Mirbeau Inn & Spa in Skaneateles, NY makes a great winter getaway

Sometimes I find it necessary to getaway but not far away – just

away from my surroundings including the computer and housework. Recently John and I did just that.  We went to Mirbeau Inn & Spa in Skaneateles which had been on our bucket list since they opened in 2000. 

It was perfect.  The snowfall the night before had turned Mirbeau into a frosted Christmassy village. And, the sun was shining when we arrived making everything glisten. The buildings of the resort take on a French Country design

with elegant gardens which I found intriguing. Our cozy room had a fireplace and a view from the sliding glass door that looked out to the ice-covered pond with a half-moon bridge that –intentionally I am sure – brought to mind a Monet painting. The gardens must be outstanding in the summer but I loved the winter look.  A guest who has stayed during

the summer said that it is magical when everything is in bloom and that they like to stay on the first floor of one of the four-unit cottages because they have a private patio facing the pond and gardens making it a great place to relax and have breakfast.  We were on the first floor of the main building which was lovely.

The Spa at Mirbeau has won many awards.  We arrived midday on a Monday and we were surprised at how busy the spa was. They have 18 treatment rooms each with a fireplace, private sound system and radiant heat flooring. There were many people zoned out in the Resting Area. The area has plenty

of comfy lounges and a fireplace plus in the center what looks like a little pond is actually a heated foot massage pool. But the most unique feature is their Aqua Terrace.  It is an outdoor oasis with a heated 15-person hot tub, little waterfalls and a fireplace.  And, yes, it is operational year round. There is also a workout room and a variety of classes that are free to guests. The classes range from Pilates to Cardio & Strength Circuit. 

Our decision was to dine or go to the spa. We realized we should have planned to stay two nights.  If we were going to book a spa treatment we would want to enjoy the entire experience - the Aqua terrace, Resting Area, one or more classes – there are some early in the morning and others late in the afternoon. I would have liked to try the Gentle Yin Yoga which they say is a Chinese yoga designed to work the body’s energy system creating an overall state of well-being. And, it is appropriate for all levels. The spa deserves an entire day to my way of thinking so we took a vote and decided to eat.

The Wine Bar was a good place to start. It is set up like a drawing

room with a fireplace and comfy seating.  The wine menu was extensive and the dining menus unique.  I had the iconic French dish – Cassoulet. They were getting ready for their annual Dinner with Dickens & Friends on Dec. 12 and 19, which coincides with Skaneateles’ classic

Dickens Christmas celebration. It would make a great way to kick off the Christmas season. I think that a Mirbeau gift certificate would make a great gift any time of year and for any occasion. Mirbeau is on our “gotta’ do again” list – in the summer.