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The Fearrington House Inn has long been a special destination for newly engaged and long-married couples celebrating milestone anniversaries, and The Spa at Fearrington superbly carries on that tradition with its Massage Bliss for Two. Couples relax in their own private suite, starting with an inviting sitting room where you can sip sparkling wine by the fireplace before and after the massage. A private adjoining bathroom is decked out with robes, slippers and toiletries. Side-by-side massage tables keep you close while the massage therapists work their magic. Couples can choose from any Fearrington Selection massage, including Swedish relaxation, reflexology or aromatherapy. You can both choose the same one, or opt for different massage treatments and compare the bliss.

The Spa at Fearrington draws on a Swedish farmhouse design style that emphasizes natural simplicity and elegance. Think muted gray walls with white moldings, bleached-wood floors and natural light flooding in through unadorned windows. In keeping with the Spa’s philosophy of the healing power of nature, you can see natural elements reflected in furnishings and accessories such as rattan baskets, distressed wood tables, galvanized metal buckets and ornamental grasses.

In the center of the relaxation room, two high-backed loveseats face each other, while a massive wrought-iron chandelier hangs overhead from a patch of mirror that reflects light onto the floors and walls. Simple hand-woven textured linen and cotton fabrics cover the armchairs, loveseats and ottomans scattered throughout. Even the treatment rooms eschew dimly lit smaller spaces for a more expansive look and feel created by large, sunlit rooms with pale, uncluttered walls, floors and furnishings.

Amenities are plentiful in Fearrington Village, and The Spa at Fearrington has more than a few of its own. Here’s our list of the five best amenities:

1. Private treatment suites. The Spa forgoes the traditional communal locker and shower area in favor of a luxurious private suite, complete with cozy sitting room and adjoining bathroom outfitted with everything from a robe and slippers to toiletries.

2. Natural skincare products. The Spa uses high-end Elemis spa and skincare products for most services, which not only boast dramatic visible results, but can prove them too.

3. Herbal neck rest. It’s just like your best friend — supportive, warm and comforting. Lean your head back, take a deep breath and let the pampering begin.

4. Handcrafted metal tubs. Forget the jetted fiberglass. In keeping with its respect for natural elements, The Spa at Fearrington designed its own pedicure basins using galvanized metal tubs fitted with rope handles.

5. Courtyard herbal garden. Step outside and meander through the rosemary bushes and take in the vibrant colors and textures of dozens of carefully tended herbs and medicinal plants — it’s as soothing as it is beautiful.

Fearrington Village is known for its chic boutiques, and The Spa at Fearrington is conveniently located in the heart of them. Adjacent to the Spa is Haven, where you can purchase skincare and spa products used during your treatments, along with luxurious sleepwear and bedding. Take a short walk and you’ll find Dovecote, which offers designer furniture and décor items from notable companies such as Best Slipcover and Annie Selke. A selection of stylish accessories includes chic handbags, vibrant scarves and stunning jewelry within every price range — this is where you go to find the unusual and the unique. Make sure to stop by and say hello to the boutique’s resident doves, Myles and Buster. Finally, you’ll want to browse the wide selection at McIntyre’s Books, an independent jewel that hosts one of the largest author and poet events programs in the South.

The entrance to The Spa at Fearrington takes you directly through Haven, the spa’s boutique. Here you’ll see many of the Elemis skincare products you’ll shortly be experiencing, as well as body care items from the Molton Brown line and natural Yves Delormes soaps from France. You’ll also find everything else you’d need to keep the relaxation going once you get home. The scented neck roll, softer-than-soft robe and slippers are a given, but you’ll also have the opportunity to purchase crisp Frette linens, sleepwear, featherbeds and down pillows for blissful dreams. We doubt you’ll want to return any of it, but if you do, keep in mind that any items you purchase must be returned within seven days of purchase and you’ll need to bring the receipt.

The Spa at Fearrington offers two kinds of wraps, both of which incorporate luxurious Elemis aromatherapy products. The first is a powerful seaweed wrap designed for complete muscle relaxation. After being engulfed in a warm scented foil wrap, you’re treated to a pressure-point facial massage and relaxing scalp treatment to ease your muscles from head to toe.

The second is a cellulose wrap that targets cellulite and fluid retention while energizing the body and leaving the skin silky soft and smooth. This deeply detoxifying treatment starts with a scented foil wrap that combines the richness of sea plants and marine algae followed by a pressure-point facial and scalp massage.

If you’re only going to offer one type of scrub, you’ve got to make it count; and that’s exactly what The Spa at Fearrington does with its lime and ginger salt glow scrub, which offers total body exfoliation to invigorate and revitalize you. The treatment starts with a light body brushing, after which the therapist drips warm essential oils luxuriously over the body for pure soothing heaven. Next, the therapists apply the lime and ginger salt glow to nourish and renew your skin before it is rinsed and cleansed away. A deep moisturizer is applied, leaving your skin glowing, vibrant and replenished. And if that’s not enough bliss, a relaxing massage is included in your treatment.

In addition to its classic and luxury manicure and pedicure services, The Spa at Fearrington offers a specialty manicure and pedicure targeted toward men as well as multiple � la carte nail options such as paraffin wax, polish change and hot stone massage for the feet. Choose the classic manicure or pedicure and you’ll be treated to a nourishing conditioner and massage followed by buffing, filing and polishing. The luxury manicure offers an opulent ritual with warmed aromatherapy oils, a nourishing milk bath, paraffin wax for the hands and a traditional manicure.

The luxury pedicure takes an already sublime experience to the next level. Dip your feet into custom-made metal garden tubs and let the pampering begin: First comes the exfoliating treatment using a lime and ginger salt glow scrub followed by a moisturizing mimosa and honey mask, next comes the paraffin wax, and the treatment concludes with a complete pedicure.

Men are treated well at The Spa at Fearrington, which offers several services designed just for them. The men’s facial includes an anti-aging treatment that uses wrinkle and eye-reviving products to help protect against the harsh effects of shaving and environmental damage. Men can also choose a classic sports manicure or pedicure, which includes a half-hour of conditioning, buffing and polishing. If you’ve taken in one too many rounds of golf lately, you’ll welcome the sports massage, which uses friction, compression and stretching to alleviate aching muscles. For a more extensive experience, the Galloway package is designed to let men unwind from head to toe with a choice of a one-hour massage followed by a soothing men’s facial.

The Fearrington House Inn has long been a special destination for newly engaged and long-married couples celebrating milestone anniversaries, and The Spa at Fearrington superbly carries on that tradition with its Massage Bliss for Two. Couples relax in their own private suite, starting with an inviting sitting room where you can sip sparkling wine by the fireplace before and after the massage. A private adjoining bathroom is decked out with robes, slippers and toiletries. Side-by-side massage tables keep you close while the massage therapists work their magic. Couples can choose from any Fearrington Selection massage, including Swedish relaxation, reflexology or aromatherapy. You can both choose the same one, or opt for different massage treatments and compare the bliss.

With a full line of essential oils from Elemis, one of the world’s leading producers of aromatherapy skincare and spa products, The Spa at Fearrington has a head start when it comes to aroma-based treatments. Soothe the senses with the gentle stress-relieving scent of English lavender, or choose the invigorating fragrance of green eucalyptus for a quick burst of energy. While you breathe in the scents, a gentle massage melts away deep tension and leaves the body silky soft and smooth. Aroma wrap treatments combine pressure point facial and scalp massage within a comforting cocoon of warmth and scent to ease both body and mind. Finally, the Fearrington Luxury Manicure incorporates warmed aromatherapy oils to nourish and condition your hands and nails.

The Spa at Fearrington offers a massage for virtually every type of need, from the mother-to-be to the triathlete, including:

1. Swedish relaxation. It’s a classic full-body massage that uses long, smooth strokes to stimulate circulation and encourage relaxation.

2. Reflexology. An ancient Eastern technique applies pressure to various points on the feet to re-establish energy flow and circulation.

3. Well-being massage. Choose a customized massage with a focus on one of four areas: releasing tension, spirit revival, re-energizing your body or Chakra balancing to reconnect your mind, body and spirit.

4. Deep tissue. This technique applies slow and focused pressure to decrease muscle tightness and promote better circulation.

5. Hot stone. Smooth, heated basalt stones are placed on key points of the body to relieve tension, while another set of stones are used in a relaxing Swedish massage.

6. Sports massage. This invigorating massage uses friction, compression and stretching to ease those aching muscles.

7. Gentle massage. Gentle strokes are used to improve circulation, relieve muscle tension and ease body and mind in the more mature spa goer.

8. Prenatal massage. A nurturing side-lying massage incorporates pregnancy pillows to relax and support the expecting mother-to-be, ending with a nurturing facial and scalp massage.

9. Couples massage. You and a loved one choose from among the Fearrington Selection massages (Swedish relaxation, reflexology and aromatherapy) for a relaxing side-by-side massage.

10. Express. Get fast rejuvenation with an invigorating back, neck and shoulder massage.

The Spa at Fearrington has a tranquil, elegant vibe that is best enjoyed by guests ages 18 and older. Fortunately — because we all need a little pampering every now and then whether we’re 8 or 98 — there are some exceptions. While massages, wraps and body scrubs are strictly limited to the 18 and over crowd, young adults, ages 8 to 17, can experience some spa treatments when accompanied by an adult. These include most manicures and pedicures, so if someone in the house has been eagerly anticipating their first mani-pedi, you can safely book it (and one for yourself while you’re at it).

Like most high-end spas, The Spa at Fearrington has a roster full of well-trained male and female staff members available for your treatments. When you call for your initial appointment, a staff member will ask if you have a preference between a male or female therapist, or a specific masseuse that you’d like to request. Male or female, all therapists are highly qualified and trained to respect both your privacy and your concerns regarding any particular treatment. If you have a specific therapist in mind, you might want to call to book your appointment an extra week or two ahead of your treatment to make sure you get the person and time slot you would like.

The Spa at Fearrington draws on a Swedish farmhouse design style that emphasizes natural simplicity and elegance. Think muted gray walls with white moldings, bleached-wood floors and natural light flooding in through unadorned windows. In keeping with the Spa’s philosophy of the healing power of nature, you can see natural elements reflected in furnishings and accessories such as rattan baskets, distressed wood tables, galvanized metal buckets and ornamental grasses.

In the center of the relaxation room, two high-backed loveseats face each other, while a massive wrought-iron chandelier hangs overhead from a patch of mirror that reflects light onto the floors and walls. Simple hand-woven textured linen and cotton fabrics cover the armchairs, loveseats and ottomans scattered throughout. Even the treatment rooms eschew dimly lit smaller spaces for a more expansive look and feel created by large, sunlit rooms with pale, uncluttered walls, floors and furnishings.

Since its opening in October 2010, The Spa at Fearrington has not undergone any major renovations to its nearly 4,000-square-foot, two-story facility overlooking the Fearrington Village Center. However, high demand and limited treatment rooms will most likely call for additional treatment rooms in the near future. In the meantime, whether you’re a frequent visitor or highly observant, you’ll notice small changes here and there. Most take the form of new accessories culled from the collections of nearby design boutique Dovecote — blown-glass pitchers and tumblers for your herbal- and citrus-infused refreshments, scented candles, lanterns and candleholders, or a collection of simple bud vases grouped together.

The Spa at Fearrington offers a full range of traditional and specialty facials, nail treatments and body therapies. Here are the five best treatments:

1. The Elemis Oxygen SkinCalm Facial. Gentle massage techniques and a serum-based Japanese Silk Mask bring immediate comfort to stressed and irritated skin.

2. The Reflexology Massage. This treatment draws from ancient Chinese therapy to apply pressure on various body points to boost energy flow and circulation.

3. Elemis Musclease Aroma Wrap. A comforting foil wrap, a warm blend of essential oils and pressure point facial massage bring complete muscle relaxation.

4. Fearrington Luxury Pedicure. Utter indulgence with lime and ginger salt exfoliating scrub, mimosa and honey moisturizer and paraffin wax followed by a polish.

5. Fearrington Express treatments. Bliss for the time-pressed — choose an invigorating half-hour back, neck and shoulder massage or facial moisturizing and massage.

Lush gardens, serene relaxation rooms, ice-cold prosecco — it’s good to be at The Spa at Fearrington, which means that at any given time, many people are. If you have a specific treatment time or masseuse in mind, you’ll want to call at least two weeks in advance. If you’re more flexible, you can chance calling a day or two ahead, particularly on weekdays. Know that you’re vying with many others for an appointment, though. Centrally located in North Carolina’s Piedmont region, the Spa is close to several cities, major universities and the Research Triangle Park. And that’s just the local folks — Fearrington Inn draws visitors from around the world.

The Spa at Fearrington takes its philosophy from the tranquil landscape and apothecary garden that surround it. A firm believer in the beauty of nature and the healing powers of herbs and medicinal plants, the spa combines proven wellness techniques with herbal-based products and a serene, organic space for total relaxation, restoration and renewal. Pathways lined with lavender, rosemary and thyme lead you to the spa, engulfing you in soothing scents that linger long after you’ve checked in and headed to the waiting room.

Inside, restorative refreshments, natural design elements, and airy, light-filled rooms extend the feeling of expansiveness and renewal. By the time you’re ushered into a treatment room or settled into your nail treatment, mind and body are well on the way to tranquility, which is exactly what the spa has in mind.

When you book your treatments at The Spa at Fearrington, you will need to provide a credit card number to reserve your appointment. That said, unlike some spas, The Spa at Fearrington won’t typically collect a deposit or charge you for your treatment ahead of time. There can be a few exceptions, however. If you’d like to reserve the spa for a private party — nail treatments for the gang, pre- or post-wedding massages for your bridal party, etc. — you may be asked to provide a deposit. The amount needed will vary based on the number of people you plan to have and the type of services that the spa will be providing.

Amenities are plentiful in Fearrington Village, and The Spa at Fearrington has more than a few of its own. Here’s our list of the five best amenities:

1. Private treatment suites. The Spa forgoes the traditional communal locker and shower area in favor of a luxurious private suite, complete with cozy sitting room and adjoining bathroom outfitted with everything from a robe and slippers to toiletries.

2. Natural skincare products. The Spa uses high-end Elemis spa and skincare products for most services, which not only boast dramatic visible results, but can prove them too.

3. Herbal neck rest. It’s just like your best friend — supportive, warm and comforting. Lean your head back, take a deep breath and let the pampering begin.

4. Handcrafted metal tubs. Forget the jetted fiberglass. In keeping with its respect for natural elements, The Spa at Fearrington designed its own pedicure basins using galvanized metal tubs fitted with rope handles.

5. Courtyard herbal garden. Step outside and meander through the rosemary bushes and take in the vibrant colors and textures of dozens of carefully tended herbs and medicinal plants — it’s as soothing as it is beautiful.

The lure of blissful relaxation is a powerful reminder, so it’s doubtful you’ll forget to show up for your appointment. Of course, life is unpredictable — family members get sick, you’re called out of town — any number of things can derail your much-anticipated spa visit. Should you need to cancel or reschedule an appointment, The Spa requires notification 24 hours prior to your scheduled appointment time to avoid being charged in full. That said, The Spa is a pretty understanding place. Explain your circumstances, and they’ll most likely work with you to avoid the double whammy of missing out on a spa treatment and being charged in full.

When you check into The Fearrington House Inn, glance across the property and see The Spa at Fearrington. It’s the place where you meant to book an appointment but forgot in the flurry of last-minute packing. And after traveling all day, you sure could use a massage to work some of those kinks out of your back and neck. Come to think of it, your nails could use a little TLC too. Lucky for you, Fearrington Village is one of those places where hotel and spa staff alike go out of their way to accommodate last-minute requests. If it’s at all possible to get you in, they’ll find a way.

The best way to make an appointment at The Spa at Fearrington is by phone. With an indulgent array of treatment options to choose from, you’ll be glad to have a knowledgeable person on the other end of the line. Japanese silk mask or mineral facial? Aroma wrap or ginger salt scrub? Male or female therapist? Ask away — the staff will gladly take the time to help you sort through it all. Think of it as an early taste of the personalized attention the spa excels in.

If you already know which treatments you’d like or you’re in a hurry, you can also email a request for an appointment and be sure of a quick response. Be aware that you will need to provide a credit card number to reserve your appointment, and this typically requires a follow-up phone call.