Mirbeau Inn & Spa
"How did it strike you on arrival?Although Mirbeau is only a two-minute car ride outside of downtown Skaneateles, once you're on the grounds, you'll feel like you've escaped to Europe. Think golden buildings (which look like Provençal cottages) with overflowing flower boxes and blue-painted windows, clustered in a garden with its very own Monet bridge and koi pond. The interior is just as charming—the bar area looks like someone’s home library, peppered with cushy sofas and bookshelves. Everything feels cozy and quiet, the ideal environment for a destination spa. Nice. What’s the crowd like?A mix of couples in the area for wine tastings, and groups of friends escaping to the spa for a weekend—there was also a wedding one night, tucked back in the gardens under a lighted tent. Guests were low-key and kept to themselves. How was check in? Checking in and out was seamless, thanks to very attentive staff—we entered our room to find a bottle of champagne (we were there for a birthday weekend), and soothing meditation music playing from a speaker. Tech was easy to use, from the light fixtures to the aromatherapy diffuser. The good stuff: Tell us about your room.I booked a king room, which had a plush, perfectly soft bed, a working fireplace, and—behind double doors—a huge bathroom, with a shower, double vanity, and oversized claw-foot tub. The decor is in step with the French countryside theme: dark wood furniture, matching patterned bedspreads and curtains, wooden beams on the ceiling, and pastoral paintings on the wall. But there’s also all the necessary modern comforts, like a flatscreen and Bose sound system. How about the little things, like mini bar, or shower goodies. Any of that find its way into your suitcase?All of Mirbeau’s in-room amenities—from the luxe spa robes you’re encouraged to wear around the property, down to the aromatherapy diffuser which moonlights as an alarm clock—make it clear this resort is all about relaxation. Bedside sweets are a mix of lavender and blackcurrant dark chocolate (for calm), and milk mixed with orange and valerian (for sleep); there’s bath butlers on call if you want an aromatic...well, bath. Even a scented pillow menu (yes, really). No detail is left unaccounted for. Room service and food: Worth it?There’s an on-site restaurant and bar (both impressive), as well as the Aqua Terrace, which serves light snacks and aperitivos by the outdoor jacuzzi. Breakfast isn’t included with your room, but definitely worth ordering at least once during your stay (I’m still thinking about my monte cristo). If you’re having a day in, all sorts of room service options are available—there’s a “Truffles & Port” menu for $38, with house-made truffles. Just saying. Staff: If you could award one a trophy, who gets it, and why?The spa staff is excellent; one of my best massages to date. Anything stand out about other services and features? Whether it’s childcare, gyms, spas, even parking—whatever stuck with you.Obviously, you’re going to come here for the spa—and it more than lives up to the hype. Stairs down from the lobby will lead you to the wellness complex, which takes up the entire bottom floor: complete with a gym and exercise studio (free yoga classes are included with spa treatments), the spa facilities, and a shop where you can buy the branded products (I recommend the blood orange and mint moisturizer). After checking in and a quick pit stop in the changing room, you’ll find yourself in the resting room—a dimly lit, tech-free space with lounge chairs grouped around a heated foot pool. If you’ve booked a spa treatment, you’ll wait here until a staff member comes to get you—though, considering how blissfully quiet it is, you’ll be hard-pressed to leave. Treatments range from deep tissue massages to “Monet’s Favorite Fragrance Massages” (a scented Swedish massage) and intraceutical facials. Afterwards, head outside to the Aqua Terrace to soak in the heated whirlpool (and grab a drink, while you’re at it), or return to the locker room for a (Eucalyptus-scented) steam room session. Once you’re ready to leave, the latter comes stocked with toiletries—deodorant, hair ties, mouthwash—so you’re ready to go right to your next plans. Bottom line: worth it, and why?Absolutely. I've never felt so refreshed at the end of a vacation—normally, I'm stressed at the thought of having to drive home, or pack. But after three days at Mirbeau (and one incredible deep tissue massage), I was already ready to plan my next trip back. This is a must for people in need of an indulgent long weekend." - Bridget Hallinan
