[ travelog ]
On the Road Discover the spas and destinations we’ve visited to bring you the latest spa happenings here and abroad.
Lake Placid, NY
Ever since seeing the movie “Dirty Dancing,” I’ve yearned to
spend my summer at a classic upstate New York resort. While my
full-time job makes a three-month retreat nearly impossible, I did
get a taste of an East Coast Adirondack escape with a visit to Lake
Placid over Labor Day weekend last year. While there, I partook in
classic area experiences, including hiking, canoeing, patronizing
the charming shops located along the main street in town, and
cozying up next to an outdoor fire pit in the evenings to ward off the
chilly end-of-season night air. I also got the chance to experience
The Spa at Mirror Lake Inn The Spa
two lovely local spas— and
at Whiteface Lodge
. From maple syrup-infused spa treatments to
services designed to ease
the ails of an active life-
style to design elements
that incorporated local
materials, both spas
reflect their Adirondack
roots and were lovely
places to while away the
evening hours following
my action-packed days.
For more on both of
these mountain-relax-ation meccas, turn to
page 78.
—Julie Keller
Truckee, CA
Before I left for Lake Tahoe, I was sorely in need of
an escape—I just didn’t realize how sore I would
be upon my return. While enjoying the brand-new
Ritz-Carlton Highlands, Lake Tahoe, I signed
my life away to the Burton Snowboard Academy,
located just down the mountain from the resort.
By no means am I a seasoned veteran of the slopes,
but I figured that if I had any chance at learning to
shred, Burton would be the place to do it. My very
patient instructor, Kevin (pictured with me here),
led me through a successful six-hour private lesson.
Sure, I fell countless times—even got the wind
knocked out of me and had to check that all of my
ribs were intact at one point—but I had a total blast
and sated my need for speed. The day ended with
me shuffling into
The Ritz-Carlton Highlands
Spa, Lake Tahoe
—in snowy ski pants and all—for
some much needed pampering. After warming up
in the whirlpool, sauna, and multi-jet Experience
Shower, I collapsed by the floor-to-ceiling window
in the salon to watch a peaceful snowfall and enjoy
a Ski Patrol Aching Feet Rescue pedicure, which
brought my battered feet and legs back to life. For
more on this alpine-inspired hideaway, please
check out page 74.
—Cristina De Oliveira
Fort Lauderdale, FL
Although the mere mention of Fort Lauderdale may still conjure up images of
drunken spring breakers partying to excess, the beachside city I found painted a
far different picture. There to visit the at The Westin
Heavenly Spa by Westin
Beach Resort, Fort Lauderdale, I soon found myself taken with the city’s picturesque canals, interesting art and theater scene, and innovative restaurants.
Here, I’ve just enjoyed a group dinner at Shula’s on the Beach, the hotel’s fine
dining restaurant. Despite a jam-packed schedule in which I was introduced to
the sun-drenched city’s many charms, I still found time to indulge in the spa’s
signature treatment, the Heavenly Massage. True to its name, it was absolutely
heavenly. For more on the spa, turn to page 57.
