Last week-end I visited my Dad in Hickory, NC for the 4th of July week-end, so naturally I had to do a day trip to Ashville (only 1 hour west) and the landmark hotel, The Grove Park Inn.

The Grove Park Inn reminds me of the earthy architecture of Old Faithful Inn, located in Yellowstone National Park. The grand entrance, large windows that open the landscape to visitors, fireplaces the size of travel trailers, natural facades of log pole, river rock and in regards to the Grove Park, massive boulders make these 100+ year old building really unique and interesting.

The resort is built on top of hill, where guest enter the reception area on the 11th floor. (fyi… if you don’t do valet parking, be prepared to walk straight up a very steep hill) The main dining hall hangs off the side of the mountain and overlooks the hidden golf course, and off in the distance there is a vista of Ashville and surroundings mountains. There is an elegance to eating outside with white linen table clothes, columns of river rock and proper service staff, all in the atmosphere of old North Carolina.

The spa is located on the 4th floor, (which is actually 7 floors below the main reception area and built into the hillside) and has a feel of an Italian grotto or the Luray Caverns. The guest journey is actually that, meaning; you enter into a passage with river rocks from floor to ceiling, water falls, bubbling brooks, and amethyst crystals  tucked into crevices. There is a hint of aromatherapy in the air. I knew 30 yards away that is must be Aromatherapy Associates… and it was! There is a unique natural scent that these products deliver. (p.s- I love the Renew line, which is infused with rose.)

As the guest gets nearer to the reception area, the most intrusive bump in the road happens to your journey… there is a spa cafe with bright lights, cheap tables and chairs and  noise. Wow- the journey just ended. All of the peaceful sights and sounds of the river stops at a cafe. Why? Why would they do that? OK, we all know about the day spa experience of: treatment, lunch and treatment… but I ask again, WHY?

The Spa Reception’s concept continues with beautiful river rock and observation window to the private cave-like pool and relax area. The opposite side of the reception is glass doors leading to a large outdoor waterfall. To the side of reception is a retail area with the usual products that no one seems to ever want to buy. It feels crowded and not very exclusive, maybe that is why!

All in all, the Grove Park Inn is a stunning old resort, one that you would not see replicated -  with a world class spa. If you don’t have a treatment, one can buy a day pass (even if you are a non-guest) for $80.

Susan Gwaltney

www.essentialspaconsulting.com