Grove Park Inn Spa in North Carolina a Lovely Place to Relax

Part of the 1913-built Grove Park Inn Resort in Asheville, North Carolina, the Grove Park Inn Spa is one of the most luxurious retreats in the state. First opened in 1998, the spa takes advantage of its lovely natural surroundings, and both its d,cor and its treatments are designed to reflect the beauty and tranquility of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Travel and Leisure Magazine has named the Grove Park Inn Spa one of the "World's Best Hotel Spas'' for several years running and a number of other regional and national publications have also praised this luxury facility.

At 40,000 square feet in size and a cost of about $42 million, this immense spa offers a plethora of opportunities for the visitor looking for time for relaxation and a little extra pampering. About 15,000 square feet is dedicated to amenities that guests can enjoy both before and after one of the many treatments available at Grove Park Spa. Those include soothing mineral pools with waterfalls, contrast pools, a lap pool, an inhalation rooms, a sauna, and a eucalyptus-infused steam room, the use of which are included in the price of treatments. Separate Relaxation Lounges are available for men and women and are an ideal place for an after treatment moment spent sipping warm tea or cooling beverages.

The piece de resistance at the spa is, of course, the many treatments available there, including many that are unique to Asheville's Grove Park Inn Spa. These specialized treatments are known as the Heavenly Series and are among the most popular at the spa. They include "Fire, Rock, Water, and Light'', which features a body-softening soak, a full-body exfoliation, Vichy waterfall massage, healing body masque, and a massage; Sanctuary of the Senses treatments; Mountain Honey Wraps, and the Blue Ridge Symphony Massage, customized for each individual client. Guests can also choose from more than a dozen massages, including classic Swedish, aromatherapy, deep tissue, Grove Stone, arnica and hot towel, and several others. Massages are enjoyed inside the facility or in the outside pavilion with a view of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Other body treatments include a variety of hydro-baths, exfoliations, and wraps, including the Carolina Mud Pie variety. Skin care treatments are also popular at Grove Park Inn Spa and include a variety of facials, many using natural ingredients found in the Blue Ridge Mountain region. Hand and foot treatments are served with a complimentary glass of sparkling wine and sumptuous spa chocolates. These treatments include pedicures as well as classic and seasonal manicures, the latter of which uses ingredients particular to the time of year.

Special treatments are offered for male patrons and also for expectant mothers. Spa packages that combine a variety of the facility's best treatments are also available and can be purchased as a gift or for oneself. Spa reservations should be made at the same time as resort reservations, especially during the busy summer season as the spa is the reason many people book rooms at the resort. A Spa Caf, is located on site and serves fresh pastries and breads, juices, smoothies, salads, wraps, and sandwiches.

The Grove Park Inn Spa is open daily with varying hours according to season. Patrons must be at least 18 years old to enjoy spa services.