Posted on Thu, Aug 02, 2012 @ 11:00 AM

After a long day of hiking, kayaking, or shopping (hey, it's hard work!), we all love to just lay back, chill out, and take a breather. While it's definitely important to get make the most out of your Cape Cod getaway, it's just as important to take the time to rest up for the rest of your vacation activities. Take a nap, enjoy a drink on the porch, indulge in a therapeutic bath using our Vedana Spa Unit, or check out one of our picks for the best massage spas in Sandwich, MA.
Wicked Relaxed Massage Therapy & Bodywork : 71 Route 6A, Unit 4 - Sandwich, MA
For those of you not native to the New England area, this is the only place in the world where "wicked" is a term more often associated with good things rather than witches- and Wicked Relaxed does not disappoint. Their services range from a quick, 30-minute Area Treatment to an all-out, 90-minute Wicked Pampered treatment complete with heat therapy, massage, foot scrub, and aroma therapy. There are options for every budget and comfort level, so check out their site for more details. Oh, and mention the Belfry when booking your appointment for a 20% discount!
Skinsense Cape Cod : 102 Route 6A - Sandwich, MA
Not only does Skinsense offer soothing, rejuvenating massages- they also offer facials, make-up applications, and waxing. Make a spa day out of it! If you're running low on time, but want the full relaxation experience, they offer a tempting combo deal which gives you a full massage and custom facial all within 60 minutes. Have a quick pampering session that will have you feeling great and ready for your next vacation adventure. Rated as the #1 Day Spa in Sandwich by Reader's Choice, it's definitely worth a try!
Cape Cod Massage Therapy : 445 Route 6A - East Sandwich, MA
If you're looking for a fully immersed relaxation experience, you need to check this place out. Using a combination of music, art, aromatherapy, and feng shui, the certified masusses at Cape Cod Massage Therapy go above and beyond to make sure their spa atmosphere is as comfortable as possible for everyone. They offer all of their services in either 60 or 90 minute timeslots and have a variety of treatments to choose from. If you like to keep things simple, book a Beach and Islands Combination Massage, but if you're feeling a little more exotic, why not try a Hot Lava Shells Massage? With competitive prices and tons of options to choose from, this place is worth a visit.
Posted on Mon, Jul 30, 2012 @ 09:00 AM

Staying in shape is probably the last thing on your mind when you finally get to laying on the beach, chowing down on a Belfry Bistro sandwich, seeing one of your favorite artists perform live in concert, or doing anything relaxing, but it will definitely be on your mind when you check the scale when you get home.
Thanks to the beautiful climate and pristine climate of Cape Cod, there are plenty of ways to stay active while still having fun during your getaway- especially if you're staying with us in the Sandwich, MA area.
1. The Tour de Cape Cod
Biking isn't just for super-fit men in tight, one-piece suits like Lance Armstrong. We all learned how to ride one (hopefully- if not, you might want to grab a pair of training wheels) at some point in our lives, and even if you haven't pedaled in quite some time, it's easy to start back up.
There are plenty of safe, exciting places for you and your whole family to bike: along the Sandwich Boardwalk, through the historic downtown streets, or even along the Cape Cod Canal. Either bring your own set of wheels, or go ahead and rent a bike from Ecotourz or Cape Cod Bike Rental.
2. Play Explorer
Even though the pilgrims and early colonial settlers may have beat us to the New England discovery bragging rights, that shouldn't stop you from exploring all that nature has to offer. Cape Cod is filled with amazingly beautiful nature trails, hiking paths, and beaches that are perfect for people of all ages.
If you don't know where to start, we highly recommend the Shawme State Forest, the Scusset Beach State Reservation, or the Murkwood Conservation Area. The Cape Cod Chamber of Commerce has a detailed list of all the best hiking spots if you feel like taking a day trip to somewhere else.
3. Way Bigger than an Olympic Swimming Pool
Let's face it, the Atlantic Ocean is basically the elephant in the room here. Not only is swimming one of the most effective ways to work your entire body while still staying cool, it works as a medium for so many types of water activites!
Kayaking, canoeing, diving, jet skiing, tubing, boating, fishing- the possibilities never end. While the Belfry Inne may not have the signature, Chlorine-ridden indoor hotel pool, we figured you'd probably want something a little more authentic.
So now that we know staying healthy is actually possible while on vacation, how do you plan on keeping in shape during your Cape Cod getaway?
Posted on Tue, Jul 03, 2012 @ 09:00 AM

Before you spend another Independence Day at a cookout your way-too-nosy in-laws, why not break tradition and try something new this year? Let's face it: The 4th is one of those holidays everyone tends to do the same thing ever year for, but since it lies right in the middle of the week this year and some of us are lucky enough to have the rest of the weekend off, why not make a mini vacation or at LEAST a day trip down to Sandwich, MA to take part in our festivities?!
The 3-Mile Fun Run (8:30 AM - registration at 7:15)
While you may be used to packing on a few pounds of hotdogs and hamburgers during the 4th, maybe you could spend the morning getting a little extra exercise to save room for the feast later on. The Sandwich Recreation Department is hosting a 3-mile "fun run" for anyone aged 13 or older. A $5 donation will get you a number and a $15 donation will get you a t-shirt to make you remember your valiant efforts.
The "Spirit of Sandwich" 4th of July Parade (10 AM)
Unlike most parades, this is one that EVERYONE can participate in! Feel free to decorate your bike, wagon, or maybe even your dog to walk down the parade route waving to your adoring fans. If marching's not for you, every parade needs bystanders! Pick a comfortable spot, set up a few camping chairs, and enjoy the flots, antique cars, music, and (most importantly) the free candy that is sure to be thrown. The parade is true family fun for everyone!
The Lions Club Egg Toss and Picnic (11:30 AM)
If you're looking for some old-fashioned fun and a chance to meet some new people, stop by the park, pack a lunch, and play some Egg Toss! It sounds lame at first, but I promise- it's addicting. Not to mention, the kids will love it.
The Muster Events (1 PM)
If you've had enough of the July heat, check out the Henry T. Wing School Grounds for a bunch of water games to help cool down you and your family! I'm not sure what they're offering, but I assume there will be plenty of water balloons, ice buckets, and slip'n'slides for everyone.
The Boat Parade (9 PM)
For almost 200 years, the town of Sandwich has hosted a 4th of July Boat Parade at Shawme Pond. Stop by the bandstand area around 9PM to see boats decorated the the occasion and illuminated with lanterns. This could be the perfect way to end your fun-filled day.
So switch up your normal routine this year and give Sandwich a chance! I can't promise you'll stay dry or hungry, but I can definitely promise you'll have a good time.
Posted on Mon, Jul 02, 2012 @ 10:00 AM

At the Belfry, we understand that no getaway is complete without some type of spa treatment, which is why we have installed a new Vendana Care Unit in our Wednesday Room (of the Abbey). This innovative Bain Ultra unit will take you far away from Sandwich and into a relaxing, harmonious dreamworld whenever you want to... if only for a few minutes.
The Vendana features five core therapies that will work through all your stress using mediums best suited for your personal experience.

*THEMOTHERAPY*
The system can reach and maintain up to 175ºF (the recommended dry heat thermotherapy temperatre) to give you the ultimate sauna experience.
*LIGHT THERAPY*
Using precision Litebook technology, the Vendana unit is on the cutting edge in terms of light intensity, wavelength, and range.
*CHROMATHERAPY*
The Litebook technology also has the ability to diffuse colors in precise wavelengths that maximize the benefits of your specific therapeutic care.
*AROMATHERAPY*
Using an essential-oil nebulizing diffuser, the aromatherapy system fills the area with soothing scents that will help to refresh your mind and body.
*SOUND THERAPY*
The Vendana sound system totally surrounds you, covering up any other audible frequencies, and offers an exquisite sound experience.
Count on the Wednesday Room's new Vendana Spa Unit to cool down and let loose after a long day of sight-seeing, whale-watching, shopping, or whatever else you find yourself doing in Sandwich. And be sure to let us know if you enjoyed it, as we look forward to installing the system in some of our other rooms.
Posted on Wed, Oct 05, 2011 @ 09:51 PM
So, you're headed to Cape Cod for a fabulous vacation. But you're a runner, so you're worried about how you can stay in shape while enjoying the coast. We've got 7 great cape code vacation tips for runners:

Enjoy the scenery - You're in a beautiful location, so don't forget to look around. You get used to the same old scenery on your usual routes, but you're on vacation. Enjoy the beautiful view.
Relax - You're in Cape Cod and you're on vacation. While it's ideal to keep up with your training plan, it's also important for you to relax. Don't worry about adding an extra mile while you're on vacation, just be happy to fit in a run.
Crosstrain- If you're used to running on concrete or a track, this is a great opportunity to challenge yourself by taking a run on the beach. You can also take a nice walk on the beach to give your body a rest from all those long runs you normally do. Even better? Hop in to the water as a nice reward!
Exercise with a Buddy - Hopefully, your significant other is a runner. If not, everyone can still enjoy a nice romantic walk on the beach in Cape Cod. What else are vacations for?
Check Out the Local Hangouts - You're checking out the local restaurants online, but did you know you can also scout out online where locals like to run. If you don't have luck online, see if there's a local sports store, concierge or innkeeper who can tell you the best places to run.
Drink Plenty of Water - You're on vacation, so it's natural that you're going to be enjoying some of the best restaurants (and beverages) Cape Cod has to offer. Make sure to stay hydrated to avoid hangovers and to make sure you'll have a successful run.
Take Good Running Shoes - Barefoot beach running may look romantic, but if you're not used to it, it can wreak havoc on you. If you're not comfortable running on the beach, there are plenty of routes you can take that will have you on more stable ground, but still enjoying the sights of Cape Cod.
That looks like 7 cape cod vacation tips for runners that will keep you happy and healthy! Hope you've found these 7 cape cod vacation tips for runners helpful. Happy trails!