We chose to have a light early dinner in the Village of Pinehurst, and walk around looking at the wares in the little boutiques and shops. We were each feeling so languid that we couldn't conceive of doing anything more vigorous than having a shower and an early night. We had a full round of treatments scheduled for the next day and wanted to be ready, so we cocooned in our Holly Inn rooms.

We had breakfast the next morning at The Holly Inn, in the historic 1895 Room. The buffet was small in space but seemed to have everything we wanted. The one thing we missed by dining here is windows... there are none in that room. We all agreed that despite the good breakfast and terrific service personnel, we preferred the open and bright breakfast buffet at The Carolina.

Off to the Spa at Pinehurst again, for a further day of luxury. Now I was getting my massage (with a woman therapist) while Carol and Angela were scheduled for facials. Carol and I were also getting pedicures in the salon, but Angela chose a haircut instead.

I know that both Angela and Carol enjoyed their massages, but the woman who worked on me is inarguably the best I have ever experienced. She was no wuss when it came to finding tension spots and working them until they eased up and she didn't let my loudly uttered "OUCH" deter her. I came out of that experience with new respect for my tired muscles. I tried to lure her into a life of servitude at my house, but alas, she declined.

Once again, the three of us met in the "wet room," relaxing in the steam, sauna and whirlpool before we got dressed and went for a light lunch. We had considered taking one of the treatment "suites" for our weekend, but had decided that the regular spa service was adequate for our needs. We almost had regrets when we were shown one of these elegant spaces, but ultimately decided that we had made the right decision.

The treatment suites at the Spa at Pinehurst are a series of self-contained rooms with balconies over the back end of the spa building. In the center is a beautifully furnished "relaxation room," with sofas, armchairs, chaises, a sidebar with refreshments, and big windows looking out into the lush landscape. Surrounding this living area are several treatment rooms including one with an overhead shower apparatus for "scrub therapies," a facial room, and a massage room. There was no private steam or sauna areas and no whirlpool hot tub, which is one of the reasons we chose not to book it, but it's ideal for wedding parties where the bride and her attendants can get pampered in quiet, private luxury.

After lunch, we headed for the salon and our pedicures and haircut.

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