http://www.nydailynews.com/lifestyle/travel/2009/03/22/2009-03-22_five_upstate_new_york_spas_for_a_relaxin.html
After a long winter of dealing with frigid temperatures, freak snowstorms and the gloom of a faltering economy, spring has finally arrived - at least officially.
Friday's snow shower proved springtime in March is something of a formality. But New Yorkers watching their dollars don't have to go far to shake the post-winter blahs. Here are five quick upstate getaways, all within a couple of hours of the city and about $500 or less, where you can spend the weekend relaxing, rejuvenating and reenergizing the soul without breaking the bank.
Woodstock Inn on the Millstream
This cozy, 18-room inn has gorgeous grounds overlooking Tinker Creek, where you can watch deer and other wildlife in a rustic setting yet still be within walking distance of the town of Woodstock, home to one of America's oldest artists' colonies.
Tinker St., Woodstock's main drag, is full of small bookstores, funky boutiques and art galleries. Spend a lazy afternoon strolling and exploring, then dine at any of the highly regarded restaurants in town.
The Inn has rooms of various sizes, making it a perfect escape for a romantic weekend or a family getaway. Rates start at $129 for a standard room, which includes a breakfast buffet featuring locally baked goodies. 48 Tannery Brook Road; 1-800-420-4707; (845) 679-8211; www.woodstock-inn-ny.com.
You don't have to travel to India to find your spiritual side. Ananda Ashram, about an hour from Manhattan in Monroe, was established by the Yoga Center of New York in the 1960s and is a popular destination for yoga practitioners from the city.
The weekend program begins on Fridays at 6 p.m. with two daily yoga classes for all levels. The tasty vegetarian meals are served, buffet-style, in the dining hall at set times.
While people take their yoga and meditation quite seriously here, you aren't pressured into following a rigid schedule, and classes aren't mandatory. Rates start at $70 a night for a dormitory-style room with shared bath. 13 Sapphire Road, Monroe. (845) 782-5575; www.anandaashram.org
Warwick Valley Bed & Breakfast
Just 50 miles from the city sits Warwick, a quaint town surrounded by hiking trails and orchards that serves as a relaxing escape for any harried New Yorker.
Check yourself into a room at the homey Warwick Valley Bed & Breakfast, a colonial house in the heart of the charming village. The pace is nice and slow on Main St., where you can fill an afternoon antiquing and window-shopping, then enjoy a good meal at one of several restaurants. If you're in the mood for some vino, there's no shortage of tasting rooms at the vineyards along the Shawangunk Wine Trail (www.shawangunkwinetrail.com), which runs through Warwick.
Warwick B&B rates start at $120 and include a hearty breakfast. There's also a choice of weekend shopping, dining and skiing packages, starting at $300. 24 Maple Ave. (845) 987-7255; www.wvbedandbreakfast.com.
New Age Heath Spa
Head to the heart of the Catskills for a weekend of relaxation and peace at New Age Health Spa, situated on 280 scenic acres.
Explore the lush grounds on guided hikes, dine on delicious meals - including salads with herbs and vegetables grown in New Age's greenhouses - or enjoy one of its many yoga and fitness classes, and within a day you'll certainly feel refreshed and de-stressed. And if this doesn't do the trick, swim some laps in the indoor pool or simply book a spa treatment.
Rates start at $259 a night for a two-night minimum stay, but New Age is all-inclusive, so everything is covered (with the exception of spa treatments). Solo travelers can be placed with a roommate to keep costs down. Through May 21, guests who pay for two nights and four spa treatments can bring a friend along for free. 7491 State Route 55, Neversink. 1-800-682-4348;www.newagehealthspa.com.
The Roxbury Motel
The Roxbury isn't your typical roadside motel. If you're a fan of kitsch, book one of the colorful theme rooms inspired by '60s and '70s shows like "The Partridge Family," "The Mod Squad and "The Jetsons" to lighten your mood.
You can't help but feel refreshed after a weekend relaxing in the heart of the Catskill Mountains. Begin your day with a breakfast of fruit and pastries in the sun-drenched dining room, then head to Roxbury's Shimmer Spa, where guests can find peace and tranquility as they lounge in a hot tub or sauna or enjoy a full menu of services in the treatment room.
At night, unwind across the street at the Public Lounge, about as fun and funky a bar you'll find outside of Manhattan.
Rates at the Roxbury start at $129 on weekends, which includes a continental breakfast. 2258 County Highway 41, Roxbury, NY. (607) 326-7200;www.theroxburymotel.com.
Lowenstein is the author of "City Weekends: The Greatest Escapes and Weekend Getaways In and Around New York City."
Thanks for those options, if I can save up enough $, the Woodstock Inn looks pretty enticing.
Posted by: Spa Mississauga | May 24, 2009 at 04:59 PM
Hi. This is very adorable blog. Thank you to share this one with whole world. This is one of my articles about Ayurveda.. http://healthmad.com/alternative/ayurveda-2/
Posted by: Ayurveda | August 06, 2009 at 06:55 PM
OH! M! G! those sound heavenly and wonderful. Now you've made me pine to actually go to one of these!! thanks!!
Posted by: Truth About Abs | August 30, 2009 at 02:35 AM
Hey love the blog! L-O-V-E it! thanks!
Posted by: swedish massage salt lake | December 29, 2009 at 06:07 PM