Bio:  Banner Elk residents and visitors have enjoyed Natural Healing Day Spa for years. The spa and wellness center is a destination for relaxing, rejuvenating and pampering. Professional therapists specialize in therapeutic and deep-tissue massage, custom skin care and product recommendations. Massage therapy combines the techniques of relaxation, acupressure, trigger point therapy and sports massage. Specialty options include natural healing with hot stones, reflexology targeting reflex zones and pressure points, back-and-neck tension reduction and a mother-to-be treatment. General massages are available in 45-, 60- or 90-minute increments. Patients can add aromatherapy, paraffin wax on the hands or feet, and deep tissue to a standard massage. Body treatments consist of therapeutic wraps combined with a neck, shoulder and scalp massage. Wrap formulas are made from organic ingredients and small-batch herbs. Each has a certain purpose, such as detoxification, muscle renewal and skin regeneration. The spa’s sunlight sauna uses infrared light waves to penetrate facial and muscular tissue and rid the body of toxins. The sauna is available as an individual treatment or as part of other packages. Health benefits include detoxification, pain management, weight loss, skin purification, increased circulation and relaxation. A full list of skin-care services is available. The signature Natural Healing Facial is customized to each patient’s skin after a detailed consultation. Treatment techniques involve deep cleansing with steam, exfoliation and extractions to remove impurities. Skin nourishing, regeneration and a men’s executive option round out the facial lineup. Hair removal and nail services are also offered. Custom packages are available for an all-day experience. Groups with three to six people can book a party. The packages are ideal for family or friend getaways or wedding parties. Monthly and annual memberships also available. The day spa store sells products for at-home use, including its private label Green Wood Naturals. More information is available at 828-898-8400 or www.naturalhealingdayspa.com.

Bio:  Serenity Day Spa invites you to spend as little as an hour or as much as a full day. Located about three miles south of downtown Banner Elk directly across from the entrance to Sugar Mountain, Serenity’s cottage has a cozy, mountain feel. There are four treatment rooms, a couples’ room, a sun room and a stone fireplace. Owner and operator Cari Ashbaugh has extensive experience as a licensed massage therapist and skin-care specialist. Ashbaugh offers a variety of massage techniques, such as Swedish, deep tissue, trigger point and Thai yoga. She also provides massage treatment for pre- and post-pregnancy patients. Basic massages are available for a half-hour, hour or hour-and-a-half. Multi-massage specials are great for locals or repeat travelers. A couples’ massage is the ideal indulgence for honeymoons or anniversaries. The hot-stone massage eases tight muscles and relieves tension. Half-hour treatments for the hands or feet involve a dip in heated paraffin wax followed by massage. Serenity has a long list of facials. Its signature is the European aromatherapy with deep cleansing, exfoliation, extractions and a mask. Customize your facial with a serum, glycolic peel or paraffin wax. The microdermabrasion process uses a beauty peel to remove dry, flaky skin and leave a healthy, rosy glow. It is offered as a single treatment or a series of six. Body treatments provide overall skin renewal. Serenity Day Spa uses sea salt, French seaweed and French rose clay to cleanse, exfoliate and detoxify. Adding on a half-hour massage to a body treatment also rejuvenates the muscles. Serenity’s services include signature manicures and pedicures, hair removal and laser spray tans. The retail store, Spatique, sells candles and other home decor items, body products, clothing and gifts. More information is available at 828-898-3550 or www.relaxatserenity.com.

Bio:  The Spa is the newest addition to the historic Eseeola Lodge. This luxury day spa offers the public a range of pampering treatments befitting its peaceful location on the grounds of the revered Linville lodge. Indulge your senses in the elegance of cozy therapy suites with luxurious linens, organic essential oils and top of the line products used in signature treatments that nourish the soul. Services range from massages and body scrubs to facials, manicures and hair and makeup. The spa's popular body treatments enhance the experience with an ideal combination of indulgences, such as dry brushing, sea salt or sugar exfoliation, aromatherapy steam, and hydrating wraps. A boutique sells everything from high-end hair care and skin care products, to bath and body products, to luxury robes and bed linens to natural aromatherapy oils.

Bio:  The Spa at Crestwood is located on the property of The Inn at Crestwood, which is centrally located between Banner Elk, Boone and Blowing Rock. Its large windows provide forest views and enhance the rejuvenation process. The sunroom is an ideal spot for lounging in robes and slippers. The spa is open to the general public by purchasing a day pass or spa treatment. Features include a lap pool, steam room, dry sauna and fitness center. The lap pool is three-and-a-half feet deep and a comfortable temperature for exercise. Treatments are generally available in increments of 30, 60 and 90 minutes. Massages come in all varieties. The signature Crestwood option is a Swedish-style massage designed to relieve stress and muscle tension. Other specialties include deep tissue, aromatherapy, hot stone and prenatal. Couples’ massages are also available. Facials are another popular treatment, with features such as certified-organic ingredients, arm scrub, foot massage, deep pore cleansing, enzyme exfoliation, botanical masks and moisturizers. The gentlemen’s facial is designed exclusively for men. For those who want the total experience, sampler packages pair a Swedish massage with a facial. The spa sells locally made items from The Thankful Goat, located just down the mountain in Lenoir. Purchase some lip balm, sugar scrub, body lotion and soap to tide you over until your next visit to Crestwood. Reservations are recommended for treatments. More information is available at 877-836-5046 or www.crestwoodnc.com.

Bio:  Westglow Resort & Spa was founded on the idea of relaxation. Originally constructed in 1917, the estate was the summer retreat of artist and writer Elliott Daingerfield. In 1978, Glynda Valentine, a fitness and wellness pioneer, purchased the property for her private residence. Now on the National Register of Historic Places and designated as one of 36 Relais & Châteaux properties in the country, Westglow is a world-class resort. Its location in Blowing Rock encourages guests to escape daily stresses and refresh the mind, body and spirit. The Westglow Spa experience conforms to personal interests. For guests seeking exercise and activity, facilities include an indoor heated pool, cardiovascular room, weight room and tennis courts. Participate in cycle class, yoga, Tai Chi or a guided hike. Workshops and seminars teach techniques to manage stress and make healthy decisions. For those looking to unwind and rejuvenate, the spa has a variety of treatments. Renew your skin with a facial and the help of a skin-care specialist. Choose from calming, resurfacing, anti-aging and hydrating options. An extensive massage menu offers deep tissue, aromatherapy, hot stones, essential oils and treatments especially for prenatal guests and couples. The signature Soul of the Rose treatment involves a loofah warming body wrap to exfoliate and cleanse the skin and a full-body massage. Other techniques include Vichy rain therapy and acupuncture. The full-service salon pampers guests with hair styling, manicures, pedicures and waxing. Many treatments are available a la carte or as part of a day spa package. Westglow has a three-to-one ratio of staff members to guests and prides itself on customer service. Spa guests enjoy the dry sauna, multiple lounges and patios, a poolside cafe and a retail boutique. More information is available at 800-562-0807 or www.westglowresortandspa.com.