Combining the Best of the American Experience with Five Centuries of Wellness

WILLIAMSBURG, Va., Aug. 8 /PRNewswire/ — On 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.

The Spa of Colonial Williamsburg soothingly blends period and modern luxury upon arrival, as guests are transported into the Georgian Revival-style brick building via a wisteria-draped pathway, bordering a formal garden with fountain. The gentle signature scent of lavender lemongrass is evident throughout the three-story facility. 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.

The ultimate goal of creating a unique and enriching result for each guest may be reflected in the wide range of spa experiences, inspired by each of the last five centuries:

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. In this modern-day interpretation, the body is warmed by hot stones, and then wrapped in herb- infused, steaming linen to encourage the natural release of toxins. During the heated wrap, cool aromatherapy cloths are applied to refresh the brow. 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.

19th century — Root and Herbal Spa Experience: African traditions during the 1800s focused on the use of herbs for healing purposes. 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. The Williamsburg Water Cures consists of a full-body, dry-brush exfoliation, followed by a hydrotherapy Vichy shower “rain” massage and concluding with a traditional Aqua Latte bath to seal in the skin’s moisture.

21st century — Skin Rejuvenation Spa Experience: Late in the 20th century and into today, the popularity in laser treatments and microdermabrasion has grown significantly, so this experience draws on new technology and products geared for anti-aging to address rejuvenation on two fronts. A deep pore cleansing and skin analysis prepares the face for a particle-free, ultrasonic exfoliation. This is followed by an enzyme-rich mask specific to skin type and an oxygen treatment to brighten the skin. Finally, an antioxidant serum and vitamin-rich moisturizer conclude the Skin Rejuvenation for results similar to, but more gentle than microdermabrasion, with immediate results.

Guests may also choose from an array of traditional yet distinct massage, scrub, wrap, bath and skincare treatments, plus a full line of manicure, pedicure, hair and scalp services. Featured product lines include Naturopathica(R) and TRUE Cosmetics.

The new Spa completes a $150-million, six-year renovation and 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.

For reservations and information, please visit http://TheSpaofColonialWilliamsburg.com or call 1-800-688-6479.

The Spa of Colonial Williamsburg is an amenity of the Resort Collection of Colonial Williamsburg which also includes the 45-hole Golden Horseshoe Golf Club, ten restaurants with four historic dining taverns, and hotels providing more than 1,000 guest rooms and 66,000 square feet of conference space directly adjacent to Williamsburg’s famed Historic Area. The Resort Collection is owned by The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation, the private, not-for-profit educational institution that preserves and operates the restored 18th-century Revolutionary capital of Virginia. Purchase of Colonial Williamsburg resort services and products supports the Foundation’s preservation, research, and educational programs.

For more information please contact: Missy Farren & Associates, Ltd. (212) 528-1691 Agatha Capacchione, acapacchione@mfaltd.com Kelly O’Reilly, koreilly@mfaltd.com Barbara Brown, bbrown@cwf.org

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