The Umstead Spa transforms its space to a haven of relaxation and recovery

THE UMSTEAD SPA The Umstead Hotel and Spa Cary , North Carolina 16,000 Square Feet Renovation completed : March 2021

DEEP IN THE COVID PANDEMIC , The Umstead Spa closed its doors for seven months to undergo a major renovation that gave the facility a facelift , freshened the soft goods , redesigned the wet areas with tile-heated chaises and added outdoor relaxation lounges and a relaxation space in the ladies ’ wet area that includes a Himalayan salt wall .

The pandemic both informed and hampered their efforts . Carolyn Doe , the spa director who has been with the spa since 2009 , has carefully gauged the needs of their guests and has witnessed the effects of the pandemic .

“ A lot of guests are exhausted from all the change in their lives because of Covid ,” Doe said . “ They ’ re invested in their wellness more than I ’ ve seen before , but they ’ re really looking to relax . They really want the quiet respite .”

She said the majority of her guests come to relax , and the spa ’ s renovations reflect that sensibility . The new coloring , the spacing of the furniture and the enhancements all translate into creating a space where guests can unwind .

“ The Umstead Spa is a place to relax and reset . If we create an amazing experience for our guests , we know they will return and tell their friends .”

— CAROLYN DOE , SPA DIRECTOR , THE UMSTEAD SPA

Doe stresses she was fortunate because ownership and the general manager trusted her knowledge of how the spa would best meet guest needs . For example , she saw the stress her guests were under and that they were having trouble sleeping . Those observations fed how they renovated .

“ The Himalayan salt wall helps people reset ,” Doe said . “ The heated chaises help people prepare for their treatments to get their bodies relaxed before treatment because it is so warm against the muscles . They can enjoy chromotherapy lights that we added to the whirlpools to contribute to the relaxation process .”

And for people who are still concerned about being too close to others , they installed a spa wave table as a “ semino-touch ” treatment that includes vibrations , tones and music experience that quiets the mind and balances the body ’ s vibration to help the body repair , relax and rest .

Ultimately , while the renovation changed physical and visual aspects of the spa , what was important to Doe was that the renovation gave guests what they needed from the spa .

“ The Umstead Spa is a place to relax and reset ,” Doe said .“ If we create an amazing experience for our guests , we know that they will return and tell their friends .” n

APRIL / MAY 2024 n PULSE 51