The Turning Stone Resort & Casino
Ska:Na, The Spa at Turning Stone
Written by Yvette N. Coleman
With gas prices as they are everyone is so reluctant
to leave his or her back yard. I came across a place
that got me in my car on a long haul for the first
time this past summer. I’m talking about the
best place to go to relieve my Blackberry thumbs,
my big purse shoulders, and my NYC beaten stiletto
feet. Turning Stone Resort and Casino
in Verona NY, a mere 30 minutes from Syracuse, is
tucked away in the scenic mountains of Mohawk Valley.
A peaceful resort tower and lodge await its over anxious
and tired visitors. Turning Stone has well over
1,000 acres of serene beauty that frame a resort of
700 rooms, five golf courses, two spas, and 21 dining
options!
Just a little turn and around the corner from The Turning Stone Resort
and Casino lies The Lodge at Turning Stone. Their beautiful 95 room
all-suite hotel within the resort. From the moment we stepped out of the car we were
greeted with warm smiles from our valet, Frank. The
atmosphere was calming and
refreshing. The open entrance and quiet lobby
was a welcomed change from the hustle and bustle of
the city. At first glance I thought the resort was
empty, but the friendly guest service
associate informed me that the resort was booked and
is often requested months in advance. Usually when
you hear “booked” you assume a crowed
noisy environment with overworked staff that will
aggravate you further so that you don’t “feel”
like you’re on vacation.
I was enjoying myself here in the lobby and I hadn’t
even unpacked my bag yet! More treasures waited as
I slipped in my pass key to discover a very decadent
one bedroom suite that I immediately knew I didn’t
want to leave! A warm, neutral décor greeted
me in the sitting room with a view of the landscape,
which includes beautiful flowers and water
flowing over well placed Zen mountainesque rocks.
There were amenities galore! I
found robes, slippers, fluffy pillows, and the bed
felt like heaven! Now to my favorite part of the room!
The magnificent bathroom with a soaking tub and temperature
controlled glass shower, large vanity mirrors all
which made it hard to decide to either take a shower,
a bath or look at myself!
A little tuckered out from the trip, I decided to
soak and anticipate my relaxing journey! That evening
dinner at Wildflowers was simply
the best from start to finish! The chef introduced
my palette with entrée’s that
burst with flavor and presentation. I still
think about my delicious Kobe steak! The next day
brought more indulgence as I geared myself for the
ultimate relaxing experience from Ska:Na,
The Spa at Turning Stone. All I have to say
is Sage and White Pine Hot Towel massage!! I know…
The massage combines deep vigorous massage and steaming
hot towels with a Sage and White Pine oil blend. Sage
has long been used for its ability to bring about
clarity and deep relaxation.
The White Pine is the Great Tree of Peace and was
the most valued botanical for healing fatigue and
mental exhaustion. Taut muscles are unraveled
with this powerfully effective treatment.
And my therapist Jennifer was “hands down”
the best with her very attentive strong and gentle
technique. I was so relaxed I fell asleep
and was awakened by my own deep breathing (ok snoring…tomatoes,
ta-matoes). The best treatments that I have
received to date were from Ska:Na, The Spa at Turning
Stone. Think soothing treatments and modern
amenities that are combined with an American Indian
cultural theme to create the most luxurious spa experience.
All-natural treatments, an authentic sweat lodge,
and a beautiful atmosphere are all designed to bring
you back to harmony.
Ahh I was so refreshed, the guest service associates
made my stay unforgettable with attention to every
need and anticipated needs I didn’t know I had!
They encouraged me to try the Steam room, the sauna
and private whirlpool for women. Finally it was time
to go, I believe my fingers turning into raisins were
the indication. Back to the suite and time passed
with ease…and I was too relaxed to bother with
clothes and leaving the room. I opted for the room
service, which was quick, polite, and gracious. They
even called to make sure that I was happy with my
meal! A+!
The next morning was time to experience the facial.
It was sooo good. It features Oneida Herbal and Stone
Therapy for a completely harmonizing experience. The
body's key touch points - the back, scalp, face, hands
and feet - are treated during this classic purifying
facial. It begins with warm stones placed
on your back for tense muscles and encourages toxins
to leave the body. During the facial, while the toning
and calming mask is treating the skin, the hands are
polished and treated. And then the finishing mask
completes the facial and hydrates the skin, the feet
are cared for with a buffing treatment featuring sage
salts, dandelion and mint. The facial ends with a
sunflower-based aromatic scalp massage to reduce stress
and enhance the therapeutic effects of the skin care
treatment. I was relaxed, nurtured and refreshed!
I was entranced by the experience and couldn’t
wait to share it.
That evening I walked the grounds and enjoyed the
fire pit and company of other travelers that have
made Turning Stone a frequent stay in their busy lives.
We all should take the time to "smell
the roses” and feel completely harmonized.
And with the wonderful help of Turning Stone and Ska:na
Spa, you too should be so lucky to have this experience.
Now I am soaked, smooth, happy, massaged, warm,
fulfilled, relaxed and ready to take on The City again!
THIS JUST IN: Skaná: The Spa at Turning
Stone NEW!! Readers should call the main
reservation number and ask for the “Girls Getaway
Package.” This includes: Two nights luxury accommodations
at Turning Stone’s AAA four diamond rated Lodge,
a facial and massage in their award winning destination
spa Skana and spa breakfast. Packages start at $1,091
for two. IT IS WORTH IT - - BELIEVE ME!
For more information please visit www.thelodge.travel and www.skana.com
