WILLIAMSTOWN—Berkshire county residents seeking an escape from day-to-day stress, or looking for a way to "recharge their batteries" after a long winter, have a new option—and it is right in their own backyard. Donna Riley and Timothy Hamilton, owners of The House on Main Street Bed & Breakfast, 1120 Main Street, Williamstown, are combining the luxury of a B&B getaway with personalized weekend programs of massage, skin care, foot reflexology, gentle stretching and other healthful activities.

The "Relaxation Retreats" program begins March 2 and continues selected weekends through mid-April. Each Friday through Sunday retreat includes a one-hour massage and a half-hour reflexology treatment, along with events and workshops unique to each session.

"The activities will be fun, flexible and casual," said Donna Riley. "Guests may check in on Friday afternoon, and then have some time to themselves for a dinner in town.

"Saturday morning we’ll provide a healthful breakfast and then a qualified instructor will offer a workshop to the group on one of several topics, such as massage techniques, skin care or increasing your energy," Riley said. "In the afternoon we’ll get everyone relaxed with a one hour massage and a half-hour foot reflexology session. Sundays also feature a nutritious breakfast, and often a stretching class to get you energized for the trip home."

Massages, massage instruction and stretching classes are offered by In Touch Massage Therapy, Williamstown. Reflexology, a stress- and tension-relieving foot massage, is performed by licensed massage therapists from The Healing Place, Lenox. Jane Smolnik, director of Crystal Gardens Healing Center, Springfield, VT, and an Herbalist and Licensed Avatar Master, is presenting workshops on increasing personal energy and on Avatar, a system for exploring consciousness and expanding awareness, intuition and creativity.

Each guest will receive a welcome package, featuring therapeutic bath ingredients, skin care products or other items, along with information on area attractions. Optional events such as early morning strolls with the innkeepers or evenings playing board games around the fireplace are included throughout each weekend.

"We’ve built in plenty of time for visiting the Clark Art Museum or the Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art, shopping and dining at local restaurants," said Tim Hamilton. "We want each Relaxation Retreat to be interesting and informative, but unhurried."

Relaxation Retreats will be held March 2-4, March 16-18, March 30-April 1 and April 6-8. Retreats will be limited to 10 participants. Prices begin $249, which includes two nights and breakfasts at the House on Main Street, a circa 1700 home remodeled in Victorian style, and all workshops and activities. Additional information is available by calling (413) 458-3031 or at www.houseonmainst.com.