Hemlock Spa at Kenoza Hall — Spa Review | Condé Nast Traveler
"What’s the vibe at this place? In homage to the region's Swiss and German settlers, Hemlock Spa brings the philosophies of early health practitioner Sebastian Kneipp to the Catskills : how the five pillars of water, plants, exercise, nutrition, and balance can be made into a holistic approach to healthy living. Here, this translates to a serene and intimate greenhouse lounge that is technically indoors, but feels as much outdoors as possible. There are rough-hewn wood and clear walls, a pebble floor, several green hanging plants, and a fire pit. You actually enter through a white and blond wood indoor area for check in, where there is a movement studio to one side and the treatment rooms in back. If a class is letting out there might be a small influx of people, but otherwise it feels secluded and quiet. Take us into the room. How was the set-up? The session itself? Since I got the aromatherapy massage, my therapist asked me to choose my scent: Uplift, with neroli and sandalwood; Clarity, with peppermint and orange; or Tranquility, with lavender, frankincense, and sweet orange. When given the option to relax, I will always choose it, plus I love lavender, and this was a more dynamic version of it. My therapist asked me if she should focus on any specific areas, which I appreciated because my back and shoulders have been extra tired from carrying around my baby. She applied a firm pressure that felt relaxing but also functional. What about after the treatment? After your treatment you are blissfully returned to the cozy greenhouse lounge. There's a barrel sauna, cold bucket shower (it's literally a wooden bucket that fills and then tips over on you), a regular shower, and just outside is the hot tub next to the main pool. There's also a Kneipp walking path, with instructions about how to walk over the different textures of rocks, pine cones, and moss to experience a process called Earthing, where touching your bare feet to the ground allows you to connect with nature. It's actually pretty cool! There's hot tea to sip while you relax by the fire and listen to the birds chirping outside. You really feel like you're amid nature, even though you're actually in an upscale spa. What do they do best here, then? And how can we make sure we get the most out of it? The spa is very relaxing, and unique. I love the focus on nature, while still keeping things cozy. I would send anyone who enjoys hiking, forest bathing, and bird watching. This spa's superpower is its ability to bring the outdoors in as much as possible, while still maintaining a luxurious feel. To get the most out of your visit, give yourself ample time before or after your treatment to enjoy the hydrotherapy circuit, walking path, and coziness of the greenhouse lounge. And, have an open mind to the power of nature's healing abilities." - Devorah Lev-Tov
