American Spa - February 2010

SPACE 5,800 square feet; 7 treatment rooms

The classic Adirondack-style Whiteface Lodge (left) features an inviting indoor-outdoor pool

(above) and a rustic 5,800- square-foot spa (pictured).

OFFERINGS aromatherapy, body treatments, couples’ treatments, energy work, eyelash and brow tinting, facials, hand and foot treatments, hydrotherapy, makeup application, massage, nailcare, prenatal services, reflexology, salon services, scalp treatments, waxing, yoga

can also take advantage of a $79 Spa Day-cation treatment featuring a selection of 50-minutes services.

Retail is also an important component to the success of both spas. All products used in the services at Mirror Lake Inn are available in the spa store, as is a collection of yoga wear, bathing suits, candles, Christmas ornaments, jewelry, and other sundries. “The Mirror Lake Inn enjoys a certain landmark status in Lake Placid, so our logo items are very popular,” says Lawrence. “Items featuring the Inn’s logo include jackets, sweaters, bathrobes, and a bath line. The store has been filled by paying attention and responding to what people are asking for.” The products used in the treatment room are also available for retail at the Whiteface Lodge, as is Edison Jewelry, a crystal jewelry line created by one of the massage therapists who mines the crystals and uses recycled copper to create the one-of-a-kind pieces.

Both spa directors credit much of their spas’ successes to their talented teams. The Spa at Mirror Lake Inn employs 30 staff members, all of whom are licensed in New York and many of whom have been with the spa since its inception in 1999. To maintain the service standards, all employees undergo continuing education, out-of-house and in-house training, and attend related seminars. At The Spa at Whiteface Lodge, the staff is composed of 19 full-time and 15 part-time employees. There, all of the team members are licensed in either massage or esthetics. One esthetician is qualified to do permanent makeup, and one of the cosmetologists is qualified to do hair replacement and extensions.

Looking toward the future, Lagana says she plans to take advantage of the popularity of the Olympic Training Center and expand the spa’s fitness and nutrition programs with boot camps and more healthy eating options (spa cuisine is currently available in the resort’s restaurants). “The resort is such a spectacular place, and we already have the amenities in place for a savvy and smart nutritional program,” she says.

Lawrence, meanwhile, says she and her team are committed to being the best at what they do. Moving forward, “we plan to make a difference in people’s lives and make sure our customers always know how much they are appreciated and valued,” she says. “As the first spa in the area, and now the longest running, we have cultivated a loyal local clientele as well as a loyal hotel guest following. Relationships are created, and people are remembered.” ■

SIGNATURE SPA SERVICES Whiteface Aroma-Sensory Massage ($180, 80 minutes); Whiteface Peak Facial ($175, 80 minutes); and Beyond Botox Facial Treatment ($180, 80 minutes)

MOST EXPENSIVE
OFFERING
French Lavender Sea
Bath & Massage Ritual
($395 per couple,
80 minutes), which
includes a soothing
soak for two and a side-
by-side massage with
an essential oil blend of
lavender, peppermint,
and rosemary