|
Mirror Lake Inn Resort & Spa:Pampering in the Adirondacksby Joyce DaltonSkiing in winter, water sports in summer, hiking and nature walks in spring and autumn, pampering and fine dining year-round. That�s the good life at Mirror Lake Inn Resort & Spa, situated in the Adirondack Mountains at Lake Placid, N.Y.
In the late 1980s, a devastating fire swept through the property. It was rebuilt the same year, recreating the original turn-of-the-century style. More recently, two additional structures, linked to the main building by enclosed, heated walkways, were constructed, bringing the total room count to 128, including 19 suites.
A variety of facials address specific skin problems, soothe irritated skin, restore moisture and alleviate signs of aging. The Spa�s popular Aromatherapy facial can be complimented by one of several masks. The Anti-Aging Mask, for example, utilizes a patented geothermal water found off the coast of France which claims natural properties that firm and tone the skin. The Four-Layer Facial rehydrates, remineralizes and rebalances the skin; its principal ingredient is seaweed. A special eye treatment soothes tired eyes, reduces puffiness and minimizes wrinkles and fine lines. Costs run from $45 for a 30-minute eye treatment to $115 for the 75-minute Four-Layer Facial. Instead of choosing from the menu of individual treatments, guests can opt for one of Mirror Lake�s New Day Spa Packages which offer a combination of procedures for $145 to $275. The Rejuvenator, for instance, consists of an Exfoliating Body Scrub, an Herbal Wrap and a Reflexology massage for $225.
For further exercise, there�s an indoor heated lap pool complimented at one end by a waterfall; a huge Jacuzzi, and an outdoor pool.
A special wellness menu suggests selected appetizers and entrees. Since dinners are candlelit affairs designed for a relaxed, unhurried pace, the Averil Conwell room offers families traveling with young children the option of an early seating where service is kept moving to accommodate kids� limited tolerance for sitting still. For each adult entree ordered, one meal from the children�s menu (up to age 12) is complimentary. The Inn�s alternate dining venue, The Cottage, is a pub-style spot situated just across the road and right on the lake. Serving casual fare, it has a lively bar and both indoor and deck tables.
In winter, guests can choose from a full range of activities: cross-country skiing from the Inn on 26-mile Jackrabbit Trail; ice-skating on a private, lighted rink; dog sledding on the lake; ice climbing; ice fishing; downhill skiing at nearby Whiteface Mountain; snowshoeing; bobsledding, or luge. One of the inn�s proprietors is a former U.S. luge champion. During warm weather, many activities center around Mirror Lake where canoes, paddleboats and rowboats are complimentary for guests. Of course, there�s the outdoor pool and lake for swimming, plus a sandy beach. The more adventurous can join bike tours, nature walks, one-day wilderness camping trips, fishing trips, rock climbing, and water aerobics. The inn also sponsors wellness seminars focusing on nutrition and fitness. If that�s not enough, the town of Lake Placid is lined with boutiques and eateries. Nearby, there�s an impressive Olympic Center with a museum, ice rink, bobsled and luge runs, speed skating oval and a ski jump. Depending on room category and season, per room daily rates run from $110 to $470. The presidential suite is $725 year-round. Spa, golf, honeymoon or anniversary, wine tasting and ski packages are available. Mirror Lake Inn Resort & Spa has received a number of Conde Nast Traveler readers� poll commendations and for the 16th consecutive year, has earned the coveted AAA Four-Diamond rating. It is a member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World. FOR MORE INFORMATION Images by Joyce Dalton |
|
TM
Built in 1883 as a private residence, the white wooden structure became an inn in 1924. Mirror Lake emerged from the Depression unscathed. In fact, the dining room and more guest rooms were added at that time. During the 1932 Winter Olympics, which were held in Lake Placid, the Norwegian team occupied the entire facility. Lake Placid also hosted the 1980 Games and such athletes as Dick Button and Toller Cranston found a temporary home at Mirror Lake Inn. 
For several decades, the Inn consisted of a main building plus a number of private cottages. In the 1950s, one such cottage was built especially for the singer Kate Smith who lived there for more than a year while her home was being constructed nearby.
Accommodations feature cathedral ceilings, four-poster beds and mahogany-lined bathtubs. Many balconies overlook the lake, just across the road, and the mountains beyond. Each suite boasts a different decor. Several occupy two levels with working fireplaces, king-sized beds and two full baths. The Adirondack Suite reflects the 19th century Adirondack Great Camps which,
contrary to the name, were luxurious summer homes for city dwellers. Special features of this suite include a handcrafted cedar bed, a stone fireplace and �designer rustic� touches. 
A major draw for today�s guests is the $3 million spa which opened in July 1999 after undergoing transformation from just three treatment rooms into an upscale, spacious facility offering as wide a range of massages and body and facial treatments as one could wish. Guests are encouraged to arrive early for their appointments, the better to enjoy the marble- and mahogany-appointed sanctuaries featuring comfortable sitting areas and whirlpool baths. 
All therapists are licensed by New York state and have received diplomas from accredited massage schools. Each is skilled in various techniques and customizes treatments to suit the guest�s particular needs and wishes. In addition to Swedish, Reflexology, Reiki and Aromatherapy massages, the repertoire includes Stone Therapy, designed to bring relief to tense muscles and sore joints, and Rain Massage, performed in the Vichy shower room where different water pressures are utilized to relax tense muscles. Yet another option is a Tandem Massage for two guests, each with his own therapist. At $245, the most expensive choice is the Regal Treatment which consists of a 140-minute session beginning with an exfoliation mixture of sea salt and honey, followed by a remineralizing mask and a Swedish massage using a blend of essential oils. Other massage options mentioned range from $80 to $170 for treatments lasting from 25 to 80 minutes.
The list of body treatments is equally impressive. These include a Honey Almond Body Polish which sloughs off dead skin cells with a mixture of honey, almonds and fresh buttermilk; an Exfoliating Body Scrub utilizing the Spa�s European Vichy shower; a Moor Mud Wrap, heating the body by enveloping it in Dead Sea mud to relieve tight, sore muscles; a Hydra Quench Body Glow, designed to relieve stress through the application of a remineralizing mask and cocooning in Mirror Lake�s European Soft Pack System. and an Herbal Wrap in which a warm linen wrap covers the body from neck to toe, leaving it relaxed and rejuvenated. Firming treatments, focusing on individual problem areas as waist, hips or thighs, also are offered. Body therapies range from $80 to $125 and last from 50 to 75 minutes.
Fitness classes are complimentary for guests, while one-on-one sessions with a personal trainer are available for a fee. Daily nature/health walks, led by a staff member, take place year-round. A Fitness Center provides state-of-the-art equipment. Although many machines boast individual TVs, most guests find the view through the picture windows more appealing.
Even fitness buffs appreciate fine dining. The Averil Conwell Dining Room offers an ambience of elegant relaxation. Amid a setting of mahogany wall paneling, a marble fireplace and a wall of windows offering yet more gorgeous views of pine trees, lake and mountains, guests enjoy award-winning gourmet meals. Chef Matthew Baldwin has been featured in such publications as Art Culinaire, Country Inns and Food Arts. The restaurant was a winner of the 2001 Wine Spectator�s Dining Guide Award of Excellence. 
Come midafternoon, most guests gather in the living room or library for tea, coffee and perhaps, the best homemade cookies to be found anywhere. Responding to this sweet addiction, Mirror Lake presents a cookie bag for the road on departure.
