An imposing structure, Wentworth by the Sea Hotel and Spa sits on the largest of 20-some islands off the 18-mile coast of New Hampshire. For 21 years, this historic, 128 year-old island resort sat vacant and in disrepair - a true white elephant. Just two and a half years ago, construction began on a $25 million restoration. As much as could be salvaged was - the ballroom, stage, fireplaces, mantels, and hand-painted dome from the 1890s in dining room. Now this hotel has officially been transformed the from an endangered historic site to a preserved landmark of the New Hampshire seacoast and a member of the Historic Hotels of America.

The hotel reopened on May 16, 2003. I was fortunate enough to visit this new/old grand hotel less than a week after June 6, 2003, the day The Spa opened. During my stay at the hotel, Dennis Robinson, a writer who has been commissioned to write the book, Wentworth-By-The-Sea: The Life and Times of a Grand Hotel, about the history of the Wentworth, gave a talk about the hotel's history. He called its location the "most historic spot in NH." He wove a tale of local history that included John Smith (of Pocahontas renown), Paul Revere, Benny Wentworth (the "King of NH"), the Smutty Nose Murders (recently retold in The Weight of Water), Teddy Roosevelt and the 1905 Russo-Japanese Peace Talks (resulting in peace and the cherry trees in Washington, DC), Annie Oakley, The Smiths, Duke Ellington, Cab Calloway and many others. If the talk was any indication, the book should be very entertaining and informative! Mr. Robinson also tied in a connection to the new spa. Back in the 1800s, people came from long distances "for the air" to improve their health. Now they can come to the new spa for the same reason. 

The Spa at Wentworth

The 6,000 square-foot Spa at Wentworth resides in a new wing of Wentworth By The Sea. The new facilities include:

     - a reception/retail area offering products used in spa treatments, 
     - a fitness center with cardio and strength equipment (personal training available), 
     - a salon with manicure stations, pedicure thrones and hair station, 
     - a relaxation room offering complimentary beverages, 
     - an indoor pool and whirlpool, 
     - a ladies' locker room with shower and sauna, 
     - a gentlemen's locker room with shower and sauna, 
     - a veranda with an outdoor whirlpool accessible from both locker rooms and overlooking new tennis courts and
     - six treatment rooms.

The construction in locker rooms and veranda were all that gave away the fact that The Spa had just opened. The staff was calm, professional and good at transmitting that "sense of spa." I checked in at the Reception Desk about 15 minutes before the appointed time for my Relaxation Massage. I was escorted to the Relaxation Room to wait. Had the construction been complete on the Ladies' Locker Room,  I would have been escorted there, given a robe and slippers and invited to use the sauna, whirlpool and shower. These would not be recommended after treatment because The Spa suggests the products received during treatment remain on the skin as long as possible after the treatment for maximum efficacy. My therapist, Sheryl, collected me from the Relaxation Room and escorted me to the Sea Spray Treatment Room. She asked me how she could best assist me, asked a few specific questions, then created a massage to fit my needs. It was a very good massage. 

According to Spa Director, Jeraldine Hoffman, future spa plans include adding seasonal treatments and more seaweed-based treatments to the menu. She also plans to work with the chef to create a lighter fare menu for lunch and dinner. She anticipates providing a very large number of bridal services in the spa. Due to bookings at the time of our conversation, Jeraldine recommended making reservations for spa services at least two weeks in advance and three weeks in advance for spa packages. She said that while spa guests must be 18 or older, young adults 12-17 years old may receive any salon service or Good Start Facial when they are accompanied by an adult at least 21 years old or any service offered in-room.

As the spa menu suggests, "So come gently drift for an hour, a day, a week as we guide you on the path to health, balance and beauty. Come: feel the joy of your body at ease, your mind at peace and your spirit renewed." 

The Hotel

The hotel has 168 guest rooms and suites most with ocean or harbor views, including 18 bi-level oceanfront Little Harbor Marina Suites (with 1,000+ square feet, a bedroom, full kitchen, dining/sitting area and  private balcony overlooking the Marina - to open in August 2003) and two bi-level and one tri-level suites that extend into the hotel's turrets (still under construction during my visit). Guest rooms feature terry robes, marble bath, and high-speed internet data port. Also under construction during my visit was the Marina Restaurant, Latitudes, scheduled to open in July.

Spatip: There is a $5/day fee for valet parking in addition to tips. The self-park lot is conveniently located next to the hotel.

Activities at the hotel include an outdoor pool, tennis, biking, exclusive golf access to the Wentworth by the Sea Country Club, and sailing, boating, kayaking, canoeing, and fishing at the marina.

Things to do in the Area

Strawbery Banke, a 10-acre historic site across the street from Prescott Park, recreates life in the Puddle Dock neighborhood of Portsmouth over its 300-year history with historic houses and period gardens from the 1600s to the 1950s. 

A Harbor Cruise includes sights such as historic homes, two lighthouses, Portsmouth Naval Yard, "The Rock," and more.

Touch Therapies

• Relaxation Massage
• Deep Tissue Therapy
• Aromatherapy
• Warm Stones
• Sports Massage
• Foot Reflexology
• Pregnancy Massage
• Reiki

Facial Radiance

"Each Facial Radiance begins with our aesthetician evaluating your skin's condition, your current home care regime and listening to any problems that you would like to correct. Using this information, they will create a treatment that yields instant benefits and, with proper home care, long-term benefits."

• Oceanage
• Wentworth Customized Care
• Sensitive Skin
• Acne Therapy
• Gentleman's Facial
• Good Start
• Bare Back

Advanced Facial Therapies

• Alpha/Beta Quick Peel
• Glycolic

Body Renewals

"Our Body Renewals each bring a rich history of healing the body, quieting the mind and soothing the spirit. We have drawn from the Ayurvedic tradition of India which strives to bring balance and health in your entire being and the classic spa therapies of Europe that have been used since the time of the Romans to nurture and mend the body"

• Botanical Body Masque
• Shirodhara
• Full Body Rejuvenation 
• Thalassotherapy
• Body Polish
• Organic Mud Therapy
• Rose Envelopment
• Perfect Tan

Salon

• Manicures
• Pedicures
• Depilatory Services
• Make-Up
• Hair Design Services
• Bridal Services

Boutique 

All Spa Products and recommended skin care regimes are available in the boutique. Lines include Julique, Jessica Nails and MD Formulations Skincare among others.

Packages (please book at least three weeks in advance)

• Vacation Day (6 hrs)
• Total Relaxation (3 hours) 
• Spiritual Retreat (3 hours)
• Fountain of Youth (2 1/2 hours)
• Soon To Be Mom (3 1/2 hours)
• Bridal Bliss (4 1/2 hours)
• Just for Him (2 1/2 hours)