Friday, August 22, 2014

Bedford Springs Spa... A Historic Spa Restored

Once you have had a positive experience at a spa, visits to other spas become something to which you begin to look forward.

The second spa I had a chance to visit was to the Omni Bedford Springs Resort. This resort hotel has a history dating back over 200 years. Closed in 1986, it was completely renovated and expanded as part of a $120 million effort beginning in 2004 and reopened in 2007. It has been ranked a top 100 resort spa in America by Conde Nast for the past two years and is currently ranked number 78.

Still a beginner to the spa experience, I decided to try the Springs Eternal Therapeutic Massage. For me, trying the "signature service" of the spa is my preference as well as looking for a relaxation massage rather than a intensive deep tissue massage.


Bedford Bath Ritual Area
Photo Courtesy Hawkins International Public Relations

My experience began with what is called the Bedford Bath Ritual. This is a self guided process which you can enjoy before your actual treatment begins in one of 15 treatment rooms.  The water used throughout the spa comes from the Eternal Spring, one of eight natural springs on the hotel property.

The Bedford Bath begins with the Spring Eternal Spas signature Black Walnut Ginger Body Polish and rise in the Eternal Springs Mineral Deluge. An aromatic steam follows with a cooling second rinse in the Mineral Deluge. Then, you alternate between a relaxing soak in the Hot Mineral Pool with massaging jets and to the invigorating Cool Mineral Pool. As a final step, you hydrate your body with the Spring Eternal Spa's very own Hydrating Aroma Mist fused with indigenous botanicals of the region.

The ritual is self guided and is posted on the wall of the Bedford Bath Ritual Area, which is single sex and where swim suits are required. Of note is this is the only top American resort hotel spa I have visited where this is required in the single sex side of the spa. In all the others it is optional. This is not of great inconvenience except for the Black Walnut Ginger Body Polish and Eternal Springs Mineral Deluge.

After the Bedford Bath Ritual, it was suggested by a guest that I leave my wet swimsuit in my locker and wear what is common spa attire, just the provided slippers and robe alone, when I moved to the relaxation lounge before enjoying my massage.


Relaxation Lounge
Photo Omni Hotels & Resorts

The relaxation lounge is well appointed, but unlike other top American resort hotel spas I have visited, it is a mixed relaxation lounge. This might not be an issue for everyone, but if that is an issue for you, you should be aware of this in advance.


Relaxation Lounge
Photo Courtesy Hawkins International Public Relations

I enjoyed the Springs Eternal Therapeutic Massage which was wonderful and relaxation and a credit to the massage therapist. This was one part of the Bedford Springs Spa which certainly was appreciated and enjoyed.


Spa Garden
Photo Courtesy Hawkins International Public Relations

While my visit was in the winter months, the spa and the hotel's 1920s indoor pool were enjoyable even in inclement weather. In the warmer months they also have a spa garden which can be enjoyed in lieu of the relaxation lounge.

For more information contact Bedford Springs Spa.


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