The Power of Pampering. It’s a thing…. I am a huge advocate of self-care in the form of massage therapy, dry sauna and wet steam rooms, therapeutic pool areas with sensory showers, jet treatments, and waterfall massagers. The ability to relax in a beautiful lounge that is comfortable and quiet, while sipping hot tea or champagne is my go-to sort of trip. We have stayed at the Omni Bedford Springs Resort and Spa before and used the spa each visit- and each time it has been exceptional! I particularly enjoy the Bedford Bath Ritual – a tradition rooted in the resort being a mountain retreat since 1895. Read more about the resort in my previous article “The Grande Dame of Cumberland Valley.”

The Bedford Bath Ritual

The process begins by exfoliating in the mineral deluge shower with alternating hot and cold sprays of water; then head into the steam room. I always take a towel in to sit on since the double decker seating area can be a bit warm. After sweating it out with a eucalyptus steam, take another deluge rinse without exfoliating. The list hanging in the spa suggests times for each part of the ritual, but I like to alternate between hot and cold baths a few times. The hot mineral bubble pool is a very warm hot tub while the cool mineral pool soak can only accommodate one person at a time, so it feels like hanging out in a wine chiller. At the end, hydrate with refreshing cucumber aroma mist and cold cucumber water. This is when the lounge is calling.

Dan enjoys the same in the men’s locker room and we end up convening in the co-ed lounge for fruit, granola and tea- and nappy lounging. This is one of my favorite spa lounges because, not only can we share time together after doing the bath ritual in our respective his-n-her locker rooms, but the floor to ceiling windows offer ample sunshine and beautiful views of the mountains. The robes and loungers are plush. It’s one of my favorite spaces to recover from a deep tissue massage.  There is an outdoor patio, but we have only been here in cooler months when it is not open, but it looks like it could be a little oasis in warmer climes. Our massages have been memorable and relaxing. The service top-notch. When registered for a spa treatment, use the wet areas are included through the day. We sometimes leave for lunch and come back for a repeat bath ritual. It’s a beautiful experience. Pamper yourself. Your worth it!