6 Stress-Relieving Spa Resorts in New York for a Relaxing Stay in the Empire State

Gurney’s Montauk Resort & Seawater Spa is a year-round resort and one of the largest in the Hamptons area. It has all the amenities of a full-service spa, coupled with a serene private beachfront location. The resort has long been a favorite Hamptons getaway for New Yorkers, but after an impressive multi-year and multi-million dollar renovation in 2014, it became a sought-after destination for travelers from all over the world. The complete upgrade brought with it two trendy restaurants (including Scarpetta Beach, a sister eatery to the Italian hotspot in Manhattan), a coffee shop, a craft cocktail bar, a revamped beach club, and an enhanced spa. Guestrooms now have a modern, beach-chic feel, and most have a private balcony and ocean view.

With the most all-encompassing and modern spa facilities on the eastern end of Long Island, Gurney’s Seawater Spa is aptly referred to as their ‘seawater sanctuary’. You could spend an entire day rotating between their Roman bath, Finnish rock sauna, Russian steam room, and Swiss shower — and none of these are even the most impressive spa amenity. Seawater Spa’s world-famous indoor pool consists of heated, sand-filtered seawater drawn-in directly from Montauk’s coast. Sleek loungers surround the pool and floor-to-ceiling windows afford sweeping views of the Atlantic Ocean, its unremitting waves crashing against the golden sandy shores.

With a 75-acre estate nestled into the hills overlooking the Hudson River, Buttermilk Falls Inn is one of the most peaceful retreats in all of Upstate New York. Just an hour and half north of New York City, the Inn is as luxurious as it is secluded.

The main lodge consists of 10 guestrooms, and a combination of guest cottages and homes pepper the wooded grounds. The wide range of accommodation options makes Buttermilk Falls ideal for everything from a quiet couples getaway to a large family vacation. Each of the country-chic rooms blend modern amenities with rustic features, like a private built-in fireplace against exposed stone walls, and locally hand-sewn patchwork quilts draped over plush king-sized beds. Wake up every morning at Buttermilk Falls greeted by a full-spread country breakfast made of local produce, cheeses, jams, and fresh eggs.

Beyond the upscale lodging, the property has a farm-to-table restaurant, Henry’s, and an organic garden and orchard. Most notable of all, though, is the Buttermilk Spa which has become a destination in its own right. The million-dollar, eco-friendly spa facility opened in 2007 with tranquil gardens, solar-powered sauna, steam room, geothermally heated pool, and floor-to-ceiling with forest views. Particularly renowned for its eco-friendly products and amenities, Buttermilk Spa has treatments that incorporate items like fresh lavender from the property’s Millstone Farm and bamboo stalks for therapeutic massage techniques.

Pulling up to the Whiteface Lodge, the first thing you’ll notice is the grand wooden beams of the porte cochère and the warm glow of light emanating from magnificent antler chandeliers hanging from above. If you’re seeking a luxury experience amid mountain terrain, look no further than The Whiteface Lodge in Lake Placid, New York.

The spacious suite-style set up of the rooms creates a home-away-from-home feeling, where you can truly unwind after a day exploring the outdoors. Sink into the cozy living room sofa, kick your boots off, and warm up by your own private fireplace. Each morning, breakfast at the lodge is served in the grand hall of their restaurant, Kanu. Bold coffee and warm, farm-fresh eggs, and gooey cinnamon rolls provide the perfect sustenance for a day spent in the great outdoors. Sourcing the best ingredients from local upstate farms, every meal in the stately, Adirondacks dining space is top-notch.

If you’re looking to truly relax, make your way downstairs to the lodge’s acclaimed spa, set in a rustic yet tranquil 5,700 square-foot facility. Recognized as one of the Top 100 Spas in North America by Condé Nast Traveler, the Spa at Whiteface Lodge offers a wealth of treatments inspired by Adirondack mountain life, like the highly-popular Apple Cider Masque & Massage. Be sure to allot plenty of time for your spa experience here. Arrive early so you can spend ample time in the sauna and eucalyptus steam, then hang around after your treatment for a dip in their hot tub or heated indoor-outdoor pool.

The Sagamore is an iconic resort on the shores of Lake George in the Adirondacks. The landmark hotel has a prestigious history that dates back to its opening in 1883. Everyone from young honeymooners to distinguished dignitaries has flocked to this lakeside retreat for well over a century. The Sagamore has long prided itself on being a destination resort with a wealth of outdoor activities, Donald Ross-designed 18-hole golf course, luxury spa, and multiple award-winning restaurants. Don’t miss feasting on the Barolo-braised Short Ribs at their signature Italian restaurant, La Bella Vita, or the savory Prime New York Strip at the Club Grill Steakhouse.

The Lake George Spa fully embraces the surrounding Adirondack Mountains. Earthy incense and natural woods create a relaxing, sanctuary-like setting from the moment you walk in. With a focus on rejuvenating both body and spirit, treatments range from an Adirondacks Stone Massage to their Signature Body Pamper Remedy, which begins with a gentle, nature-inspired exfoliation followed by a full body massage using warm shea butter and de-stressing essential oils. Clinical facials, in particular, are a specialty of the spa and treatments include Stem Cell Repair, Collagen Renewal, and Oxygen Detoxifier facials.

After a recent and complete overhaul, The Sagamore Salon was added to the spa facilities. Now guests can enjoy beauty services like haircut & coloring, manicures, and make-up. The spa treatments and salon services combine to make The Sagamore a perfect resort option for friends getaways, special occasions, or celebratory events.

The stately white Adirondack property sits atop a hill, beckoning you to walk up the long steps and come inside. The lobby smells faintly of a fireplace that was recently lit and freshly baked chocolate chip cookies tempt you over to the check-in desk. When it’s warm out, spend your morning relaxing lakeside, listening to the water quietly kiss the shoreline. Guests can freely use any of the property’s water toys, like the stand-up paddleboards. No boats are allowed on Mirror Lake, creating an idyllic playground for swimmers, kayakers, and paddle-boaters.

Once the winter chill arrives, Mirror Lake Inn and surrounding town of Lake Placid transform into an Eden of winter fun. Twinkly lights dance through the trees, hot cocoa, and warm apple cider are nestled in gloved hands all day, and ice-skaters glide across frozen Mirror Lake.

While all the dining options at the resort are delicious, you shouldn’t miss the fine-dining experience at The View. Winner of Wine Spectator’s Award of Excellence 16 years in a row, the restaurant serves seasonal New American cuisine driven by ingredients from regional Lake Placid farmers and the property’s own vegetable and herb garden.

At Mirror Lake Inn Resort & Spa, you’ll come for the calm and beautiful scenery, but you’ll stay for the spa. Come with friends or on a romantic getaway with your partner. The Couples Getaway package includes side-by-side massages and pedicures, while the Ultimate Renewal targets the whole body with a facial, massage, and shampoo. Try one of their featured treatments such as the CBD Healing Pedicure. With this treatment, the cannabis compound-infused lotion is used for a foot and leg massage targeting sore, aching muscles. CBD is known to have tons of health benefits and is currently having its moment in the spotlight.

In the heart of the Catskills and only two hours from New York City, the Mohonk Mountain House is one of the most unique and all-encompassing resorts in the Northeast. Founded in 1869 by Albert Smiley as a 10-room Inn, the property has expanded to include over 600 rooms on a sprawling estate. Despite its growth in size and popularity, the mountain house maintains a timeless, cabin-like charm, and continues to be owned and operated by the Smiley family.

The mile-long one-lane entry road to Mohonk winds up a mountainside, and you can just feel the stress slip away as you go. Suddenly, the trees clear and a huge Victorian style, castle-like estate emerges before you. Built on the shores of Lake Mohonk, the property looks out onto the bucolic countryside. Everything from the guest rooms to the activities reflects the raw beauty of the surrounding Hudson Valley.

In the summer, venture on a hike or paddle board around Lake Mohonk. Come winter, guests can enjoy snow tubing, cross-country skiing, and skating on the property’s ice rink. Ultimately, though, wellness is the focus here. Along with a traditional service menu at the spa, they also offer yoga, forest bathing, guided nature experiences, and meditation. There are over 80 treatment options to choose from, including a Holistic Balancing Facial and their Mohonk Red Massage, which incorporates Thai stretching to de-stress. But don’t rush out after your treatment. The facilities are set up to make you relax and stay awhile. Dip into the steaming hot-tub outside or kick your feet up by the fireplace in the spa’s solarium.