We made the plans for a midweek spa getaway at Poplar Springs The INN Spa a couple of months ago. All of a sudden, it was time to jump in the car and head down to Casanova, Virginia. I dreaded the drive. I usually avoid the beltways around Baltimore and Washington, D.C. at all costs. However, because we left later in the morning, we didn't compete with commuters, the traffic moved well and stress levels remained low. Casanova is about an hour W-SW of Washington. As soon as we got off Interstate 66, the landscape became pretty rural. We decided to stop in the town of Warrenton to have lunch on our way to the inn. It is a quaint, dog-friendly town. In front of most of the shops and restaurants, we saw decorative bowls of water placed next to the brick sidewalks ready for any thirsty dog that happened to be passing by - and there were quite a few. We know this because we sat in the display window of Iron Bridge Wine Co and watched the comings and goings of the town. They, of course, could watch us eat. The food was very good but a little on the pricy side. We stopped by the Visitors Center and realized we could have done a better job planning this trip. There is a lot to see and do in the area - wineries, civil war tours, equestrian events and much more. Oh well, we were there to spa.

We drove 15 minutes or so to Poplar Springs The INN Spa. A large sign in an unweeded garden marked the entrance, and a long paved drive led past fields and a pond and over a hill deep into the 200-acre property to a cluster of buildings - a big red barn with a tall white silo, small white outbuildings, a large newer building and a large stone older building. The large newer building was built in 2002 and houses the inn and spa. The large stone older building next to it was completed in 1929 and now houses the Manor House Restaurant.

We decided to explore the property. We found well-used bikes, fishing tackle and yard games in the Activity Shed - one of the small white outbuildings. We decided to try the bikes. I hadn't used one with coaster brakes since my age was in the single digits. It took a bit of getting used to. There were no gears and making the most of the hilly area was a bit challenging. We decided to walk after our bike adventure and found the tennis courts and walled garden down a tree-lined road. Afterwards we decided to relax by the pool.

The Whirlpool and Pool are accessible from the Spa at The Inn at Poplar Springs

The Pool Area overlooks the Barn at The Inn at Poplar Springs

The Gym in Poplar Springs The INN Spa

There are three ways to access the pool area - all through the spa. The first is through the spa lounge. The second is through a doorway in the reception/boutique area. The third is past the reception desk, down the spa hallway and through a door near the gym. This is the best choice since clean towels are located here.

The pool hadn't been opened for the season yet and was still covered. However, the whirlpool was running. Upon closer inspection, it wasn't ready either. Thick, slippery, green algae coated all surfaces. It didn't stop other people from using it. The paint on the trim was peeling and needed some serious attention. But despite the shortcomings, we were happy to be there. The weather was perfect, the lounge chairs were comfortable, the company was good, and we enjoyed watching and listening to the many birds.

Main Entrance to the Spa

Retail Boutique near the Reception Desk features products from nearby Seven Oaks Lavender Farm

Spa Hallway

We checked in before our treatments and decided to wait in the spa Lounge since it was still chilly outside by the pool. We helped ourselves to tea and settled down in the lounge chairs.

Relaxation Lounge in the Spa at Poplar Springs Overlooks the Pool Area

Our therapists came close to the appointed time, introduced themselves then escorted us to our separate treatment rooms.

Couple's Treatment Room at Poplar Springs The INN Spa

My massage was in the couple's treatment room - a large, lovely tiled room. My therapist, Sarah, asked if I had any special areas that needed to be addressed and what pressure I preferred. I told her my neck and shoulders always needed extra attention, and I liked firm pressure but really wanted this to be a relaxing massage. She told me to let her know at any time if the pressure needed to be adjusted. The massage started with two warm packs on my back and warm cloths on my feet - a great beginning. Sarah proceeded to do just what I asked for. Extra attention and firmer pressure on those areas that needed it and smooth, relaxing massage everywhere else. When I turned on my back, a warm pad was tucked under my neck. It was a lovely massage. When it was over, Sarah met me in the hallway with a cup of water and escorted me down the hallway to my esthetician, Sherry, for my facial.

My Phytomer facial was equally relaxing - no extractions, plenty of facial massages, hand massage and neck massage.

In addition to the couple's room, the spa has eight treatment rooms including a wet room and manicure and pedicure area.

Wet Treatment Room Poplar Springs The INN Spa

Other services available at the time of my visit at included:

We ended our experience at Poplar Springs The Inn Spa with lunch delivered poolside. It had warmed up and the weather was lovely. The menu had a good selection including Tempura Fresh Artichokes & Maitake Mushrooms with Truffle Oil, Poached Fresh Main Lobster Salad with Salsify Slaw & Pea Tendrils and Smoked Chicken & Watercress Salad with Rice Wine & Peanut Vinaigrette. We chose sandwiches - smoked Turkey Breast with Avocado & Heirloom Tomatoes and Raw Assorted Veggie with Sundried Tomato Hummus & Dill Havarti Cheese on Wheat Berry Bread. They were served with delicious asparagus and parsnip chips. While this was perfect for our spa day, next time I hope to dine in the Manor House.

Sandwiches from the Spa Menu at Poplar Springs The INN Spa

The boutique carries Phytomer and Zents products as well as products from nearby Seven Oaks Lavender Farm. At checkout, we couldn't resist picking up a few of the lavender sprays. I went home with Lavender Sunshine Spray (Lavender, Sweet Orange and Lemongrass) and Monsieur Lavender Spray Lavender and Patchouli). Every time I spritz these now, I am transported back to the spa.