August 9, 2007, the recently opened Spa of Colonial Williamsburg brings the Best of the American Experience to the International Spa Association (ISPA) NYC Media Event.
Spa Director and former ISPA Chairman Kate Mearns will present the Spa’s philosophy of The Continuum of Wellness, sharing with the media five centuries of colonial, African and American Indian wellness practices blended into the modern spa experience in an inventive, invigorating setting.
Consultant and 2006 ISPA Visionary Award-winner Sylvia Sepielli created the Spa philosophy and menu of services based on extensive study in The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation’s research library, lending historic authenticity to the spa’s series of signature treatments.
Men and women reach 12 private treatment rooms and three relaxation rooms via separate elevators from the graciously appointed changing rooms, which feature such enhancements as an experiential shower for women and a cold plunge pool for men, as well as whirlpool baths.
17th century — Cleansing Hot Stones Experience: the Powhatan Indians employed wellness tactics involving heating their bodies with hot stones in sweathouses followed by cold water plunges. The experience concludes with full-body, hot stone massage using oil containing lavender, cypress, juniper and rosemary.
18th century — Colonial Herbal Spa Experience: the 18th century marked the beginning of the assimilation between cleanliness and health, with doctors realizing that dirt on the skin prevented the essential process of perspiration. Thus, individuals began mixing baths of herbal and apothecary ingredients, a ritual adapted for the modern spa patron with a cleansing foot bath, followed by an orange-ginger body scrub, herbal body wrap and signature Williamsburg massage. Historic-inspired components of the experience include a variety of colonial herbs.
The Spa translates this into the experience by incorporating body exfoliation and an herbal bath with a “strengthening” full-body massage. The exfoliating High Road Powder helps to boost spirit and energy before guests soak in an invigorating herbal bath steeped in Ritual Bath Tea and undergo an invigorating massage.
20th century — Williamsburg Water Cures Spa Experience: Developments in medicine, health care, fitness and wellness in the last century highlight the importance of the 20th century in the continuum of wellness. The development of technologically advanced spa equipment, coupled with the history of bathing rituals inspired this experience. 21st century — Skin Rejuvenation Spa Experience: Late in the 20th
Finally, an antioxidant serum and vitamin-rich moisturizer conclude the Skin Rejuvenation for results similar to, but more gentle than microdermabrasion, with immediate results.
Massage, scrub, wrap, bath and skincare treatments, plus a full line of manicure, pedicure, hair and scalp services.
Restoration of properties in the Resort Collection of Colonial Williamsburg, and is situated in a garden setting between the landmark Williamsburg Inn, the Williamsburg Lodge and adjacent to the Golden Horseshoe Golf Club. The Spa of Colonial Williamsburg is an amenity of the Resort Collection
Colonial Williamsburg resort services and products support the Foundation’s preservation, research, and educational programs.
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