The Spa at Four Columns, Newfane

The colonial-style Four Columns Inn, with its dark shudders and white columns, is unassuming in its neighborhood appearance. But within its walls is a combination spa and wellness center that aims to provide the utmost in relaxation to guests seeking a peaceful retreat.

Utilizing traditional Western and Eastern bodywork practices, the spa's staff perform several different massage modalities in a comfortable, renovated treatment room, from Swedish and deep tissue to craniosacral therapy and Thai yoga. To enhance the experience, the spa also includes a European-style relaxation wet area complete with a private steam bath and shower. And during warm weather, the spa takes its services outside to Four Columns Inn's back pond across the meadow, where guests undergo indulgent treatments in screened-off areas while still experiencing the full weight of southern Vermont's surrounding natural beauty. Additionally, the spa and gift shop sell seasonally-changing house-made salt or sugar exfoliating scrubs, which are made from the fresh plants and herbs growing in the inn's gardens, like lavender and peppermint.