Many tour groups that stay at spa hotels never get a chance to take advantage of their amenities. But as the popularity of girlfriend getaways continues to grow, more spa hotels are offering custom-built group packages. Here are three properties where groups should allow some time for pampering.
Xhale Spa at the Galt House
Louisville, Kentucky
Megan Hill, salon manager for Xhale Spa, loves to throw parties at her downtown hotel’s 17th-floor sanctuary. “We have a really nice, intimate space and can accommodate 50 to 100 people,” said Hill. “We offer massages, body treatments, hair and makeup, manicures, pedicures. We’re a full-service salon and spa.”
Her group list often includes corporate teams and bridal and bachelorette groups. Instead of set packages, Xhale prefers to let guests create their own experience from a menu of services.
“We strive to provide an excellent service. We pride ourselves on being a high-end salon and spa. I go out of my way to make sure the experience is absolutely exceptional.”
Among other spa visitors are jockeys from nearby Churchill Downs, home of the Kentucky Derby. Whether guests ride Thoroughbreds or not, Xhale will make everyone feel like winners.
Spa at the Inverness Hotel
Englewood, Colorado
Located 20 to 30 minutes south of downtown Denver, the Inverness Hotel is largely a conference center. The full-amenities spa is but one benefit of staying there.
“Any spa guest has access to the indoor hot tub or pool, fitness center, steam rooms in the locker rooms, relaxation suites or the outdoor hot tub and patio with a fireplace that’s private to spa guests,” said manager Laura Maruca.
The spa caters to groups and parties. It frequently hosts out-of-state families visiting the many beautiful outdoor wedding venues nearby. The Inverness is the only hotel on that side of town with a spa and golf.
“Groups come for corporate meetings and take a break,” said Maruca. “They get massages or do yoga by the waterfall and garden and then enjoy a spa cuisine lunch. They get spa services and then return to their meetings.”
Austin Springs Spa and Salon
Johnson City, Tennessee
The Austin Springs Spa welcomes groups of six or more, whether they include employees being rewarded for a job well done or family members and friends who want to relax and hang out together.
“We mainly get bridal groups or bachelorette parties for a group of girlfriends,” said Tara Epperson, group coordinator. “We also get corporate groups, like office staffs.”
It’s a full-service spa with massage, body treatments, facials, skin care, pedicures and manicures and a hair salon. Group packages have names like Perfect Pampering, Mani-Pedi Party and Great Escape. The hotel restaurant can arrange private group dinners before or after a visit. “We have a special group rate so they get a discount on services,” said Epperson.
The hotel opened in 2000, but it has a classic look and was built to resemble a Carnegie hotel that stood on the property more than 100 years ago.
