by Vicki Lillo
A tribute to the Roman Baths of the Midwest, Elms SP Hotelone is a rustic yet gorgeous resort in Excelsior Springs, Missouri. This iconic resort sits on 16 acres of prime land on a source of healing mineral waters in the heart of America, with an additional 20 miles of wooded land.
It was the 1880s, during the days of pioneers and western expansion, and Native Americans told local farmers about the miraculous healing powers of mineral waters. The farmer took his daughter, who was suffering from incurable tuberculosis, to take a bath and drink mineral water until she gradually recovered. Thermal Mineral Springs History and Benefits.
Claims about the healing powers of mineral water spread like wildfire throughout the American Midwest. Recognizing the potential of this phenomenon, a local landowner and a visiting priest developed the area. Their advertisements promoted the restorative properties of the mineral water, and tourists began to flock to the valley. Within a year 200 houses were built, and the current town of Excelsior Springs was born.
1888, the first elm Accommodation facilities have been established. Today, The Elms, managed by Hyatt Hotels and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, is known for its strategic location as a romantic wedding venue, just 45 minutes from Kansas City. “For guests, it's only a short drive to Omaha, Lincoln or St. Louis,” noted Kara Harrington, director of sales and marketing. “Many corporate retreats are held here. The beautifully designed suites are in a Victorian style. “Absolutely elm' Claim to fame. ”
The European lap pool is the only one of its kind in the United States and is located on the site of a mineral spring. 25,000 sq. ft. The spa, one of the largest in the region, underwent a $16 million renovation in 1998. An early 2012 renovation added a 24-hour fitness center with Precor equipment and the latest features”grotto.'
This Latin bath-inspired sanctuary mimics the communal laundries of the Mediterranean, which date back to 2ND century BC. The architecture of the Grotto Laundry is stunning, with extensive use of marble columns and decoration with frescoes and statues, showcasing the wealth associated with the Roman Empire and their advanced knowledge of the importance of unpolluted water and sanitation.
Right here, at the Elms Center for Contemporary Art grottomy husband Gustavo and I really started our health journey. We entered the warm dry sauna and subsequent steam room, used to open pores and fight clogs. Infused with eucalyptus essential oil, a good-sized hot tub beckoned, and we were then delighted to enjoy a mist soak that guaranteed a full-body exfoliation. To boost circulation, we recommend using homemade salt scrubs from the exclusive self-service aromatherapy bar – Epsom, Dead Sea and Himalayan Pink Salt Scrubs with rose petals. Next up is a cold shower to cool you down. But my favorite part was the final stretch—exhausting myself on an oversized lounge chair and relaxing with a cold towel soaked in peppermint oil, my face covered.
The Grotto offers a wide range of spa/salon services, with “over 200 treatments available every day on the weekends,” says head therapist and hot stone massage master Hope Whitworth. A recently added experience – Serenity Rafting – utilizes yoga nidra meditation to immerse patrons in the blissful space between wakefulness and sleep through the floatation of water and the vibrations of soothing sound bowls.
The Elms is a year-round destination that offers some extra special perks for winter vacationers like my husband and I. I can imagine nothing better than exercising in a heated outdoor pool on a cold, inclement day. Breathe the cool, fresh air while tasting the warm water from the neck down. Or better yet, laze in the whirlpool while swirling snowflakes mingle with the mist rising from the jacuzzi. Now, I'm not going to lie…getting in and out of the water was difficult for sure, and we held on by hanging around the fire pit and roasting marshmallows.
Once a gathering place for the wealthy, The Elms Hotel and Spa now accommodates patrons from all walks of life. Young, old, couples, families – everyone is welcome to share in the resort’s glorious history.
Best of all, for those who have ever wanted to go back in time, perhaps to the glory days of the Roman Empire, now they can. At The Elms you are free to enjoy traditional Roman baths, just as they would have done during the reign of Julius Caesar. Today's guests join thousands of wellness seekers who have made the pilgrimage to Excelsior Springs over the past 125 years to embrace the power of its famous mineral waters. more about Elms Spa Hotel
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Vickie Lillo is a Missouri-based writer who travels to wellness resorts and retreats around the world.
