Spa weekends within driving distance from NYC?
 

Hi! I would really love to go to a spa for a weekend but everything seems really expensive. (at least $1000 and that doesn't include spa treatments) Can anyone recommend some spa getaways? <BR> <BR>thanks

You might consider going to Saratoga Springs NY, staying in a nice hotel or B&B and going to one of the day spas such as Crystal Palace. You can enjoy the natural mineral baths (incredibly relaxing and refreshing - I've tried the baths at the state park and the undertground source is the same) but then take in the dining options of Saratoga in the evening. It might be a flexible and far less expensive option than a conventional spa stay. I've stayed at the Six Sisters B&B in Saratoga and enjoyed it immensely - I'm sure there are many others that are good. Be advised that during July and August rates rise in Saratoga due to the music schedule at SPAC and the racing season.

Saratoga Springs is a really great place, with lots of interesting things to do nearby (the racetrack being one of them - very pretty setting). <BR> <BR>There's also a spa in Lenox, Mass. in the Berkshires, which is a really nice getaway, but I can't for the life of me remember the name. I've been off my gingko lately.

Canyon Ranch in the Berkshires is the one Ess is thinking about. But, that one is very expensive, more than Jacqueline wants to spend.

To put prices in perspective... you can drive to Saratoga and back on a tank of gas from NYC (in most cars). A very nice B&B or hotel in any season except June or July will be $125-200 per night. A luxe day at one of the day spas probably no more than $100-200 per person depending on the range of services. Dinner may range from $20 per person incl tip (not incl alcohol) at Hattie's (my favorite restaurant almost anywhere) or up to $50 per person at the most upscale places. You could easily do a weekend for $500 for one person or $600-800 for two depending on the options you chose.

Have you looked into the Norwich Inn and Spa in Norwich, Conn. I know that it is less than Canyon Ranch yet may still be considered expensive. I looked into it a year ago for my bookclubs annual getaway. You are much better off going off season as the rates were much lower or going with someone else to split the cost of the room. Also, would midweek be less expensive than weekend? A friend of mine went on a spa weekend at the Doubletree in Newport which is now a Hyatt and loved the spa there and felt the prices were great and services as good as nicer spas she had been to. The Aveda Spa on the Upper West Side looks very nice for a day spa. Good Luck