Spa with Character ~ Langdon Hall Country House
Its intimate charm and exclusive appeal are what lend Langdon Hall the posh status it touts. Don’t be mistaken, however, the atmosphere is as warm as one can imagine – and service at the five-diamond Dining Room and every other part of the property – is superb.
It was a Tuesday evening when my mother and I first arrived at Langdon in anticipation of an unusual mid-week getaway. Just in time for dinner reservations, we dropped our luggage in a sweetly-appointed guest room and headed toward the “Main House,” a few steps away. We chatted as we headed to dine, eagerly assessing the mile high twin beds that stood beside one another in our room, the classic, separated bath, and the cozy, wood-burning fireplace that made Langdon feel much more like a private lodge than a 52-room inn. Needless to say, it seemed wordlessly ideal for our mother and daughter retreat.
Seated in the Dining Room, we feasted on gourmet cuisine, perfectly prepared by Chef Johnathon Gushue. From a stunning shrimp appetizer to a delectable trio of homemade ice creams, the meal was without disdain, slowly served at a settling pace and presented with the utmost care. It was indeed a fine-dining experience. And so, fully satiated, we made the short stroll to our room where we climbed into plump, pillow-topped beds and drifted to sleep.
The next morning, spa appointments were scheduled early and we dutifully woke prepared. I was off to experience Langdon Spa’s signature “Body Embrace”, a tantalizing, two-hour treatment that wraps the body in pleasure from head to toe.
Inside spa confines, I was treated to all of the typical amenities before unrobing to be delicately sloughed with a gentle body scrub. A thorough rinse and re-mineralizing gel mask followed; and then, I was wrapped in a plastic sheet and blankets to let the moisture seep. A mini facial and scalp massage kept me occupied while cocooned. To finish, I lazily based in the revitalizing comfort of a full body massage, kneaded from top to bottom.
It was without doubt a completely relaxing escape. As I waited in the sauna for my mother to emerge from her own treatments, my mind wandered to previous spa specialties I’ve had the opportunity to experience elsewhere. Langdon’s may not have been the most technologically-advanced or sprawling spa that I’ve visited, but what it does offer is a character all of its own.
Quiet yet comfortable, exclusive yet inviting, it’s what I consider a destination for those seeking solstice – of the body or mind. Stroll the gardens, hike the serene trails or simply soak in your guestroom tub. Whichever you choose, tranquility is assured.
Langdon Hall Country House
~ Jessica Howell, Spas of America
When not experiencing new spas, Jessica is an account executive with Eisbrenner PR. jessicabhowell@hotmail.com
