My Umstead Spa Experience
About a week ago I had the most amazing spa experience of my life. I haven't been one much for facials or spa treatments in the past, mostly because I couldn't bear to spend that much money on myself. But when I was treated to a very generous gift card to the Umstead Spa from my CRNA's at my place of work for Christmas, I browsed the treatment menu for months trying to decide which experience I would indulge in.
is part of a five-star hotel located in Cary, North Carolina. It's tucked away in a business park but surrounded by lush greenery and really feels like you are in an oasis, even though you're just off a freeway. HB and I have never been to stay, but are now highly considering a staycation weekend there, complete with couples spa treatments, based off my singular experience at this gorgeous retreat. I had to book about a month out because of my schedule and the Umstead Spa gets booked up pretty quickly, for good reason. So, in May, I bit the bullet and booked myself an Organic Facial--one of the treatments they recommended for expectant mothers. (They also offer prenatal massage!)
Finally, last week, the day arrived. I arrived with no makeup, and, sadly,
sans
bathing suit. I was kicking myself when I arrived as I realized my mistake - so much of the experience is about enjoying yourself in spas, pools, and whirlpools - all of which are available to you no matter what spa experience you've booked! Oh well, I'll remember next time.I settled into my comfy robe and spa slippers, locked away my electronic devices (their rule--not mine--and I'm not mad about it), and padded into the women's lounge. I took a quick shower so I could enjoy brief interludes in the dry sauna and the Eucalyptus steam room. Be careful if you're pregnant - don't overheat. I spent about 1.5 minutes in each followed by long periods in the women's lounge with cucumbers on my eyelids, and a chilled towel around my neck.I sipped spa water, gazed outside, sat in the meditation garden, and wished with my heart of hearts I had brought a book and a swimsuit. I could have spent the entire day there if I had.
My time for facial treatment arrived, and I was escorted to the treatment room by my facialist, Mieko, a soft-spoken Asian woman with soft hands, who used alternating methods of finger-tapping, lymphatic massage, and a delightfully strange pressure movement--placing her palms against my décolletage and pressing me into the bed, then releasing. It was so calming. Like wearing a
.
After my treatment, I read magazines in the coed lounge for about an hour and a half, and then quietly and calmly changed back into my clothes, and checked out. I only stayed for about four hours, but the entire day (from open to close) is available to you, no matter if you have a facial or a massage.All in all, I cannot say I have ever experienced a better spa. Granted, my scope is limited, but I enjoyed it as much if not more than the Torrey Pines Spa in California, which I had the pleasure of visiting back in March.HB and I will definitely be making a return for some couples massages very soon!
