Earlier this year, The Spa at Nicewonder Farm and Vineyards opened its doors in Bristol, Virginia, unveiling a host of wellness offerings inspired by Mother Nature and the Virginia Highlands. Nestled among gorgeous Appalachian greenery, The Spa is comprised of domed yurt structures with a white motif, accented by wood floors and natural light. The tranquil space spans 8,180 square feet, with seven treatment rooms, including a couple’s retreat, three exterior wet treatment spaces and a relaxation lounge.
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Earlier this year, The Spa at Nicewonder Farm and Vineyards opened its doors in Bristol, Virginia, unveiling a host of wellness offerings inspired by Mother Nature and the Virginia Highlands. Nestled among gorgeous Appalachian greenery, The Spa is comprised of domed yurt structures with a white motif, accented by wood floors and natural light. The tranquil space spans 8,180 square feet, with seven treatment rooms, including a couple’s retreat, three exterior wet treatment spaces and a relaxation lounge.
Within, guests can indulge in immersive treatments that effortlessly combine holistic techniques with cutting-edge facilities. Whether they choose a clinical facial with gemstones and facial cupping, or massage therapy featuring meditative stretching, or anything in between, spa-goers are sure to find themselves feeling deeply relaxed and looking great. They can even opt for treatment rooms featuring a private outdoor space, complete with a deep soaking tub, to further immerse themselves in the experience—figuratively and literally.
WellSpa 360 wanted to know everything about this wellness haven, so we sat down with Nichole Stewart, spa director of The Spa at Nicewonder Farm and Vineyards, to find out.
What sets The Spa at Nicewonder Farm apart?
The Spa is a true oasis. The vast relaxation lounge on the second floor allows guests to bask in their post-treatment glow, while the outdoor wet deck provides access to exterior soaking pools and lounge chairs. With amenities including infrared heat saunas, steam showers and a private Jacuzzi, guests can effortlessly embark on a deeply relaxing getaway.
Our intention from the beginning was to offer something a little different from the other spas in our area. Our goal is to continue growing as a wellness destination that incorporates mind, body and spirit into the spa experience. We want our guests to continue experiencing wellness throughout their resort stay and beyond, not just on the massage table. We want to be beyond comparison when it comes to our quality of service and amenities, and ultimately provide memorable guest experiences.
How do you choose treatments for your menu?
The beauty of Nicewonder Farm and Vineyards make it such a hidden gem of Virginia. As we’re located in Appalachia, it was natural for us to look to the earth around us to inspire our spa menu, including the many benefits and healing properties of gemstones. We focused on incorporating them in unique ways within the guest experience.
We also chose to focus on relaxation by only featuring massages, facials and body treatments. We plan to continue expanding our relaxation treatment offerings to combine modern modalities with the classic spa treatments that guests are familiar with.
Related: 3 New Spas Offering Cutting-Edge Wellness Programs
What’s your most successful retail strategy?
It’s very important that we are selective about the products offered at The Spa. We focus on learning as much as we can about our products to ensure they align with our principles. Staff members undergo extensive training and product testing, so that we can confidently endorse what we put on our shelves. Their genuine enthusiasm and knowledge can be felt in the retail guest experience. Being selective also means not being afraid of making changes and pruning products that aren't connecting.
How are you retaining repeat clients?
The Spa at Nicewonder Farm and Vineyards had only been open for three months and it was thrilling to see repeat guests already. I believe the key is personalization. The entire resort team strives to provide a cohesive, personalized experience for each guest. We want everyone to feel seen as an individual, not just at The Spa but throughout their entire resort experience, and that personalized hospitality combined with our beautiful property is what brings guests back.
How do you hire and retain quality staff?
We look for individuals who are not only exceptional in their field, but who understand our vision of holistic wellness and want to contribute to that vision. I look for collaborators who have a genuine curiosity and passion for their work. We provide a luxury hospitality experience, and I look for people who can rise to that standard in their guest relations.
We want The Spa to be a safe and positive workspace for all our team members, and we want them to feel a sense of pride and ownership in the business. We want to enable them to reach their personal goals as well as our combined goals, so we welcome collaboration and encourage their professional interests.
How do you foster outstanding service?
We focus on the guest experience first and foremost. We set that as an expectation for staff and ensure we provide them with the tools and ongoing training they need to reach that standard of service. Keeping the lines of communication open with our guests for any questions and feedback also plays an important role in providing outstanding service.
What is your most unique wellness offering?
Our Gemstone Light and Body Treatment is a wonderful multisensory experience that benefits both mind and body. The combination of far-infrared heat, pulsed electromagnetic stimulation, deep moor essence in the body mask, and a "wellness cocoon" all come together to provide pain relief, improve circulation and promote deep relaxation. It's a 105-minute wellness journey that slips by way too quickly!
What is most important for running a successful wellness facility?
There are many factors that contribute to success, but I believe education, personalization and adaptability are the most important. Knowing why we offer the treatments, how they will fit into an overall wellness program, and who will benefit from them allows us to execute them precisely. That foundation allows us to personalize our treatments and wellness programs so that each guest has a positive, memorable experience that will make them want to return. That base education also helps when it's time to make changes. Every industry evolves and the wellness industry is no different—and The Spa at Nicewonder Farm and Vineyards seeks to transition and grow along with it.
