The mood at Penn Station may have been grim, but it was also the starting point for a weekend escape to a gorgeous spa retreat, where the city grind would hopefully melt away. Last month a friend and I made an Amtrak dash to Canyon Ranch. This destination spa — one of many near New York City slashing their rates for fall and winter — is just two and a half hours by train to Albany, followed by a 45-minute drive to Lenox, Mass.
We were met in Albany by our driver Bruce, who explained that at Canyon Ranch there was limited cell phone use and no alcohol. Fortunately, the extraordinary spa and a dizzying array of fitness classes would serve as ample compensation. During the ride, my self-described “gym rat” friend started selecting classes for us, from “wake up warm and stretch” to abs on the ball, Metabolic Meltdown and the scary-sounding Kangaroo Jumps, a so-called amazing cardio workout.
Upon arrival we headed to “restorative yoga,” appropriately followed by the spa. The toughest decision was choosing from the vast treatment menu. I went with their Signature treatment and received just the right amount of pressure on all my sore points for a blissful 50 minutes.
My therapist used an unscented blend of safflower and sunflower oil to rub my back until I fell asleep. My friend had the Swedish deep tissue and emerged in an equally relaxed state. We slipped on white, fluffy robes and sat Jacuzzi-side, sipping lemon water. In the steam room we slapped on rich Moroccan hair conditioner, a deep-heat beauty treatment leaving hair silky soft.
The next day — which started with a morning walk, then yoga, a spin class and a cooking class — I was ready for more spa. This time I opted for the Moroccan oil manicure which began with an orange-peel scrub exfoliation of my hands and arms, followed by a massage.
At the end of the third day, I felt as though I’d been away a week. My body was rested and ready for more . . . more spa that is.
Discounts: Solo travelers can book a lower double-occupancy rate (Dec. 1-23) for savings of about $600 (three-night packages start at $2,240 for deluxe accommodations). The “New You” three-night package offers roughly $500 in savings (Jan. 1-June 30).
Here are four more nearby spas on sale for winter:
Glenmere Mansion
Drive 50 miles north of Manhattan to Chester, NY, to reach this 18-room, Downton Abbey-esque estate set on 150 acres. The spa includes its own Carrara marble bathhouse, a vitality pool, a cool mist room and a herbal steam room — along with a hammam that offers traditional Moroccan rituals.
Discounts: Midweek rates are 15 percent off at $637.50 a night (as are spa treatments for guests) until Dec. 20. From Jan. 1 through April 30, rooms start at $550 (normally $750).
Treatment to get: The Turkish Soap Ritual, on the marble belly stone, starts with herbal steam to warm the muscles. A bubbly cloud is created over the body ($195 for one hour).
The Immersion Spa at The Water Club
This is the larger, two-story spa at the Borgata-adjacent Water Club, in Atlantic City, with 16 treatment rooms — many with Vichy shower wet rooms with heated hammam tables. There’s also an Atlantic-front infinity pool with snacks by chef Geoffrey Zakarian.
Discounts: December through February, rates from $89 midweek (normally $149) and $329 on weekends (normally $409), and spa treatmens — including massage, body wraps and bespoke facials — are $99 each, compared to the usual $140.
Treatment to get: Borgata Glow Facial. The spa’s signature facial includes an enzyme peel, followed by a series of tightening masks to mimic the effects of a facelift ($140 for 50 minutes).
Buttermilk Falls Inn & Spa
Set in the Hudson Valley, the real highlight of this pastoral hideaway is its facials and massages that use organic ingredients from its farm. Honey is big here, and not just at brunch. It’s a natural humectant to help the skin lock in moisture in winter.
Discounts: Off-season rates until the end of February: $250 midweek (normally $300) and $300 weekends (normally $350). Spa treatments are 20 percent off, Sunday-Thursday.
Treatment to get: Millstone Farm Signature Facial ($135 for one hour) includes an almond, oats and honey exfoliant and a face mask made with honey and apples from the farm.
Gurney’s Inn
Although this iconic Montauk resort changed hands in May — and is undergoing a room revamp — the spa remains a classic with stunning heated pool and seawater Thalasso therapies.
Discounts: The Seawater Spa Getaway through end of February (one night, $449 per person, which includes $245 for spa and salon treatments; two nights for $799 a person, which includes $400 for the spa and salon).
Treatment to get: The Head-to-Toe Ocean Radiance treatment starts with a Swedish massage using “Ocean Radiance” aromatherapy oil, followed by a “facial rejuvenation massage” using a marine plasma serum ($300 for two hours).