Resorts & Spas

The Spa At Rock Barn

This picturesque getaway spot is part of Rock Barn Golf and Spa, a semi-private recreational resort in the midst of the foothills, just below the Blue Ridge Mountains. Rock Barn has the feel of being miles and miles from nowhere yet it is only a hop, skip and a jump from Charlotte, Asheville, Statesville and Winston-Salem.

The Spa at Rock Barn in Conover is unique because it is more than just a day spa, it is a “come and stay for the whole-day” day spa. Typically when you visit a day spa, you enjoy your treatments, get dressed and venture right back into the chaos of reality. At Rock Barn, spa-goers are invited to stay the entire day and enjoy all the stress relieving amenities they have to offer.

The spa features a cavernous indoor pool area surrounded by magnificent flagstone floors, a design quality that is both rustic and elegant. Here guests can sit under a rock-walled therapeutic, heated, waterfall designed to relieve neck and shoulder tension. Nearby is a cold plunge pool, a whirlpool and a swimming pool with piped-in underwater music. In addition to the obvious benefits of the aquatic offerings, each pool is filled with mineral-fortified water, an effort inspired by the traditional baths of ancient Rome. The pool area is lined with cabana-style lounging beds and café tables for reading, cat-napping or a post-swim nibble from the lunch buffet.

The delicious buffet is available to guests to return to throughout the day and provides adult beverages as well as fresh fruit smoothies. Tip – don’t miss the peanut butter, banana and honey pinwheels! The locker rooms are fully equipped with private showers, a steam room and a sauna. Just outside the pool area on the veranda is an invigorating opportunity to take a dip in the whirlpool, situated in front of a beautiful stacked ledge stone fireplace, surrounded by an inspiring view.

The Spa at Rock Barn’s knowledgeable concierge and skilled therapists are dedicated to providing each guest with the type of value-added service that exceeds expectations. Spa patrons experience the benefits of this dedication when hot towels are draped over tense backs and wrapped around chilled extremities during facial and massage treatments. After receiving a spa service, guests are led to the relaxation room and swathed in a warm herbal neck wrap. The cozy relaxation room is stocked with pitchers of citrus and cucumber water along with a variety of gourmet trail mixes. In this room, reading, snacking and resting in comfy chaise lounges by a warm fire is always encouraged.

The technicians are all licensed and professionally trained to offer the best, cutting-edge treatments and to literally anticipate the needs of each guest. As one regular spa disciple said, “As soon as you think, ‘I’m feeling a bit chilly,’ here comes a staff member with something warm and fluffy. As soon as you think, ‘Hmm, I’m feeling a little hungry,’ there is a plate of chocolate-covered strawberries waiting for you! They have truly thought of everything.” The staff genuinely enjoys providing this superior level of service. Just don’t expect any pretenses because you won’t find any here. Although the bamboo, rock and wood elements found in the décor speak of a far-away destination spa, The Spa at Rock Barn is deeply rooted in sophisticated, southern hospitality and charm.

The service menu offers many specialty treatments to choose from along with the classic massages, facials, manicures, pedicures and hair styling services. With eight treatment suites, four pedicure thrones, three manicure bars and two styling chairs, group spa trips are easily accommodated. When you book your appointment be sure to plan on whiling away the entire day. One day spent at The Spa at Rock Barn is as therapeutic as a trip to a destination spa, minus the jetlag.

When to go: The facilities are open from 8:00 to 8:00 Monday-Saturday with massage services beginning at 9:00am, facials, manicures and pedicures beginning at 10:30. The spa is open from 11:30am to 6:00pm on Sunday with all services beginning at noon. Contact the spa concierge at 828-459-9150 and view the service menu online at www.rockbarn.com.

How to get there: From Interstate 77N, take exit 51B and merge onto Interstate 40W toward Hickory, then take exit 133, Rock Barn Rd. Turn right onto Rock Barn Road. Continue on Rock Barn Rd. for 1.5 miles and turn left at entrance. From 40 E, turn left on Rock Barn Rd, then continue on Rock Barn Rd. for 1.5 miles and turn left at entrance.

By Rachelle Atkins

added: December 20, 2008

updated: December 24, 2008