Kohler Waters Spa
With summer here, high-end spas and resorts are brimming with fresh new treatments, indulgent packages and even a couple of just-opened wellness facilities. Here’s a look at what’s new and luxe in the world of relaxation right now.
The Wellhouse at Blackberry Farm
After wowing guests for years with impeccable service and even better food, rustic-chic Blackberry Farm, a Forbes Travel Guide Four-Star escape situated in the foothills of Tennessee’s Smoky Mountains, opened its new wellness and spa facility, The Wellhouse, in early June. A classic (re-created) country barn houses nine treatment rooms, a fitness space, a yoga room, a juice bar and a lounge. As you’d expect, farm-inspired treatments dominate the spa menu. The innovative Appalachian Body Purification service uses a combination of coffee beans, honey, sarsaparilla, tobacco and black silt clay to create an exfoliating and detoxifying scrub, which is followed by an application of body lotion spiked with hydrating bergamot.
The Spa at Mandarin Oriental, Macau
The Spa at Mandarin Oriental, Macau
This enchanting refuge on Victoria Harbour recently debuted two packages — one for overnight guests of the hotel and one for those who simply want to spend the day luxuriating at the property. The Ultimate Spa Escape includes a two-hour signature treatment for two (the Spices of Portugal service with a head and hot-stone, full-body massage sounds particularly tempting), time in a tricked-out private spa suite, a night at the Five-Star hotel, and breakfast for two at Four-Star Vida Rica Restaurant and Bar. The Spa Premiere Escape includes a ferry ride from Hong Kong to the hotel, an 80-minute Swedish massage and afternoon tea in the chic Lobby Lounge.
Located in the renovated Caretaker’s Cottage, the spa at Lonesome Valley, a private community in North Carolina’s Blue Ridge Mountains, is a cozy little spot that opened on June 7 to anyone looking to exhale in style. The three-treatment-room Canyon Spa draw inspiration from its gorgeous setting with nature-inspired services such as the Farmhouse Massage (a full-body rubdown with an all-natural seasonal sealant for maximum moisture) and facials using Privai skincare products that are packed with environmentally friendly, antioxidant-rich botanicals.
It’s that time of year again — the folks at the Five-Star spa at Wisconsin’s The American Club have unveiled a new set of seven indulgent treatments with a focus on overall wellness (and utter relaxation). Known for therapeutic water services, the Kohler oasis launched one incorporating its custom Vichy shower — the Bamboo Contouring Drizzle. The 50- or 80-minute service aims to brighten and firm skin and includes an exfoliation, a serum and a firming cream application. For a local twist, opt for the Detox De’Lite Treatment, which uses cool and warm stones — handpicked from Lake Superior — during a full-body massage.
If the unique Aqua Thermal Suite (thermal heated lounges, aromatic steam) or the amenity-filled Spa Garden (river reflexology walk, natural hot springs, Finnish sauna) doesn’t get you to book an appointment at this large rural Virginia spa, two new promotions should do the trick: The Mineral Magic package includes a mineral bath in a black walnut soaking tub filled with water from the resort’s natural springs, a mud wrap that aims to purify skin, and a luxe foot treatment and pedicure; Turn Back Time features not one but two anti-aging treatments — a facial designed to boost collagen production and plump fine lines, and some nourishing hand therapy.
Photos Courtesy of Kohler Co. and Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group LLC
