Spa-ahh!
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Take the weekend to relax, recharge, and renew at these girls’ spa getaways in the Hudson Valley
Girls’ weekend getaways have been a staple in my life for years. They reflect our various stages in life, starting with the basic trips to someone’s beach house, lake cottage, or even — yes! — a motel. My girlfriends are my oxygen; I could not survive without them. There is no one else who can share your joy and sorrow, cheer you on, lift you up, or shine a light on your hard truths than your people, your tribe, the mirror that reflects you. My girlfriends are part of a unique web, one that began in my beloved hometown of Dobbs Ferry and has led me to where I am now. I have friends from nursery school (no exaggeration, and we are still close), elementary school (in my tiny town you made a friend in kindergarten and were still together in high school), college, work-life, mom life, and beyond. They weave in and around the web, making my life richer and becoming an indispensable resource.
Along the way, our girls’ getaways have evolved. They are now amped-up, well-orchestrated spa weekends that include amenities we never dreamed of in our humble beginnings. While we have ventured across state lines, in cars and planes, my favorites are still right here in New York. We have now been to so many that it is hard to narrow down the don’t-miss list, but I’ll try.
We have a few prerequisites: easily accessible by car or train, spa (non-negotiable), on-site accommodations and restaurant, indoor and outdoor space; bonuses would be yoga, an indoor pool, and tea service.
Buttermilk Falls Inn & Spa
220 N Road, Milton
www.buttermilkfallsinn.com
Buttermilk Falls Inn & Spa checks all the requisite boxes; a stunning 75-acre Hudson Valley property, hiking trails, views (especially magnificent in the fall), charming accommodations with all the amenities, a restaurant, full-service spa, indoor pool (being renovated), onsite Millstone Farm, and afternoon tea service.
There are several unique lodging options including the main Inn with charming semi-private outdoor space or balcony, and others that are pet-friendly, with an array of amenities just for your furry friend. There are comfortable lounges throughout to hang out in, a bar, and hiking trails for all abilities that extend down to the Hudson River. Breakfast is included and you will encounter chickens, peacocks, swans, and other gentle livestock around the property from the farm. The onsite restaurant, Henry’s at the Farm, is a standout with stunning views and seriously the best waiter (Michael) I’ve ever had anywhere. The menu is locally sourced, farm-to-table cuisine and while the restaurant is busy, you don’t feel rushed. Craft cocktails and large glasses of wine seal the deal. The spa is perfect for a small group; there is a nice lounge area both inside and out on the patio and the vibe is relaxed and warm. If you want to venture outside of the property there are plenty of regional cultural attractions within a short drive.
Mirbeau Inn & Spa
46 West Market St, Rhinebeck
www.rhinebeck.mirbeau.com
I first became acquainted with Mirbeau at their flagship location in Skaneateles, NY, where my college roommate lives. (That lakeside gem in the Finger Lakes is a dream in and of itself, but I’ll save that for a later detour.) It was before all the girls’ weekend festivities that often now dominate my social calendar. I was delighted to learn in 2019 that the family-owned and -operated inn and spa expanded into the heart of Rhinebeck. Located within walking distance of everything that is quintessentially one of the most charming towns along the Hudson, the inn and spa have all the ingredients necessary for the perfect girls’ getaway spa weekend. The French-chateau-style inn has on-site dining at the lovely Willow by Charlie Parker, serving a locally sourced farm-to-table menu (all day), full-service spa, manicured grounds, and the game-changer for me and my girls was the Aqua Terrace overlooking the thermal pool. Rounding out the array of amenities are the full-service gym, yoga and fitness classes, and the Himalayan Salt Sauna. This destination is close to a plethora of Hudson Valley attractions that can be enjoyed year-round, but with fall nipping at our heels, Mirbeau will make the perfect fall girls’ getaway weekend.
The Abbey Inn & Spa
900 Fort Hill Rd, Peekskill
www.theabbeyinn.com
The Abbey Inn & Spa is a re-imagined destination at a former convent of the Episcopal Sisters of Mary. Overlooking the majestic Hudson River, it is one of Westchester’s newest full-service inn and spa facilities and a convenient and elegant venue for a girls’ getaway. The 65-acre property, including a meticulously designed English garden, has a relaxing, yet elegant vibe. Accommodations at the Inn are luxurious and comfortable, and many have signature views of the river and the Hudson Highlands. The restaurant, Apropos, serves a farm-to-table, locally-sourced cuisine and it wouldn’t be a girls’ trip without signature craft cocktails and craft brews served on the porch. If you follow me, you know I am passionate about NYS wines and cider, which Apropos keeps well-stocked. The full-service spa features an array of massage options, Geneo ultrasound facial therapies, a fitness center, whirlpool, and sauna. The views of the Hudson River from this storied venue are not to be missed. The location, just a mile from the heart of revitalized Peekskill, is an easy and fun way to access local nightlife and culture.
Born and raised in Westchester, Nancy Sorbella’s lifestyle stories have been featured in several local and regional publications where she has also been a style and community columnist. She is the resident wordsmith for the Arthritis Foundation of NY and the Community Engagement Director by day, spending her free time exploring and experiencing the Hudson Valley. Follow Nancy for more of her adventures on Instagram @DetoursColumnist, Twitter @jsorbella, or on Facebook at Nancy Niskin Sorbella.
