I’m not sure we would have discovered Haven on the Lake if it weren’t for our Tourism Board pals who suggested we must experience the place given our increased coverage of wellness. We were traveling down the Eastern Coast in late August, making a stop in Baltimore and later, Columbia, and this yogi, pilates and wellness gem of a spot is only a stone’s throw away, a mere 20 or so miles from Baltimore.
We learned fairly early on that Haven on the Lake’s biggest draw is pilates since they have great equipment and fabulous instructors on-site. The pool of course is oh so lovely and where I spent most of time, migrating back and forth between the main pool and the over-sized hot tub.
They have something called HEALING ENVIRONMENTS at Haven on the Lake, which btw, is indeed on a lake, on the ground floor of a Whole Foods, which is convenient stop after your classes. KidSpace offers an interactive play area at the resort with opportunities for both individual and group participation so your kids can “play” while you do.
The healing environments include the following:
Cold Water Plunge: Cold water plunges, independently or as part of a more extensive approach involving contrasting exposure to moist heat and cold, aid in recovery from muscle soreness brought on by exertion. Cold water shocks the body, stimulating circulation and resulting in reduced recovery time and rejuvenation of tired and sore muscles. You can experience it on its own or in combination with one of the other healing environments such as the sauna, steam bath or hot tub.
Crystal Salt Therapy Room: Salt therapy, also known as Halotherapy, is an ancient European healing technique used to treat common respiratory ailments and skin conditions. Over the last decade, salt therapy has emerged as a new modality used in the practice of complementary and alternative medicine. Salt therapy has been shown in clinical studies to have a beneficial effect in providing relief from many common respiratory ailments (e.g., asthma, sinusitis, hay fever) and skin conditions such as acne and eczema. Essentially you to into their Crystal Salt Room for around 40 minutes long.
Steam Bath: For those who may not realize, the Steam Bath dates back to the times of the Ottoman Empire, when they adapted bathing rituals first practiced by the Romans. I’m a huge fan of steam rooms and always go in them when a place has one, whether it be a hotel spa or a standalone wellness center like this one.
Hot Tubs: their over-sized hot tub with waterfall is divine!
Sauna: I use them often and love them, so was glad to see one on the premises. If you’re not a regular user, consider its healing benefits, including muscle relaxation, detoxification and healthier skin. In many cultures, a short session in the sauna is followed by quick exposure to cold water, such as immersion in the cold plunge.
Tropical Rain Shower: this is a combo of water temperatures and pressure, and used to tantalize the senses while providing a peaceful and relaxing experience. While tropical showers are great on their own, they are often best combined with other healing treatments such as the steam bath, sauna, hot tub or crystal salt room. And, of course, I tried them all.
They have a number of classes at Haven on the Lake, with Pilates and yoga being core. They also have in-pool classes (AQUA) and something called BARRE, which is the combination of ballet, Pilates and yoga, which is great for a strengthening, body-shaping workout. We thought we were going to a yoga class and ended up in a Pilates class instead, which is a great core workout even when you’re new at it.
I love the fact that they have Tai Chi and Qi Gong on their class schedule, which helps to moderate blood pressure, reduce stress and improve overall well-being. I’m a huge fan.
I had a massage on-site (the relaxation lounge area is so relaxing and detoxifying on its own), but they offer a number of other fabulous services as well, such as acupuncture, therapeutic treatments for your feet and hands, facials, holistic skin care, body treatments, and individualized programs for health and wellness, sunless tanning, natural waxing and naturopathic therapy, which integrates nature with modern science. They also have events throughout the year, such as Pilates and Walking Yoga on the Lake, to name a couple.
We loved the graciousness of the staff and the overall healing environment and would love to return with more time. Two thumbs up for a unique and incredibly rich in wellness concept, something I hope expands throughout the states.
DETAILS:
Haven on the Lake
10275 Little Patuxent Parkway
Columbia, MD 21044
410.715.3020
Renee Blodgett is the founder of We Blog the World. The site combines the magic of an online culture and travel magazine with a global blog network and has contributors from every continent in the world. Having lived in 10 countries and explored nearly 80, she is an avid traveler, and a lover, observer and participant in cultural diversity.
She is also the CEO and founder of Magic Sauce Media, a new media services consultancy focused on viral marketing, social media, branding, events and PR. For over 20 years, she has helped companies from 12 countries get traction in the market. Known for her global and organic approach to product and corporate launches, Renee practices what she pitches and as an active user of social media, she helps clients navigate digital waters from around the world. Renee has been blogging for over 16 years and regularly writes on her personal blog Down the Avenue, Huffington Post, BlogHer, We Blog the World and other sites. She was ranked #12 Social Media Influencer by Forbes Magazine and is listed as a new media influencer and game changer on various sites and books on the new media revolution. In 2013, she was listed as the 6th most influential woman in social media by Forbes Magazine on a Top 20 List.
Her passion for art, storytelling and photography led to the launch of Magic Sauce Photography, which is a visual extension of her writing, the result of which has led to producing six photo books: Galapagos Islands, London, South Africa, Rome, Urbanization and Ecuador.
Renee is also the co-founder of Traveling Geeks, an initiative that brings entrepreneurs, thought leaders, bloggers, creators, curators and influencers to other countries to share and learn from peers, governments, corporations, and the general public in order to educate, share, evaluate, and promote innovative technologies.
