Atmore, Alabama, is now one of my favorite weekend travel destinations. I really never thought I’d be saying that, but it’s true. I recently had the
Escape
pleasure of spending a weekend at the newly opened Escape Health Retreat at the Wind Creek Casino and Resort, and I must say, it was incredible. Escape promotes wellness from a variety of angles by combining experiences for the mind, body and spirit. Healthy and delicious culinary experiences, luxurious spa treatments, meditation and fitness classes work together to help guests escape the stress of the day to day through rejuvenation and reconnection. The newest offering from the Poarch Band of Creek Indians of Alabama, Escape is the only health retreat of its kind located in the southeastern United States. Escape features a state-of-the-art facility with a world-class spa, fitness center, culinary studio, discovery programs, adventure experiences and Level 15—a hotel in a hotel.
As part of the Escape concept, Wind Creek has created Level 15, a unique, boutique-styled “hotel within a hotel” located on the 15th story of the AAA Four Diamond Wind Creek Hotel. This unique hotel features curbside check-in, a dedicated staff and welcoming amenities specifically for Escape at Wind Creek guests. The rooms are gorgeously appointed with a nature-inspired theme that includes super plush bedding, hand-carved palm wood accessories, bamboo flooring and Gilchrist & Soames bath amenities. One of my favorite features of both Level 15 and the spa are the honey walls. Jars of honey are inserted in wooden panels and backlit to highlight the varieties of amber hues. It’s a great idea and a very lovely design. Hands down, my favorite part of the Escape experience was the spa, of course. The decor is very relaxing with slate walls, tranquil sitting areas and peaceful lighting. The spa boasts 15,000-square feet of
By Kelly Oden
indulgence. Although there are separate wings for men and women, the spa also has a couple’s treatment room and a coed lounge for relaxing between services. The ladies’ and men’s spas include relaxation lounges, whirlpools, steam rooms, saunas, ice baths and a current pool. There are also eight treatment rooms for a variety of luxurious spa experiences—everything from facials and massages to body wraps, waxing, manicures, pedicures and more. I had a signature massage, which began with a visit to the Aromafloria’s mixology blending bar where I was able to create a custom blended oil for my massage. My massage therapist used just the right amount of pressure and was very professional throughout the experience. After the massage, I was able to spend the afternoon relaxing in the hot tub, steam room and sauna. It was really a terrific day of rest and rejuvenation.
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Photos courtesy of Wind Creek
Left: Whirlpool spa. Right: Level 15 Room with King-Size Bed
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