SPA DAYS IN THE HUDSON VALLEYStory and Photos by Pamela A. Campbell |
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Kerkhonkson, N.Y. Spas are a favorite with me, always. Especially those that promise European-style spa treatments befitting guests who need to relax amidst nature like the 400-acre Hudson Valley Resort and Spa.
Tucked between the Catskill and Shawangunk Mountains, the solitude delivers instant composure |
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and mixed with a slower pace, it's almost like we're in another world. We rejoice as we leave New York City 90 miles behind (ditto for Connecticut and New Jersey).
Our spirits are up as we settle into one of the 300 rooms with a view, then it's off to the spa enclave that is peacefully away from the main section. Spa Director Vivienne's tour invigorates the senses to the benefits of this "Nirvana of Wellness." The fun part is customizing spa treatments according to your mood since the myriad of activities inevitably lead to a massage, facial or body treatment (just ask Mimi, she's one of the experts who is extremely helpful in choosing treatments). A quick dip in the indoor or outdoor pool does wonders for the body, and there's always those relaxing Jacuzzis, saunas or steam rooms (utterly exhilarating). Then there is the newly equipped fitness center offering a state-of-the-art range of workouts to suit every guest. After completing a tennis match or a round of golf the perfect friend at the end of the day is your favorite massage therapist.
Pampering facials are always a treat, and aloe vera, vitamin E and an avocado mask are part of the Customized Makeover Facial - great for that special occasion (especially if you're celebrating a recent milestone). The Glycolic Peel Facial uses sugar cane or lactic acid to cleanse the face while restoring moisture and banning imperfections, commonly caused by the harmful rays of the sun. A unisex European Facial is most enjoyable. Skin texture analysis determines the treatment with a mask specifically created for you. You'll emerge glowing after all the toning, hydrating and moisturizing during this 45-minute session, which also includes a shoulder, hand and foot massage. When it's time to indulge in culinary delights we find the resort's two restaurants most accommodating. Sansui is the modern Asian Fusion experience that seduces our taste buds for dinner. Executive Chef Ed Kelly's appetizers are a feast for the eyes and the palate.
The ultimate taste sensation ends with Chocolate Trilogy, layered chocolate cake, white sponge cake, white, dark and milk chocolate mousse topped with French chocolate Chambord, or for variety, mouth watering Pecan Pie.
Any excess calories are sure to disappear at the fitness center - a workout on the latest gym and weight training equipment is the answer, trust me. Aesthetically speaking, a more appealing alternative might be the body treatments, a Mud Wrap or the Algae, Seaweed-Clay Body treatment. Both men and women benefit from the milled seaweed algae with healing benefits that ultimately nourishes and revitalizes the skin. The finishing touch comes with the collagen cream application that leaves the body soft and silky, the best finale you can ask for! Next time I'm already planning to have the Ayurvedic scalp and hair treatment which can defy description (if I get over the ecstasy) of a scalp massage with essential oils, followed by the face, hands and feet. | ||
A selection of four different massages will relieve muscle tension, stimulate circulation, improve muscle tone and that most revered result - total relaxation. A bit more than a foot massage, reflexology is a favorite with me, and it's rather interesting to discover that pressure points on the foot relate to different organs in the body (and this detects any ailments).
The Lobster Scallion Pancake (with herbed sauce) and Asian Style Shrimp Cocktail (with pickled ginger cocktail sauce) are tempting starters with Woodbridge Cabernet Sauvignon. The entrees have us feasting on Stir Fried Shrimp and Asparagus served with LoMein noodles, lightly seasoned with green curry and Asian vegetables, and The Carpetbagger - beef tenderloin stuffed with roasted oysters on a crouton bed with hollandaise sauce.
Chef Kelly's exotic repertoire extends to Mongolian Lamb with sweet Sake sauce over black rice, Grilled Pork Tenderloin served with roasted pineapple and vanilla bean mustard sauce, Warm Lobster Salad over a bed of spinach with a citrus ginger vinaigrette and Grilled Salmon with a Teriyaki Wasabi glaze. Mmmm!
Bentley's American Grill is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. The lunch menu ranges from Buffalo Chicken Tenderloins and French Onion Soup for starters to salads, sandwiches and burgers, or entrees such as Penne Pasta, Broiled Salmon or New York Sirloin. Dinner selections include Maryland Crab Cakes, Spice Seaweed Chicken Breast and Pan Roasted Filet Mignon, or for smaller appetites, small plates and bowls or sandwiches and platters.