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The
Spa at Emerson Place
Julie Register visited this inn spa in Mount Tremper, New
York in the Fall of 2000
 I
spent a couple of beautiful Fall days at the Emerson Inn & Spa,
the first small luxury hotel in the Catskill Forest Preserve. The
inn itself is a pleasing mix of the exotic and the refined and I thoroughly
enjoyed my stay there.
The highlight of any trip for me, of course, is a visit
to the spa. The Emerson Spa is in a separate building from The Emerson
Inn but just a short walk away. The spa was designed by a feng shui
expert who specializes in the ancient belief that proper arrangement
of furniture and objects promotes a harmonious life. An Oriental theme
is woven throughout - Tibetan Thanka paintings, bamboo screening,
bamboo floors, Oriental objects d'art, etc.
 The
spa facilities include:
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A workout area where fitness classes such as Yoga,
Tai-chi, Stretch and Tone, and Body Sculpting are taught.
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A fitness room that has treadmills, stationary bikes,
and steppers. This is also where the resistance pool and whirlpool
are located. This is a co-ed area, so don't forget to bring your
bathing suit.
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Two wet treatment rooms - one with a Vichy shower
and one with a hydrotub.
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A manicure/pedicure room.
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Five treatment rooms with private showers.
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Separate men's and women's locker rooms with vanity
area, lockers, showers, sauna, and steam room.
 The
staff is European. Each has a minimum of a three-year degree in beauty
which includes training in bodywork such as massage and body wraps,
aesthetics such as facials, and fitness. What this means is that each
staff member can perform each treatment and teach each class. Spa
Manager, Dawn Chinchan, explained the spa's philosophy concerning
facials. They do not believe in taking anything away from the skin.
They feel peels and abrasions, while having a temporary pink-glow
effect, will cause damage in the long run. Removing any layer of skin
will reduce its protective qualities and expose the face to long-term
damage by sun and pollution. Instead, they believe in additive facials
that nourish the skin.
I tried two treatments on two different
days on this visit, the Indian Head Massage (45 minutes) and the Vichy
Waterfall Experience (45 minutes). I arrived about a half hour before
each treatment. My therapist, Louise, greeted me, gave me a robe and
slippers, and showed me to the changing room. There I enjoyed the
sauna and steam. Unfortunately, I did not bring a bathing suit, so
I could not use the whirlpool in the more public Fitness Room. I put
on the robe and waited in the Relaxation Room which offered a number
of teas, juices, and fruit. The room also offered a selection of tea-related
reading while you wait - books on the Japanese Tea Ceremony, reading
tea leaves, etc.
 On
the first day, Louise escorted me to a treatment room for the Indian
Head Massage and had me sit in a chair keeping my robe on and my feet
flat on the floor. The purpose of the Indian Head massage is to harmonize
the body's natural balance and to promote physical and psychological
well-being through ayurvedic techniques that reduce muscular and nervous
tension and improve circulation. Louise explained that people often
feel energized on the day following the treatment. Louise massaged
my upper arms, back from shoulder blades up, neck, and scalp.
I found the techniques similar to those I have had with a full body
massage. Personally, I find it more comfortable to be lying down.
It was a bit difficult to fully relax in a seated position.
 The
following day, Louise escorted me to the Vichy shower room for the
Vichy Waterfall Experience. She offered me disposable panties and
a shower cap and asked me to get on the table under the large towel.
While I was doing that, she changed into a swimsuit. Laying on the
table under the Vichy shower nozzles is somewhat intimidating. It
doesn't take too much imagination to think they could be used as some
form of torture or bizarre medical procedure. My biggest concern was
that cold water would be coming out of the nozzles. Louise started
the treatment with a dry brush exfoliation - a brief scrub of the
entire body with a pretty stiff brush. This was followed by a whole-body
salt scrub - a somewhat intense experience. Then the fun began. Louise
turned on the water. It was, thankfully, warm. The water jets hit
my body from legs to shoulders at a comfortable, firm pressure. As
the water was flowing, Louise gave me a massage from neck to toe using
massage oil. As Louise worked, she only uncovered the part of the
body she was working on. "Private" areas were never uncovered.
It was wonderfully relaxing. There were times, though, when I felt
like giggling. I haven't caused such a mess since I was a little girl.
It was great. There was water everywhere! No wonder the rooms are
tiled. I will add this treatment to my growing list of favorites.
| Other treatments
available are:
Facials
Aromatherapy
Re-balancing and Purifying
Luxury
Oxygen Infusion
Firming and Toning
Skin Refreshing
Smoothing and Nourishing
Eye Treatment
Holistic Back, Face and Scalp Treatment
Body Treatments
Full Body Massage
Back, Neck and Shoulder Massage
Exfoliating Sea Salt Body Polish
Deep Cleansing Back Treatment
Detoxifying Algae Wrap
Restorative Mud Wrap
The Emerson Pre-Natal Treatment
Water Therapy
Hydrotherapy Bath
Vichy Waterfall Experience
Natural Therapies
Aromatherapy Body Massage
Lymphatic Drainage Massage
Shiatsu
Indian Head Massage
La Stone Therapy
Reflexology
Reiki
There are also treatments just
for men, hand and nail treatments, foot and nail treatments,
waxing, tinting, and make-up.
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As with any spa visit, it is wise to make appointments
for spa treatments at the same time as reservations for the inn. The
sooner they are made, the more likely it is to get the time and treatment
you want.
The Emerson Inn & Spa offers a number of residential
spa packages from 2-5 days which include 4-7 spa treatments, use of
the spa facilities, exercise classes, and specially prepared spa cuisine
meals. Half and full day packages are also available.
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More
Information and Photos
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FYI
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Appointment Time - Please arrive 30 minutes prior
to your first appointment.
• Late Arrival Policy - In
the event you arrive late for a scheduled appointment,
your treatment time will be adjusted to end at its
regular scheduled time. No rate adjustments will
be made.
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Cancellation Policy - Please
provide a 24-hour cancellation notice for Spa service,
otherwise a charge will apply unless the treatment
time is resold. The full charge will apply upon
a "no show" of a scheduled appointment.
•Gratuity
- An 18% gratuity for services will be added to
a guest account. Guests are free to adjust the gratuity
amount to reflect the level of service received.
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Membership -The Emerson Spa
has a limited number of memberships available for
those who wish to visit the gym and Spa facilities
on a regular basis. Members of the Emerson Spa will
receive a 15% discount on all treatments from Monday
to Thursday. Please inquire at the Spa reception
desk.
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Gift Certificates - Gift Certificates
are available at the Spa reception desk.
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Spa Room Service - Guests may enjoy a massage in
their suite or luxury room upon 24-hours notice
and an additional charge. Couples massages are available.
We regret that not all rooms can accommodate this
service.
• Security - We regret Spa
personnel cannot accept responsibility for, nor
take possession of, any guest property. The Spa
accepts no responsibility for any missing, lost
or stolen personal property or valuables.
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Day Use of Spa Facilities
- A limited number of day guests may use the locker
room, steam room, sauna, whirlpool, resistance pool,
and exercise equipment for a daily fee. Acceptance
of day use guests is subject to availability.
• Spa
Services for Younger Guests - Use of exercise equipment,
whirlpool, and resistance pool is restricted to
children 16 and older when accompanied by a responsible
adult. Children 13-16 may engage in limited Spa
services when accompanied by an adult during the
treatment. Proper behavior is required at all times.
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Etiquette - To ensure a pure
environment, both a non-smoking and no alcohol policy
exists in the Spa. Pets are not allowed. Thank you
for your cooperation.
The Parlor where afternoon High Tea is served
Wine/Humidor Room
Oriental Dining Room*
African Bar*
Victorian Suite Living Room
Victorian Suite Bathroom
Victorian Suite Bedroom
View of the Fountains and Garden from the Victorian
Suite
Asian Room*
West Indies Colonial Room*
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photos copyright Julie Register 2000
except those marked * which are courtesy of Emerson Place
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