Women's Wellness & Spa Weekend
at Bedford Springs Resort
in Bedford, Pennsylvania
Julie Register attended this event in January 2008

Note: Click on any photo to see a larger image and go to the photo gallery.

“Taking the Waters – Women’s Wellness Weekend” Bedford Springs Resort, in partnership with Magee-Womens Hospital of the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, is offering a retreat that will feature a line-up of experienced advisors and health professionals who will offer practical tools for living a balanced life with integrity and purpose.

Friday, January 25, 2008
An hour into my drive to Bedford Springs Resort, I realized that I forgot my bathing suit at home. In order to enjoy the Bedford Bath Ritual during the upcoming Women's Wellness and Spa Weekend, a bathing suit was required. I pulled into the first store I saw, grabbed a suit, paid for it and was back on the road in ten minutes. Sadly, I never had a chance to wear it. More on that later…

*Two hours later, I left the Pennsylvania Turnpike and followed the signs for about 4 miles to the Bedford Springs Resort. The 2,200-acre property, a National Historic Landmark snuggled in a long valley, sprawled before me. The connected buildings span a quarter mile from one end to the other. The first hotel was constructed in 1806 for people to stay and enjoy the health benefits of the seven natural mineral springs on the property. The hotel was expanded over the years, and its guests included 10 US presidents. During World War II, it served as a detention center for Japanese diplomats and was a training center for the Navy. It fell into disrepair and was closed in 1986. It remained that way until reopening in July 2006 after an impressive $120,000,000 renovation.

The lobby is located in the central Evitt Building. A very large, unique and authentic 39-star US flag adorns the reception area. I was given the choice of staying in the historic wing or new spa wing. I selected the spa wing. I later learned the rooms have all been renovated similarly. I was instructed to check in across the lobby for the Women's Wellness and Spa Weekend where I was welcomed with a glass of water adorned with orange slices, cucumber and an orchid, a schedule of events, and a gift.

Check-in for the Taking the Waters, A Women's Wellness and Spa Weekend in the Evitt Building at Bedford Springs Resort at the original reception desk

The Program for Taking the Waters, A Women's Wellness and Spa Weekend at Bedford Springs Resort co-sponsored by Magee-Womens Hospital of the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center

On the way to my room, I passed through the Colonnade Building with original windows that had been inscribed by brides with their new wedding rings in the 1800s and a library and game room. I passed through the Pool House where historic photos line the hallway and the beautiful spring-fed pool, originally built in 1905, is housed.

The Colonnade Building at Bedford Springs Resort

Poolhouse Hallway Connecting the Retail Shops with the Colonnade Building at Bedford Springs Resort

The Springwater Pool at Bedford Springs Resort was originally built in 1905

I passed the fitness center and retail shops...

Hallway Connecting in Springs Eternal House and the Pool House at Bedford Springs Resort in Bedford, Pennsylvania. Retail shops and the fitness center are on the left.

The Fitness Center at Bedford Springs Resort

and finally arrived in the Springs Eternal House and my room which was very comfortable - especially the bed.

Guest Room in Springs Eternal House at Bedford Springs Resort

Bath in Guest Room in Springs Eternal House at Bedford Springs Resort

The Women's Wellness and Spa Weekend began with spa treatments in The First Ladies Lounge. Stations were set up for chair massage, paraffin hand treatments and foot massage. The young esthetician that provided my paraffin treatment told me that her family worked at the property for generations and that she was thrilled to have the opportunity to work there as well. We were off to a great start! At 6pm, we migrated to the adjoining room where hors d'oevres were served and Veronique Paquet, Springs Eternal Spa Director, started the event with quotes from Wayne Dyer's Everyday Wisdom, "You are not a human body having a spiritual experience, you are a spiritual being having a human experience." and "You create your thoughts, your thoughts create your intentions, and your intentions create your reality." She introduced the doctors that would be speaking throughout the weekend, the chef and other staff members who we would come to know.

De-stressing begins in The First Ladies Lounge at the Women's Wellness Weekend at Bedford Springs Resort with Chair Massage, Paraffin Hand Treatments and Foot Reflexology

Hors D'oeuvres were served in the Colonnade Pre-Function Area while Veronique Paquet, Springs Eternal Spa Director, the event's guest speakers and other members of the resort staff discussed what the Women's Wellness Weekend at Bedford Springs Resort had in store.

Afterwards, we dined in The Crystal Dining Room from a special spa menu. I had sea bass which was delicious. The other entrees looked equally appealing.

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Saturday, January 26, 2008

Sunday, January 27, 2008