Relaxing getaways appeal to nurses
By DEVORAH BEN-DAVID

Nurses often focus so intently on their patients' health and well-being that they sometimes forget to take care of themselves. Their profession, while rewarding, may involve working long shifts or irregular hours, where energy boosts come from a vending machine. And after a day of physical and emotional challenges on the job, nurses often feel too drained to exercise. That's why a mini-wellness break to the beach, foothills or mountains might be just what the doctor ordered. Below are four destinations that specialize in the art of relaxation.

Beach Spa Bed & Breakfast
People who travel to Virginia Beach are typically looking for a little "coastal comfort." Even nurses, who arrived in the region from 1888 to 1946, brought rays of healing sunshine to children in their care at the Infant Sanitarium, formerly located at 18th Street and Atlantic Avenue.

Today the Beach Spa Bed & Breakfast (circa 1937), a luxury mini-spa three blocks from the Boardwalk, is part of Virginia Beach's healing legacy. Its goal is to provide a relaxed environment where people can rejuvenate their spirits. Topping the list of spa-resort amenities is its heated spa pool with cascading waterfall, Spa Tower, which offers first-class therapeutic treatments like a sports massage and healing energy Reiki massage. Some rooms come equipped with state-of-the-art spa steamer shower bathrooms with a whole menu of soothing settings at the touch of a button. Every morning begins with a tasty gourmet breakfast, which offers the perfect balance of nutrition and flavor.

Check out Beach Spa Bed & Breakfast's three-night "Spa Tacular Summer Special" at beachspabnb.com

Keswick Hall
In the heart of Virginia hunt country, in the foothills of Virginia's Blue Ridge Mountains, is a grand country estate whose very name is synonymous with Virginia: Keswick Hall. Owned by the Orient-Express, the historic hotel is just minutes from Charlottesville, Monticello and Virginia wine country.

Each of the intimate 48 rooms and suites at Keswick Hall is tastefully designed to promote a restful atmosphere. Fresh cut floral arrangements are throughout the estate. Nurses who enjoy golf will appreciate the Arnold Palmer Signature 18-hole golf course. For swimmers, there's a heated, negative-edge pool just outside Crawford Villa (which is the historic part of the house), plus two other pools on the property. Rejuvenating treatments are available at The Spa.

Keswick's latest promotional package, "Celebrating Jefferson," offers a luxurious weekend. For more information visit: Keswick.com/richmondtimes

Berry Hill Plantation Resort
Visitors to Berry Hill Plantation Resort often compare its phenomenal beauty and quiet elegance to Tara, the fictional cotton plantation featured in the Civil War epic "Gone with the Wind." Just casually driving down the gravel road of the sprawling 650-acre estate to the Parthenon-style mansion is peaceful enough to put you in a meditative state.

The National Historic Landmark is located in South Boston, 110 miles from Richmond and 28 miles from Virginia International Raceway. Guests can stay in two upstairs suites in the Great House, two historic cottages or in its 92-guestroom hotel complex.

Berry Hill offers a wealth of options to encourage people to get moving, including swimming in the indoor pool, working out at the Fitness Center and going for a bicycle ride down a 5-mile scenic trail. But consider it a horticultural crime if you miss a massage at the Blackberry Spa, where lucky visitors can experience the true healing properties of its lavender-based treatments.

Berry Hill is offering a three-day/two-night "Escape" package. For more information call (434) 517-7000 or go to berryhillonline.com

The Marriott Ranch
The Marriott Ranch in Hume is a 4,200-acre working cattle ranch just 45 miles west of the Washington beltway. It is the only bed and breakfast in the 3,000-plus global properties owned by Marriott International. George Washington never slept there, but he did cut across the property as a surveyor in his youth.

The Marriott Ranch specializes in trail rides, from beginner-level guided trail rides to a Rappahannock River ride. The farm breakfast alone, at the Ranch, is worth the trip. Guest rooms are available in the Manor House or in a private three-bedroom cottage with kitchen.

Marriott's latest promotional deal offers a gift card for guests. For more information go to marriott.com