Wednesday, November 01, 2006

West Virginia is for Friends!

It did not take long for me to say yes to another day trip to West Virginia. The first time was a water tubing trip. This time it would be a day spa excursion to help a friend celebrate her birthday.

At last Sunday was finally here! I woke up in a great mood eventhough I had forgotten about daylight savings time again this year. (Note to self: add to calendar, outlook, yahoo, etc. etc.) I got up, did my early morning Sunday duties, stopped by Starbucks, grabbed my chai latte and headed off to meet the ladies.

All five of us got in the same car and drove off to Berkeley Springs. There is nothing like a short day trip to bring out the best in everyone. With a low playing melody in the background we were able talk about everything from relationships, work, past events and life in general. We were not distracted by telephones, television or work. Very relaxing.

Two hours later we were in West Virginia. We checked into the Spa in Berkeley Springs. They offered mineral water baths with the option of roman or relaxing, steam baths and full body massages. The package we chose was the roman or relaxing bath coupled with the full body massage. The total was $45 tax included. What a bargain...

I chose the relaxing bath which was offered in a victorian tub located in a private curtained off room. To be honest the room was private except for the attendant being there in the beginning (interesting) and when she came back to turn off the bubbles. But if you are in relaxed mode like I was ... nothing should bother your groove.

Don’t get me wrong the facilities were not on the same level as Elizabeth Arden or Cultura Med but they offered the West Virginia experience - clean air, starlight skies, rustic and away from the city feelings. My massage was definitely worth the trip eventhough the masseuse used olive oil that you can purchase from like ... the grocery store, but which is still really good for the skin. Most importantly, I felt the calming effects of that massage way after dinner. In the end, some of us liked various aspects of the experience more than others. But overall, the experience of a girlfriend getaway overshadowed our expectations of luxury.

After our spa appointments we drove around to various campsites and then we had dinner at the restaurant Panaroma near an overlook and only 3 miles from the spa.

Perfect end to a perfect day for diva-socialistas!











Scene near the restaurant.












Toast to a great day and the birthday girl!











Tesia and Schwanda(birthday girl).












Me and Nimu.

(Photos courtesy of Schwanda Rountree)

Here are some cool websites just in case you are interested in taking a day trip too.

http://coolfont.com/spa/index.cfm?ContentIP=40
http://www.berkeleyspringssp.com/spa.html
http://atasiaspa.com
http://bathhouse.com

For white water rafting and tubing try -
http://www.rivertrail.com

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