The Spa of Colonial Williamsburg

This is a beautiful resort spa right across the street from Colonial Williamsburg, the famous living history museum that brings the bustling 18th century capitol of Virginia to life. It's the perfect spa if you have children, love golf, or are interested in American history, folk art and antiques. You can stay in the elegant Williamsburg Inn (where Queen Elizabeth II has stayed twice), the Williamsburg Lodge, or real colonial houses. The spa uses history as its inspiration and has interesting touches, like Indian clubs exercise classes, popular in the 19th century. See Photos of The Spa of Colonial Williamsburg.

Colonial Williamsburg is not a kitschy theme park but the restored capitol of colonial Virginia, from the Governor's Palace to the jail where pirates were held. John D. Rockefeller Jr. spent a fortune restoring and rebuilding 500 buildings over 301 acres, creating an American treasure where costumed interpreters show you what colonial life was like around the time of the American Revolution.

The Spa of Colonial Williamsburg is in a beautiful red brick building with a wisteria-draped walkway and reflecting pool. It has the comforts of a modern spa, but keeps history in mind with its decor and treatments like the Colonial Herbal Spa Experience, a two-hour ginger-and-orange body scrub, body wrap and massage inspired by the 18th century.

I loved this spa's sense of history, its beauty, the friendly staff and great exercise classes, but the spa treatments were uneven when I visited in June, 2007. Some guests were raving about their treatments, but others (including me) had less experienced therapists. I came in with a stiff neck for a sports massage and it felt more strained afterwards.

I had had too much massage, so the spa customized a gentle treatment from a reiki specialist who was excellent. I do think the younger therapists have potential and will be fine with experience.

Other great features are three golf courses, including two designed Robert Trent Jones Sr., and museums with extraordinary collections of American folk art and decorative arts. This is a unique American destination I highly recommend.

As is common in the travel industry, the writer was provided with complimentary accommodation, meals, flight, and treatments for the purpose of reviewing those services. While it has not influenced this review, About.com believes in full disclosure of all potential conflicts of interest. For more information, see our ethics policy.