Located in the picturesque town of st. michaels on Maryland's scenic Eastern Shore, The Inn at Perry Cabin hearkens back to a simpler time when everyday life moved at a more leisurely pace. In close proximity to Baltimore, Philadelphia, and Washington, D.C., the elegant and stately manor house is the perfect weekend retreat for those wanting to escape the hustle and bustle of city life. The Inn's charming and intimate spa does its part as well to encourage guests to leave their cares at the door.
 The 6,000-square-foot spa was named after the sturdy linden trees that lead to The Inn at Perry Cabin |
Opened last summer, Linden Spa is named after the spectacular linden trees that line the inn's brick driveway. Linden flowers, which bloom in the spring, are reputed to calm anxiety and stress. For that reason, they've been incorporated into several treatments, as have a host of other local ingredients, such as bayberry, birch, eucalyptus, and sage. Lavender and rosemary, which grow on the east coast, also play a prominent role on the menu. According to spa director Jenny Farrand, the spa was so influenced by the use of local flowers and herbs that it adopted the tagline, "The Botanical Art of Wellness." The spa's eight treatment rooms feature Latin names such as Aloysia (lemon verbena), Myrica (bayberry), and Ilex (holly tree), serving as further evidence of the botanical theme.
 The charming inn epitomizes the colonial æsthetic of Maryland's Eastern Shore. |
Farrand also had the flower- and herb-based theme in mind when choosing the spa's product lines and ultimately opted for Epicuren. "It has the perfect blend of natural botanicals and the scientific research to ensure lasting results," says Farrand. Jurlique was also chosen because it contains botanicals grown in a similar climate, and Maxwell's Apothecary was selected because it is a natural line that appeals to male spa-goers. For bodycare, the spa's therapists often mix their own concoctions using raw ingredients.
 Linden Spa's romantic appeal makes couples' treatments a popular option. |
Because most guests visit the spa looking for relaxation, it was important that the menu offer a host of soothing treatments that help reduce stress, such as the Five Flowers Solace ($165, 80 minutes), which uses white clay infused with blue cornflower, chamomile, jasmine, rose, and rosehip. The herbal mixture is then massaged into the skin, and the body is wrapped in warm towels. Once the mask is removed, the body is treated to a relaxing massage using essential oils from the five flowers.
 Nautical accents found in the spa are inspired by the region's active boating scene. |
The spa also offers several Spa Immersion Packages, such as Romance and Relaxation (starting at $800), which includes two-nights accommodation, daily breakfast, one three-course dinner for two, and a $200 spa credit; and Three Degrees of Relaxation (starting at $1,470), which includes three-nights accommodation, daily breakfast, and three days of specially selected spa treatments for a total of six. These are just a few of the options available for relaxation-seekers.
 Nautical accents found in the spa are inspired by the region's active boating scene. |
According to Farrand, "adventurous" is another adjective that aptly describes the spa's clientele, 90 percent of whom are guests of the Inn. These spa-goers often embrace the spa's less traditional offerings. Farrand notes that the Herbal Remedy Massage ($185, 80 minutes), which uses a healing herbal poultice to impart soothing warmth into the muscles, is especially popular. A bit of a harder sell is the Linden Ritual ($325 for a single therapist, $420 for two therapists, 1 hour 50 minutes), which involves an herbal wrap, a local salt and linden flower honey scrub, an herbal bath, and a four-handed or two-handed massage. Farrand attributes the lack of interest to the treatment's higher price point.
 Upon check-in, guests can head to the spa for post-travel treatments. |
Interest, however, remains high in the spa itself. With a staff of 25 in the off-season, the spa nearly doubles its employment ranks in the summer. On a typical weekend, the spa can handle approximately 90 guests in a single day. According to Farrand, the spa may not come close to being the largest in the area, but it definitely makes up in heart what it lacks in square footage. "Size sets us apart in a positive way," says Farrand, noting that each spa-goer benefits from one-on-one nurturing care. Tempting guests with the promise of botanical bliss, the sun-drenched spa certainly delivers a ray of light to brighten the mood of even the most stressed-out spa-goer. Says Farrand, "It feels like summer all year long."
 An extensive retail area helps clients make homecare a priority. |
 Fresh flowers and fragrant candles help create an inviting atmosphere. |
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