The origin of Valentine's Day dates back almost 2000 years ago in the Roman Empire around 270 A.D. During this time period in the 3rd century, the empire had expanded to such an extent that it had become difficult to defend against the many neighboring barbarian tribes.  There was also a very transient succession of rulers who were often killed in battle that contributed to much internal strife and civil conflict.  In 268 A.D., the commander of the Roman Army, Claudius II, became ruler after defeating the Goths at the Battle of Naissus.  The great demands of the military called for all capable men to be recruited as soldiers.  However, Claudius became frustrated that many of his soldiers who were married men made poor soldiers because of the attachments to their families.  Thus, Claudis addressed this problem by banning all marriages. .

Treating yourself or someone special in your life to a day at a luxurious spa is an incredible gift. Add chocolate to that treat and, well, it really doesn’t get any better than that! The Spa at the Hotel Hershey in Hershey, Pennsylvania meets all the customary expectations for a resort spa including beautifully appointed locker rooms, quiet lounges for relaxing before and after treatments and expertly trained technicians. The Chocolate Spa goes beyond the customary by making chocolate available at every turn. There are Hershey’s Kisses, chocolate muffins and delicious hot chocolate in the relaxation lounges overlooking the magnificent Hershey Gardens. However, the chocolate indulgence does not end with the treats - it carries over into the treatments!

Exclusive to The Chocolate Spa is a complete line of chocolate based spa treatments including the Chocolate Fondue Body Wrap, Whipped Cocoa Bath, Cocoa Bean Polish, Cocoa Massage and their newest chocolate offering - the Cocoa Facial Experience. During my recent visit to the spa, I selected the Cocoa Facial Experience for my spa treatment hoping to combat the ever present signs of aging on my face! Aromas of caramel, strawberry, rose, and mint are used with the cocoa products and are selected to compliment your personal skin type. This facial experience contains active ingredients carefully selected from natural resources to maintain beneficial properties of the cacao fruit. The combination of strawberry and chocolate aromas selected for my facial left me with an insatiable craving for chocolate dipped strawberries!

Studies have proven cocoa contains beneficial compounds similar to those found in many fruits, vegetables, tea and wine called polyphenols. Many of these compounds have antioxidant properties. The types of antioxidant polyphenols found in cocoa are flavanols. The Chocolate Spa in partnership with the laboratories for June Jacobs have developed an exclusive line of spa products combining the benefits of cocoa and other organic properties for use in these unique treatments. The results are incredible - and the aromas are irresistible!

For the holiday season, the Spa at Hotel Hershey is offering a Holiday Spa Day Package which includes:.