Every summer I spend at least two weeks on Lake Winnipesaukee, staying at my mom’s house right on the New Hampshire lake. And every summer, I finagle some time for a spa treatment at the Cascade Spa at Mills Falls, in the darling town of Meredith. Prices here aren’t cheap — last summer it was $115 for a 50-minute massage — but typically my generous mom treats me to a service, or I’ll splurge on a vacation indulgence.
Cascade Spa at Mills Falls Facility
The subdued relaxation lounge at Cascade Spa.
The Cascade Spa is at the Church Landing at Mills Falls property; there is actually a group of inns and hotels that fall under the “Inns and Spas at Mills Falls” umbrella. The Adirondack-style property is elegant but comfortable, and the white clapboard/green roofed property sits right on the banks of pretty Lake Winnipesaukee. It’s a quintessential New England setting — and a serene one, at that.
The Cascade Spa is tucked on a lower level of the building, but it’s not a “basement” by any means. In fact, the nail salon is actually on the second story above the lake, as the inn is built into the side of a hill. After a pedicure or manicure, you can sit outside on a balcony and enjoy the pretty view while your nails dry!
Otherwise, the small full-service spa offers a relaxation lounge in calming cottage decor (think creamy white and soft sage green plus wicker). You can chill out here with a few magazines and fruit-infused water and tea before your treatment.
The men’s and women’s locker rooms each have a steam room; before or after your treatment you can use the pool, jacuzzi and fitness center on the first level of Church Landing (so don’t forget your swimsuit).
Cascade Spa Treatments
Pretty lake view from the spa level of Church Landing.
Over the years, I’ve enjoyed pedicures and different types of massage at the Cascade Spa. Most recently, I had an “Express Foot Ritual,” which was an abbreviated 25-minute ($40) pedicure. It was just perfect for my needs (a new coat of toe polish) and my budget at the time.
I’ve also had a 50-minute Cascade Signature Massage — which is advertised at 80 minutes for $160, but you can get an abbreviated version. However, I think my favorite massages here have been the Deep Tissue/Sports Massage, because I really do like firm pressure.
I have yet to branch out into any of the more unusual treatments, like Cupping Therapy — where you have suction applied to various parts of your body to increase blood flow — or Bamboo Massage, which incorporates warm bamboo stalks. Check out the vast menu of wraps, reiki, facials and spa-day packages in the online brochure.
Soothing spot to take in the pretty lake view at Church Landing.
Bottom Line: If you are vacationing in the area, and have some money for a splurge, by all means book a treatment at the Cascade Spa at Mills Falls. The staff is friendly and the therapists are experienced. It’s a cozy, comfortable spot to enjoy an hour (or two or three) or pampering.
Learn More: Cascade Spa website; 603-677-8620.
– Review and photos by Kara Williams, who last visited June 2010.
