The Grove Park Inn.
Built in 1913, by old-time drug dealers, really. The Inn was built by the Grove family who made their money by inventing, and then peddling their tonic for soothing the symptoms of malaria.
It is absolutely beautiful – and I truly had no idea how BIG the resort would be. So we explored….and one of my favorite things was sitting on the west-facing terrace watching the sunset over the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Then – on to the main attraction: The SPA.
Grove Park Inn and Spa was named #13 on Travel & Leisure’s list of Top World Spas in 2008.
No doubt.
Today was quite possibly, the most unusual but enjoyable experiences of my life.
So, we arrived at the Spa, and “checked in” like at a fancy hotel, wait – we’re at a fancy hotel… ummmm, anywho. It has it’s own check-in spa lobby. Huge waterfalls are everywhere, and the whole thing is subterranean, seriously. Can you imagine? 40,000 square feet of spas and pools – mostly underground.
We began our day by donning our swimsuits, and our Spa bathrobes and slippers, of course. We puttered down to the pool area where waterfalls are cascading from the rock walls and ceiling. We floated around the pool, then hopped over to the nearby hot tubs.
When we were ready to dry out, we lounged by the fire in leather chaises. I actually ventured to the outdoor spa area and enjoyed the mountain view warm beside the fire pit.
Yikes! Time for my spa treatment.
I went whole-hog, and opted for the “Fire, Rock, Water & Light” body treatment from the Heavenly Series. In a nutshell, it was basically 4 parts – a body scrub, then a Vichy waterfall treatment (more later, keep reading), a soaking bath, and finally a body masque/moisturizing treatment. Ahhh….
My therapist, Virginia, was great – 100% professional, courteous service all the way. I am grateful - I was in my birthday suite for most of our interactions. The first part of my treatment consisted of a scrub to exfoliate my entire body. Virginia can probably make a mean batch of buttermilk biscuits based on the way she kneaded and rolled and kneaded and rolled my body fat with that scrub.
Then – and this was incredible – the Vichy Shower. There’s no way to describe this other than to show a picture. It’s essentially a big long arm, with 7 shower heads. Virginia basically moved the arm (and showers heads) back and forth, up and down……pure heaven. An unusual experience for sure – it’s like taking a shower while lying down. (Photo credit: www.dmagazine.com - I couldn't get a picture of this at the Spa!)
Oh, and yes – water is everywhere. This treatment is carried out in a “wet room” so it’s not your typical massage experience!
Next, came a soaking bath…and then a foot massage with warm stones….then a neck, shoulders, and head massage… then the masque made with volcanic ash (I think that was the ‘fire’ part.) Need I go on? It was 80 minutes long, and was over in a New York minute. Sigh.
(Meanwhile)
Momma went with me to the spa. While I was scrubbed, rubbed, and soapsud-ed, Momma had a pedicure complete with paraffin wax and warm river rocks between her toes. She also had a mimosa - and Momma don't drink. (My oh my, don't we do strange things when we are surrounded by beautiful things...)
And as if it couldn’t get any better…..she also got a little box of chocolates at the end, which she shared with me. Delicious.
I fear I am addicted.
I am already trying to decide when I might go back.
Next weekend?
Feelin' Fabulous,
Girl Turns 40
PS - Just a quick note. The Spa asks that you not take pictures, but I managed a couple just to give you an idea. By all means, it doesn't do it justice. Check out their official photo gallery here.
Also, just in case you were wondering - the full list from Travel & Leisure in 2008:
1. Wickaninnish Inn, Vancouver Island, Canada
2. Four Seasons Resort, Chiang Mai, Thailand
3. Lodge at Pebble Beach, Pebble Beach, California
4. Four Seasons Resort, Nevis, St. Kitts and Nevis
5. Maroma Resort & Spa, Riviera Maya, Mexico
6. Esperanza Resort, Cabo San Lucas, Mexico
7. Auberge du Soleil, Rutherford, California
8. Four Seasons Hotel George V, Paris, France
9. Camelback Inn, a JW Marriott Resort & Spa, Scottsdale, Arizona
10. Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands
11. Grand Wailea Resort Hotel & Spa, Maui
12. The Oriental, Bangkok, Thailand
13. Grove Park Inn Resort & Spa, Asheville, North Carolina
14. One&Only Ocean Club, Paradise Island, Bahamas
15. Four Seasons Hotel, Las Vegas
16. Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea
17. The Peninsula, Chicago
18. Ritz-Carlton Bachelor Gulch, Beaver Creek, Colorado
19. Hotel del Coronado, Coronado, California
20. American Club, Kohler, Wisconsin
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