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The Kerr House, Grand Rapids, Ohio

Petite dynamo Laurie Hostetler is the brains and the brawn behind the Kerr House, located

25 miles southwest of Toledo. She purchased the large Queen Anne—style Kerr House,

built in 1880 and named for the original owners, with the goal of turning it into a

full-service health retreat. Only six to eight people are accepted at a time, with a pamper-

ing staff of 25 that focuses on the entire person, working with guests on exercise, nutrition,

body treatments, attitude, stress management and self-esteem.

"We want to help you see that you can improve with age and enjoy life to the fullest,"

she says. Days are filled with delicious "real" food (natural, non-processed foods free of

preservatives, additives and dyes); gentle exercise, such as yoga; and soul-soothing treat-

ments, such the Citrus Exfoliating Massage or the Hot Stone Facial. Judy Babcock, author

of The Spa Book, reports that "the food is superb, the Yoga-based exercise program pro-

duces soaring energy and the staff will charm your socks off. This may not be heaven, but

it's very close." Dinners are served by candlelight and include evening entertainment (often

a harpist). Bed and breakfast—style rooms are filled with antiques. Weekend packages (one

to five-day also available) include accommodations, all meals, treatments and more, and

start at $750. (419) 832-1733; thekerrhouse.com

Spa at Cedar Falls, Logan, Ohio

"With the stress of day-to-day life and the sense of time poverty that most Americans are

feeling, we wanted to add elements to help them relax, unwind and improve their lives,"

says Inn at Cedar Falls founder and innkeeper Ellen Grinsfelder. Renowned for its rugged

beauty, southeast Ohio's Hocking Hills offer a quiet refuge and this newer destination spa

featuring packages, services and customized products made from the natural herbs and

therapeutic elements gathered from the surrounding hills.

Inn guests stay at one of several log cabins that date back to the 1800s and enjoy

breathtaking scenery, nearby waterfalls and trails for bird watching, hiking, horseback rid-

from traditional massage to healing-hands therapy, even Swe-Thai Massage, featuring the

CRESSBROOK

best of both traditions. The Hot Stone Massage uses smooth local river stones. Packages

LUXURIOUS DETACHED CONDOMINIUMS IN HISTORIC FRANKLIN

ing and more. Meals feature fresh produce from the inn's gardens. Spa treatments vary

include day-long Bliss on a Budget ($120) to the two-night Desperate Housewives pack-

age (starting at $465), which includes chocolate truffles, meals, four hours of spa treat-

ments and more. (800) 65-FALLS; spaatcedarfalls.com

Cressbrook sets the gold—or should we say green—
standard for living in Southeastern Michigan.
Nestled on the Franklin River on the site of the original
Albert Kahn estate, Cressbrook offers everything you'd expect
and more. With windows that highlight lush ravine and garden
views, incredible lower level options, spectacularly appointed
gourmet kitchens and first floor master bedroom suites,
Cressbrook exemplifies gracious living at its finest.

Excellence is a family tradition
www. robertson-brothers corn

From the low $900 ,000's
Model open daily, Noon to 6 p .m .—Closed Thursdays
(248) 282-1464 Sales Office

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*Prices and ;n•ailabititV subject to change without notice.

'W1(11111111 • MAY 2007 •

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