The DC Traveler

Before European settlers discovered the warm waters of Berkeley Springs in West Virginia, it was a native American spa haven. In 1748, a 16 year old George Washington visited the warm springs as part of a survey team. He later visited regularly and quickly, the spa’s notoriety grew.

The owner of the land, Lord Fairfax, in 1776 gave the land to the Colony of Virginia, who put the land up for sale. A consortium of founding fathers, including George Washington and 5 of his generals, and several signers of the Declaration of Independence and Constitution were part of the original owners. After five bathhouses were built, the springs opened as a resort.

The relaxing waters were thought to cure or help reduce the effects of many diseases including diabetes and arthritis.

The current Bathhouse opened to the public seeking the rejuvenating effects of the mineral waters that flow from the five springs in 1930. The springs generate over 120,000 gallons of sparkling water an hour.

The Springs Bathhouse offers several types of treatments:

• Roman and Relaxing Baths - Select either 750 gallons of mineral water in a ceramic tile, walk-in private tub (same sex only), or a 6.5 foot Victorian-style bathtub. The mineral water is heated to around 102 degrees and you get to bathe for 15-20 minutes. The Roman Bath are large enough to float in. Men and women bathe in separate baths.
• Massage - Swedish-style full-body massages with a mixture of pure olive oil and 190 proof ethyl alcohol. Same sex massagers.
• Heat Cabinet - 124 degree steam cabinets enclose all but your head for eight minutes or intense steam.
• Infra-red Heat - 8-10 minute session using heat lamps for body therapy.
• Shower or Powder - End with a five-minute shower take a full-body powder.

There are numerous hotels, B&Bs and places to eat in the area.

Berkeley Springs State Park
#2 S. Washington St.
Berkeley Springs, WV 25411 - about 2 hours northwest from DC, (110 miles)
304-258-2711

Costs for Spa Services (partial list):

• Roman or Relaxing Bath, with shower and a 30-minute massage $40 (weekends $45), with a 60-minute massage $70 ($80 weekends).
• Steam Treatment, Bath & Shower $25
• Roman Bath $20 for the first 1/2 hour, then $10 each add’l. half hour

Seniors get a 10% discount, kids with same sex parent receive 50% off.

Lockers and towels are provides. Suits not required for baths.

Days and Hours - Daily 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., (last appointment at 4:30 p.m.) Fridays through Oct. 31 until 9:00 p.m. Closed major holidays.

Reservations - Reservations require advance payment or a credit card guarantee. Call 1-800-225-5982.

Photos - Flickr

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