Are there any specialized treatments for men at The Umstead Spa?
Women aren’t the only ones who get to enjoy The Umstead Spa, because men have their own specialized treatments, as well. One of the most popular is the Gentlemen’s Facial, a 50-minute treatment that incorporates products specifically made for men’s skin. After the treatment is over your skin will feel clean and refreshed — and your neck and shoulders will be more relaxed, thanks to a series of massages for your scalp, face, neck and shoulders.
The Umstead Spa also offers a more extensive treatment option for men who want to indulge a little longer, and there’s nothing wrong with that! The Dogwood is a 100-minute package named after North Carolina’s state flower that includes a sports massage and the Gentlemen’s Facial, just in case you want to turn your visit to the spa into an afternoon-long affair.
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Forbes Inspector answered a question:
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Forbes Inspector answered a question:
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Forbes Inspector answered a question:
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Forbes Inspector answered a question:
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Forbes Inspector answered a question:
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Bypass the big-box or chain stores and venture out to get to some of the more unique retail offerings near The Umstead Spa. Cameron Village, which is located in Raleigh, about 20 minutes away by car, is a trendy outdoor shopping center packed with unique shops. You’ll find everything from designer clothes to pottery — plus a few great places to stop for lunch.
Another popular shopping area near the Four-Star spa is North Hills — which is also located in Raleigh. This shopper’s mecca features clothing, housewares and upscale gift shops; popular women’s clothing shops include Fleur Boutique and Uniquities. North Hills is also home to a wide variety of restaurants and a movie theater. Whether you’re staying at The Umstead Hotel and Spa or dropping in for a quick afternoon at The Umstead Spa, there’s nothing wrong with a bit of retail therapy, pre- or post-treatment.
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Forbes Inspector answered a question:
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Whether you’re stopping in for a quick touch-up or want the ultimate nail experience, The Umstead Spa offers three different types of manicures and pedicures to suit your needs: Classic, luxury and organic. The classic services include cream conditioning treatment, exfoliation, massage, buffing and polish application. The luxury services include everything from the classic service as well as a paraffin treatment. If you worry about the harsh materials used in regular nail treatments, try the Four-Star spa’s organic services, which include the moisturizing, exfoliation, massage and polish services, but with the added step of organic fragrances. You’ll be able to choose a fragrance that best appeals to your senses - plus you’ll benefit from fragrant sea salts and moisturizing lotion.
If you’re bored with a typical manicure treatment, try The Umstead Spa’s Shellac manicure, a new technology treatment that extends the wear of your nail color. Even though it’s a tad pricier, it adds the benefit of needing fewer touch-ups — plus your nails dry almost immediately after the treatment. Be sure to ask the knowledgeable nail techs at The Umstead Spa about which treatment is right for you and your nails.
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Forbes Inspector answered a question:
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What you wear for a treatment at The Umstead Spa is up to you, since there’s no specific dress code. That being said, we recommend dressing comfortably — especially since you’re there to relax and enjoy some quiet downtime (and dropping a pretty penny to do so).
Most of the massage or body scrub services at The Umstead Spa will have you swapping your street clothes for a fluffy bathrobe, so it doesn’t matter what you arrive in. What matters is how you feel, so if you prefer, you can always wear undergarments under your robe for the duration of your visit to the Four-Star spa.
If you have an appointment for a pedicure, it’s a good idea to wear loose-fitting pants that can be easily rolled up — or shoes that are easy to slip on and off without scarring the perfect polish you’ll get at The Umstead Spa.
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Forbes Inspector answered a question:
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The Umstead Spa is mainly for adults, which means guests must be at least 18 years old to receive a facial or body treatment. It’s a way of giving grown-ups a haven away from the little ones, so there’s plenty of peace and quiet to be found in the lounge areas, hallways and treatment rooms.
However, if you want to give your kids a dose of the Forbes Travel Guide Four-Star spa experience, nail services are a great alternative. Guests under the age of 18 may receive a manicure or pedicure — but they must be accompanied by an adult. It’s a great way to treat your kids to something special (and a little pampering) at The Umstead Spa.
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Forbes Inspector answered a question:
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Leaving a gratuity for your service at The Umstead Spa is more convenient than it is at most spas, but it’s also partly out of your control. When your treatment is over, you’ll go to the front desk of the Four-Star spa to check out — and that’s when a 20 percent service charge will be added to your final bill. This takes the work out of figuring how much you need to tip, but it also means you don’t have much flexibility when it comes to the amount. The receptionist will inform you that approximately 17 percent of the service charge goes to your therapist, and if you’d like to leave extra, be sure to mention it before your credit card is processed.
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Forbes Inspector answered a question:
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Women aren’t the only ones who get to enjoy The Umstead Spa, because men have their own specialized treatments, as well. One of the most popular is the Gentlemen’s Facial, a 50-minute treatment that incorporates products specifically made for men’s skin. After the treatment is over your skin will feel clean and refreshed — and your neck and shoulders will be more relaxed, thanks to a series of massages for your scalp, face, neck and shoulders.
The Umstead Spa also offers a more extensive treatment option for men who want to indulge a little longer, and there’s nothing wrong with that! The Dogwood is a 100-minute package named after North Carolina’s state flower that includes a sports massage and the Gentlemen’s Facial, just in case you want to turn your visit to the spa into an afternoon-long affair.
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Forbes Inspector answered a question:
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During your stay at The Umstead Hotel and Spa, there may be a time when you need a massage but can’t muster the energy to head downstairs to The Umstead Spa. In those cases, spa will come to you. In-room treatments are available to guests, but have certain parameters. For example, the massages must be either 50 or 75 minutes long, and it cannot be scheduled during normal spa hours. The Four-Star spa’s treatments also based on availability, so you might need to be flexible when it comes to what types of services you schedule. Keep in mind that you’ll also be missing out on an opportunity to spend time in The Umstead Spa’s soothing treatment rooms — but what you lose in atmosphere, you gain in convenience.
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Forbes Inspector answered a question:
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It’s easy to work up an appetite while you’re doing the hard work of being pampered, which is why The Umstead Spa provides complimentary refreshments in the lounge areas. Hot tea or cucumber-infused water are available before or after your treatment. Likewise, you can help yourself to an assortment of dried fruits and nuts — including house-made spicy pecans.
You can also take advantage of the spa cuisine. Seasonal, local dishes with a healthful flair are available from The Umstead Hotel and Spa’s signature restaurant, Herons. While the menu changes to reflect the time of year, you can count on dishes with fresh fruits, vegetables and herbs. Best of all, if you make an appointment late in the morning or in the afternoon, you can order lunch in the spa from Sunday through Friday — just another reason to love The Umstead Spa.
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Forbes Inspector answered a question:
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The theme of The Umstead Spa is “nature meets nurture,” and that theme is reflected in practically every detail. The lobby, waiting area and treatment rooms in the Four-Star spa feature earth-toned colors of browns, taupes and soft greens — and many of the common areas have a trickling water wall that adds to the tranquility of the space. Natural light filters through large windows and offers views of the wooded grounds, manicured lawn and outdoor pool.
Treatments at The Umstead Spa often incorporate natural products such as sea salts, thermal waters and pure plant essences. Even the spa’s signature line of soaps, shampoos and lotions reflects the nature theme; the products are made with indigenous botanical ingredients that feel luxurious on your skin — and smell divine.
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Forbes Inspector answered a question:
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When you make an appointment for a service at The Umstead Spa, you’ll be offered a gender choice for your therapist. This is your opportunity to speak up if you prefer a specific masseuse; the Forbes Travel Guide Four-Star spa employs a full staff of both female and male therapists, so you shouldn’t need to adjust your preferred date or time to accommodate your wishes. Keep in mind, however, that not only are all the therapists well-trained in treatments, they’re also well-trained in respecting your privacy. You’ll always be covered — and, perhaps most important, you’re always encouraged to speak up if you feel uncomfortable at any point during your treatment at The Umstead Spa.
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Forbes Inspector answered a question:
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Enlisting the help of the staff of The Umstead Spa is like having your own personal assistant; they’ll help coordinate your salon and spa visits so you can make the maximum use of your time. Taking a number of variables into consideration, including your therapist preference and any time constraints you have, the staff can map out a plan for a perfect day of pampering. Manicure and haircut? The Four-Star spa’s staff has it handled. Need lunch? No problem. They’ll help you schedule that, too.
If you plan to extend your Umstead experience beyond The Umstead Spa, the staff will also be happy to help you make dinner reservations at the hotel’s signature restaurant, Herons, or to guide you around the Five-Star hotel’s complex.
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Forbes Inspector answered a question:
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Glance out the window of your treatment room at The Umstead Spa and you’ll feel like you’ve escaped to your own private, wooded retreat. Each of the 10 treatment rooms has an excellent view of The Umstead Hotel and Spa’s three-acre lake, manicured grounds, butterfly garden and outdoor swimming pool that allows you to observe the nature around the property while you relax. It’s also the perfect vantage point for people-watchers — you’ll see hotel guests walking the trails, reading magazines by the pool or, in the distance, hanging out on their own hotel balconies. Serving as the picture of relaxation, the terrace at The Umstead Spa and all the surrounding natural beauty may make you want to wander outside to extend your mini-vacation a little longer.
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Forbes Inspector answered a question:
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Bypass the big-box or chain stores and venture out to get to some of the more unique retail offerings near The Umstead Spa. Cameron Village, which is located in Raleigh, about 20 minutes away by car, is a trendy outdoor shopping center packed with unique shops. You’ll find everything from designer clothes to pottery — plus a few great places to stop for lunch.
Another popular shopping area near the Four-Star spa is North Hills — which is also located in Raleigh. This shopper’s mecca features clothing, housewares and upscale gift shops; popular women’s clothing shops include Fleur Boutique and Uniquities. North Hills is also home to a wide variety of restaurants and a movie theater. Whether you’re staying at The Umstead Hotel and Spa or dropping in for a quick afternoon at The Umstead Spa, there’s nothing wrong with a bit of retail therapy, pre- or post-treatment.
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Forbes Inspector answered a question:
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Services at The Umstead Spa are in high demand, which is why you should call as early as possible for an appointment. For a weekend or holiday treatment, you may need to call the Four-Star spa up to two weeks in advance; consider these primetime hours for a spa. Weekdays, however, tend to be more open. You may be able to make a last-minute appointment if your schedule is flexible. If you’re an overnight guest at The Umstead Hotel and Spa and need a last-minute appointment, you may be able to book a reservation through the concierge. Appointments at The Umstead Spa are based upon availability, though the concierge may offer an inside track that gives you a distinct advantage.
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Forbes Inspector answered a question:
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Wind your way through the halls on the lower level of The Umstead Hotel and Spa and you’ll find the ultimate escape from your day-to-day life: The Umstead Spa. The spa’s lobby is spacious and refined, with a curved wooden front desk, a soothing water wall and several displays stocked with the Forbes Travel Guide Four-Star spa’s own signature line of products. Several large windows offer a glimpse of an outdoor seating area, where you can lounge in front of a fountain, if you’ve got the time and inclination. Inside, you can take a seat before your appointment, but the wait will go faster if you spend the time sniffing and sampling the lotions before the front desk attendant arrives to whisk you away — where you’ll head back to the locker room for your scheduled treatment at the luxurious spa.
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Forbes Inspector answered a question:
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While The Umstead Spa may be one of the most impressive spas in the area, it doesn’t have an unlimited number of treatment rooms and therapists — which means every appointment is based upon availability. There may come a time, however, when you need a massage — or your fingernail polish desperately needs a touch-up. In those cases, you may want to ask the concierge if he or she can make a last-minute appointment at the Four-Star spa for you. There’s no guarantee you’ll be successful, but overnight guests of The Umstead Hotel and Spa are treated exceptionally well. You can rest assured the concierge will do everything possible to satisfy your every need.
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Forbes Inspector answered a question:
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Forbes Inspector answered a question:
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Forbes Inspector answered a question:
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Forbes Inspector answered a question:
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Forbes Inspector answered a question:
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Forbes Inspector answered a question:
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Forbes Inspector answered a question:
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It’s easy to work up an appetite while you’re doing the hard work of being pampered, which is why The Umstead Spa provides complimentary refreshments in the lounge areas. Hot tea or cucumber-infused water are available before or after your treatment. Likewise, you can help yourself to an assortment of dried fruits and nuts — including house-made spicy pecans.
You can also take advantage of the spa cuisine. Seasonal, local dishes with a healthful flair are available from The Umstead Hotel and Spa’s signature restaurant, Herons. While the menu changes to reflect the time of year, you can count on dishes with fresh fruits, vegetables and herbs. Best of all, if you make an appointment late in the morning or in the afternoon, you can order lunch in the spa from Sunday through Friday — just another reason to love The Umstead Spa.
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Forbes Inspector answered a question:
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What you wear for a treatment at The Umstead Spa is up to you, since there’s no specific dress code. That being said, we recommend dressing comfortably — especially since you’re there to relax and enjoy some quiet downtime (and dropping a pretty penny to do so).
Most of the massage or body scrub services at The Umstead Spa will have you swapping your street clothes for a fluffy bathrobe, so it doesn’t matter what you arrive in. What matters is how you feel, so if you prefer, you can always wear undergarments under your robe for the duration of your visit to the Four-Star spa.
If you have an appointment for a pedicure, it’s a good idea to wear loose-fitting pants that can be easily rolled up — or shoes that are easy to slip on and off without scarring the perfect polish you’ll get at The Umstead Spa.
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Forbes Inspector answered a question:
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Forbes Inspector answered a question:
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The Umstead Spa offers four kinds of wraps: The Moisturizing Buttermilk and Honey Wrap, the Red Flower Japanese Ritual, the Red Flower Hammam Ritual and the Cherry Blossom Ritual.
The Moisturizing Buttermilk and Honey Wrap begins with a full body exfoliation with a sweet Babassu sugar scrub, followed by a warm mask of buttermilk and honey. While your skin soaks in the moisture, you’ll be treated to a soothing scalp massage. To seal the deal, the treatment ends with an application of Babassu body crème.
If you choose the Red Flower Japanese Ritual, expect to experience the Four-Star spa’s standard ritual procedure of stimulating blood flow through the body by combining various layers of top-notch ingredients and refreshing scents deep into your skin. You’ll start off with a ginger grass bamboo scrub, followed by a mimosa sea algae wash to cleanse your skin. Post-cleanse, plum soft water mist seals in moisture. Your journey ends with a massage of kinmoxei silk oil, which warms your body.
The Red Flower Hammam Ritual traces its roots back to the skin care practices of the hammam bathhouses in ancient Rome. Using essential oils, the treatment exfoliates your body with a yummy lemon coffee blossom scrub before you’re cocooned in warm white clay to cleanse and detoxify the skin. Finally, you’ll receive a massage with cardamom amber oil; the treatment can also include a bath.
Last but certainly not least, the Cherry Blossom Ritual uses the scent of aromatic cherry blossoms to transport you through a journey of relaxation. Start out with a warm and non-abrasive enzyme exfoliation of lemon and papaya and a foot massage, followed by a full body massage using warm cherry blossom shea butter to moisturize your skin.
The Umstead Spa offers enough specialized wraps with so many unique elements that there’s no wonder the spa received the Forbes Travel Guide Four-Star rating.
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Forbes Inspector answered a question:
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Whether you’re stopping in for a quick touch-up or want the ultimate nail experience, The Umstead Spa offers three different types of manicures and pedicures to suit your needs: Classic, luxury and organic. The classic services include cream conditioning treatment, exfoliation, massage, buffing and polish application. The luxury services include everything from the classic service as well as a paraffin treatment. If you worry about the harsh materials used in regular nail treatments, try the Four-Star spa’s organic services, which include the moisturizing, exfoliation, massage and polish services, but with the added step of organic fragrances. You’ll be able to choose a fragrance that best appeals to your senses - plus you’ll benefit from fragrant sea salts and moisturizing lotion.
If you’re bored with a typical manicure treatment, try The Umstead Spa’s Shellac manicure, a new technology treatment that extends the wear of your nail color. Even though it’s a tad pricier, it adds the benefit of needing fewer touch-ups — plus your nails dry almost immediately after the treatment. Be sure to ask the knowledgeable nail techs at The Umstead Spa about which treatment is right for you and your nails.
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Forbes Inspector answered a question:
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Forbes Inspector answered a question:
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Glance out the window of your treatment room at The Umstead Spa and you’ll feel like you’ve escaped to your own private, wooded retreat. Each of the 10 treatment rooms has an excellent view of The Umstead Hotel and Spa’s three-acre lake, manicured grounds, butterfly garden and outdoor swimming pool that allows you to observe the nature around the property while you relax. It’s also the perfect vantage point for people-watchers — you’ll see hotel guests walking the trails, reading magazines by the pool or, in the distance, hanging out on their own hotel balconies. Serving as the picture of relaxation, the terrace at The Umstead Spa and all the surrounding natural beauty may make you want to wander outside to extend your mini-vacation a little longer.
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Forbes Inspector answered a question:
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Forbes Inspector answered a question:
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Bright, natural light, cushioned chairs and an illuminated wall water fountain make the waiting area at The Umstead Spa a place you could lounge in for hours. This is clearly where the relaxation begins, as guests clad in fluffy robes kick back and read the vast selection of magazines stacked on side tables.
A refreshment station with hot tea, fruit-infused water and an assortment of dried fruits and nuts is perfect for keeping the hunger pangs at bay, pre- or post-treatment. Upstairs, men and women mix company, while the downstairs provides a separate waiting area for each gender. You’re free to spend time here before your appointment — or for a post-treatment wind-down. Either way, there’s plenty of room to relax and enjoy your trip to The Umstead Spa a bit longer.
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Forbes Inspector answered a question:
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Forbes Inspector answered a question:
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The Umstead Spa is mainly for adults, which means guests must be at least 18 years old to receive a facial or body treatment. It’s a way of giving grown-ups a haven away from the little ones, so there’s plenty of peace and quiet to be found in the lounge areas, hallways and treatment rooms.
However, if you want to give your kids a dose of the Forbes Travel Guide Four-Star spa experience, nail services are a great alternative. Guests under the age of 18 may receive a manicure or pedicure — but they must be accompanied by an adult. It’s a great way to treat your kids to something special (and a little pampering) at The Umstead Spa.
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Forbes Inspector answered a question:
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Forbes Inspector answered a question:
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Forbes Inspector answered a question:
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The Umstead Hotel and Spa and its signature restaurant, Herons, aren’t the only contenders in the romance game — with its couples treatments, The Umstead Spa offers another great way to spend time with your sweetie. The Four-Star spa offers two options for treatments: The Couples Massage and the Couples Retreat. The Couples Massage is a massage shared with your partner in the spa’s Couples Suite; the 50- or 75-minute treatment gives you an opportunity to relax side-by-side in an ultra-soothing environment.
Meanwhile, the Couples Retreat is a more intensive treatment. At 75 minutes in total, the experience begins with a soak in an air jet hydrotherapy tub and ends with a dual Swedish massage. You’ll be able to experience a variety of luxurious spa treatments from start to finish with your significant other, making The Umstead Spa ideal for special occasions such as a birthdays or anniversaries, or even for a simple romantic weekend away from the chaos of everyday life.
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Forbes Inspector answered a question:
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Forbes Inspector answered a question:
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Forbes Inspector answered a question:
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Forbes Inspector answered a question:
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Overnight guests of The Umstead Hotel and Spa or The Umstead Spa elite members may use the hotel’s 24-hour gym. Simply use your room key for access and you’ll find the bright and spacious fitness center, offering practically every type of exercise equipment.
The gym at The Umstead Spa is filled with natural light from the large windows overlooking the grounds — perfect while you’re working out on the treadmills, elliptical machines, weight machines and free weights. Access to the gym means you’re free to your share of the amenities, such as fruit, bottled water, towels and headsets — and the small lounge area gives you a place to rest your weary muscles when your workout at the Four-Star spa is over.
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Forbes Inspector answered a question:
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Forbes Inspector answered a question:
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The Umstead Spa offers four kinds of wraps: The Moisturizing Buttermilk and Honey Wrap, the Red Flower Japanese Ritual, the Red Flower Hammam Ritual and the Cherry Blossom Ritual.
The Moisturizing Buttermilk and Honey Wrap begins with a full body exfoliation with a sweet Babassu sugar scrub, followed by a warm mask of buttermilk and honey. While your skin soaks in the moisture, you’ll be treated to a soothing scalp massage. To seal the deal, the treatment ends with an application of Babassu body crème.
If you choose the Red Flower Japanese Ritual, expect to experience the Four-Star spa’s standard ritual procedure of stimulating blood flow through the body by combining various layers of top-notch ingredients and refreshing scents deep into your skin. You’ll start off with a ginger grass bamboo scrub, followed by a mimosa sea algae wash to cleanse your skin. Post-cleanse, plum soft water mist seals in moisture. Your journey ends with a massage of kinmoxei silk oil, which warms your body.
The Red Flower Hammam Ritual traces its roots back to the skin care practices of the hammam bathhouses in ancient Rome. Using essential oils, the treatment exfoliates your body with a yummy lemon coffee blossom scrub before you’re cocooned in warm white clay to cleanse and detoxify the skin. Finally, you’ll receive a massage with cardamom amber oil; the treatment can also include a bath.
Last but certainly not least, the Cherry Blossom Ritual uses the scent of aromatic cherry blossoms to transport you through a journey of relaxation. Start out with a warm and non-abrasive enzyme exfoliation of lemon and papaya and a foot massage, followed by a full body massage using warm cherry blossom shea butter to moisturize your skin.
The Umstead Spa offers enough specialized wraps with so many unique elements that there’s no wonder the spa received the Forbes Travel Guide Four-Star rating.
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Forbes Inspector answered a question:
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The Umstead Hotel and Spa and its signature restaurant, Herons, aren’t the only contenders in the romance game — with its couples treatments, The Umstead Spa offers another great way to spend time with your sweetie. The Four-Star spa offers two options for treatments: The Couples Massage and the Couples Retreat. The Couples Massage is a massage shared with your partner in the spa’s Couples Suite; the 50- or 75-minute treatment gives you an opportunity to relax side-by-side in an ultra-soothing environment.
Meanwhile, the Couples Retreat is a more intensive treatment. At 75 minutes in total, the experience begins with a soak in an air jet hydrotherapy tub and ends with a dual Swedish massage. You’ll be able to experience a variety of luxurious spa treatments from start to finish with your significant other, making The Umstead Spa ideal for special occasions such as a birthdays or anniversaries, or even for a simple romantic weekend away from the chaos of everyday life.
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Forbes Inspector answered a question:
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The atmosphere of The Umstead Spa is simply too tranquil to be interrupted by a cell phone; accordingly, the staff asks you to leave your phone, tablet or any other electronic devices at home — or at least turn them off before you enter the spa. There’s a good chance you’ll appreciate the chance to disconnect at the Four-Star spa, where you can suddenly stop focusing on the stress in your life and begin focusing on which scented oil to choose for your treatment. Talk about a dilemma.
Despite the strict cell phone policy, The Umstead Spa does respect your desire to listen to your own music during treatments. You’re more than welcome to bring your iPod if you simply can’t part with your “Soothing Spa” playlist. Otherwise, your treatment will be about the most high-tech thing involved in your time at The Umstead Spa.
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Forbes Inspector answered a question:
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Overnight guests of The Umstead Hotel and Spa or The Umstead Spa elite members may use the hotel’s 24-hour gym. Simply use your room key for access and you’ll find the bright and spacious fitness center, offering practically every type of exercise equipment.
The gym at The Umstead Spa is filled with natural light from the large windows overlooking the grounds — perfect while you’re working out on the treadmills, elliptical machines, weight machines and free weights. Access to the gym means you’re free to your share of the amenities, such as fruit, bottled water, towels and headsets — and the small lounge area gives you a place to rest your weary muscles when your workout at the Four-Star spa is over.
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Forbes Inspector answered a question:
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Bright, natural light, cushioned chairs and an illuminated wall water fountain make the waiting area at The Umstead Spa a place you could lounge in for hours. This is clearly where the relaxation begins, as guests clad in fluffy robes kick back and read the vast selection of magazines stacked on side tables.
A refreshment station with hot tea, fruit-infused water and an assortment of dried fruits and nuts is perfect for keeping the hunger pangs at bay, pre- or post-treatment. Upstairs, men and women mix company, while the downstairs provides a separate waiting area for each gender. You’re free to spend time here before your appointment — or for a post-treatment wind-down. Either way, there’s plenty of room to relax and enjoy your trip to The Umstead Spa a bit longer.
-
-
Forbes Inspector answered a question:
-
Women aren’t the only ones who get to enjoy The Umstead Spa, because men have their own specialized treatments, as well. One of the most popular is the Gentlemen’s Facial, a 50-minute treatment that incorporates products specifically made for men’s skin. After the treatment is over your skin will feel clean and refreshed — and your neck and shoulders will be more relaxed, thanks to a series of massages for your scalp, face, neck and shoulders.
The Umstead Spa also offers a more extensive treatment option for men who want to indulge a little longer, and there’s nothing wrong with that! The Dogwood is a 100-minute package named after North Carolina’s state flower that includes a sports massage and the Gentlemen’s Facial, just in case you want to turn your visit to the spa into an afternoon-long affair.
-
-
Forbes Inspector answered a question:
-
Enlisting the help of the staff of The Umstead Spa is like having your own personal assistant; they’ll help coordinate your salon and spa visits so you can make the maximum use of your time. Taking a number of variables into consideration, including your therapist preference and any time constraints you have, the staff can map out a plan for a perfect day of pampering. Manicure and haircut? The Four-Star spa’s staff has it handled. Need lunch? No problem. They’ll help you schedule that, too.
If you plan to extend your Umstead experience beyond The Umstead Spa, the staff will also be happy to help you make dinner reservations at the hotel’s signature restaurant, Herons, or to guide you around the Five-Star hotel’s complex.
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Forbes Inspector answered a question:
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During your stay at The Umstead Hotel and Spa, there may be a time when you need a massage but can’t muster the energy to head downstairs to The Umstead Spa. In those cases, spa will come to you. In-room treatments are available to guests, but have certain parameters. For example, the massages must be either 50 or 75 minutes long, and it cannot be scheduled during normal spa hours. The Four-Star spa’s treatments also based on availability, so you might need to be flexible when it comes to what types of services you schedule. Keep in mind that you’ll also be missing out on an opportunity to spend time in The Umstead Spa’s soothing treatment rooms — but what you lose in atmosphere, you gain in convenience.
-
-
Overnight guests of The Umstead Hotel and Spa or The Umstead Spa elite members may use the hotel’s 24-hour gym. Simply use your room key for access and you’ll find the bright and spacious fitness center, offering practically every type of exercise equipment.
The gym at The Umstead Spa is filled with natural light from the large windows overlooking the grounds — perfect while you’re working out on the treadmills, elliptical machines, weight machines and free weights. Access to the gym means you’re free to your share of the amenities, such as fruit, bottled water, towels and headsets — and the small lounge area gives you a place to rest your weary muscles when your workout at the Four-Star spa is over. -
- Jim Beley
- The Umstead Hotel and Spa
- General Manager
- Cary, NC
Yes. However, The Umstead’s outdoor pool is only available to overnight guests of the hotel. The pool is directly behind the spa on the garden level. -
- Jim Beley
- The Umstead Hotel and Spa
- General Manager
- Cary, NC
Lunch can be ordered in the spa Sunday through Friday from our spa cuisine menu. Spa receptionists are also pleased to make reservations in our signature modern restaurant, Herons, for any meal. -
Whether you’re stopping in for a quick touch-up or want the ultimate nail experience, The Umstead Spa offers three different types of manicures and pedicures to suit your needs: Classic, luxury and organic. The classic services include cream conditioning treatment, exfoliation, massage, buffing and polish application. The luxury services include everything from the classic service as well as a paraffin treatment. If you worry about the harsh materials used in regular nail treatments, try the Four-Star spa’s organic services, which include the moisturizing, exfoliation, massage and polish services, but with the added step of organic fragrances. You’ll be able to choose a fragrance that best appeals to your senses - plus you’ll benefit from fragrant sea salts and moisturizing lotion.
If you’re bored with a typical manicure treatment, try The Umstead Spa’s Shellac manicure, a new technology treatment that extends the wear of your nail color. Even though it’s a tad pricier, it adds the benefit of needing fewer touch-ups — plus your nails dry almost immediately after the treatment. Be sure to ask the knowledgeable nail techs at The Umstead Spa about which treatment is right for you and your nails. -
It’s easy to work up an appetite while you’re doing the hard work of being pampered, which is why The Umstead Spa provides complimentary refreshments in the lounge areas. Hot tea or cucumber-infused water are available before or after your treatment. Likewise, you can help yourself to an assortment of dried fruits and nuts — including house-made spicy pecans.
You can also take advantage of the spa cuisine. Seasonal, local dishes with a healthful flair are available from The Umstead Hotel and Spa’s signature restaurant, Herons. While the menu changes to reflect the time of year, you can count on dishes with fresh fruits, vegetables and herbs. Best of all, if you make an appointment late in the morning or in the afternoon, you can order lunch in the spa from Sunday through Friday — just another reason to love The Umstead Spa. -
- Jim Beley
- The Umstead Hotel and Spa
- General Manager
- Cary, NC
All training is done onsite with each therapist. Training is individually based pertaining to each person’s learning style. Training can be done as quickly as one month. Typically it takes about two months to be fully trained as there are quite a few body treatments on the menu. Most therapists have the basic requirements from their school training on Swedish, deep tissue, hot stone and sports massages - they just have to learn our protocols and products.
The therapists must do on-going continuing education in order to maintain their licenses. For each department, the requirements are different. For massage, therapists must have 24 hours of continuing education along with three hours of ethics training and 100 hours of working as a massage therapist. For esthetics and nail technicians, eight hours of continuing education is needed each year. -
When you make an appointment for a service at The Umstead Spa, you’ll be offered a gender choice for your therapist. This is your opportunity to speak up if you prefer a specific masseuse; the Forbes Travel Guide Four-Star spa employs a full staff of both female and male therapists, so you shouldn’t need to adjust your preferred date or time to accommodate your wishes. Keep in mind, however, that not only are all the therapists well-trained in treatments, they’re also well-trained in respecting your privacy. You’ll always be covered — and, perhaps most important, you’re always encouraged to speak up if you feel uncomfortable at any point during your treatment at The Umstead Spa.
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It’s easy to work up an appetite while you’re doing the hard work of being pampered, which is why The Umstead Spa provides complimentary refreshments in the lounge areas. Hot tea or cucumber-infused water are available before or after your treatment. Likewise, you can help yourself to an assortment of dried fruits and nuts — including house-made spicy pecans.
You can also take advantage of the spa cuisine. Seasonal, local dishes with a healthful flair are available from The Umstead Hotel and Spa’s signature restaurant, Herons. While the menu changes to reflect the time of year, you can count on dishes with fresh fruits, vegetables and herbs. Best of all, if you make an appointment late in the morning or in the afternoon, you can order lunch in the spa from Sunday through Friday — just another reason to love The Umstead Spa. -
Overnight guests of The Umstead Hotel and Spa or The Umstead Spa elite members may use the hotel’s 24-hour gym. Simply use your room key for access and you’ll find the bright and spacious fitness center, offering practically every type of exercise equipment.
The gym at The Umstead Spa is filled with natural light from the large windows overlooking the grounds — perfect while you’re working out on the treadmills, elliptical machines, weight machines and free weights. Access to the gym means you’re free to your share of the amenities, such as fruit, bottled water, towels and headsets — and the small lounge area gives you a place to rest your weary muscles when your workout at the Four-Star spa is over. -
Whether you’re stopping in for a quick touch-up or want the ultimate nail experience, The Umstead Spa offers three different types of manicures and pedicures to suit your needs: Classic, luxury and organic. The classic services include cream conditioning treatment, exfoliation, massage, buffing and polish application. The luxury services include everything from the classic service as well as a paraffin treatment. If you worry about the harsh materials used in regular nail treatments, try the Four-Star spa’s organic services, which include the moisturizing, exfoliation, massage and polish services, but with the added step of organic fragrances. You’ll be able to choose a fragrance that best appeals to your senses - plus you’ll benefit from fragrant sea salts and moisturizing lotion.
If you’re bored with a typical manicure treatment, try The Umstead Spa’s Shellac manicure, a new technology treatment that extends the wear of your nail color. Even though it’s a tad pricier, it adds the benefit of needing fewer touch-ups — plus your nails dry almost immediately after the treatment. Be sure to ask the knowledgeable nail techs at The Umstead Spa about which treatment is right for you and your nails. -
Women aren’t the only ones who get to enjoy The Umstead Spa, because men have their own specialized treatments, as well. One of the most popular is the Gentlemen’s Facial, a 50-minute treatment that incorporates products specifically made for men’s skin. After the treatment is over your skin will feel clean and refreshed — and your neck and shoulders will be more relaxed, thanks to a series of massages for your scalp, face, neck and shoulders.
The Umstead Spa also offers a more extensive treatment option for men who want to indulge a little longer, and there’s nothing wrong with that! The Dogwood is a 100-minute package named after North Carolina’s state flower that includes a sports massage and the Gentlemen’s Facial, just in case you want to turn your visit to the spa into an afternoon-long affair.
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During your stay at The Umstead Hotel and Spa, there may be a time when you need a massage but can’t muster the energy to head downstairs to The Umstead Spa. In those cases, spa will come to you. In-room treatments are available to guests, but have certain parameters. For example, the massages must be either 50 or 75 minutes long, and it cannot be scheduled during normal spa hours. The Four-Star spa’s treatments also based on availability, so you might need to be flexible when it comes to what types of services you schedule. Keep in mind that you’ll also be missing out on an opportunity to spend time in The Umstead Spa’s soothing treatment rooms — but what you lose in atmosphere, you gain in convenience.
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Enlisting the help of the staff of The Umstead Spa is like having your own personal assistant; they’ll help coordinate your salon and spa visits so you can make the maximum use of your time. Taking a number of variables into consideration, including your therapist preference and any time constraints you have, the staff can map out a plan for a perfect day of pampering. Manicure and haircut? The Four-Star spa’s staff has it handled. Need lunch? No problem. They’ll help you schedule that, too.
If you plan to extend your Umstead experience beyond The Umstead Spa, the staff will also be happy to help you make dinner reservations at the hotel’s signature restaurant, Herons, or to guide you around the Five-Star hotel’s complex. -
- Jim Beley
- The Umstead Hotel and Spa
- General Manager
- Cary, NC
Yes. The Umstead Spa’s retail shop offers an attractive selection of the very best in skin and body care, as well as gifts. A wide array of products from the Umstead Signature collection, Sothys and Red Flower are used in our treatments and are available for purchase. Other collections include Skinceuticals, K. Hall, Ecoya, Elizabeth W, and De La Terre. -
- Jim Beley
- The Umstead Hotel and Spa
- General Manager
- Cary, NC
Umstead Gift Cards are available for purchase on our website, theumstead.com, by calling spa reception at 919-447-4170, or by visiting The Umstead Spa in person. The spa is open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily. -
The Umstead Spa is mainly for adults, which means guests must be at least 18 years old to receive a facial or body treatment. It’s a way of giving grown-ups a haven away from the little ones, so there’s plenty of peace and quiet to be found in the lounge areas, hallways and treatment rooms.
However, if you want to give your kids a dose of the Forbes Travel Guide Four-Star spa experience, nail services are a great alternative. Guests under the age of 18 may receive a manicure or pedicure — but they must be accompanied by an adult. It’s a great way to treat your kids to something special (and a little pampering) at The Umstead Spa. -
What you wear for a treatment at The Umstead Spa is up to you, since there’s no specific dress code. That being said, we recommend dressing comfortably — especially since you’re there to relax and enjoy some quiet downtime (and dropping a pretty penny to do so).
Most of the massage or body scrub services at The Umstead Spa will have you swapping your street clothes for a fluffy bathrobe, so it doesn’t matter what you arrive in. What matters is how you feel, so if you prefer, you can always wear undergarments under your robe for the duration of your visit to the Four-Star spa.
If you have an appointment for a pedicure, it’s a good idea to wear loose-fitting pants that can be easily rolled up — or shoes that are easy to slip on and off without scarring the perfect polish you’ll get at The Umstead Spa. -
- Jim Beley
- The Umstead Hotel and Spa
- General Manager
- Cary, NC
The Umstead Spa is located in the culturally rich Triangle region of North Carolina, formed by the cities of Raleigh, Durham, and Chapel Hill. Attractions include the beautiful Umstead State Park, for which the hotel was named, the North Carolina Museum of Art, the Contemporary Art Museum, Marbles Children’s Museum, Duke University Campus and gardens, the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences and Morehead Planetarium on the campus of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. -
- Jim Beley
- The Umstead Hotel and Spa
- General Manager
- Cary, NC
The Umstead Bar, located conveniently upstairs from The Umstead Spa, is the perfect place to begin or end any memorable evening. Our wine cellar is stocked with an extensive collection representing the world’s most renowned regions, while our signature cocktails offer a truly one-of-a-kind taste that incorporates the season’s best flavors, including fresh herbs and organic berries. The Umstead Bar menu offers a selection of snacks and light meals featuring the tastes and flavors of the very best local produce and farm-raised meats.
We also recommend the bar at nearby An Cuisines, which offers a chic, urban setting with an array of specialty cocktails, wines, and a neo-Asian selection of appetizers and sushi. For a sports bar setting, try Rally Point Sport Grill just across the street from The Umstead Spa. -
- Jim Beley
- The Umstead Hotel and Spa
- General Manager
- Cary, NC
Herons, the signature restaurant at The Umstead Hotel and Spa, is located just upstairs from The Umstead Spa. Any meal at Herons is sure to be an unforgettable one. Chef de cuisine Steven D. Greene has a prestigious reputation for weaving locally sourced ingredients into refined American cuisine. Herons is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner as well as weekend brunch. Spa receptionists are pleased to assist with reservations at Herons.
We also recommend nearby An Restaurant. “An” means “to dine” in Vietnamese, sand it showcases chef Michael Chuong’s signature New World cuisine, an elegant blend of Southeast Asian flavors and European influences. Chuong has artfully combined the elegance of a fine French restaurant with the sensational flavors of a Southeast Asian market. -
Bypass the big-box or chain stores and venture out to get to some of the more unique retail offerings near The Umstead Spa. Cameron Village, which is located in Raleigh, about 20 minutes away by car, is a trendy outdoor shopping center packed with unique shops. You’ll find everything from designer clothes to pottery — plus a few great places to stop for lunch.
Another popular shopping area near the Four-Star spa is North Hills — which is also located in Raleigh. This shopper’s mecca features clothing, housewares and upscale gift shops; popular women’s clothing shops include Fleur Boutique and Uniquities. North Hills is also home to a wide variety of restaurants and a movie theater. Whether you’re staying at The Umstead Hotel and Spa or dropping in for a quick afternoon at The Umstead Spa, there’s nothing wrong with a bit of retail therapy, pre- or post-treatment. -
While The Umstead Spa may be one of the most impressive spas in the area, it doesn’t have an unlimited number of treatment rooms and therapists — which means every appointment is based upon availability. There may come a time, however, when you need a massage — or your fingernail polish desperately needs a touch-up. In those cases, you may want to ask the concierge if he or she can make a last-minute appointment at the Four-Star spa for you. There’s no guarantee you’ll be successful, but overnight guests of The Umstead Hotel and Spa are treated exceptionally well. You can rest assured the concierge will do everything possible to satisfy your every need.
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Services at The Umstead Spa are in high demand, which is why you should call as early as possible for an appointment. For a weekend or holiday treatment, you may need to call the Four-Star spa up to two weeks in advance; consider these primetime hours for a spa. Weekdays, however, tend to be more open. You may be able to make a last-minute appointment if your schedule is flexible. If you’re an overnight guest at The Umstead Hotel and Spa and need a last-minute appointment, you may be able to book a reservation through the concierge. Appointments at The Umstead Spa are based upon availability, though the concierge may offer an inside track that gives you a distinct advantage.
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Enlisting the help of the staff of The Umstead Spa is like having your own personal assistant; they’ll help coordinate your salon and spa visits so you can make the maximum use of your time. Taking a number of variables into consideration, including your therapist preference and any time constraints you have, the staff can map out a plan for a perfect day of pampering. Manicure and haircut? The Four-Star spa’s staff has it handled. Need lunch? No problem. They’ll help you schedule that, too.
If you plan to extend your Umstead experience beyond The Umstead Spa, the staff will also be happy to help you make dinner reservations at the hotel’s signature restaurant, Herons, or to guide you around the Five-Star hotel’s complex. -
The atmosphere of The Umstead Spa is simply too tranquil to be interrupted by a cell phone; accordingly, the staff asks you to leave your phone, tablet or any other electronic devices at home — or at least turn them off before you enter the spa. There’s a good chance you’ll appreciate the chance to disconnect at the Four-Star spa, where you can suddenly stop focusing on the stress in your life and begin focusing on which scented oil to choose for your treatment. Talk about a dilemma.
Despite the strict cell phone policy, The Umstead Spa does respect your desire to listen to your own music during treatments. You’re more than welcome to bring your iPod if you simply can’t part with your “Soothing Spa” playlist. Otherwise, your treatment will be about the most high-tech thing involved in your time at The Umstead Spa. -
Leaving a gratuity for your service at The Umstead Spa is more convenient than it is at most spas, but it’s also partly out of your control. When your treatment is over, you’ll go to the front desk of the Four-Star spa to check out — and that’s when a 20 percent service charge will be added to your final bill. This takes the work out of figuring how much you need to tip, but it also means you don’t have much flexibility when it comes to the amount. The receptionist will inform you that approximately 17 percent of the service charge goes to your therapist, and if you’d like to leave extra, be sure to mention it before your credit card is processed.
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What you wear for a treatment at The Umstead Spa is up to you, since there’s no specific dress code. That being said, we recommend dressing comfortably — especially since you’re there to relax and enjoy some quiet downtime (and dropping a pretty penny to do so).
Most of the massage or body scrub services at The Umstead Spa will have you swapping your street clothes for a fluffy bathrobe, so it doesn’t matter what you arrive in. What matters is how you feel, so if you prefer, you can always wear undergarments under your robe for the duration of your visit to the Four-Star spa.
If you have an appointment for a pedicure, it’s a good idea to wear loose-fitting pants that can be easily rolled up — or shoes that are easy to slip on and off without scarring the perfect polish you’ll get at The Umstead Spa. -
The Umstead Spa is mainly for adults, which means guests must be at least 18 years old to receive a facial or body treatment. It’s a way of giving grown-ups a haven away from the little ones, so there’s plenty of peace and quiet to be found in the lounge areas, hallways and treatment rooms.
However, if you want to give your kids a dose of the Forbes Travel Guide Four-Star spa experience, nail services are a great alternative. Guests under the age of 18 may receive a manicure or pedicure — but they must be accompanied by an adult. It’s a great way to treat your kids to something special (and a little pampering) at The Umstead Spa. -
During your stay at The Umstead Hotel and Spa, there may be a time when you need a massage but can’t muster the energy to head downstairs to The Umstead Spa. In those cases, spa will come to you. In-room treatments are available to guests, but have certain parameters. For example, the massages must be either 50 or 75 minutes long, and it cannot be scheduled during normal spa hours. The Four-Star spa’s treatments also based on availability, so you might need to be flexible when it comes to what types of services you schedule. Keep in mind that you’ll also be missing out on an opportunity to spend time in The Umstead Spa’s soothing treatment rooms — but what you lose in atmosphere, you gain in convenience.
-
Bypass the big-box or chain stores and venture out to get to some of the more unique retail offerings near The Umstead Spa. Cameron Village, which is located in Raleigh, about 20 minutes away by car, is a trendy outdoor shopping center packed with unique shops. You’ll find everything from designer clothes to pottery — plus a few great places to stop for lunch.
Another popular shopping area near the Four-Star spa is North Hills — which is also located in Raleigh. This shopper’s mecca features clothing, housewares and upscale gift shops; popular women’s clothing shops include Fleur Boutique and Uniquities. North Hills is also home to a wide variety of restaurants and a movie theater. Whether you’re staying at The Umstead Hotel and Spa or dropping in for a quick afternoon at The Umstead Spa, there’s nothing wrong with a bit of retail therapy, pre- or post-treatment.
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- Jim Beley
- The Umstead Hotel and Spa
- General Manager
- Cary, NC
We have three treatments that offer acupressure. The first is reflexology for 25 minutes which can be a treatment by itself or as an add-on treatment. The second is the Red Flower Japan treatment for either 75 or 90 minutes. This touches on Shiatsu points throughout the massage. The last is the Cherry Blossom Ritual, which features an exfoliation and an extended foot massage that works points along the foot similar to the reflexology. -
The Umstead Hotel and Spa and its signature restaurant, Herons, aren’t the only contenders in the romance game — with its couples treatments, The Umstead Spa offers another great way to spend time with your sweetie. The Four-Star spa offers two options for treatments: The Couples Massage and the Couples Retreat. The Couples Massage is a massage shared with your partner in the spa’s Couples Suite; the 50- or 75-minute treatment gives you an opportunity to relax side-by-side in an ultra-soothing environment.
Meanwhile, the Couples Retreat is a more intensive treatment. At 75 minutes in total, the experience begins with a soak in an air jet hydrotherapy tub and ends with a dual Swedish massage. You’ll be able to experience a variety of luxurious spa treatments from start to finish with your significant other, making The Umstead Spa ideal for special occasions such as a birthdays or anniversaries, or even for a simple romantic weekend away from the chaos of everyday life. -
Glance out the window of your treatment room at The Umstead Spa and you’ll feel like you’ve escaped to your own private, wooded retreat. Each of the 10 treatment rooms has an excellent view of The Umstead Hotel and Spa’s three-acre lake, manicured grounds, butterfly garden and outdoor swimming pool that allows you to observe the nature around the property while you relax. It’s also the perfect vantage point for people-watchers — you’ll see hotel guests walking the trails, reading magazines by the pool or, in the distance, hanging out on their own hotel balconies. Serving as the picture of relaxation, the terrace at The Umstead Spa and all the surrounding natural beauty may make you want to wander outside to extend your mini-vacation a little longer.
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- Jim Beley
- The Umstead Hotel and Spa
- General Manager
- Cary, NC
Our organic aromatherapy massage oil line is from Absolutely Natural. The base is grape seed oil, which is a great medium. We offer five different aromas. Lavender, which is good for relaxing; Sandalwood, which is good for grounding; Ruby Grapefruit, which is good for energizing and refreshing; Peppermint, which is the most popular will wake your senses and energize; and Arnica, which is good for those muscle aches. -
- Jim Beley
- The Umstead Hotel and Spa
- General Manager
- Cary, NC
The Umstead Spa menu includes classic Swedish massage, sports massage, aromatherapy massage, deep tissue massage, hot stone massage, and a massage treatment specifically for pregnant women. -
The Umstead Spa offers four kinds of wraps: The Moisturizing Buttermilk and Honey Wrap, the Red Flower Japanese Ritual, the Red Flower Hammam Ritual and the Cherry Blossom Ritual.
The Moisturizing Buttermilk and Honey Wrap begins with a full body exfoliation with a sweet Babassu sugar scrub, followed by a warm mask of buttermilk and honey. While your skin soaks in the moisture, you’ll be treated to a soothing scalp massage. To seal the deal, the treatment ends with an application of Babassu body crème.
If you choose the Red Flower Japanese Ritual, expect to experience the Four-Star spa’s standard ritual procedure of stimulating blood flow through the body by combining various layers of top-notch ingredients and refreshing scents deep into your skin. You’ll start off with a ginger grass bamboo scrub, followed by a mimosa sea algae wash to cleanse your skin. Post-cleanse, plum soft water mist seals in moisture. Your journey ends with a massage of kinmoxei silk oil, which warms your body.
The Red Flower Hammam Ritual traces its roots back to the skin care practices of the hammam bathhouses in ancient Rome. Using essential oils, the treatment exfoliates your body with a yummy lemon coffee blossom scrub before you’re cocooned in warm white clay to cleanse and detoxify the skin. Finally, you’ll receive a massage with cardamom amber oil; the treatment can also include a bath.
Last but certainly not least, the Cherry Blossom Ritual uses the scent of aromatic cherry blossoms to transport you through a journey of relaxation. Start out with a warm and non-abrasive enzyme exfoliation of lemon and papaya and a foot massage, followed by a full body massage using warm cherry blossom shea butter to moisturize your skin.
The Umstead Spa offers enough specialized wraps with so many unique elements that there’s no wonder the spa received the Forbes Travel Guide Four-Star rating. -
- Jim Beley
- The Umstead Hotel and Spa
- General Manager
- Cary, NC
The Umstead Spa offers a selection of spa experiences that are uniquely ours. The Umstead Body Ritual, which is 75 minutes long, begins with a refreshing body exfoliation with our signature Umstead Body Polish, followed by a cascading rinse from the overhead Vichy Shower. Our nourishing Umstead Body Butter is gently applied with long, flowing massage strokes for hydration. Next you are draped in a sheeted misted with our Umstead Mist as your therapist performs a soothing scalp massage.
Another wonderful treatment is the Red Flower Hammam Ritual, lasting 75 or 90 minutes. This ritual is based on the skincare practices of the Hammam bathhouses, tracing back to the ancient Roman Thermae. This ritual uses essential oils and begins with an exfoliation. Next, the body is cocooned in warm white clay, which cleanses and detoxifies the skin. Rich aromas of Moroccan mint tea and orange quince mist abound. This ritual concludes with a massage of cardamom amber oil used to warm and relax the body.
A third signature treatment is the Red Flower Japanese Ritual. This is founded on the principal of stimulating blood flow through the body by blending layers of exceptional ingredients and pure scents deeply into the skin. Your journey begins with the use of ginger grass bamboo scrub to exfoliate, energize and firm the body. Next, the body is cleansed with mimosa sea algae wash, followed by a mist to nourish and soften the skin. This extraordinary ritual concludes with a massage using Kinmoxei Silk Oil, which warms the body. -
- Jim Beley
- The Umstead Hotel and Spa
- General Manager
- Cary, NC
The latest available appointment for a 50-minute treatment in The Umstead Spa is 7 p.m. -
The Umstead Hotel and Spa and its signature restaurant, Herons, aren’t the only contenders in the romance game — with its couples treatments, The Umstead Spa offers another great way to spend time with your sweetie. The Four-Star spa offers two options for treatments: The Couples Massage and the Couples Retreat. The Couples Massage is a massage shared with your partner in the spa’s Couples Suite; the 50- or 75-minute treatment gives you an opportunity to relax side-by-side in an ultra-soothing environment.
Meanwhile, the Couples Retreat is a more intensive treatment. At 75 minutes in total, the experience begins with a soak in an air jet hydrotherapy tub and ends with a dual Swedish massage. You’ll be able to experience a variety of luxurious spa treatments from start to finish with your significant other, making The Umstead Spa ideal for special occasions such as a birthdays or anniversaries, or even for a simple romantic weekend away from the chaos of everyday life. -
The Umstead Spa offers four kinds of wraps: The Moisturizing Buttermilk and Honey Wrap, the Red Flower Japanese Ritual, the Red Flower Hammam Ritual and the Cherry Blossom Ritual.
The Moisturizing Buttermilk and Honey Wrap begins with a full body exfoliation with a sweet Babassu sugar scrub, followed by a warm mask of buttermilk and honey. While your skin soaks in the moisture, you’ll be treated to a soothing scalp massage. To seal the deal, the treatment ends with an application of Babassu body crème.
If you choose the Red Flower Japanese Ritual, expect to experience the Four-Star spa’s standard ritual procedure of stimulating blood flow through the body by combining various layers of top-notch ingredients and refreshing scents deep into your skin. You’ll start off with a ginger grass bamboo scrub, followed by a mimosa sea algae wash to cleanse your skin. Post-cleanse, plum soft water mist seals in moisture. Your journey ends with a massage of kinmoxei silk oil, which warms your body.
The Red Flower Hammam Ritual traces its roots back to the skin care practices of the hammam bathhouses in ancient Rome. Using essential oils, the treatment exfoliates your body with a yummy lemon coffee blossom scrub before you’re cocooned in warm white clay to cleanse and detoxify the skin. Finally, you’ll receive a massage with cardamom amber oil; the treatment can also include a bath.
Last but certainly not least, the Cherry Blossom Ritual uses the scent of aromatic cherry blossoms to transport you through a journey of relaxation. Start out with a warm and non-abrasive enzyme exfoliation of lemon and papaya and a foot massage, followed by a full body massage using warm cherry blossom shea butter to moisturize your skin.
The Umstead Spa offers enough specialized wraps with so many unique elements that there’s no wonder the spa received the Forbes Travel Guide Four-Star rating.
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- Jim Beley
- The Umstead Hotel and Spa
- General Manager
- Cary, NC
The Umstead Spa is pleased to offer personal concierge service, with attendants available for your every need. The spa features a private collection of hand-selected artwork, chosen to invoke peace and relaxation. Other wonderful amenities include a selection of nourishing and healthy snacks in the relaxation lounges, the botanically infused Umstead Signature line of products provided complimentary in the bath and shower areas, and the men’s and women’s steam rooms, saunas, and whirlpools available before or after your treatment. -
- Jim Beley
- The Umstead Hotel and Spa
- General Manager
- Cary, NC
The men’s and women’s locker rooms at The Umstead Spa are spacious with natural light, featuring ande wood-paneled lockers that are key-pad protected. Private dressing areas are available, if preferred. -
Bright, natural light, cushioned chairs and an illuminated wall water fountain make the waiting area at The Umstead Spa a place you could lounge in for hours. This is clearly where the relaxation begins, as guests clad in fluffy robes kick back and read the vast selection of magazines stacked on side tables.
A refreshment station with hot tea, fruit-infused water and an assortment of dried fruits and nuts is perfect for keeping the hunger pangs at bay, pre- or post-treatment. Upstairs, men and women mix company, while the downstairs provides a separate waiting area for each gender. You’re free to spend time here before your appointment — or for a post-treatment wind-down. Either way, there’s plenty of room to relax and enjoy your trip to The Umstead Spa a bit longer. -
- Jim Beley
- The Umstead Hotel and Spa
- General Manager
- Cary, NC
The Umstead Spa was designed to reflect the beauty and calm of nature. Soothing earth tones, the sounds of rippling water and the scents of our signature line of botanically infused products enhance your experience. A private art collection was chosen to invoke tranquility and stir the senses. -
Wind your way through the halls on the lower level of The Umstead Hotel and Spa and you’ll find the ultimate escape from your day-to-day life: The Umstead Spa. The spa’s lobby is spacious and refined, with a curved wooden front desk, a soothing water wall and several displays stocked with the Forbes Travel Guide Four-Star spa’s own signature line of products. Several large windows offer a glimpse of an outdoor seating area, where you can lounge in front of a fountain, if you’ve got the time and inclination. Inside, you can take a seat before your appointment, but the wait will go faster if you spend the time sniffing and sampling the lotions before the front desk attendant arrives to whisk you away — where you’ll head back to the locker room for your scheduled treatment at the luxurious spa.
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The theme of The Umstead Spa is “nature meets nurture,” and that theme is reflected in practically every detail. The lobby, waiting area and treatment rooms in the Four-Star spa feature earth-toned colors of browns, taupes and soft greens — and many of the common areas have a trickling water wall that adds to the tranquility of the space. Natural light filters through large windows and offers views of the wooded grounds, manicured lawn and outdoor pool.
Treatments at The Umstead Spa often incorporate natural products such as sea salts, thermal waters and pure plant essences. Even the spa’s signature line of soaps, shampoos and lotions reflects the nature theme; the products are made with indigenous botanical ingredients that feel luxurious on your skin — and smell divine. -
Bright, natural light, cushioned chairs and an illuminated wall water fountain make the waiting area at The Umstead Spa a place you could lounge in for hours. This is clearly where the relaxation begins, as guests clad in fluffy robes kick back and read the vast selection of magazines stacked on side tables.
A refreshment station with hot tea, fruit-infused water and an assortment of dried fruits and nuts is perfect for keeping the hunger pangs at bay, pre- or post-treatment. Upstairs, men and women mix company, while the downstairs provides a separate waiting area for each gender. You’re free to spend time here before your appointment — or for a post-treatment wind-down. Either way, there’s plenty of room to relax and enjoy your trip to The Umstead Spa a bit longer.
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Glance out the window of your treatment room at The Umstead Spa and you’ll feel like you’ve escaped to your own private, wooded retreat. Each of the 10 treatment rooms has an excellent view of The Umstead Hotel and Spa’s three-acre lake, manicured grounds, butterfly garden and outdoor swimming pool that allows you to observe the nature around the property while you relax. It’s also the perfect vantage point for people-watchers — you’ll see hotel guests walking the trails, reading magazines by the pool or, in the distance, hanging out on their own hotel balconies. Serving as the picture of relaxation, the terrace at The Umstead Spa and all the surrounding natural beauty may make you want to wander outside to extend your mini-vacation a little longer.