The Spa At Cedar Falls is a scenic wilderness retreat surrounded by the winding Hocking Hills rural roads, fresh air, forests and serenity of the Hocking Hills.

Destination Spas offer much more than just a vacation -- they offer experiences with lasting effects. You eat healthy, breathe fresh air, exercise your mind and body, be pampered, rest and relax. Spa and Inn owners Ellen Grinsfelder and Terry Lingo husband created a secluded spot amidst her rambling, beautifully landscaped luxury inn in the forests. "The Inn is surrounded on three sides by the Hocking Hills state parks," she told me during a lunch and tour of the inn last month.

The Inn is near the entrance to Cedar Falls, a scenic spot in the park. And close to other natural attractions that draw so many to the area. It's one of the most serene settings for a spa and inn that I've seen, and the graciousness and warm hospitality of Ellen, her husband, staff and skilled spa therapists rate a rave from me.

Tired after two days of days of hiking in Old Man's Cave, Cedar Falls, down ravines, over rivers, through woods and mushroom hunting, I needed a treatment for my achy back. So after a gourmet lunch at the Inn, I headed down the hill towards an unusal spa setting: a cabin in the woods. The Spa At Cedar Falls, Hocking Hills, Ohio made me smile to myself as I approached the door. Tucked on a hill a bit away from the main house and rooms at the Inn at Cedar Falls property, the spa is in a three-level log cabin. Inside, it's charming and low-key. No big, splashy lobby or reception areas to navigate through, just a quiet glen setting for those seeking soothing spa services gently in a natural setting.

During my massage on the airy enclosed porch, Randy kneaded and stretched my achy back and eased my sciatica. When I rose from the massage table, my pain was gone and I was ready for the sunset kayak tour on Lake Logan with Mimi, and my zip line canopy adventure. Randall Wellman, spa manager, has been a licensed massage therapist since 1995. He graduated from the Central Ohio School of Massage. He also has a Bachelor of Science degree from Ohio University and a Masters of Natural Health from the Clayton College of Natural Health. His low-key manner was a treat, and when I return, Randy is "my" man.

Spa guests begin with a therapist consultation, mug of herbal tea, soothing neck pillow, water and healthy snacks and time to relax in the casual reception area. Spa guests receiving Mud Wraps, Salt Glow and Half Day treatments are provided with the use of a Robe and Slippers. Soft lighting, dappled light through the windows, swaying trees all around and soothing music, enhance a massage for couples or singles.

A staff of six offer a full range of massage and bodywork styles, from pure pampered relaxation to a variety of specific therapeutic techniques, designed to help alleviate the discomfort of headaches, backaches and stiff neck and shoulders. Some treatments include: Dry Skin Body Brushing, a 50-minute massage (my choice); 25 Minute Ionic Footbath, or facials. Or book a half-day spa package for $199 (current price, June, 2009). It begins with a professional consultation to help you select the three 50 minute treatments that are best for you. Some of the treatments include Traditional Massage, reflexology, sugar body polish, mud wrap or deluxe foot and hand treatment.
The package also includes a light lunch.

Inn & Spa At Cedar Falls is a destination for nature lovers. The full service lodging is in the heart of scenic Hocking Hills in southeastern Ohio, about an hour southeast of Columbus.

The Inn & Spa At Cedar Falls sits on 75 acres and is surrounded on three sides by Hocking Hills State Park. Guests stay in cozy rooms at The Inn, or one of our five spacious 1840's styled Cabins. A stay in our Hocking Hills Cabins is an experience, not just a cabin, say Innkeepers Ellen and Terry. I highly recommend the spa and inn.

INN & SPA AT CEDAR FALLS, 21190 St.Rt. 374,LOGAN, OH 43138, 740-385-7489, 800-65-FALLS. www.innatcedarfalls.com.