NEMACOLIN SPA Resort tailors packages to groups

The programs aren't just about pampering the body anymore.
By LAURIE M. FISHER
VINDICATOR CORRESPONDENT
FARMINGTON, Pa. -- Nothing would please mom more than quality time with her daughter.
But add luxurious spa treatments, fine cuisine, a beautiful wooded setting and four-star accommodations, and that quality time is even more memorable.
The Mother-Daughter Vacation, a three-day, two-night package at Nemacolin Woodlands Resort and Spa can make it Mother's Day any time of the year.
This year, staff at the Western Pennsylvania Laurel Highlands resort developed a series of "integrated experiences" like the mother-daughter package. Following other upscale resorts' successes across the country, a la carte activities are structured into vacations suited to a variety of clientele.
Director: Patricia Schneider, Woodlands spa director, ran similar programs at the Marival Spa north of Tucson, Ariz. "When I came to Nemacolin last spring, I looked at all activities (at the resort)," she said.
"Spas are not just about body wraps and facial any more," she said. "They focus on how to relax and improve your quality of life and how to take that message home. You are working your body and calming your mind. The sessions take you out of your work mode while doing something to improve your health."
So last year, the spa and activities staff started to brainstorm, Schneider said. The result is five separate packages, which include off-site activities such as whitewater rafting, biking and hiking near the 140-acre resort. On site, guests utilize equestrian facilities, clay shooting, golf and the climbing wall.
Each of the five three-day, two-night packages is geared to a small group, maximum 16 individuals. The price is all-inclusive, featuring overnight accommodations, meals and scheduled activities. Some start on Friday afternoon, ending Sunday mid-day. Others begin on Sunday afternoon and end on Tuesday afternoon.
Since the resort is often crowded on weekends, Schneider said some of the group activities are held midweek.
"We want people to come and immerse themselves in the experience from sunrise to sundown, integrating body, mind and spirit," she emphasized.
Mother-daughter: For example the Mother-Daughter Vacation, tailored to daughters over 16 years old, is scheduled for May 13-15 and June 24-26. Mothers and daughters learn about trust during a reverse makeover session. Daughters pick hairstyles and make-up, done by the resort's stylists, for their moms. Mothers reciprocate with personal preferences for daughters. They both agree to attend dinner in their new "look."
"It is about spending quality time," Schneider explained. "Mothers seeing daughters through different eyes, working together to see what that feels like. It will include stargazing, body scrubs, sunrise yoga, high ropes course, a hike through waterfalls and wilderness, journaling, and spa rituals."
Others: Women who want a physical or mental challenge can opt for the Adventure Challenge experience scheduled for June 3-6, July 1-3, and Oct. 7-9. "The three-day program is designed to push a group of women to high awareness of individual limits, build friendships and conquer fears," Schneider said.
The Adventure package includes sunset dinner, spa rituals, yoga, 5K run, 10 miles of class IV river rafting, 30 miles of biking and boot camp.
If that sounds like too much work for a vacation, the mild and meek may like the Scaredy Kat program set for Aug. 26-28, Sept. 9-11 and Oct. 26-28. The experience is geared for individuals who shiver at the thought of rock climbing, or cower when asked to shoot a gun or touch a horse. In addition to taking stress reduction class, participants are encouraged to conquer their fears through horseback riding, rock climbing instruction, ropes course and shooting lessons, in addition to relaxing with spa services.
Best buddies may prefer to roll their stomachs in belly dancing, create sushi or predict the future in palm reading during the Best Friends package. Yoga, high ropes course, whitewater rafting and hiking round out the weekends July 13-15, Sept. 7-9 and Sept. 28-30.
Pump up the romance with massage techniques and have fun body painting at the Couples Mountain Escape to be held May 18-20, June 15-17 and Aug. 17-19. The itinerary includes couples yoga, climbing, sinful desserts, journaling, horseback riding to a sunset picnic, couples shooting clinic and wine tasting.
Schneider said these are only the beginning of the integrated packages planned. She hopes to add father-son or father-daughter experiences. During the winter months, activities will be adapted to accommodate the weather.