Out and About

Umstead Spa: A sanctuary of self-care and mental wellness

Discover the award-winning Umstead Spa, offering serene retreats amidst nature's embrace, emphasizing self-care for mental wellness and rejuvenation.
Posted 2024-02-16T19:23:55+00:00 - Updated 2024-03-05T14:00:00+00:00
Exclusive interview: Carolyn Doe unveils the secrets behind Umstead Spa's award-winning wellness sanctuary

In the heart of Cary, amidst the Carolina pines, lies a sanctuary of tranquility and rejuvenation – the Umstead Spa. Recently crowned as the WRAL Voters' Choice Spa of the Year 2023, the Umstead Spa continues to solidify its reputation as a haven for wellness seekers and weary souls alike.

Stepping through the doors of the Umstead Spa is akin to embarking on a journey to serenity. Carolyn Doe, the spa director, says, "Everyone deserves a spa. There’s so much stress going on in everyone's lives. You see it when they walk in, how tight their demeanor is. Then you watch the stress just melt away. Self-care is so important, especially for those suffering from burnout. We owe it to ourselves to prioritize this experience."

The Himalayan salt wall at Umstead Spa provides therapeutic benefits, promoting relaxation, respiratory health and skin rejuvenation through its mineral-rich properties.
The Himalayan salt wall at Umstead Spa provides therapeutic benefits, promoting relaxation, respiratory health and skin rejuvenation through its mineral-rich properties.

Under Doe's stewardship, the Umstead Spa underwent a transformative renovation in 2023, reopening its doors in March with a renewed sense of purpose and accessibility. The enhancements, as Doe describes, "opened the spa up," offering guests an array of amenities including a Himalayan salt wall, heated chairs and an expanded co-ed area by the poolside.

New outdoor, heated pool at the Umstead Spa.
New outdoor, heated pool at the Umstead Spa.

Among the treasures awaiting guests are a plethora of indulgent treatments designed to soothe both body and soul. From sumptuous body treatments utilizing organic botanicals to signature massage therapies tailored to individual needs, the Umstead Spa offers an immersive experience of relaxation and renewal. Guests can indulge in an array of facials, each meticulously crafted to rejuvenate and revitalize the skin, with renowned skincare lines such as De La Terre and Valmont gracing the spa's repertoire.

Chef prepared refreshments are served each day at the Umstead.
Chef prepared refreshments are served each day at the Umstead.

Doe is particularly attuned to the mental health benefits of spa experiences, emphasizing the importance of self-care in combating burnout. "Spas have always been the place that people go for rest and respite for what you can't do for yourself in your body care or self-care," she notes. "A spa is necessary, especially for caretakers. I was a caretaker for my father and I know how difficult it can be. You need to carve time out for yourself and truly relax, for your health."

Nestled within the verdant surroundings of the spa, guests can unwind in the co-ed area, where heated chairs invite relaxation beneath the Carolina sky. Couples embarking on a journey of shared serenity can now wait together in this tranquil space, savoring the anticipation of their indulgent couple's massages. For those seeking further immersion in relaxation, the hot tub beckons, offering a blissful soak amidst the soothing embrace of warm waters.

As guests venture deeper into the spa's sanctuary, they are greeted by the invigorating embrace of the steam room, where fragrant clouds envelop the senses, washing away the cares of the world. Here, amidst the tranquil sound of flowing water and the gentle hum of relaxation, guests find refuge from the tumult of modern life, surrendering to the healing touch of the Umstead Spa.

The sauna at Umstead Spa offers numerous benefits, including detoxification, improved circulation, stress relief and relaxation of muscles, providing a holistic experience for mind and body rejuvenation.
The sauna at Umstead Spa offers numerous benefits, including detoxification, improved circulation, stress relief and relaxation of muscles, providing a holistic experience for mind and body rejuvenation.

As the Umstead Spa basks in the glow of its latest accolade, it remains steadfast in its commitment to providing unparalleled experiences of relaxation and mental wellness. In a world fraught with stress and uncertainty, the Umstead Spa stands as a beacon of serenity, inviting all who enter to embark on a journey of self-discovery and rejuvenation.

For those seeking solace amidst the chaos of everyday life, the Umstead Spa beckons – a sanctuary where the cares of the world melt away and the spirit finds renewal amidst the tranquil embrace of nature's embrace.

Credits