SHARON Spa visit can relieve holiday stress, ravages of winter, aging

Both sites are connected to steel tycoon Frank H. Buhl.
By REBECCA SLOAN
VINDICATOR CORRESPONDENT
SHARON, Pa. -- Your feet hurt from too much holiday shopping, your skin feels as rough as a crocodile's because of dry winter air and your blood pressure is up a notch in anticipation of a dozen Christmas dinner guests.
What you need is a Swedish massage.
Or maybe a botanical mud wrap, or better yet, an anti-aging facial to ward off that wrinkle that's just waiting to happen.
Nearby Sharon offers two spas that can help alleviate holiday stress.
The first is the Buhl Mansion Spa, which is in the beautifully renovated basement of the magnificent Buhl Mansion, a bed-and-breakfast at 422 E. State St.
Luxury and opulence are the key words here.
Surrounded by life-size, Grecian-style statues and lulled by gurgling fountains and a crackling fireplace, spa guests will feel like they've been swept away to an exotic Roman paradise the moment they step inside.
The spa's steam room, sauna and monsoon showers -- which feature 12 shower heads -- are complimentary to bed-and-breakfast guests, but anyone can set up an appointment for one of the spa's pampering treatments.
Spa services include: Deep cleansing facial, 50 minutes for $85; anti-aging facial, 75 minutes for $90; Rosecea facial for sensitive skin, 75 minutes for $90; men's relaxing facial and massage, 50 minutes for $85; Swedish massage, 50 minutes for $85; intense muscle massage, 50 minutes for $90; aromatherapy, 50 minutes for $95; neck, back and shoulder massage, 30 minutes for $65; reflexology (massaging pressure points on the feet), 25 minutes for $55; prenatal massage, 50 minutes for $85; mud wrap, 50 minutes for $100; and salt glow (to exfoliate skin), 50 minutes for $95.
Robes, sandals and lockers are provided. Bathing suits are optional for spa services but must be worn in the steam and sauna rooms.
Atmosphere
The gorgeous Buhl Mansion atmosphere enhances the richness of this spa experience.
The mansion was completed in 1898 for steel tycoon Frank H. Buhl and his wife, Julia, and in 2001 it opened as a bed-and-breakfast, spa and art gallery.
Built to resemble a castlelike building in Detroit, Mich., which was Frank Buhl's hometown, the sprawling stone structure features fairy tale turrets and beautifully manicured grounds.
The mansion's interior will take your breath away with its stunning stained-glass windows, massive crystal chandeliers, winding staircases and 10 plush guest rooms, some of which feature Jacuzzi tubs built for two.
Honeymooners frequent the mansion, and weddings often occur on the grounds.
For more information about room rates, call (724) 962-3535 or visit www.tara-inn.com
For more information about the spa, call (800) 782-2803 or (724) 699-3332.
If you're on a budget but still want to be pampered, try the spa at the F.H. Buhl Club, 28 N. Pine Ave., also in Sharon.
Featured treatments include: Swedish massage, 60 minutes for $45; hot stone massage, 60 minutes for $60; reflex foot therapy, 30 minutes for $35; botanical mud wrap, 60 minutes for $65; body salt glow, 45 minutes for $50; pregnancy massage, 60 minutes for $45; deep therapeutic massage, 60 minutes for $55; full body paraffin treatments (to moisturize the skin), 60 minutes for $85; and seaweed wraps, 60 minutes for $65.
These prices apply to those who are not members of the F.H. Buhl Club. Those who are members can enjoy the services for less.
Varying times and rates are also available for most services.
Robes, towels and lotions and shower facilities are provided, but you'll need to bring waterproof slippers.
Bathing suits are optional for spa treatments.
History
The F.H. Buhl Club was established in 1903, also by steel tycoon Frank Buhl.
The nonprofit recreational facility includes an indoor heated pool; volleyball courts; free-weights facility; men's steam room; women's sauna; dance studios; a golf room and driving net; and much more.
Membership rates vary.
F.H. Buhl Club massage therapist Christina Bridge said sea salt exfoliation treatments and mud wraps are especially popular during the winter months because people suffer from dry skin.
Hot stone therapy is also in demand.
When performing this type of massage, Bridge uses Swedish massage techniques and places eight warm, smooth basalt stones on the back to help melt away tension.
Each stone has a distinctive shape that conforms to the body's contours.
For example, a large, round stone is placed in the small of the back. There are even tiny stones that fit between the toes to help ease tension in foot muscles.
Bridge said a spa treatment makes a great holiday gift. "It's the gift that never needs returned. Nobody is going to turn down a massage."
For more information on the F.H. Buhl Club or its spa treatments, call (724) 981-3700 or visit www.fhbuhlclub.org.