Escape Plan: Five New England Spas and Resorts to Check Out This Spring
STOWEFLAKE MOUNTAIN RESORT & SPA
What it is: A woodsy escape with a 50,000-square-foot spa set in the Green Mountains.
Usual crowd: Spa junkies; flannel types; families.
Signature service: Try the “Organic Roses All Over,” an indulgent mask, wrap, and massage in one. For the guys? A gentleman’s herbal facial.
Wow factor: Relax under a waterfall massage in the mineral pool before or after spa time.
Dining: Snack on bar food—lamb skewers, crispy calamari—at Charlie B’s pub, or grab a bento box at the poolside café.
Know before you go: This is not an all-inclusive resort, but some spa packages are available.
Starts at $119.50 per night, Stowe, VT, 800-253-2232, stoweflake.com.
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THE SPA AT NORWICH INN
What it is: A 42-acre hideaway and spa with all the charm of an old country inn.
Usual crowd: City refugees; girlfriends on holiday; scratch golfers.
Signature service: The apricot body polish with Vichy shower, a seasonal treatment, will exfoliate and refresh your skin for beach weather.
Wow factor: The nearby 18-hole Rees Jones–designed golf course is open to guests.
Dining: Kensington’s restaurant, which overlooks the gardens, is part of the Connecticut Farm-to-Chef program.
Know before you go: This is not an all-inclusive resort, but special packages are available.
Starts at $150 per night, Norwich, CT, 860-425-3500, thespaatnorwichinn.com.
TWIN FARMS
What it is: One of only three Forbes-rated five-star all-inclusive resorts in the U.S.
Usual crowd: Power couples; oenophiles; sybarites.
Signature service: The 104-degree Japanese furo (bath) is coed—and clothing optional; the cedar, spearmint, and rose pedicure is par for the season.
Wow factor: Wine snobs will appreciate the 25,000-bottle cellar and reserve list; there are also impressive art collections.
Dining: The locavore menu, which showcases ingredients grown on-site, changes daily. Cocktail and wine pairings are included.
Know before you go: No pets or kids under 18 (except on the annual family weekend).
Starts at $1,260 per night, Barnard, VT, 800-894-6327, twinfarms.com.
KRIPALU
What it is: An all-inclusive yoga, health, and holistic nonprofit—just don’t call it a spa.
Usual crowd: Yogis; the spiritually and physically active; Zen seekers.
Signature service: Soothe post–downward dog muscles with a rubdown, or try an Ayurvedic treatment.
Wow factor: International experts teach and train here.
Dining: Buffet-style meals feature chickpeas and kale. Alcohol is, of course, prohibited on the path to enlightenment.
Know before you go: The Kripalu Institute for Extraordinary Living is creating yoga-based programs for schoolchildren and healthcare professionals; accommodations include dorm-style options.
Starts at $166 per person per night, Stockbridge, 866-200-5203, kripalu.org.
CANYON RANCH
What it is: A renowned, all-inclusive wellness mecca.
Usual crowd: Affluent baby boomers; aging Gen X’ers; moms and daughters.
Signature service: The 80-minute restorative massage with organic oils is a must.
Wow factor: Daytime activities—zip lines, jumpboard Pilates—build stamina for evenings at Tanglewood, Jacob’s Pillow, and Shakespeare & Company.
Dining: A number of sit-down options are available, with healthy snacks also provided. No alcohol is served (though guests can bring their own to enjoy in their room).
Know before you go: Doctors here are developing treatments for sleep apnea and cognitive assessments to improve brain health.
Starts at $2,410 per person for three nights, Lenox, 800-742-9000, canyonranch.com.
Rates current as of May 2013.
