Opened last summer, the Linden Spa perfectly complements the Inn at Perry Cabin. Set on 25 acres by the Miles River, steps from St. Michaels’ inner harbor and Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum, the 81-room inn has roots in maritime tradition.
Built by a retired sea captain in the 19th century, the historic wing of the Inn is all-American: Nautical accents honor Admiral Perry, and cozy rooms feature traditional furniture. The new, two-story Wetlands Wing features spacious suites and studio rooms, oversized beds decked out with Frette linens, marble floor bathrooms with double vanities, Molton Brown amenities, and an updated Laura Ashley d©cor.
A blazing log fire in the lounge adds to the feeling of being at a posh country manor. Afternoon tea is served, while Sherwood’s Landing features British chef Mark Salter’s Continental take on Chesapeake seafood: rockfish (also called striped bass) crusted with focaccia crumbs, lobster hash, and crab spring rolls with avocado and grapefruit.
Lining the brick driveway like sentries, towering linden trees announce your arrival. Known to early Maryland settlers as a remedy for stress, linden flowers and leaves infuse the spa’s signature treatments. Set amongst gardens, the airy, white-clapboard Linden Spa features a botanical apothecary where flowers and herbs grown in the greenhouse are hand-mixed to suit your skin and mood.
Following a healthy sweat in the steam sauna, we donned plush robes and slippers to pad down the hall and relax in a windowed lounge lined floor-to-ceiling with pressed flowers and herbs typical of Maryland gardens. Prior to our treatments, we sampled from the “antioxidant bar” (cucumber water, nuts, dried cranberries), and gazed at the garden. In my body masque the therapist blended blue cornflower, rose, chamomile, jasmine, and rosehips.
Treatments can be experienced in a twin-bed suite for couples with private shower or in one of the eight high-ceiling rooms.
Prior to every treatment comes a welcoming footbath, an ancient tradition of hospitality for travelers. Afterward, I experienced the Linden Spa signature ritual, which takes two hours, and includes a body wrap infused with sage, birch, blackberry, and linden leaves to open your pores and release toxins; a scrub with linden flowers, Dead Sea salt, and honey to hydrate; and a warm rain shower. Then I sampled the unique Flying massage, which is choreographed by two therapists moving freely around the table, yet is unlike a typical four-hand massage. During this treatment, the therapist’s loosened my stiff muscles with different strokes to make me almost feel airborne, massaged by the ebb and flow of waves.
With choices from hair rituals to pedicures and waxing, six types of body massage (including one for expectant mothers), exclusive facials with Jurlique botanical skincare from Australia, and classes for yoga and meditation, there was little time to exercise in the Nautilus-equipped gym or ride a bike. But I look forward to returning when the outdoor swimming pool opens.
For more information call (866) 278-9601 or visit Perry Cabin
A three-night Relaxation package for two includes breakfast each morning, accommodations, the use of Linden Spa and selected treatments. Rates range from $1,470 to $2,460 for two persons occupying room, plus taxes.
Linden Spa day pass without Inn accommodation costs $50, plus optional spa service. Packages available through May 8, 2008 on selected dates.
By Bernard Burt
- Earth Science - April 17, 2026
- Sweed Beauty - April 17, 2026
- Farmhouse Fresh - April 17, 2026