A Spa Retreat Where Dirty Dancing Lives On
- Ingrid Lemme
- Oct 3
- 3 min read
The Mountain Lake Lodge in Virgina just got even more exciting!
By Ingrid Lemme-Chalut
One of my favorite places in Virginia, Mountain Lake Lodge, just gave us yet another reason to visit again: the opening of its beautiful new Spa at The Mountain Lake Lodge. For me, this resort has always felt magical. Nestled high atop Salt Pond Mountain in the Blue Ridge, it’s not only a sanctuary of nature and history but also the real-life filming location of Dirty Dancing. And wouldn’t you know — just last night, Netflix featured the movie as its spotlight film. My husband and I couldn’t resist watching it again, with the same delight as the first time. Some things truly never lose their charm.
The Spa: A New Chapter of Wellness
Now, guests can pair those nostalgic moments with something brand new. The Spa at Mountain Lake was designed to echo its serene mountaintop surroundings, with light-filled spaces, garden views, and even a wood-burning fireplace in the relaxation lounge. Here, the sound of wind chimes replaces the outside world, and treatments feel as if they were inspired directly by the mountains themselves.
Massages range from deep tissue renewal to aromatherapy, halotherapy, and soothing stone rituals. Facials are enriched with premium Hylunia® products — from brightening pearl treatments to calming rose therapies. There’s even a Nail Sanctuary with lavender and lemongrass soaks, and couples can share the experience in private lounges.
Packages for Every Occasion
Whether you’re planning a romantic escape, a girlfriends’ weekend, or simply a day just for yourself, the Spa offers thoughtful packages. “Time for Two” pairs facials and massages, while “A Walk in the Woods” includes a restorative treatment with a pedicure. Overnight stays can be bundled with spa credits — and special themed weekends (like the upcoming Girlfriends Getaway) make it easy to plan something unforgettable.
A Destination with Soul
Of course, Mountain Lake Lodge offers more than spa indulgence. Spread across a 2,600-acre nature preserve and bird sanctuary, the resort has 22 miles of trails, farm-to-table dining at Harvest, cozy evenings with mountain music at Salt Pond Pub, fly fishing, golf, and family floats on the New River. In winter, it transforms into a Magical Christmas Village & Marketplace from late November through early January.
But for many of us, it’s always been “Kellerman’s” — the place where Baby and Johnny danced into movie history. Thirty-nine years later, Dirty Dancing is now preserved in the Library of Congress National Film Registry, and fans still gather here for annual Dirty Dancing Weekends.
A Touch of History: The 1936 Getaway Special
There’s also something extra-special happening this fall. In celebration of Mountain Lake Lodge’s recent induction into Historic Hotels of America, the resort is offering a limited-time 1936 Getaway Special: book one night and receive your second night for just $19.36, honoring the year the Main Stone Lodge was built.
Guests can choose from a range of accommodations — the historic charm of the Main Stone Lodge, cozy cabins and cottages, or even spacious full homes at Blueberry Ridge. Wherever you stay, you’ll be surrounded by heritage, timeless character, and the enduring legacy that makes Mountain Lake Lodge unforgettable.
This offer is available until October 1, 2025, for stays between November 1–30, 2025 — a perfect chance to pair history, wellness, and maybe even a little Dirty Dancing magic all in one trip. Call 540-626-7121 to reserve these historic savings.
Why I’ll Be Back
As someone who has loved this mountaintop retreat for years, I can’t wait to return and experience the new Spa — and maybe take advantage of the 1936 Getaway while I’m at it. -- The resort is the real-life filming location of Kellerman's in the movie Dirty Dancing and where fans return again and again to experience commemorative Dirty Dancing Weekends held throughout the year. The iconic movie was filmed 39 years ago and has been named to the Library of Congress National Film Registry for Preservation.
Mountain Lake Lodge has been recognized by TripAdvisor Travelers Choice Awards 2024, The Knot Best of Weddings 2024 and The Knot Best of Weddings Hall of Fame, and received first place in Virginia Living's Best Resort and Best Special Event Venue. The Virginia Restaurant, Lodging & Travel Association (VRLTA) named Heidi Stone, President and CEO of The Mountain Lake Lodge resort, the Hotelier of the Year, and Heidi Stone recently received VRLTA's 2025 Presidents Award.
For information, visit www.mtnlakelodge.com or call 540-626-7121.
📸 And a little reminder: you can revisit my story about an unforgettable weekend we spent there last summer, right here ➡️ A Taste of Appalachia
Ingrid Lemme-Chalut
Travel Writer & Blogger — Escape From Paradise | Contributor — The Montauk Sun
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