Secret Paradise: The Spa at Whiteface Lodge Story
Driving up to a cozy mountain hideaway that looks like it was pulled straight from a storybook – that’s Whiteface Lodge for you. When I first read about this place, I could almost smell the cedar and pine in the air.
You know those luxury hotels that try too hard? This isn’t one of them. It’s more like your wealthy mountain-loving aunt’s dream home, where everything is top-notch but still feels completely comfortable. The entrance alone stops people in their tracks – imagine massive wooden beams that reach toward the sky and fireplaces so big you could practically walk into them.
The spa isn’t your typical cucumber-eyes-and-whale-music setup (though they probably have that too). It’s the kind of place where you sink into a plush chair, watch snow falling outside through floor-to-ceiling windows, and think “Ah, so this is what peace feels like.”
The whole place has this magical quality where you can wear your fanciest outfit or your favorite old sweater and feel equally at home. It’s luxury without the attitude, nestled right in the heart of those gorgeous Adirondack Mountains.
Price Range: $$$-$$$$
Best For: Couples, Families
Signature Treatment: Ausable River Stone Massage
Recommended Stay: 2-4 nights
Best Time to Visit: Summer/Fall
Location & Setting
Whiteface Lodge sits on a secluded property just minutes from downtown Lake Placid. The resort is easily accessible – about 30 minutes from Adirondack Regional Airport or a 2-hour drive from Albany International Airport.
The property’s location offers stunning views of Whiteface Mountain and the surrounding Adirondack High Peaks. In winter, guests are minutes from Olympic-caliber skiing. During warmer months, the area becomes a playground for hiking, kayaking, and mountain biking.
Getting here is simple with rental cars available at both airports. The lodge also offers private transport services for guests arriving by air. While having a car gives you flexibility to explore the region, the resort’s comprehensive amenities mean you can happily stay put throughout your visit.
Whiteface Lodge First Impressions & Atmosphere
The entrance to Whiteface Lodge sets an impressive tone with its massive log cabin architecture and stone foundation. Towering pine trees line the circular driveway, where attentive valets welcome guests. The grand porte-cochère provides shelter from Adirondack weather while bellmen efficiently handle luggage.
Inside, the main lodge opens to a stunning great room with 35-foot vaulted ceilings supported by hand-milled timbers. A massive stone fireplace serves as the focal point, with comfortable leather chairs and plaid sofas arranged for cozy gatherings. The space manages to feel both grand and intimate simultaneously.
The check-in process takes place at handcrafted wooden desks, where staff members offer a seated welcome along with hot apple cider or champagne. The entire arrival experience feels refined yet relaxed – perfectly matching the upscale mountain lodge atmosphere.
Whiteface Lodge Layout & Design
The resort follows a horseshoe layout with the main lodge at its center. Two residential wings house the 94 suites, all connected via enclosed walkways. This thoughtful design means guests never need to step outside to access amenities, particularly welcome during winter months.
Public spaces feature a carefully curated mix of Adirondack antiques, local artwork, and custom furniture. The overall design draws heavily from the great camps of the Gilded Age, with modern luxuries seamlessly incorporated. Natural materials like stone, timber, and leather create a rich, warm environment throughout.
Whiteface Lodge Suites & Rooms
All accommodations are suite-style, ranging from junior suites to expansive three-bedroom units. Even the smallest rooms start at 700 square feet, providing ample space for families or couples seeking extra room to spread out.
Each suite features:
– Custom-made furnishings and Adirondack decor
– Cast-iron gas fireplaces
– Private balconies or patios
– Full kitchens with granite countertops
– Jetted tubs in spa-inspired bathrooms
– Plush beds with luxury linens
The bathrooms deserve special mention, with heated floors, double vanities, and separate walk-in showers. Many master baths include deep soaking tubs positioned near windows with mountain views.
The Presidential Suite stands as the property’s crown jewel, offering 2,300 square feet of luxury with panoramic views of Whiteface Mountain through floor-to-ceiling windows. Its great room features a two-story stone fireplace, while the master bedroom includes a private massage room.
Spa Facilities at Whiteface Lodge
The spa at Whiteface Lodge perfectly combines rustic Adirondack charm with modern luxury wellness. Natural stone walls and exposed wooden beams create an immediately calming environment as you enter the 5,800-square-foot facility. The thoughtful design incorporates elements from the surrounding landscape, with large windows offering serene forest views during treatments.
Treatment Areas:
– 8 private treatment rooms including 2 couples suites
– Cedar-lined sauna with mountain views
– Private changing areas with personal lockers
– Dedicated manicure/pedicure salon
– Separate men’s and women’s steam rooms
– Heated bamboo floors throughout
Wellness Amenities
Whiteface Lodge excels in providing comprehensive wellness facilities that complement its spa services. The indoor/outdoor heated pool complex serves as a centerpiece for year-round relaxation. Guests particularly appreciate the adults-only quiet hours in specific wellness zones.
Key Features:
– 56-foot indoor/outdoor heated pool
– Hot tubs with mountain views
– Full-service fitness center with Peloton bikes
– Daily yoga classes in the mountain-view studio
– Dedicated meditation garden
– Eucalyptus-infused steam rooms
– Private cabanas available for rental
– Seasonal outdoor workout space
Treatment Experience
The spa journey at Whiteface Lodge begins with a personal consultation to customize treatments to individual needs. Every detail has been considered, from heated treatment tables to locally-sourced botanical products. The signature Ausable River Stone Massage incorporates stones gathered from the nearby river, heated and used with precise technique.
Highlights:
– Online booking system with 24-hour confirmation
– 30+ treatment options including seasonal specials
– Highly trained therapists, many with 10+ years experience
– Custom pressure and aromatherapy preferences
– Local ingredient integration in treatments
– Complimentary herbal tea service
– Take-home treatment recommendations
– Extended evening hours during peak seasons
Dining Experience at Whiteface Lodge
Whiteface Lodge in Lake Placid, New York offers several dining options for guests:
KANU Dining Room
KANU is the lodge’s flagship restaurant, serving sophisticated Adirondack-inspired cuisine. It offers:
- Breakfast and dinner daily
- Seasonal menu featuring fresh, local ingredients
- Entrees like milkfed veal chop, filet mignon bordelaise, and braised short rib
- Multi-course wine pairing menu available
- Children’s menu for kids under 13
- Rustic decor with a welcoming fireplace and mountain views
Peak 47
Peak 47 is a casual dining option at the lodge
- Open for lunch and dinner
- Serves casual meals, signature drinks, and offers live music
- Copper-topped bar and cozy stone fireplace
- Local and regional beers available
- Extensive wine list
- Lunch served 12pm-5pm daily
- Dinner served 5pm-9pm Sun-Thurs, 5pm-10pm Fri-Sat
- Drinks available until 10pm Sun-Thurs, 11pm Fri-Sat
Other Dining Options
- Old Fashion Ice Cream Parlor: Open daily 5:30pm-9:30pm, serving ice cream, sundaes, milkshakes, sodas and candy
- In-Suite Dining: Available during regular restaurant hours
The lodge emphasizes using fresh, local ingredients and offers Adirondack-inspired cuisine across its dining venues. Reservations are recommended for KANU, especially for dinner. With options ranging from upscale to casual, Whiteface Lodge provides diverse dining experiences for guests
Service & Staff Excellence
The staff at Whiteface Lodge demonstrates remarkable attention to detail – from remembering guest preferences to anticipating needs before they arise. Many team members have been with the property for years, bringing deep local knowledge and genuine warmth to every interaction.
The concierge desk proves particularly valuable, arranging everything from private guided hikes to in-suite cooking classes. Housekeeping maintains impeccable standards while working discretely around guest schedules.
Value & Packages
While room rates at Whiteface Lodge trend toward the luxury end, the all-suite format and included amenities provide substantial value. Guests enjoy complimentary valet parking, Wi-Fi, and access to extensive recreation facilities.
Seasonal packages bundle accommodations with experiences like spa treatments, dining credits, and outdoor adventures. The “Ski & Stay” winter package includes lift tickets to Whiteface Mountain, while summer packages feature guided activities and lake access.
Special Offerings
The lodge’s year-round ice cream parlor serves house-made flavors, delighting guests of all ages. The private movie theater screens family films nightly, complete with fresh popcorn. During summer, the catch-and-release fishing pond offers equipment and instruction.
Winter brings unique experiences like ice skating on the private rink and nightly s’mores by the fire pit. The kids’ club runs educational programs about local wildlife and Adirondack history.
What Sets Whiteface Lodge Apart
The property excels in combining luxury with authentic mountain charm. Notable highlights include:
– Exceptional spa facilities with treatments incorporating local elements
– Extensive all-weather recreation options
– Thoughtfully designed suites that feel like private mountain homes
Areas for enhancement:
– Peak season restaurant reservations can be difficult to secure
– Some activities require advance booking during busy periods
Whiteface Lodge offers an ideal retreat for those seeking refined comfort in a natural setting. The property particularly suits families and couples who appreciate outdoor recreation balanced with luxury amenities. The authentic Adirondack experience, combined with high-end service and accommodations, creates lasting memories that draw guests back season after season.