8 Best Wellness Retreats In West Virginia
When you think of wellness retreats, West Virginia might not be the first place that comes to your mind. Surprisingly, it is home to what is sometimes called "America's First Spa," the town of Berkeley Springs. This historic town was marked on a map by Thomas Jefferson's father, Peter Jefferson, in 1747, and he called the town Medicine Springs because the town's warm waters were said to cure ailments. The spa service there today do not proclaim to cure any disease, however, they are still rejuvenating. West Virginia is home to hot springs and other types of getaways. Here are eight of the best wellness retreats across the state of West Virginia.
Wheeling
Located at the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains on the Ohio River, the town of Wheeling combines art, nature, and relaxation. Wheeling hosts an Artisan Center Shop on Main Street. It also has the largest paved trail system in the area, with 24 miles of trails used by hikers, bikers, joggers, and roller bladers. The historical Wheeling Park features an Olympic-sized swimming pool, indoor and outdoor tennis courts, a golf course, a lake with pedal boats, and more.
Oglebay Resort in Wheeling is the perfect place to stay if you are seeking a wellness retreat. It offers a range of accommodations, from rustic cottages to a lodge with resort amenities. If you are looking for relaxation, try out the West Spa, Oglebay's 5,000 square foot spa providing massage therapy, body treatments, facial treatments, manicures, pedicures, and health and wellness classes.
Berkeley Springs
The town of Berkeley Springs has been described as "America's First Resort." The town's natural warm springs have been used by residents and visitors for centuries for their healing properties. Previously referred to as the town of Bath, Berkeley Springs is home to several spas and wellness centers. If you stay at the Country Inn of Berkeley Springs, you can enjoy the services of their Renaissance Spa, including massage therapy, skin care, and aromatherapy. Accommodations at the historic inn are spacious and have a bed and breakfast feel. With a restaurant on-site, you will have no need to leave the beautiful property as you relax and unwind.
Canaan Valley
Canaan Valley is located in northeastern Tucker County in the Allegheny Mountains. The region is home to the Canaan Valley Resort State Park, where lodges, cabins, and campgrounds are available for travelers who want to get away from it all. The resort sits on parkland that has been leased to a private owner, and the rest of the park provides regular state park services.
Just seven miles north of the resort, Canaan Valley Spa and Wellness Center is the perfect spot to relax, unwind, and let go of stress. Massage therapy, skin care, infrared sauna, mineral soak tubs, a salt room, cryotherapy, neurofeedback, and yoga classes are just some of the immersive services supplied here. Dining options at Canan Valley Resort include a dining room, lounge, and cafe, all of which serve foods at various times of the day.
Charles Town
Charles Town, West Virginia is a charming destination that promises relaxation. One of the highlights of this town is the Effleurage Spa, a local retreat where visitors can indulge in soothing massages, rejuvenating facials, and a variety of wellness treatments. This spa is a favorite among locals and tourists alike for its serene ambiance and skilled therapists.
In Charles Town, Cascade Falls Trail offers breathtaking views of cascading waterfalls and the surrounding landscape, making it a favorite among outdoor enthusiasts. The trail is well-marked and suitable for hikers of all skill levels, providing a rewarding experience for those who love to explore the great outdoors. Whether you're hiking, picnicking, or simply taking in the stunning scenery, the Cascade Falls Trail offers a memorable adventure. Charles Town, West Virginia is the ideal destination for anyone seeking a rejuvenating and enriching getaway.
Roanoke
Stonewall Resort State Park, is one of West Virginia's newest parks, completed in 1990 as part of a US Army Corps of Engineers project. These engineers built a dam to contain the waters from the West Fork River and Stonewall Jackson Lake, in order to create electricity for the area. The state park has been privately owned since 2002, but still operates a resort on the site. There are eight hiking trails within the park, as well as a marina on Stonewall Jackson Lake, providing opportunities for boating, fishing, and swimming.
Stonewall Resort, the resort contained on the premises, provides beautiful, luxury accommodations that enable you to get away from it all for a while. In addition to the outdoor activities available, you may also take advantage of the resort's spa services, including massage, body treatments, and nail services. When it's time to eat, you will have a choice of three restaurants on-site: Stillwaters, TJ Muskies Bar and Grill, and Lightburn's.
New River Gorge National Park and Preserve
New River Gorge National Park and Preserve in southern West Virginia contains 70,000 acres of land along the New River. Within the park and preserve are small towns such as Thurmond and Oak Hill. The newest national park in the US, New River Gorge National Park and Preserve was designated in December 2020, and is 70 miles west of Charles Town. It gives visitors breathtaking views, hiking trails, hunting, whitewater rafting, and tons of other recreational opportunities. One of the most popular days at the park is Bridge Day, the third Saturday of October, when the New River Gorge Bridge in the park is closed to vehicles and opened only to pedestrians.
One of the wellness resorts located within the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve is ACE Adventure Resort, in the town of Oak Hill. This resort offers massage therapy services as well as outdoor activities such as ziplining and whitewater rafting. Beautiful, rustic log cabins on the resort can be rented, or you may opt to camp in the campsites. Three dining options -- a bar and grill, pizza place, and slushie stand -- exist at the resort. You can get away from it all and still enjoy luxury spa services here.
Bruceton Mills
Located in northern Preston County, Bruceton Mills has just seventy residents. It is 21 miles east of the larger college town of Morgantown, so this hamlet is a popular draw for travelers, especially those wanting to get away from it all. Coopers Rock State Forest in Bruceton Mills includes 50 miles of hiking and biking trails, along with cliffs for climbing, ski terrain, canyon overlooks, and Messinger Lake for fishing. The Cheat River Gorge is found within the forest, and the overlook, 1,000 feet above it, provides some of the best views in West Virginia.
Seneca Rocks
A community in Pendleton County, near the confluence of the North Fork River, South Branch Potomac River, and Seneca Creek, Seneca Rocks is most famous for the unique landmark of the same name. The rocks rise 900 feet above the North Fork River and can be climbed. Seneca Rock State Park also contains numerous hiking trails, fishing opportunities, and nature viewing; bald eagles can often be seen flying overhead here.
Reach Your Wellness Goals in West Virginia
Wellness means something different to everyone. Does wellness mean enjoying exhilarating outdoor experiences, or being pampered with luxurious spa services? However you define it, you can find wellness options in West Virginia. There are many ways to experience wellness across the state of West Virginia. No matter if you're a tourist or a local, as President John F. Kennedy once said when he visited the Mountain State, "The sun doesn't always shine in West Virginia, but the people do."
