Spas a Special Winter Indulgence
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Winter is a time nature sets aside for rest and replenishment, so it’s the perfect time to indulge in a stay at a spa. Several larger resorts now offer on-site spas, and Minnesota has one destination spa, where the sole focus is on rejuvenating spa services in a relaxing environment.
Spa services typically include facials and skin care, nail treatments, various massages and other body treatments, such as oil wraps to replenish moisture in skin dried out by winter air. Typically, spa services should be reserved when you book your room. While spas are popular getaways for groups of women and for mother/daughter outings, they are also increasingly a couples’ getaway, and several offer services geared specifically for men.
Birdwing Spa, Litchfield: Birdwing, established in 1985, was Minnesota’s first destination spa and still gets rave reviews. Once a hunting preserve, the country estate was transformed into an all-inclusive, traditional spa that draws guests from around the country. Some of the 15 guest rooms are in the main lodge, and others are charming Jacuzzi suites that have transformed the original barn. Birdwing offers a comprehensive selection of state-of-the-art spa services. In addition to the traditional massages and skin treatments, it offers numerous wellness classes and fitness activities, including tai chi and yoga. It takes pride in its healthy spa cuisine, and offers a special, supportive weight loss program. The impressive array of services is delivered in a peaceful, natural setting of prairie and woodlands along a large lake; there are 15 miles of trail for hiking or skiing. Packages range from overnight to week-long stays
Darling Reflections at Arrowwood Resort, Alexandria: This family-friendly resort, with the Big Splash Waterpark, has added a spa with a full range of treatments. Several packages are offered, ranging from a one-hour sampler to two- and three-hour packages, with services like a hot paraffin hand bath and the steam tent body treatment. There’s also “The Stork” package for expectant mothers and a spa bridal shower
Fine Line Spa at Ruttgers Bay Lake Lodge, Deerwood: An Aveda Concept Salon, the Fine Line offers a hair salon, nail and skin treatments, and body wraps; there are special packages for wedding parties. Pilates and yoga sessions can be arranged with advance notice. The former home of the Ruttger family has been renovated into a cozy habitat for the spa.
Glacial Waters Spa at Grand View Lodge, Nisswa: The first full-service spa in the Brainerd Lakes area, the Glacial Waters features two well-known product lines, Aveda and Phytomer. A wide range of spa and salon services are available in a lovely stand-alone facility on the historic resort’s grounds; it includes a relaxation room with a stone fireplace, a steam room and a dry sauna
Gull Lake Spa at Cragun’s Resort, Brainerd: Located in the main lodge of this sprawling lakeside resort complex, the spa offers a variety of massages and treatments. There are his-and-hers, girlfriends’ getaway, and mothers-to-be packages, plus services tailored for those under 18, including the Cha Cha Kid’s 20-minute package for ages 3-9. The resort’s indoor sports center is a great place for a workout prior to a deep tissue massage.
Panache Spa at Madden’s Resort, Brainerd: This spa at a classic resort on the south shore of Gull Lake has been featured in several national publications. Beautiful lake views and sumptuous surroundings in Panache’s plantation-style lakeside facility add luster to a full menu of treatments and services, ranging from a 15-minute chair massage to an herbology body polish
Serene Woods Spa at Thumper Pond, Ottertail: Thumper Pond is a relatively new resort with a Comfort Suites Hotel and an indoor water park. Serene Woods offers a range of packages: brides, gentlemen’s, mother/daughter, as well as Totally You (ages 10-17) and Princess for young girls. Among the body treatments are an aromatherapy salt exfoliation treatment and the chocolate decadence wrap
The Spa Within at The Lodge on Lake Detroit, Detroit Lakes: This beachfront hotel features lake views from all 55 rooms, and includes a “Renewal Spa Suite” that includes a two-person aromatherapy/hydrotherapy in-room whirlpool. The Spa Within utilizes Pevonia Botanica products for its treatments. Among the packages are two for men and one featuring a soothing hot stone body massage and foot treatment
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Posted on Nov 15 2007 | Tagged as: Winter, Winter Articles