Gideon Putnam, Saratoga Springs

Location

Other than the historic spa, whose effervescent waters have been healing and relaxing visitors for almost a century, there’s everything from horse racing, golf, tennis, hikes and swimming to performing arts in the covered outdoor amphitheatre. It’s the summer home of the legendary Philadelphia Orchestra and New York City Ballet. There are also several art galleries and museums including the superb Auto Museum. And, come winter, outdoor ice rinks open up while both downhill and cross-country skiing are available nearby.

Accommodation

Built in 1935, the Putnam fits right in with the over 1,000 buildings on the National Register of Historic Places in Saratoga Springs. Its heritage bleeds into the rooms, with traditional interiors – light walls frame subtle green accents. Deluxe Rooms look out over Saratoga Spa State Park while Executive Suites, located on the hotel’s top floor, have especially impressive views. To get a bit closer to nature, the French doors of the Porch suites open right onto the resort’s grounds. For more refined elegance, the Putnam Suite features a dining room, two full bathrooms and a living area.

Dining

Menus are designed to transpose the holistic sensibilities of the spa with high quality ingredients and relaxed settings. The signature Putnam’s Restaurant serves stylish American cuisine with seasonal ingredients used wherever possible. Here, seafood, beef and game preparations are among the chef’s specialities. For fine-weather, al fresco dining, head to Putnams Patio where regional dishes are served under patio umbrellas, accompanied by local craft beer, Finger Lakes wine and beautiful scenery.

Facilities

Of course, many come here for the spa alone. Start with a soak in the buoyant mineral water before retreating to one of the 42 original treatment rooms, offering massages, facials, scrubs and body wraps. Guests of the resort enjoy complimentary access to the spa’s relaxation room and steam room. Much of the aforementioned activities are close by while guests are treated to an onsite fitness centre and pool.