The Avera Spa - a Vermont Spa

The Avera Spa suite is ideal for your romantic getaway weekend. The Spa is fully equipped relaxation spa for your private use. The spa is an ideal weekend getaway idea.

When you reserve your spa package, you can pick a block of time that you will have exclusive use of the spa suite. Your spa suite will provide luxurious fleece bathrobes and cushioned slippers, sun tan googles, a bath set of oils and salts, and a welcome wine and cheeseboard. You can bring your MP3 player or CD/DVD collection to play on the spa's music system.

The Spa consists of :

• A heated, hydrotherapy whirlpool with seating for 7;
• Dry and Wet heat cedar-lined Finnish-style sauna;
• Infra-red oak-lined sauna;
• Standing sun tanning cube;
• Heated massage table;
• Shiatsu massage lounge chair;
• Facial steamer and ozone generator;
• Facial wrap and Hot Stone warmer;
• His and Her dressing/bath rooms with Spa surround showers;
• Hairstyling and manicure station;
• Entertainment center with CD/DVD home theater system;
• Large screen Plasma HDTV; and
• Minibar and wine bar.

Couples are encouraged to try the various self-administered massage therapies like: Hot Stone treatment; couples warm oil massages, etc.

Additionally, you can schedule and reserve a massage therapist, a Reiki therapist, or a hairstylist/manicurist.

Spa Services and Treatments

The Avera Spa offers a variety of spa services and treatments that will rejuvenate and revitalize you. The spa services listed below can be added by advance reservation to your spa package. All spa treatments are performed by qualified spa therapists and certified aestheticians.

When you reserve your spa package, indicate if you would like any of the additional massage, facial, and spa treatments listed below. A reservation will be made for a spa technician to perform the services that you have selected.

Full Body Massage

40 minutes/$100

You and your therapist will devise our most popular massage experience with you. Incorporating various techniques and disciplines from Swedish to deep tissue, shiatsu to reflexology, and neuromuscular and cranial sacral, your therapist will customize a massage routine personalized to meet each individual guest's needs and preferences to relax and rejuvenate your mind and body, reduce tension, improve circulation and promote an overall feeling of well-being. Moist heat towels and aromatheraphy applications may be used to enhance the therapeutic effect. The disrobed client is covered by a sheet, with only the area being worked on exposed. Therapists use a combination of kneading, rolling, vibrational, percussive, and cupping tapping movements, with the application of oil, to reduce friction on the skin.

Deep Tissue Massage

40 minutes/$120

Deep tissue work uses a variety of firm, direct strokes and techniques to loosen specific areas and increase circulation to keep muscles supple. Firm penetrating pressure is applied to relieve muscle pain from exertion or stress. The massage is slow and deep working the targeted muscles, tendons and ligaments using a variety of techniques including trigger point, deep pressure stimulation work, and cross-muscular friction to work inner layers of muscle fibers to help reduce chronic patterns of muscular tension.

Shiatsu Massage

40 minutes/$100

Shiatsu comes from the Japanese meaning of shi -- finger; and atsu -- pressure. In a shiatsu massage, the finger, thumbs, elbows and knees are all used to to apply pressure to the skin for physical communication through touch. Shiatsu is also the application of pressure similar to acupuncture’s Asian and Chinese meridian body’s energy system by using fingers, thumbs, elbows, and knees. This massage incorporates stretches & pressure point therapy to balance your meridians and leave you energized. The benefits of shiatsu are: deep muscle and tissue relaxation, improved blood circulation and a balance of your ki (chi).

Aromatheraphy Massage

40 minutes/$100

This full body massage utilizes pure essential oils drawn from flowers, plants and herbs that are custom blended for each individual and applied with a soothing carrier oil to relax, calm, invigorate and rejuvenate the body and spirit. The therapist will discuss with you the various aromatherapy treatments to assist with energy, stress reduction, calming, purifying, rejuvenating, and invigorating purposes.

Craniosacral Face and Neck Massage

30 minutes/$ 75

The craniosacral system consists of the membranes and cerebrospinal fluid that surround and protect the brain and spinal cord. It extends from the bones of the skull, face, and mouth--which make up the cranium--down to the sacrum or tailbone. Craniosacral therapy focuses on the neck and head to ease the restrictions of nerve passages and reduce tension and pain. The craniosacral therapy practitioner uses a light-touch technique that works all the tissues and bones of the craniosacral area, and to assist the natural movement of fluid within the cerebrospinal fluid system.

Reflexology - Foot and Hand Massage

30 minutes/$ 75

This therapy views the hands and feet as a mirror image of the total body and every organ and by applying a direct pressure to a specific point can generate a feeling of well-being and tranquility. In reflexology, the reflexologist applies pressure to both the hands and feet to effect healing and stress reducing effects on the corresponding parts of the body. The therapist applies pressure in a circular motion to relieve patterns of stress in that part of the body.

Hot Basalt River Stone Treatment

50 minutes/$125

Relax the mind and and reduce stress as warm smooth Basalt river stones are placed along chakras. Warm stones are incorporated into the Swedish Massage to encourage gentle relaxation and promote rejuvenation of the spirit. The treatment consists of penetrating heat from hot stones strategically placed to soothe deep aches and pains and is followed by a light massage.

Revitalizing Neck, Shoulders and Back Massage

30 minutes/$ 75

The neck, shoulders and back are common areas of stress build-up and tension. This revitalizing, focused massage will unwind and eliminate that stress. This massage is a great way to relieve tension and relax.

Hot Paraffin Wax Hand and Feet Treatment

60 minutes/$120

Nourish and moisturize dry skin, enlighten your spirit and your senses, and soothe joint and muscle pain with lasting, deep heat wax treatment therapy. The therapists will apply a specially warmed, scented paraffin wax layer over your hands and feet and then fit special mitts and boots to retain heat, enhance and lengthen therapeutic effects of the treatment.

Rejuvenating Facial & Massage

30 minutes/$ 70

Enjoy an aromatic and relaxing massage experience, specially customized for your skins needs. After a careful skin condition analysis the therapist will develop a personalized facial and follow up regime to leave your skin balanced, revitalized, hydrated and supple.

Couples Massage Treatment

90 minutes/$ 200

Couples massage is one of the most asked for services at the our spa. Any combination of two people are massaged in the same tranquil room, one right after the other, by the same therapist. Couples massage is a wonderful way to introduce a partner who has never received a massage before and will make them feel more comfortable the first time.

Avera Spa Packages

Ultimate Romantic Weekend Getaway Package

• Two nights accommodations in our Governor's Suite, home to James Hartness, governor of Vermont where you can nestle in front of a fireplace and enjoy a glass of wine.
• Friday Welcome Basket including wine, wine glasses, box of chocolates, and cheese and crackers, and a complimentary Bath Set;
• Saturday Champagne Breakfast in Bed with a bottle of Champagne, our Smoked Salmon Special Omelet or Almond-crusted French Toast or our Royal Eggs Benedict, Strawberries and Cream, Orange Juice, and a Basket of our freshly Baked Muffins, decorated with a flower vase, served from 9 am to 11 am, delivered to your room with a newspaper;
• Saturday Avera Spa and Relaxation Session 2-hour sessions available either Saturday AM or PM or Sunday AM in our private Spa Suite. Feature rich spa with hydrotherapy whirlpool, Finnish sauna, Infrared therapy sauna, sun tanning cubicle, heated massage table and Shiatsu massage chair, his and her private dressing rooms and full body sauna shower; entertainment and relaxation center with wine bar and minibar;
• Saturday Night Romantic Candle-lit Gourmet Five Course Dinner.
• Sunday Breakfast in our Victorian Dining Room.

Luxury Bridal Spa Package

If you are having your wedding reception at the Hartness House, consider hosting a Bridal Spa party. Our Bridal Spa package is specially designed for the bride looking to have a relaxing spa morning together with her mother, your future mother-in-law, and your bridal party. The Avera spa

• Three hours of private use of the Avera Spa suite for up to six persons
• Unlimited use of whirlpool, Finnish Sauna, Infrared sauna, standing Sun Tanning unit, heated massage table, facial steam station, Shiatsu massage chair, Hydrotherapy spa shower, and entertainment center.
• Complimentary champagne and cheeseboard and appetizers
• Included services are use of heated massage table, hot facial wraps, steam facials, hot rocks massage, use of bath salts and moisturizers, sun tan goggles, and CD's and relaxation DVD's.
• Additional services are available by reservation: professional massage therapy, reiki services, hairdressing and manicures.

Avera's Spa Facilities

Avera Spa offers a complete array of spa services and facilities.

The Spa consists of :

• A heated, hydrotherapy whirlpool with seating for 7;
• Dry and Wet heat cedar-lined Finnish-style sauna;
• Infra-red oak-lined sauna;
• Standing sun tanning cube;
• Heated massage table;
• Shiatsu massage lounge chair;
• Facial steamer and ozone generator;
• Facial wrap and Hot Stone warmer;
• His and Her dressing/bath rooms with Spa surround showers;
• Hairstyling and manicure station;
• Entertainment center with CD/DVD home theater system;
• Large screen Plasma HDTV; and
• Minibar and wine bar.

Avera Spa's offers hot stone warming equipment for your use

Couples are encouraged to try the various self-administered massage therapies like: Hot Stone treatment; couples warm oil massages, etc.

Oak-lined Infrared Sauna for muscular therapy

Additionally, you can schedule and reserve a massage therapist, a Reiki therapist, or a hairstylist/manicurist.

Massage therapists can be arrange for various massage treatments

The spa offers a relaxing entertainment area where guests are encouraged to use our collection of CD and DVD relaxation entertainment or bring their own. An assortment of appetizers and beverages are also available during your spa session.

The spa offers an entertainment area for quiet relaxation and food and wine

Enjoy a quick sun tan treatment in our hygienically superior standing sun tan cube. Don on a pair of goggles and wrap the sun tan around you to form a private cube. Simple to use, hygienically cleaner than horizontal sun tan tables, and less claustrophobic.

Hygienic Standing Sun Tan Treatment cubicle

The spa offers a hydrotherapy whirlpool for a soothing and invigorating relaxing therapy. The water is maintained at a slight salinity to mimic the bath treatments from famous European spas. If you prefer, ask the attendant for a selection of aromatherapy scents that can be added to heighten your experience.

Enjoy a soothing soak in our hydrotherapy whirlpool

Avera Spa's relaxation and entertainment area

AVERA SPA AND WELLNESS CENTER

The Hartness House and Avera Spa offer special Wellness weekend and midweek programs that emphasize the mind-body-spirit interaction in a vacation setting. The Wellness programs focus on introducing you to new ideas and techniques for self-improvement and rejuvenation. Each Wellness program can be custom tailored to your specific interests. The basic elements of our Wellness Program include: Daily spa sessions, an activity program designed for your interests, a spa dining program, and various informational and activity seminars.

Spa Dining and Dietary Program

The Avera Spa dining program focuses on offering a plethora of tasty simple and natural products in a way that replaces taste for unnecessary calories. The dietary program offered is centered around a 1200/1500 calorie day diet. Emphasizing low-calorie dense foods and artful seasoning, the vast majority of clients do not even notice the reduction in calorie intake compared to their normal habits.

Healthy snacks and beverages are offered throughout the day to thwart hunger. Your wellness counselor with provide helpful eating suggestions and tricks assist in weight management. Combined with exciting activities, our guests see the results immediately.

The Wellness Dining program also offers a series of demonstrations so that our guests can replicate the same dietary and healthy cooking techniques at home. Those choosing the Spa Dining Preparation seminar will be introduced to health special food groups, using herbs and spices, calorie density of food, and many more helpful techniques to simplify weight management.

Exercise and Activity Program

Our Wellness programs allow the guest to custom tailor their activities to meet their interest. Combine the following activity programs with you Wellness vacation:

• Golfing and Golf Instruction
• Biking, Kayaking and Hiking
• Weight Training
• Passive Wrist and Arm Lock Self Defense seminar
• Pressure Point Self Defense seminar
• Caving and Mountaineering
• Tai Chi
• Yoga and Stretching
• Nature Trailing and Orienteering
• Hang Gliding and Ultra-light Flight instruction

Our Wellness program also includes information and activity programs like:

• Stress Relieving Meditation
• Self Hypnosis for Disorder Treatments
• Astronomy and Star-gazing
• Photography and Digital Arts

One of our Wellness Counselors can assist you in putting together a customize weekend or week program based on your interests.