The historic mountain town of Berkeley Springs is not only famed for its waters, but is a magnet for healers of all ilk.
Each February, for the past four years, I’ve made a pilgrimage of sorts to Berkeley Springs, West Virginia, to serve as a judge for the International Berkeley Springs Water Tasting Awards. During that time, I’ve tasted more than 200 waters from all over the United States, Canada, and 16-plus foreign countries. That’s a lot of water—but there’s one water in particular that has a special hold on me—the waters of Berkeley Springs.
The warm mineral spring water here flows at a constant temperature of 74.3 degrees Fahrenheit and more than 1,000 gallons per minute. These healing mineral waters, which are the municipal water source, have been soothing and renewing locals and visitors alike since Native Americans first stepped foot in the springs. Archeological ruins and traces of settlement that date back 8,500 years confirm Native American presence in the area.
America’s First Spa
Dubbed “America’s First Spa,” Berkeley Springs is a quaint and quirky historic spa town about 90 minutes from Washington, DC. It became popular as a health resort in the 1770s, although colonial travelers were stopping to take the waters in Berkeley Springs in the 1720s. “I think myself benefited from the water and am now not without hope of their making a cure for me—a little time will show now,” wrote George Washington of his experience with the waters. Washington first set foot in the town in 1748, as a 16-year-old apprentice surveyor. Today, you can find a replica of George Washington’s rustic stone tub in Berkeley Springs State Park. The tiny state park on the main drag, aptly named Washington Street, is the heart and hub of the town. (In 1925, Berkeley Springs was turned over to the state of West Virginia and now is its smallest state park.)
A Noble Mission
When the 50-acre town was officially established in 1776, the Virginia legislature deemed that the town was “for the purpose of housing those who came to take the waters for their health.” And that the springs therein were to be “for the public use and benefit.” Imagine that . . . To this day, you can still fill your water bottle or jug with water at the state park. You can also book yourself a serious (and very affordable) mineral springs soak at the Old Roman Bathhouse built in 1815, and located in the park. Here’s where you can luxuriate in the privacy of a 705-gallon walk-in tub with steaming magnesium-rich water. The Main Bathhouse, built in 1929, and situated in the park, as well, also offers mineral baths, massage services, saunas, and showers.
Once you’ve spent time in the waters, you may just never want to leave. That’s what happens to me each time I visit. The more entrenched I become in the waters, the more I get to know the people, the less I want to leave. I’ve spent a good amount of time exploring the town and meeting with a number of residents—many of whom are healers who were drawn to this magical town of Berkeley Springs.
Enjoying the waters at the Roman Bath House in Berkeley Springs
Meet the Healers of Berkeley Springs
“For those in tune with nature, visiting Berkeley Springs is like entering that mythical, mystical land of Camelot where the search for the Holy Grail was found when it was discovered that ‘the king is the land and the land is the king,’” shares Tamme Marggraf, founder of Flow Phase Acupuncture & Grief Support. “I live in a place that reconnects humans with the beauty and wonder of nature, where I can remember what is important in my life and hear my heart speak.”Meet Tamme, along with a handful of other healers, who are working their magic in Berkeley Springs.
“For those in tune with nature, visiting Berkeley Springs is like entering that mythical, mystical land of Camelot where the search for the Holy Grail was found…”
Flow Phase Acupuncture & Grief Support
A resident of Berkeley Springs for the past 22 years, Tamme Margraff, founder of Flow Phase, earned a Master Degree in Acupuncture from Traditional Acupuncture Institute, the country’s first accredited acupuncture school. With a BA in Psychology and a Minor in World Religion, Tammy has a keen ability to detect where energy is stuck, or not flowing. A personal experience in receiving acupuncture after the loss of her brother, taught her how effective and life-supporting this ancient treatment is. “Staying in balance through natural ‘flow’ sometimes needs help to restore the full spectrum of human possibility,” she says. Tammy is also a Reiki Master who has a love and appreciation for the unique geology of Berkeley Springs that has left the townspeople “with crystals in the mountains, warm waters in our healing springs, and ancient fossils in our backyards.” flowphaseacupuncture.com
Shifflet Integrative Treatment Solutions
Jason Shifflet with a client
“Our entire complex human body works as a whole, never functioning separately as isolated parts,” explains Jason Shifflet, Physical Therapist and founder of Shifflet Integrative Treatment Solutions. “Endlessly treating downstream symptoms will only produce temporary relief, if any at all. To truly help your patient, you must find the root causes of their problem.” Jason has his BS in Physical Therapy and extensive manual therapy training focuses on osteopathic principles. He is also an expert practitioner of Fascial Counterstrain https://counterstrain.com/healthcare-professionals/counterstrain-technique/, an innovative system of soft tissue manipulation. Jason may be contacted at jmail23@tutanota.com
Awakening Behavioral & Health Coaching
Molly Perry, life coach and founder of Awakening Behavioral & Health Coaching, is a certified health coach, a certified mindfulness coach, and holds a Master of Education. She offers individualized comprehensive wellness plans both in-person and virtually, as well as weekly group support calls. Her signature Metabolic Reset Lifestyle program has been successfully serving clients since 2018, and in 2021, she opened a boutique in Berkeley Springs that carries top-quality toxin-free products to help support people on their wellness journeys. “The majority of people who come to me aren’t exactly sure what they need,” says Molly. “They just know they feel like something is wrong, yet the traditional medical model is not providing answers or solutions.” awakeningbhc.com
Fitness for One Personal Training
Donatella Bennett
Donatella Bennett believes that staying active is key to a healthier life. She founded Fitness for One in 2021, after seeing the need for personalized aquatic and one-on-one training in the Berkeley Springs community. Certified by the American Council of Fitness and Water Art International, Donatella offers fun and functional training for older adults, both in the pool and on the land. Many of her sessions are held in the saltwater pool at Coolfont Resort, five miles outside of Berkeley Springs. “I’ve seen incredible progress in my clients,” enthuses Donatella. “One ditched their cane after gait training in the pool, another can now easily put on socks, thanks to improved flexibility, and one regained shoulder mobility for overhead tasks. These stories fuel my mission to help people live their best lives independently, no matter their age.” facebook.com/donatellapb
Atasia Spa
Nestled in a beautifully restored historic building that once housed a newspaper office, Atasia Spa offers a peaceful retreat with a diverse selection of rejuvenating services. Guests can relax with therapeutic massages, refreshing facials, and renewing body treatments, including signature offerings like hot stone therapy and aromatherapy. The spa also features mineral whirlpool soaks, allowing visitors to experience the renowned healing waters of Berkeley Springs. What makes Atasia Spa truly special is its calming atmosphere, personalized care, and the expertise of owner Frankie Tan, a seasoned massage therapist with decades of experience. Blending Eastern and Western techniques, the spa delivers a deeply restorative experience tailored to each guest. Atasia is an ideal sanctuary to relax , heal, and revitalize.
Berkeley Springs Salt Cave
Twenty years ago, Janice and Anthony Zakrzewski moved to Berkeley Springs to escape the hustle and bustle of New Jersey. “Berkeley Springs is really ‘almost heaven,’” exclaims Janice. “We are blessed with the healing waters, spas, lovely unique shops, and the friendliest family-oriented folks in the country—small town flavor at its best.” She and Anthony opened a handmade bath and body shop in 2012, and opened the Salt Cave in May of 2021. (You can find Janice’s handmade soaps and lotions for purchase in the boutique.) “Our manmade Himalayan Salt Cave is intended to reproduce the unique microclimate and the healing properties of deep salt caves within the Himalayan Mountains,” explains Janice. “The Salt Cave includes more than 7,000 pounds of Himalayan salt and technology to create a unique wellness experience.” Designed to incorporate a variety of sights, sounds, lighting, and textures, the cave provides a relaxing and rejuvenating environment. Berkeleyspringssaltcave.com
Natural Remedies Wellness Seminars
Sharon Zeismar
“This world is going crazy!” states Sharon Zeismer, a longtime teacher and seminar leader with an emphasis on herbal remedies and healthy cooking. “We’re entering a time where people are going to need to know how to take care of themselves through natural remedies.” If Sharon had her way, we would all know how to garden, can our own foods, forage for edible wild plants, and create our own natural herbal remedies. She has beesn helping people through classes and seminars for over 20 years, some of those spent teaching high-school home economics and health classes. For a schedule of upcoming seminars, Sharon may be reached at 301-693-3790.
If You Go, Here’s Where to Stay
The Country Inn of Berkeley Springs This delightful historic 60-room inn borders the park and springs and is ripe with American history. It is also home to the Renaissance Spa that offers a number of services, including aromatherapy soaks, that utilize Berkeley Springs’ natural mineral water. thecountryinn
Berkeley Springs Cottage Rentals A variety of one- to five-bedroom properties, ranging from rustic to mid-grade to premium properties, all located within a 30-mile radius of downtown Berkeley Springs. Many of these rentals welcome pets. berkeleyspringscottagerentals
Cacapon Resort State Park Cacapon Resort State Park is a mere 10 miles from Berkeley Springs, and is a spectacular 6,000-acre destination with a newly renovated lodge, Healing Waters Spa, and championship golf course. The word “Cacapon” is of Native American origin and translates to “medicine waters.” cacapon-resort-state-park
Coolfont Resort This lovely wooded property, a mainstay since the 1960s, is located at the base of Cacapon Mountain and offers miles of tranquil hiking trails, a 12-acre lake, and an indoor swim center with a salt-water pool. This past January, a fire destroyed the main structure—the historic A-Frame lodge—home to the Treetop Restaurant & Lodge. While plans are underway to rebuild, lodging at the resort’s cabins and Woodland House Suites is expected to reopen this month. coolfont.com
Mary Bemis
Mary Bemis is Founder & Editorial Director of InsidersGuidetoSpas.com. An advocate for all things spa, Mary forged a vocabulary for spa reportage that is widely used by those who cover the issues today. Recently honored as a Top 30 Influential Voice Transforming Wellness by Medika Life, Mary is an inaugural honoree of Folio’s Top Women in Media Award. Her spa media roots run deep—in 1997, she launched American Spa magazine, in 2007, she co-founded Organic Spa magazine, and in between serving on the ISPA and NYSPA Board of Directors, she was on the launch teams of Luxury SpaFinder and New Beauty magazines. Named a "Wonder Woman of Wellness" by American Spa magazine, Mary was honored by the International Spa Association with the distinguished ISPA Dedicated Contributor Award. She is a special advisor to the non-profit Global Wellness Day.
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