Chase the Winter Blues Away
Visit to a “Spa-tacular” New York Destinations
by Sandra Scott
 When
the north wind howls and the snow swirls around the corners of your home
does it signal the onset of the winter blues? Chase away the winter blues by
celebrating winter in a “spa-tacular” way at a New York spa. New York spas
offer the perfect mix where guests can relax in the warmth of a spa and
still enjoy the wonders of winter. The choices are many. Celebrate New
York’s Native American heritage, step back to the Gilded Age, catch the
Olympic spirit, or escape – literally.
Celebrate Native American Heritage at Turning
Stone’s Skana Spa
 The
newest destination spa is no gamble. Guests at the Turning Stone Resort and
Casino’s Skana Spa will always be winners. Turning Stone recently opened the
newest spa in Central New York and the only spa in the Northeast that
incorporates Native American elements in treating the body and spirit.
Steeped in American Indian design, spa treatments
include traditional Native American herbs, plants, and flowers. Sheri Beglen
of the Wolf Clan helped select the name, Skana, which means “peace” in the
Oneida language. Guests will feel at “peace” when they enter the welcome
area, which resembles an Oneida longhouse.
Native America heritage is apparent throughout the Spa
including artwork representing Oneida Bear, Turtle, and Wolf clans.
The Oneida people believe in harmony and balance
between man and nature. They placed great importance on their dreams. The
Lavender Dreams treatment promotes a tranquility of the mind, body, and
spirit that is so relaxing that guests soon enter “Dreamland.” The treatment
begins with a gentle full body scrub followed by a lavender oil massage and
an application of warm stones. Relax in the lavender wrap and dream the
winter blues away.
www.turningstone.com
Step back in time at Mohonk Mountain House
 During
the Gilded Age American aristocrats vacated to rustic but elegant retreats.
Many were seasonal but The Mohonk Mountain House has managed to survive and
still provides the same high level of ambiance and service year round. Step
back to a less stressful time with a visit to a place so special it is a
National Historic Landmark and a member of the Historic Hotel of America.
Built in 1869 this grand Victorian resort has a prized location overlooking
the Hudson River Valley. Cross-country ski past snow-laden trees. Create
your own “Currier and Ives” experience ice skating at the Pavilion but
return in time to enjoy afternoon tea. Then retreat to the warmth of the
spa.
The three-level design features wood, local stone and
cedar shingles to complement the Mountain House’s existing architectural
character, Along with the solarium, stone fireplace, and outdoor heated
mineral pool, enjoy the indoor heated swimming pool, and state-of-the-art
fitness center. The pool building features windowed walls and lofty wooden
beams with views of the beautiful property.
After the restorative spa treatment curl up on a sofa
by a crackling fire with a favorite book. Winter will soon became a favorite
time of the year.
www.mohonk.com.
Catch the Olympic spirit
 Discover
Lake Placid’s winter playground capturing the spirit of the Olympics. With
an endless amount of outdoor activities from snow shoeing to skiing to ice
skating to bobsledding, visitors will never be bored. After a day of winter
fun, retire to Mirror Lake Inn, which has its own Olympic history. In 1932,
Mirror Lake Inn was winterized for the Winter Olympics and the Norwegian
team rented the entire Inn and it has been a favorite winter destination
ever since. The Inn offers unique outdoor excursions such as the Wilderness
Adventure Snowshoe Trek and a lesson on Snow Cave Fun.
Snow lovers and snow avoiders can both enjoy the Inn’s
spa that incorporates a variety of services from body treatments, facials,
massages to fitness and nutrition. Experience the Adirondack Maple Sugar
Body Scrub, a unique exfoliating and softening body scrub that will indulge
your sense as well as your skin. Your entire body is polished with this
one-of-a-kind scrub that removes dead skin cells and replenishes lost
moisture to the skin for the ultimate hydrating experience. Celebrate winter
as a time of renewal and rejuvenation, and outdoor fun.
www.mirrorlakeinn.com
For the “Best of Time”
 With
a dramatic lakeside setting and the beauty of its National Historic Landmark
architecture the Chautauqua Institute is best known for its summer programs
that feature arts, entertainment and learning. The Chautauqua Institute is
not operational during the winter but the picturesque Victorian village is
perfect for a Currier & Ives sleigh ride through the snow-covered grounds
followed by a spa treatment at the unique Spencer Hotel. The Spencer Hotel,
which has been welcoming guests for 100 years, may look Victorian from the
outside but rooms are a literary trip –literally! Each room is designed and
dedicated to a specific author. In the Jules Verne room the bed skirt
resembles the gondola of a hot air balloon complete with “sand bags.” A
colorful balloon is painted on the ceiling above the bed. The Charles
Dickens’ room features the works of the author, as do all the
accommodations. In the Lewis Carroll Room curl up on the bed and travel to
Wonderland with the Cheshire Cat looking down
 from the branch above
the bed. Cross-country skiing, a sleigh ride, or a walk through the village
followed by a spa treatment at the Spencer’s new spa then curling up with a
book and a favorite libation is the perfect recipe for chasing away the
winter blues. www.thespencer.com
Make your winter “spa-tacular!” Eliminate the winter
doldrums and chase away the blues at one of New York State’s destination
spas. Or, better yet, visit all of them – again and again. | 