For the better part of my magazine career, I’ve been invited to experience and rate some of the most outrageously excellent spas in the world. How lucky am I? There’s nothing like being afforded the luxury of checking in and zoning out for a few days in the most over-the-top, pampering havens on the planet. From Switzerland, Montepulciano, Ischia, Scottland, Puerto Rico, Cancún, New Orleans, Las Vegas, Alaska, Beverly Hills and, of course, New York City, I’ve seen the rustic-chic, gold-laden, mausoleum-clad, cliffhanging, thatched-roofed Zen dens that included tree houses with native animals and even floated aimlessly on a barge—all for the sake of defining the newest refuge or playground of healing bliss. So, let’s dive in to some of New York State’s celebrated spas just a stone’s throw (or two) away from your favorite Amtrak station.
Mohonk Mountain House
18 miles from Poughkeepsie (POU)
Once considered a summer camp chalet for the affluent, Mohonk Mountain House in New Paltz, NY exudes both Gilded Age sumptuousness with modern conveniences and fun recreation activities. Whether you book a stay in this airy, deluxe resort or procure a day pass, it’s hard to decide whether to remain indoors with a fabulous farm-to-table meal and spa, or swim, kayak or paddleboard on the lake. And it doesn’t stop there—horseback riding, art and history tours, the “crow’s nest” destinations and Shawangunk Ridge, pop-up events and nearby climbing excursions are all at your fingertips. The list of activities is seemingly never ending and spans the seasons.
The spa facility allows you to spread out. The deluxe locker rooms are well-equipped with branded self-care topicals and have both steam and sauna. There’s a heated indoor pool and an enormous quarry-like outdoor Jacuzzi and refreshment area. The spa services menu is constantly being updated to reflect global trends, not to mention a full gym with both yoga and wellness retreat options. I’d consider the Lakeview Summer House Massage or the Luxe Lift Facial. The unisex boutique salon is gorgeous and the selection of organic skincare and body products is stellar. To make it even more relaxing, shuttle service from Poughkeepsie train station is available.
Mirbeau Rhinebeck
2.2 miles from Rhinecliff (RHI)
Mirbeau Rhinebeck has the benefit of being a newly constructed chateau-like vibe that’s designed for luxury wellness at every turn. The lobby boasts Willow restaurant sporting a speakeasy-like air amongst the locals, with the main street shops of this quaint, upscale town just steps away.
Subject to availability, seven-hour spa passes are available in two shifts and range from $60 per person to $90 on the weekends. The Eucalyptus Steam Room and the Himalayan Salt Sauna are high end. The (huge) heated spa/whirlpool with private outdoor bar in the Aqua Terrace is nothing short of amazing. After all that Zen you’re sure to want to lounge or nap in the Resting Area’s luxe calm environment. Along with the gym and motion studio, there’s a wide schedule of expert-led yoga and cardio classes, Tai Chi, Pilates and more. The HydraFacial system provides visible results with zero downtime, as well as a long list of classic facials that includes a Pro Collagen, Men’s Estate or Premiere Cru Facial. The latter being a multi-faceted anti-aging treatment that uses a roller, contour massaging and a Hydrogel mask that provides instant youth and radiance.
Besides hand, foot and nail therapies, the massage list is impressive, along with Reiki and “Kurs” (a 360-wellness protocol). The French Sea Detox wraps are nutrient-dense components from Brittany, France, healing in the Thalassotherapy style, of course.
Roosevelt Baths and Spa
3 miles from Saratoga Springs (SAR)
Located within the historic Gideon Putnam Hotel, healing is centered around Saratoga Springs Spa Resort’s naturally effervescent mineral waters within the Roosevelt Baths & Spa. The vibe is a deluxe, roomy, turn-of-the-century wellness clinic. The famed buoyant mineral bath soaks are individualized per room by an attendant. And the services menu includes new-age massage, facials and body treatments. You could indulge in a Gentleman’s Spa Facial or Mangosteen Gentle Resurfacing Facial.
How about a Bourbon Bubbler Brown Sugar Scrub with real Kentucky whiskey? Or a mineral-rich Gemstone Clay Body Masque (unique!) infused with the potent energetic qualities of tourmaline, said to remove negativity. There’s also a full-service salon providing hair and nail treatments, endorsed by scores of happy returning locals.
Their wellbeing offerings include private yoga and meditation guidance, as well as 38 Bach Flower Essence Remedies, scented therapy consultations that are based upon a self-review of emotions that no longer serve you. Steps away is Saratoga Spa State Park where you can golf a challenging nine-hole or full 18-hole course. Or simply walk through gorgeous grounds and pathways. Consider pre-booking a concert or musical venue at the world-famous (and beautiful) Saratoga Performing Arts Center (SPAC) on the same grounds.
gideonputnam.com/roosevelt-baths-and-spa
The Spa at Seneca Featuring Il Molino
1.8 miles from Niagara Falls (NFL)
Located within Seneca Niagara Resort & Casino, The Spa at Seneca Featuring Il Molino is quite worldly and unexpected in the very best ways. While all are welcome, this shiny gem is a rare find that puts men’s aesthetics and haberdashery up front and center. Il Molino is meant to enhance the spa’s seven-day, full-service experience by offering master-level barber salon services (Friday-Sunday), alongside a more advanced aesthetic med spa menu that includes evidence-based tools and equipment for resurfacing, remodeling or facial contouring. Plus, customized facial injectables including Botox, fillers and more. But wait, there’s more: IV Therapy and skin laser sessions, too!
Within two miles from the Amtrak Station, the resort is just close enough to the famous (and massive) falls to almost feel a spray in your face. And do consider allowing enough train time to enjoy the resorts’ many celebrated dining options including the can’t-miss KOI Asian food, La Cascata, The Western Door Steakhouse or the Blues Burger Bar.
