Whoever claimed that “taking a vacation” was synonymous with “relaxation” was sadly mistaken. Many times when we try to escape, we are bombarded with screaming children, bickering siblings and of course, the always popular disagreeing on activities.
For someone who wants to get away and relax for a few days without having to travel hundreds of miles, a trip to a spa is the perfect way to go. Upstate New York is a beautiful area with gorgeous scenery and it is all too fitting that these spas are located in the middle of the quietest most serene parts of the region. If relaxation is what you seek, send the kids to grandma’s and think about heading to one of these three great places!
Spa Elan of the Woodcliff Hotel & Spa, Fairport NY.
The Woodcliff Hotel & Spa is a beautiful getaway at the far west side of New York State, up north close to the Canadian border. It is located in Fairport, New York, a lovely little village that is nestled quietly away in nature’s splendor away from big cities and the threat of noise pollution.
Spa Elan is a part of the Woodcliff Hotel, but you do not have to be staying at the hotel in order to make a reservation at the spa. This up to date and well managed spa offers its guests the finest treatments, from the most basic manicure to the deepest massage one would ever imagine. Plan a day trip for one, or choose a package for you and your spouse to make it a romantic getaway complete with a couple’s massage and a candlelit dinner at Elan’s Horizon Restaurant.
This place is a bit pricey, however, with an average manicure costing about $40.00 USD and a pedicure weighing in at a hefty $50.00. Massages and spa treatments range anywhere from $80.00 USD to $200.00 USD, though this can vary depending upon whether you order a single massage or treatment alone, or receive them as a part of a bigger package. I have found that packages are the way to go at Elan, though at this place you will not regret shelling out the extra cash – you absolutely get what you pay for. The service is excellent and everyone serving you is a professional, and you have so much to do in and around the Hotel & Spa (there is a golf course on the same street), that you can turn make a real vacation out of your time here!
The Friar Tuck European Spa & Salon, Hudson Valley NY
If traveling to the furthest corners of New York State for a day or two does not suit you, try Friar Tuck’s on for size. This is a small, classy spa that is a part of the Friar Tuck Resort. Located in the Hudson Valley, it is less than two hours from New York City and less than one hour from the New Jersey border, making it easily accessible from either direction.
Aside from The Friar Tuck being in a great location, it also has incredibly reasonable prices as far as resorts and spas go. A simple massage ranges in price anywhere between $60.00 USD and $115.00 USD, but they have numerous specialized massage treatments that are offered. For example, the Friar Tuck offers reflexology, a treatment that is becoming increasingly popular in nail salons. It is based on the idea that different areas in your feet are connected to different parts of your body, respectively. By massaging certain parts of the foot it can relieve pain, tension and discomfort in your shoulders, back, neck and more. They also offer special massages for expecting mothers as well as countless others and body and skin treatments, only one of these exceeding $100.00 USD – The hot stone treatment.
The spa also has an incredibly reputable salon with talented stylists that functions exactly as a normal salon would – it offers everything a private salon would for similar or lower prices.
Sanivan Holistic Retreat and Spa, Hurleyville NY in the Catskill Mountains
I have saved the most interesting retreat for last. The Sanivan interested me greatly as I had never heard of a holistic spa before giving it a try. If you are in to holistic treatments, very basic natural and healthy eating and naturally cleansing your body, then this is a great place for you!
This is a very clean and nature oriented spa. Even the colors in which rooms are designed in have an Earthy feel to them, which wonderfully envelops the naturalistic feeling of one embracing their environment and getting in touch with themselves on their getaway. This place is not simply for those who live a holistic lifestyle, however. Anyone searching to better themselves from the inside out will benefit from a stay at the Sanivan, and anyone is welcome to peruse their “Wellness Library” if interested. However, as holistic treatments are not yet as common as they may become in the future, the prices are a bit steep (a rain-drop massage for $205.00 USD for 2 hours), but they are well worth the price. The employees of the Sanivan are experienced in their craft and perform excellently!
The location of the spa is perfect; it allows for those staying at the Sanivan to get out into nature in an untouched setting – no trails or nature hikes are planned by the resort, but those who stay are more than welcome to wander along the shores edge, through the woods and are encouraged to explore the beautiful Catskill Mountains.
These three spas are all very different from one another. Some cater more to the simplistic, while another may be a bit more extravagant; some offer more planned activities, another may encourage you simply to relax and go about your activities as you please. No matter which spa you choose, however, you are absolutely guaranteed to have a wonderful, relaxing stay – so go ahead and start planning that weekend getaway that you have been thinking about for so long!
