BEAUTY

Winter Spa Getaways

Before spring hits, strap on the snow tires and drive to the country for some serious cold weather pampering.


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Nestled into the woods of central Vermont, Twin Farms resort and spa sits on 300 acres of private ski runs and hiking trails with ten cottages and a farmhouse. There is an intimate spa and in-room, fireside massage sessions can be booked on short notice. The place is luxurious for sure, but also the opposite of fussy—feel free to show up to a five-star dinner wearing your hiking boots.

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After a bracing day of dogsledding in the Narnia-like winterscape outside Quebec City, nothing says “welcome back to civilization” better than a full body massage at the Chateau Frontenac. Afterwards, soak in the steaming-hot whirlpool while gazing out the floor-to-ceiling windows at the ice meandering down the St. Laurence River.

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There’s no way you can’t feel a little Downton when you first catch sight of Mepal, a grand stone estate that’s about two hours from both New York and Boston. Across the lawn from the main house is the spa, where one can indulge in a hot stone massage or the Hydramemory facial, which moisturizes with honey and hibiscus. Afterwards, chill in the outdoor hot tub, which offers killer views of the Berkshire mountains, before returning to the Manor’s stately dining room for a breathtaking meal.

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With fireplaces in nearly every guest room, a grand dining hall reminiscent of an Adirondack camp and miles of hiking and cross-country trails, it’s hard to believe that this nearly 150-year-old retreat is barely an hour outside Manhattan. The spa, a bright oasis at the edge of the main lodge, offers 16 treatment rooms, an indoor pool, an outdoor heated mineral pool and sauna and steam areas. Insomniacs should try Attainable Sleep, a lavender and sage-infused massage and soak. The Nature’s Facelift facial, meanwhile, taps plant stem cells to promote skin cell turnover and increased suppleness.

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The Mayflower is patrician New England luxury at its best. Rooms have four-poster beds high enough to require stepping stools, roaring fireplaces and views of the endless surrounding woods. At the spa, indulge in a sugar and sea salt scrub or a mind-and-body liberating Thai massage. And if you can get to the Inn by Friday afternoon, sign up for their new fencing class to learn the elements of lunging and parrying.