetable Garden and the John A. Sibley Horticultural Center at Callaway Gardens. The spa features 13 treatment rooms with a multitreatment suite, a couple's room with oversized soaking tub and private relaxation lounges with fireplaces as well as a full-service salon and fully equipped weight and cardiovascular studios.

Under the rotunda, the spa's apothecary displays the herbs used in treatments, creating a place for therapists to educate guests about the purpose and result of their chosen treatment. Nature-infused treatments such as the revitalizing Mountain Escape begin with an aromatic cup of herbal tea inspired by Mr. Cason's Vegetable Garden and a foot soak in a fresh spearmint and oat milk bath, move to a fresh rosemary and sage body scrub and end with a pine and balsam fir full body massage.  The Organic Garden Enzyme Peel uses wild black cherry or pumpkin fruit enzymes to clear the skin of cellular buildup and to slow down environmental damage with a melange of beta carotenes.  If you're interested in a mother-teenage daughter adventure while you're getting your treatment, your teen can be pampered with a Peaches 'n' Cream Manicure or a Build-Your-Own-Sundae Pedicure.

 
Kiawah Island Golf Resort, The Sanctuary Spa
The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island Golf Resort combines the old-world charm of Charleston with unique treatments that incorporate Kiawah's renowned coastal ecosystems. The spa's interior design elicits the feel of a grand Southern porch and garden, while the treatments are inspired by nature incorporating the balancing properties of the ocean, maritime forest and South Carolina's botanical gardens.   Combined with service grounded in Southern hospitality, the spa presents a variety of offerings, including the Mint Julep Facial, Lowcountry Verbena Body Polish, and a variety of massage services. The Sanctuary's spa was also the first in the country to offer Body Wraptures – a technique featuring warm, grain- and herb-filled wraps that are used to induce deep relaxation.  The interior features 12 spacious massage, facial, and body treatment rooms styled as personal havens with hardwood floors, shuttered windows, original artwork and therapeutic color schemes. The spa also features two treatment tables, a relaxation area, and a Riverbath Whirlpool as well as a private bath and shower.  Additionally, a full-service salon featuring hair services, manicures and pedicures is located in the spa. The hotel's fitness center offers a 65-foot-long indoor pool, a special studio for yoga, Pilates, tai chi and other wellness programs.


The Spa at Château Élan
Château Élan provides a luxurious French country atmosphere perfect to refresh one's body, mind and soul – and it's only 40 miles north of Atlanta. Located on 3,500 acres, including a lake, and surrounded by a canopy of trees, green lawns and flowering shrubs, the 33,000-square-foot spa mansion with private guest suites exudes style and serenity. The spa offers a variety of day and overnight spa packages. Day packages include complimentary access to the spa's whirlpool, sauna, locker room, fitness classes and afternoon tea (served 4-5 p.m.). Overnight spa packages include use of steam, sauna, whirlpool and the indoor resistance pool and use of the fitness area and classes, a gourmet spa lunch, afternoon tea, and a winery tour and tastings. The spa also offers a variety of specialty services such as the Château Winery Harvest Crush, which is a natural body exfoliant that leaves healthy grape seed oil on the body as a moisturizer. Try the champagne and chocolate caviar manicure and pedicure or the antioxidant winery bath.
 
The Grove Park Inn Resort & Spa
The spa at The Grove Park Inn Resort & Spa was named one of the top 10 luxury resort spas in the United States by Fodors Travel Wire, the travel company's online entity. It's not hard to see why. The 40,000-square-foot spa features a subterranean granite-walled fantasy punctuated with skylights, multiple pools, and waterfalls. Touch screens enable therapists to set the treatment-room temperature, music selection, and lighting levels. The spa is only about three-and-a-half hours away from Atlanta. Built in 2001, the spa at the Asheville, N.C., landmark inn takes its inspiration from the surrounding mountains. Reflecting the beauty of the natural world, the spa features indoor waterfalls, majestic stone architecture, a European-style pool area and an extensive list of rejuvenating treatments.  The spa's signature treatment is Fire, Rock, Water and Light, which blends the natural elements of the spa -fire, rock, water and light - into one luxurious experience. Treatment includes indulgences such as a softening soak, a full-body exfoliation, Vichy waterfall massage, healing body masque and a relaxing massage.  Another favorite is the Sanctuary of the Senses Body Treatment for Women This journey through the senses begins with gentle exfoliation, and continues with drizzles of rose essential oils. These oils further penetrate the skin, softening it in  preparation for a warm, full body wrap. The treatment ends with a half-hour massage and a take-home gift. 

The Spa at Barnsley Gardens
Barnsley Gardens, located in nearby Adairsville, is in the 2007 edition of Travel & Leisure as a top hotel. At the Spa at Barnsley Gardens, guests can choose from an array of massages, therapeutic skin treatments, body wraps and aromatherapy. The spa offers 10 treatment rooms, a large co-ed whirlpool, and ladies' and gentlemen's grooming areas with separate saunas, steam rooms, and whirlpools. Water and hot teas are served in the relaxation room. Adjoining the spa is a fitness center, which features weight training and cardiovascular equipment, and a Grecian-style swimming pool.      

Some of the spa's signature treatments include the 80-minute Manor Omega 3 Body Wrap and the Anti-Aging Facial. The body wrap is a nourishing body treatment full of omega-3s, which help restore balance and promote healing. The treatment continues with a massage, full body mask and wrap for further infusion and finally a body milk treatment.      

The antiaging facial and eye treatment is infused with exotic ingredients such as gotu hola, Indian asparagus and palmarosa oil. It's then combined with modern technology and advanced peptides to hydrate and rejuvenate the skin's youthful appearance and followed with hand and foot massages.