For North Carolinians and golfers everywhere, the name Pinehurst is synonymous with golf. With no less than eight courses, Pinehurst Resort in the Village of Pinehurst (about 119 km/74 miles from Raleigh Durham International Airport), is one of the top golf resorts in the country and has served as the site of many major golf events.
And, while the Spa at Pinehurst may not be the top draw, it scores highly on my list.
The permeating theme is Nature – specifically the Pine. The words of BA Goodridge penned in 1896 – “The aromatic breath of the pine trees is full of healing virtue.” – are boldly painted on one wall of the spa’s sizable reception for all guests to read.
Housed in a lovely and relatively new building located just a short stroll from the lobby of the stately Carolina – one of three hotels that make up Pinehurst Resort, the Spa at Pinehurst is a large and spacious facility. It houses close to 30 treatment rooms and is modern in feel but was built to the theme and architecture of the historic property. Its wide, Southern-style veranda provides ample space for a guest to simply relax or enjoy a spa meal while overlooking the garden.
The building also houses a fitness centre, retail shop and a separate salon area for hair services as well as manicures and pedicures. A sweeping veranda embracing the front of the building overlooks a garden and fountains and offers a pleasant place to sit and relax or enjoy a spa meal.
The spa is large (about 30 treatment rooms) comfortably and elegantly appointed, and a sense of “bringing the outdoors in” is the thread that connects it all. Lots of wood, pine cone motifs on the carpets, a décor scheme of green and browns and other earth tones throughout, giant pine cones (picked from the property) accent white pillows on treatment tables, and a rod-iron bowl filled with more pine cones is set out on a table in the naturally-lit, co-ed whirlpool lounge. Lounges are set out among potted plants, there’s a good selection of magazines and a help-yourself bar area with raisons, dried bananas, granola, tea and citrus water.
As I stretch out poolside taking notes, soaking in the atmosphere and awaiting a spa treatment, an attendant walks around with a tray of strawberry smoothies and offers them to guests. Nice touch!
My Pine Deluxe, beginning with a gentle exfoliation using product from a signature line of refreshing pine-based line is perfect for this early morning appointment. A rain shower, body wrap and light massage follows. Not surprisingly, the most popular treatments at Pinehurst tend to be those that offer a sense of place: the Pinehurst Signature Massage and the Magnolia Luxury Facial, for instance. The spa’s signature Classic Concepts body line was created locally, using local ingredients such as Holly Berry and Magnolia. There’s also treatment of the month. When I visited it was the Carolina Peach Nourisher offered at a 25 per cent discount.
There are no regularly scheduled fitness classes but the spa offers yoga and Pilate for groups or personal sessions by request.