The use of natural stone and a complementary color palate is inviting from the moment you walk in the door. The spa offers separate men's and women's changing rooms that lead into the tranquility room, which is the starting point for all services. The tranquility room is tastefully furnished with overstuffed lounge chairs and ottomans, chenille afghans, fresh fruit, cool water and soft music. Wonderfully peaceful in my mind, but Dave thought it was a little too boring.

Nancy and Beata started our spa day with a Turkish Salt Scrub. The alternating combination of warm towels and salt scrub was a perfect entry point for the day. The scrub culminated in a bath lotion soap applied so we were immediately ready for follow up showers. Fresh bathrobes and bath slippers as well as a luxuriously padded shower mat were waiting when we emerged from the shower.

Kevin and Cindy took charge of us for the couple's aromatherapy massage. Both therapists were obviously well trained and employed their own custom blended oils. Kevin used a blend that included thyme and lavender, and throughout the course of the massage used both breathing and pressure to help me relax and even untied a few knots in my shoulders. After the massage Cindy was able to show Dave a few stretches to help limber up some tightness she uncovered.

After a momentary pause in the tranquility room, Nancy and Beata escorted us off to a European Deep Cleaning Facial for me and a Gentleman's Facial for Dave.  I loved the Neroli Water mist, part of the Kirsten Florian line, because it has the scent of the frangipani flower and offset some of the more earthy tones from some of the products. The Moor Mud, the steam, and the wraps were a succession of treatments tailored for much needed rejuvenation. Since this was Dave's first facial, Beata briefly explained each step and each product as she moved from one stage to the next so he would know what to expect. In addition to a series of exfoliants, cleansers and moisturizers used to open the pores and refresh the skin, the Gentleman's Facial included a cool, cucumber eye mask and a massage for the face, neck and shoulders that nearly lulled Dave to sleep.

Last was a stop at the most wonderful pedicure station I have ever experienced. The chairs featured two wrap around tables, remote controlled massage, heat and recline. Dave and I were ready to buy a few for the family room. Kelly and Margaret expertly handled the pedicures. The scrubs, lotions, massage, and use of the heated hand mitts were a well-choreographed treat at the close of the day.

The Eaglewood has made big business of packages, and offers "The Perfect Gift", a gift certificate program that can include any spa services. The gift certificate is packaged in a charming red box with pink polka dots and a perfect pink bow. Anything that comes in a fun box like that has got to be good.

One special package for couples is the weekend romance package. It includes one night accommodations for two adults, two drinks in Ogden's Lobby Bar or Prairie River Lounge, breakfast for two, two 30-minute massages, health club privileges and a 2:00 pm check-out. All gratuities are included and packages start at $219. Sunday brunch can be added for an additional $38.00.

We have a great team and that's what makes us successful," said Bronaugh-Whalan. "Every chain in the link is important. We know that the esthetics of the spa environment can only go so far. It is the staff that makes the difference."

It's more than just the staff that makes the Eaglewood special. It is the holistic philosophy that Bronaugh-Whalan brings to the spa, and some of that she draws from her Cherokee background. Of all the packages offered, the most outstanding is the Wellness Weekend. Priced at $665 per person per weekend, it is a bit pricey, but the experience is well worth the splurge.

The program starts Friday evening with a Kur program to detox and kicks off again on Saturday morning with water aerobics, yoga and strength training.  After an hour off midday to recoup, the afternoon starts with a Reiki session with one of the spa's four Reiki masters, a 90-minute massage, a facial and then color therapy.  The day closes with a communal dinner with Bronaugh-Whalan, program participants and some staff members who have worked with the participants throughout the day.

"Our dinner conversation naturally evolves to be an open forum, to be a discussion of personal goals," added Bronaugh-Whalan. Dinner is followed by a traditional Native American Medicine Circle where participants select their totem animal, and that becomes their focus for the rest of the weekend. "Participants begin to look at things with new eyes and they find new balance," says Bronaugh-Whalan. The day closes with some guided meditation.  Sunday starts with a Native American Silent Walk in a nearby wildlife rescue preserve followed by brunch.

The spa offers dozens of services including massage, reiki, facials, kurs, scrubs, wraps, waxing, nail and hair services.  The Eaglewood offers 10 types of massages and several time options.  Basic Swedish massages start at $40 for 30 minutes, $75 for 60 minutes and $105 for 90 minutes. The Eaglewood Facials start at $45.

New to the spa this spring will be a Couples' Treatment Room where the massage, facial, scrub and wrap services can all be completed in one room.  I know I'd go back to the Eaglewood again.  It's a great spot for a couple's weekend - even if you don't spend every minute together.