The Chatham Bars Inn & Spa is one of my favorite places on Cape Cod. The service is always top notch, the rooms and cottages are spacious and comfortable, and the spa is heavenly.
While the masses flock to Cape Cod in the summer, one of my favorite times to visit the Chatham Bars Inn is actually during the winter. From January through March, the resort is fairly quiet, the rates are affordable and you more or less have the run of the place to yourself. The Cape is peaceful and relaxing during the winter season, and the weather tends to be a bit milder than it is on the mainland. It’s nice to walk the beach or curl up in front of the Inn’s huge fireplace with a good book. And it’s also the perfect time of year to plan a spa getaway.
Winter at the Chatham Bars Inn on Cape Cod.
The Spa Suites at Chatham Bars Inn
The weekend that we got engaged, my husband surprised me by reserving a Spa Suite at the Chatham Bars Inn. Complete with a fireplace, oversized hydrotherapy tub and in-room sauna and steam shower, it was perfect for a relaxing weekend away. The resort offers 12 of these suites, which are located in their own cottage next to the building that houses the spa. While they’re certainly a bit more pricey than regular rooms, it’s well worth it for a weekend of pampering and restoration.
The spa suites have a modern feel, and are decorated with shades of ivory and beige to create a relaxing atmosphere. I loved spending time in the sauna and the steam shower – especially after a long, chilly walk on the beach. However, the pièce de résistance in each suite is the oversized oval tub. To ensure comfort no matter how you choose to sit, you won’t find spigot. Instead, the water rushes down from the ceiling. (I’ll admit to being a bit surprised by that discovery!). I could have spent all day in that tub with some bath salts, a good book and a glass of wine.
Guests of the spa suites have the option of booking a private spa treatment in their suite. The open floor plan of the spa suites allows plenty of room for a massage table to comfortably be set up. While we did not take advantage of this option, I did visit the spa for a massage, and was very impressed.
The Spa at Chatham Bars Inn
The Spa at Chatham Bars Inn offers changing areas and lockers (or you can simply wear the robe from your room, if staying in one of the spa suites). There is a steam room and sauna, along with plenty of cucumber towels on ice to cool yourself off with afterward. The relaxation area, while small, features comfy chairs, fruit and tea, and is a comfortable place to wait to be called for your treatment.
While I enjoyed an aromatherapy massage (a swedish-style massage with beautifully scented oils), the spa offers a wide variety of treatments that utilize local ingredients. One of their signature massages – the Tides Massage – includes heated stones and seashells. Another treatment, called the Cranberry Crush, utilizes cranberry products to exfoliate the skin, followed by a massage with cranberry oil. They also offer optional add-on services to any treatment, including the addition of hot stones (which I love), a sea buff scrub, or a hair and scalp revitalizing treatment. They offer manicures and pedicures, waxing and other salon services as well, in addition to massages, facials and body treatments.
When the weather is mild, you can also use the spa’s seasonal heated pool and jacuzzi before or after your treatment. Guests of the spa suites have access to these facilities as well. It was a bit cold to spend time outside during my visit (though a dip in the jacuzzi could have been nice). But I would definitely take advantage of the outdoor amenities next time.
Winter Spa Deals at Chatham Bars Inn
If you do visit the Chatham Bars Inn in winter, it’s the perfect time to visit the spa – and the Inn makes it even more tempting with good deals. For the months of February and March, the Spa at the Chatham Bars Inn is offering 20% of spa rates Monday-Thursday (through March 31, 2019). The spa also offers a monthly Open House on the last Thursday of each month. During the Open House, guests receive 30% off spa treatments, 20% off retail items and are invited to enjoy a welcome reception between 4-6pm of the same day (February 28, 2019 and March 28, 2019).
What to Know Before You Go
- The oval tub featured in the spa suites is part of the open floor plan of the room, and does not offer much privacy. While perfect for single travelers or couples, the Spa Suites would not be a great option for families or groups.
- It’s recommended to make your spa appointments ahead of time to ensure you can receive the treatment you want. The spa does have a 24 hour cancellation policy.
- The spa requests that you arrive at least 30 minutes prior to the start of your treatment to allow time to use the amenities such as the dry sauna and steam room.
- You don’t need to be a guest of the hotel to book a treatment at the spa – day guests are welcome.
- The spa and facilities are limited to guests of at least 16 years or older, ensuring a tranquil environment for relaxation.
The Chatham Bars Inn & Spa
297 Shore Road
Chatham, MA 02633
Spa: 508-945-6737
Hotel: 1-800-527-4884
Website: www.chathambarsinn.com
Categories: Activities, Cape Cod, Destinations, Hotels, Spa & Fitness