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The Founder's Inn Flowering Almond Spa

Review: Flowering Almond Spa, Virginia Beach -
Sweetly Soothing Weary Travelers

by Jessica Howell

Step inside the Flowering Almond Spa and relaxing aromas envelope you immediately, whispering sweet nothings to a weary body and eliciting an instant calm. Here, among curvaceous couches that quietly mimic yin and yang, is a subtle Asian-inspired flow that welcomes guests whole-heartedly.

The Founders Inn, Virginia Beach, VA

Tucked within Virginia Beach’s AAA Four-Diamond Founders Inn, the spa caters to both guests and visitors alike in sophisticated colonial comfort. A short stroll through the primly manicured grounds leads spa-goers to a building dedicated to the Flowering Almond, as well as an indoor pool and well-equipped fitness center.

On a clouded, misty day, I made my own way to the spa, entering the warm reception area relieved and ready to surrender to relaxation. After slipping into a soft terry cloth robe and slippers, I padded into the relaxation room to wait for my masseuse.

There I found fruit-infused ice waters and herbal teas to sip while I lounged in cushioned chaises, an array of magazines scattered nearby. It wasn’t long before I was greeted by my massage therapist, Matt, who led me to a dim treatment room for a classic 50-minute Swedish massage.

Smoothing a sweet, warm oil over my jet-lagged muscles, Matt began massaging in slow, smooth movements over my neck and shoulders, releasing the tension that builds from hours spent crunched over my laptop each day. From there, he moved on to knead my arms and then legs, before I flipped onto my stomach to partake in the second half of the full-body rub down.

Nearly an hour later, I was gently reintroduced to reality as the massage ended. Once I had stepped outside of the treatment room, Matt was on-hand to offer tips for simple stretches that would keep my most strained muscles loose and limber.

The Couple's Treatment Room

Having experienced an array of body treatments and massage techniques throughout my life, I was pleasantly surprised with the unpretentious simplicity and immediate renewal incurred after a basic Swedish massage, as I made my way back into the relaxation room for a few extra moments of peace. In fact, the feeling of rejuvenation prompted me to schedule an appointment for a follow-up Swedish massage upon my return home.

While my at-home treatment left my body equally jelly-like, it lacked the element of elegance and charm that only The Founders Inn was able to provide, situated on the lush, inland greens of Virginia’s largest city, Virginia Beach.

For a romantic escape just far enough from the chaos of the beach, there’s no better option than the lovely Founders Inn. Spa day packages are available, as are hotel/spa specials.

MORE INFORMATION


The Founders Inn and Spa has gone green!

In July 2007, after RTM's review of the spa, the property was presented its Virginia Green Loding Certificate of Environmental Commitment. Acknowleding that the inn and spa is commited to minimizing its environmental impacts by conserving community resources whenever possible, this certification requires optional linen service, recycling, water conservation, energy conservation and green conferences be provided.

"One of our goals is to be an integral, positive part of this community, [including] doing our part to conserve our region's natural resources," says general manager Ellen Raune.

Founders Inn – Virginia Beach Resorts
5641 Indian River Road
Virginia Beach , VA 23464

www.foundersinn.com
1-800-926-4466

Flowering Almond Spa
www.foundersinn.com/Spa