A few weekends ago, some friends and I took a little trip to Excelsior Springs, Missouri for some serious pampering. We stayed at The Elms Hotel and Spa, which was absolutely lovely.

A short drive from Kansas City, the service and atmosphere at The Elms were perfectly restorative, just what the doctor ordered. Or, at least, what she should have.

GO:

Fence Stile Vineyards – This little winery is seriously adorable. We packed a picnic and grabbed a bottle of their wine for some fun late night dining. If you hit up this spot in the evening like we did, bring the ingredients for s’mores. They often have a firepit going and who wants to miss an opportunity for melted chocolate and gooey marshmallows? No one I want to hang out with.

Spa at the Elms: This place is a wonderland for beauty treatment lovers. I tried the seaweed wrap (which was on my bucket list), the therapeutic massage and the milk and honey bath. All three were lovely. One of the greatest things about the spa is that by purchasing a treatment you gain access to the Grotto for 24, glorious hours. There, you’ll find a dry sauna, steam sauna, hot tub, cold plunge shower, steam shower and exfoliation bar – not too shabby.

EAT:

88 at the Elms: Eat brunch here. The Santa Fe breakfast burrito is pretty solid. It pairs perfectly with a mimosa and fun conversation with close friends.

STAY:

The Elms: Where else?