Mohonk Mountain House has created something marvelous on its mountaintop in New York, in a way that makes it look and feel as if it has always been there. Mohonk Mountain House quietly evolved this summer -- you'll see the same canvas of trees and gardens, the same grand silhouette on the mountain, the same sturdy grace in the beams and timbers that have welcomed visitors for over 130 years -- they are simply, and suddenly, better.
(PRWEB) October 11, 2005 -- Spa Index: Guide to Day Spas and Stay Spas™, a prominent online spa directory and spa industry resource, toured one of the United States most-respected historic vacation destinations this Labor Day, September 2005, for the grand opening of a remarkable spa, the environmentally conscious Spa at Mohonk Mountain House.
A distinguished favorite among America's resorts for more than 100 years, the Hudson Valley's Mohonk Mountain House offers a world class hotel, fine dining on the American Plan, access to 85 miles of hiking trails, tennis, golf, indoor and lake swimming, boating, ice skating, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, children's programs, horseback riding, carriage rides, and now -- the Spa at Mohonk Mountain House -- an eco-friendly facility which completes the resort's setting as an ultimate destination for individuals, families, couples, corporate groups, and now, the spa and wellness traveler.
"Mohonk Mountain House is a National Historic Landmark and once you step out of your car and look at the front of the property, you instantly know you are enveloped in history. Built 1869, this 261-room castle is not only one of America's oldest family-owned resorts, it certainly is the last of the great 19th century mountain resorts" said Kevin McClain, the founder and co-director of Spa Index Media. "Far from being 'dated' however, I found the resort has grown and merged into its surroundings without overwhelming the natural beauty. It has managed to remain an impressive resort, in an impressive structure, on even more impressive grounds, but hasn't taken a misstep by scarring its beautiful backdrop or historic construction. To the contrary, it has merged its newest building -- the Spa at Mohonk Mountain House -- in the most ecologically responsible and beautifully constructed manner possible. Mohonk is clearly a willing environmental steward of its own mountain."
How do you know you have created an architectural success in a treasured historic setting? When you are able to build a new 30,000 square foot, 3 level wing which returning guests would be hard pressed to distinguish from the historic buildings. The Spa wing is environmentally friendly in its use of a geothermal heating and cooling system, as well as recycled and recyclable materials. Geothermal systems use the constant temperature of the earth to heat and cool with remarkable efficiency; this type of system is very quiet and produces no on-site emissions.
A green sod roof was placed on one section of the building to create natural insulation, also allowing the building to blend with its surroundings. The green roof has an 8-inch deep planting bed in which native plants are cultivated. The green roof cuts summer cooling costs, filters the air, provides acoustical insulation, reduces rain run-off, and supplies green habitat for birds and butterflies. The roof is also used for relaxation, mediation, and yoga.
"So expertly crafted is the building, geothermal system, and green roof, when inside the spa wing you simply don't hear anything except the quiet hush of the earth" added McClain.
The owners and architects took further advantage of the natural setting by providing more than 200 windows in the spa wing, and every creature comfort, including wonderful relaxation verandahs, solariums, sitting rooms, and mineral pools, all designed to soak in the unparalleled vistas.
The Spa at Mohonk Mountain House is directed by Hollis Beckwith, who brings more than 25 years of industry experience to the property. Hollis formerly served as Spa Director at the Spa at the Herrington (Geneva, Illinois), the Apuane Spa at the Four Seasons Resort in Punta Mita, Mexico, and the Pangkor Laut and Tanjong Jara Spas in Malaysia. Hollis has a special interest in designing treatments based on indigenous materials, and has incorporated the natural beauty of the mountaintop into the Spa with signature treatments, artwork, and architectural elements.
"I had the signature 80 minute 'Mohonk Red Massage.' This signature treatment included relaxation breathing techniques, warmed body and bath oil with a proprietary 'Mohonk Red' witch hazel on the skin and infused in towels cocooned my face and feet. A combination of acupressure, Swedish massage, Hawaiian Lomi-Lomi massage, and traditional Thai stretches were all used, concluding with a face spritz and a guided 'power nap'" said McClain. "The Mohonk Red Massage was the best I've had in a spa environment to date -- which covers seven years touring spa facilities. It wasn't an 80 minute massage, it was a demonstration of the very definition of wellness, at the hands of an expert."
To read a detailed review about McClain's experiences at the Mohonk Mountain House, including a photo gallery, visit the website for SpaIndex.Com: Guide to Day Spas and Stay Spas and tour the Mohonk Mountain House Featured Spa Presentation (http://www.SpaIndex.com).
About Mohonk Mountain House
The 261-room Mohonk Mountain House in New Paltz, New York, USA, offers its guests elegant accommodations, a formal and elegant dining room, casual and family restaurants, the full-service spa and salon, lake and heated swimming, tennis courts, golf, fishing, hiking, family activities, classes and seminars, a skating pavilion, and outstanding botanical gardens. Mohonk guests enjoy an "American Plan" with three meals and afternoon tea included in the daily accommodation rates. The extensive activities programs are also included. Mohonk Mountain House is a convenient 90-minute trip from Manhattan. The resort is located six miles west of the New York State Thruway near New Paltz, New York and is easily accessible by auto, train, bus, or air. Visit SpaIndex.com for the complete review, or visit Mohonk online at http://www.thayerinteractive.com/clickthru/clickthrough.rry/40142.
About Spa Index Media, LLC
Spa Index Media LLC is based in the San Francisco Bay Area of California, USA, and operates three websites for the international spa, salon and wellness industry. SpaIndex.Com is a comprehensive guide to day spas and spa resorts in 39 countries, and profiles spa specials, cuisine, and lifestyle tips (http://www.SpaIndex.Com). SpaWire.Com is a complimentary news digest and vendor resource site for the spa professional community (http://www.SpaWire.Com). SpaFlyer.Com is an RSS Blog for spa enthusiasts to take advantage of last-minute spa specials, deals, and promotions (http://www.SpaFlyer.Com). Kevin McClain is the founder and co-director of Spa Index Media. . He regularly tours and reviews spa resorts and destination spas for SpaIndex.Com, while additional executive staff tour and review day spas and urban hotel spas. Spa Index Media is a member of the International Spa Association (ISPA).
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