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Renaissance Ross Bridge Golf Resort & Spa
Julie Register experienced this resort spa near Birmingham, Alabama in July 2006

Click to Enlarge - Renaissance Ross Bridge Golf Resort & Spa
*The Renaissance
Ross Bridge Golf Resort & Spa

Click to Enlarge - Renaissance Ross Bridge Golf Resort & Spa

Click to Enlarge - Bagpipes at Renaissance Ross Bridge Golf Resort & Spa
*Bagpipes at The Renaissance
Ross Bridge Golf Resort & Spa

The Renaissance Ross Bridge Golf Resort and Spa on the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail is located just outside Birmingham, Alabama. I visited the resort 11 months after it had opened and enjoyed the resort's accommodations, restaurants, spa, fitness center and golf course. In the 1800's, the property belonged to James Taylor Ross, a Scotsman. During the Civil War, a bridge was built on the Ross estate to connect the city with the region, hence the resort's name. Each evening, bagpipes are played on the resort property. The Renaissance Ross Bridge Golf Resort and Spa is one of the PCH Hotels & Resorts, a collection of world-class hotels located throughout Alabama. All PCH properties are located either directly on the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail or are only minutes away. PCH is funded by the Retirement System of Alabama which also has investments in Alabama's Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail.

SPA

Click to Enlarge -  Hallway leading to The Spa at Ross Bridge
Hallway leading to
The Spa at Ross Bridge

Click to Enlarge - Reception Desk at The Spa at Ross Bridge
*Reception Desk
at The Spa at Ross Bridge

Click to Enlarge -  Retail Boutique at The Spa at Ross Bridge
Retail Boutique
at The Spa at Ross Bridge

The Spa at the Renaissance Ross Bridge Golf Resort and Spa is located on the lower level at the end of the building, a quiet corner appropriate for this peaceful retreat. The spa can be entered from the outside or by way of a long hallway from the inside. The reception area is located in the spa's retail boutique.

Click to Enlarge -  Lockers in the Women's Changing Area at The Spa at Ross Bridge
Lockers in the Women's Changing Area
at The Spa at Ross Bridge

Click to Enlarge -  Women's Quiet Room at The Spa at Ross Bridge
Women's Quiet Room
at The Spa at Ross Bridge

Click to Enlarge -  Hallway to Steam Room and Showers in Women's Changing Area at The Spa at Ross Bridge
Hallway to Steam Room and Showers
in Women's Changing Area
at The Spa at Ross Bridge

Click to Enlarge - Women's Wet Area at The Spa at Ross Bridge
Women's Wet Area
at The Spa at Ross Bridge

I checked in and was escorted to the women's changing area. The receptionist introduced me to the spa attendant who showed me to my locker and gave me a tour of the facilities. She told me not to worry about being at a certain place at a certain time for my spa appointment. She would find me when it was time - a very nice touch. I changed into my bathing suit (not necessary) and started off with a steam followed by a soak in the whirlpool. Before I knew it, the spa attendant gently told me I needed to get ready for my treatment. She gave me a plastic bag for my bathing suit, asked me to change into my robe and wait in the Quiet Room.

Click to Enlarge - Facial Treatment Room at The Spa at Ross Bridge
Facial Treatment Room
at The Spa at Ross Bridge

Click to Enlarge - Couples Treatment Room at The Spa at Ross Bridge
Couples Treatment Room
at The Spa at Ross Bridge

My first treatment was The Ultimate Caviar Facial, the spa's signature facial. The purpose of this anti-aging treatment is to hydrate and firm the skin. It uses Kerstin Florian products with protein-rich caviar and powerful Chinese botanical antioxidants. During the next 90 minutes, my face was cleansed, exfoliated and moisturized. Three masks were used. I was treated to contour lifting facial massages, hand and arm massage and foot massage. The final steps were the use of a Marine Matrix Sheet and an ampoule. My skin felt like it glowed when it was all over. My esthetician gave me the remaining ampoule to use at home.

I returned to the Quiet Room and helped myself to a bottle of water from the fridge and some nuts and dried fruit. Shortly, I was escorted back to the Couples Treatment Room where I met my husband for a Beaus and Belles Treatment. The double hydrotherapy tub had been filled and was ready for us. It had fragrant Melissa and other oils to help us relax. We soaked in the hot water for about 20 minutes before we got the signal to dry off and get on the massage tables. Our massages started off with Bongers - smooth rubber balls at the end of flexible metal rods. The therapists kind of played us like xylophones. It was kind of nice. Then came hot towels on the back - very nice! A great massage followed. Once again, my husband started to snore. Once again, he denied it. Once again, there were three witnesses. I'm glad he was so relaxed. I was, too

Click to Enlarge - Massage Treatment Room at The Spa at Ross Bridge
Massage Treatment Room
at The Spa at Ross Bridge

Click to Enlarge - Vichy Shower Room at The Spa at Ross Bridge
Vichy Shower Room
at The Spa at Ross Bridge

Click to Enlarge -  The Salon at Ross Bridge
The Salon at Ross Bridge

Click to Enlarge - Pedicure Stations at The Salon at Ross Bridge
Pedicure Stations
at The Salon at Ross Bridge

The 12,000-square-foot full-service spa and salon has separate men's and women's changing rooms with steam rooms, showers, vanity areas and lockers, separate quiet rooms and wet areas with whirlpools, and 10 treatment rooms including a couples treatment room and wet treatment room with an enclosed Vichy shower capsule. The salon has hair, manicure and pedicure stations.

Other treatments offered at The Spa at Ross Bridge include:

Packages

  • GENTLEMEN’S CLUB
    Golf Trail Massage (60 minutes)
    Grand National Facial (60 minutes)
    Simple Pleasures Manicure (60 minutes)
  • ROSS BRIDGE RELAXATION
    Essential Oil Wrap (60 minutes)
    Ross Bridge Facial (60 minutes)
    Citricos Manicure (60 minutes)
  • SWEET HOME ALABAMA
    Crimson Tide Kur (90 minutes)
    RX2 Facial (90 minutes)
    Heeled Pedicure (60 minutes)
  • SOUTHERN HOSPITALITY
    Genteel Body Scrub (60 minutes)
    Rock Star Massage (90 minutes)
    Ultimate Caviar Facial (90 minutes)
    Citricos Manicure (60 minutes)

Massage

  • Ross Bridge Signature Massage
  • Highland Foot Therapy (Relaxology)
  • Rock Star Massage (Hot Rock therapy)
  • Golf Trail Massage (Sports Massage)
  • Baby Love Massage (Pre-Natal)
  • Beaus and Belles (Swedish Times Two)
  • bridge kid Massage

Skin Care

  • Refresher Facial
  • Ross Bridge Facial (Deluxe Aromatherapy Facial with Footbath)
  • Bridge Kid facial
  • Deep Cleansing Facial (European Deep Cleansing Facial)
  • Grand National Facial (Gentlemen’s Facial)
  • Rosacea Rescue Facial
  • micro-exfoliation Facial (Microdermabrasion)
  • RX2 Facial (Cellular Repair Facial)
  • Southern Belle (Antioxidant Facial)
  • The Ultimate Caviar Facial (Signature Caviar Facial)
  • Bright Eyes, Soft Lips

    Up Grade Options
  • Rejuvenating 032 Ampoule
  • Vitamin C Ampoule
  • Couperose Ampoule
  • Micro-Exfoliation

Waxing
Tinting

Body Treatments

  • Pine Essence
  • Antioxidant Advance
  • Crimson Tide Kur
  • Essential Oil Wrap

Body Exfoliations

  • Genteel Body Polish (gentle)
  • Southern Comfort Scrub (medium)
  • Alabama Mineral Scrub (invigorating)
  • Made in the Shade (Sunless Bronzing)

Salon Services

  • Shampoo, Cut & Style (Men and Women)
  • Bang Trim
  • Beard and Moustache Trim
  • Shampoo & Style
  • Color
  • Highlights
  • Partial Highlights
  • Double Process
  • Color Balancing
  • Pre-Occasion Styling
  • Special Occasion Styling
  • In Room Styling Requests, 2 Hour Minimum
  • Hair Repair Treatment
  • Dermaterializing Treatment
  • Scalp Therapy

Nail Services

  • Manicures
    Simple Pleasures
    Here’s to Hue
    Solarmanicure
    Citricos
  • Pedicures
    Pampered Peds
    Solarpedicure
    Mother Natures Remedy
    Heeled
    Ross Bridge Signature Pedicure
  • Nail Enhancements
    Brisa Gels
  • Upgrades
    French Polish
    Polish Change
    Paraffin Dip

Make-Up

  • Fashion Forward (Seasonal Lesson)
  • Sheer Elegance (Traditional Lesson)
  • Glamour Girl (Make-up Application)
  • Blushing Bride
  • For Your Eyes Only
  • Touch Up

Spa Parties
Everyone in your party receives a personal gift bag of spa products and complementary consultations on skin, hair or body care depending upon the treatments chosen. Spa facilities are at your disposal during your spa party.

  • Serene Soirée
    5-10 people, 2-3 hours in the spa. Each person chooses two 30 minute
    treatments: a 30 minute Facial, 30 minute Massage, Basic Manicure, Shampoo
    & Style, or Makeup Application.
  • Divas’ Day Out
    5-10 people, 3-4 hours in the spa. Each person chooses two of our one hour
    services: a 60 minute Facial, 60 minute Massage, Mother Nature’s Remedy or
    Heeled Pedicure, Citricos Manicure, any 60 minute Body Scrub, Essential Oil
    Wrap, Hair Cut & Style, or Makeup Application. ~or~ Three 30 minute
    treatments listed in Serene Soirée.

FITNESS CENTER

Click to Enlarge - The Fitness Center at The Renailssance Ross Bridge Golf Resort & Spa
The Fitness Center
at The Renaissance
Ross Bridge Golf Resort & Spa

Click to Enlarge - The Fitness Studio at The Renailssance Ross Bridge Golf Resort & Spa
The Fitness Studio
across the hall from The Fitness Center
at The Renaissance
Ross Bridge Golf Resort & Spa


Click to Enlarge - Indoor Pool and Whirlpool at The Renailssance Ross Bridge Golf Resort & Spa
Indoor Pool and Whirlpool
next to The Fitness Center
at The Renaissance
Ross Bridge Golf Resort & Spa

Jeff and I used the Fitness Center during our visit. There is a nice selection of treadmills, elipticals, leg and arm strength machine and free weights. Across the hall, we used the studio to stretch. There was a morning fitness class offered, but we did not participate.

GOLF

Click to Enlarge - Driving Range at Ross Bridge Golf Course on the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail
Driving Range
at Ross Bridge Golf Course

Click to Enlarge - Putting Green at Ross Bridge Golf Course on the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail
Putting Green
at Ross Bridge Golf Course
Click to Enlarge - Ross Bridge Golf Course Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail Course at The Renaissance  Ross Bridge Golf Resort & Spa
Ross Bridge Golf Course

I'm not much of a golfer, but my husband is. He was very happy when he found out we were staying at a hotel on the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail. He's played five others on The Trail and was very impressed by the quality of the courses and value of the play. The Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail is a collection of top-notch public courses across the state funded by the Retirement Systems of Alabama. By the end of 2005, The Trail had 432 holes at 10 different sites to boost tourism, attract retirees, and spur economic growth within Alabama. The courses appeal to golfers of all skill levels. The Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail at Ross Bridge is just two miles from the existing 54-hole complex at Oxmoor Valley in Birmingham.

Jeff played the Ross Bridge Golf Course twice during our stay. I tagged along in the cart on the second round. It was a lovely ride. The third longest course in the world, this 4,800- to 8,191-yard championship course has 330 acres of lush landscaping over the rolling terrain of the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains. Ten holes play along the banks of two man-made lakes connected by a waterfall between the ninth and eighteenth greens. A gristmill housing the snack bar and restrooms reflects the history of this old mining site.

GUEST ROOM

Click to Enlarge - Guest Room at The Renailssance Ross Bridge Golf Resort & Spa
Guest Room #418
at The Renaissance
Ross Bridge Golf Resort & Spa

Click to Enlarge - Guest Room at The Renailssance Ross Bridge Golf Resort & Spa
Guest Room #418
at The Renaissance
Ross Bridge Golf Resort & Spa

Click to Enlarge - View from Guest Room #418 at The Renailssance Ross Bridge Golf Resort & Spa
View From Guest Room #418
at The Renaissance
Ross Bridge Golf Resort & Spa
Click to Enlarge - View from Guest Room #418 Guest Room at The Renailssance Ross Bridge Golf Resort & Spa
View From Guest Room #418
at The Renaissance
Ross Bridge Golf Resort & Spa

We had a very comfortable room with a balcony overlooking the pool. Unfortunately, all of the rooms with king-sized beds had been taken, so we had a queen. Apparently, there was a wedding taking place that weekend, so the resort was pretty full. (There is an on-staff wedding planner, 20,000 square feet of function space and a spacious ballroom.) The comfy bed was triple-sheeted with a tone-on-tone duvet and had a unique headboard accented with leather and copper nails. The bathroom had a granite countertop and a separate shower and bath - something I really appreciate. There was a safe and coffee-maker, but no robes - an amenity I would expect at a resort of this caliber. The only other fault I could find was something I noticed sitting on the balcony. There is a water wheel on the top of the waterfall that spills into the pool. The wheel turned in the opposite direction that it should have and at about four times the speed. Picky, I know.

DINING

Click to Enlarge - Brock's - Fine dining with a Mediterranean influence. at Renaissance Ross Bridge Golf Resort & Spa* We ate a number of meals at the resort's two restaurants, the Clubhouse and Brock's. The Clubhouse is the less formal of the two with a golf clubhouse setting and TVs playing sports channels. The service was a bit less polished as well, but the food was excellent. One highlight there was the egg white omelet. In addition, I asked for a side order of the chef's vegetables - which was a mixture of zucchini and yellow squash that evening. Instead of the bland squash mixture, a delicious medley of fresh vegetables was presented- asparagus, mushrooms, corn, green beans and more in a light sauce. It was definitely more than I expected. Brock's is fine dining with a Mediterranean influence. The service and food were both excellent. Our first meal there was the bountiful breakfast buffet. Our second meal was dinner. Jeff had seared scallop risotto, and I had grilled salmon with beet risotto and leek cream. Both were outstanding.

More Information

Contact 
The Spa at Ross Bridge at Renaissance® Ross Bridge Golf Resort & Spa
• Address:
4000 Grand Avenue,
Birmingham, Alabama 35226
• Spa Telephone: 205-949-3041 OR 205-949-3042
• Hotel Telephone: 205-916-7677
• TOLL FREE: (800) 593-6419
• Resort Web Site:

http://www.rossbridgeresort.com/

Spa Web Site:
http://www.sparossbridge.com

Related Resources
Renaissance Ross Bridge Golf Resort & Spa
listing on DiscoverSpas.com
More Spas in Alabama
Birmingham Attractions

Birmingham Botanical Gardens
Birmingham’s Civil Rights District
Barber Motorsports Park & Vintage Museum
Birmingham Museum of Art
Historic Alabama Theatre
Oak Mountain State Park
Vulcan Park
Other PCH Properties on or near the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail that have Spas
Grand Hotel Marriott Resort, Golf Club and Spa - Pt. Clear, Alabama
The Battle House, a Renaissance Hotel - Mobile, Alabama - Reopens late 2006
Marriott Shoals Hotel and Spa - Florence Alabama
Montgomery Convention Center Hotel & Spa - Montgomery, Alabama, Scheduled to open in late 2007
The Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail

Music in the Spa


Personal Rituals

FYI
Entry Fee - Spa Access is complimentary with a spa treatment. Guests who have not booked a treatment, but wish to use the spa amenities will be charged an access fee for privileges, subject to blackout days and holidays.
Reservations - Due to the popularity of the spa, it is highly recommend reservations be made two weeks prior to your arrival. All services need to be guaranteed against a room number for hotel guest or credit card.
Check-In - Please check in with the Spa Concierge at least 20 minutes prior to your first scheduled appointment. This will enable you to receive the full benefits of your spa experience. It is encouraged that you to shower and take advantage of amenities upon entering the spa. Please be aware late arrivals will not receive an extension of scheduled treatment times.
Cancellation - If you must cancel, the spa would be delighted to assist you in rescheduling your appointment; however, if this is not possible, a 24 hour cancellation notice is required for ala carte services and 48 hours for Spa packages. Failure to comply will result in full charge of the service. Group cancellation will be defined within a spa contract.
Spa Attire - A robe and slippers will be provided to you upon arrival at the Spa. You will also be given a locker to store your personal belongings. Toiletries are available within the spa area for your use. We encourage you to leave your valuables at home or in the safe box in your room.
Health Concerns - Kindly alert the spa staff of any health concerns you may have at the time of booking. Some treatments may not be appropriate if you have health conditions. It will be the spa's delight to assist you in recommending more suitable services.
Gratuities - Gratuities are discretionary. Please see the Spa Concierge at the time of check out for a tip envelope. For your convenience a service charge of 20% per service will be added to group contracts.
Spa Etiquette - To preserve the serenity of the spa environment, cellular phones, blackberries and pagers are not allowed.

 

Photos copyright Julie Register 2006
except those marked * which are courtesy of the Renaissance Ross Bridge Golf Resort & Spa

http://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/click?id=*EJTVpauQ/0&offerid=61746.10000013&subid=0&type=4

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Nemacolin Woodlands Resort, Farmington, Pennsylvania
Nemacolin Woodlands Resort
Farmington, PA

Woodlands Renewal
A Wellness Journey

rates start at $749 per person based
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April 23-25, 2010

Women's retreat by NWR and
Magee-Womens Hospital at the University
of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC),

Includes:

  • Educational on women’s health
    • osteoporosis
    • cardiovascular awareness
    • mental sharpness
    • weight training
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    • stress
  • Spa treatments
  • Meals
  • Fitness classes

For reservations or additional information,
call 866/344-6957 or log on to www.nemacolin.com.

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