Resorts & Spas

Spahh It in the Great Outdoors

Old Edwards Inn Intros Outdoor Treatment Rooms

Just in time for crisp fall temperatures, The Spa at Old Edwards Inn in the mountain hamlet of Highlands recently added Mountain View Treatment Rooms to the soothing menu of spa options. “Our guests come to the mountains for that indescribable essence of healing and rejuvenation, and we have designed our spa around the most essential elements of well-being,” says spa director Kyra Russell. “The new Mountain View Treatment Rooms round out the suite of services for our guests, providing an alfresco treatment option that fully maximizes the mountain wellness experience.”

Once a third-floor terrace outside the couples treatment room, the space was covered and dramatically converted into three private treatment rooms offering open-air massages and more. Guests enjoy a complimentary glass of champagne upon arrival, while relaxing in a chaise lounge overlooking Main Street and nearby mountain vistas.

The award-winning Spa at Old Edwards Inn features relaxing architectural elements like wood and stone and the use of herbs and botanicals from around the world—and around the corner—for treatments like Sweet Mountain Metamorphosis, which includes a body scrub, massage, and an application of body cream for a finishing “cocooning” stage. Spa features include rainfall showers, whirlpools, steam rooms, sauna, solarium, 12-head Swiss shower, outdoor massage cabanas, spa terraces, luxury spa suites, full-service salon, adjacent Fitness Center, and the Spa Café. Completion of the new outdoor treatment rooms coincided with a tasty new spa menu from Chef Johannes Klapdohr. Along with healthy culinary cocktails, spa guests can dine on creative and nutritious food.

The recent spa renovations were part of an overall $65 million renovation at The Old Edwards Inn and Spa the past few years. Voted Condé Nast Traveler’s No. 1 Hotel Spa in North America for 2010 and achieving the first perfect score in the 20-year history of the Reader’s Survey, The Old Edwards Inn and Spa is situated along several blocks in quaint downtown Highlands.

Along with the world-class spa, the European-style resort features award-winning dining, an outdoor heated mineral pool, golf at the private Old Edwards Club, onsite shopping, and a variety of accommodations in rooms, suites, and cottages—many with private patios or terraces. In 2009, Old Edwards Private Residences at Satulah—14 private residences just two blocks off Main Street—became available to the public.

Other Soothing Outdoor Options at North Carolina Spas

Many other North Carolina spas offer outdoors-oriented treatments and experiences. Here are a few more of the colorful possibilities:

• The Grove Park Inn Resort & Spa: This world-class spa features a year-round outdoor pagoda that’s ideal for massages—and breathtaking views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Access to outdoor pools, hot tubs, and firepots is included with any spa visit.
• Shoji: Less than ten minutes from downtown Asheville, Shoji is a Japanese-style outdoor hot tub and massage spa. They also have Lodge and Loft accommodations yards from a hot tub or fireside massage!
• Hot Springs Resort & Spa: Located in the heart of quaint Hot Springs, outdoor hot tubs with natural hot mineral water (drained and cleaned after each use) are situated along the banks of the French Broad River and Spring Creek. Massages and other body treatments are also available.
• Pinehurst Resort: The Spa at Pinehurst offers something truly unique…outdoor chair massages at the 18th green of the fabled No. 2 layout. They also feature yoga and Pilates classes on the lawn outside the spa.
• The Sanderling: Overlooking quiet Currituck Sound, The Sanderling Spa & Salon features a sound side gazebo sanctuary that’s an ideal location for a private outdoor massage.

By Lynn Seldon

added: September 14, 2011

updated: November 17, 2011