We started with 32 new or newly renovated spas in the U.S., our readers voted for their favorites in each round, and we've made it to the end of our first March Madness-inspired contest. The Spa at Woodcliff at Woodcliff Hotel & Spa in Fairport, NY, is the winner of this year's contest. Congratulations!
In case you missed it, The Spa at Woodcliff at Woodcliff Hotel & Spa was featured in American Spa's March/April issue. We highlighted the spa's renovation, as well as its many sustainability efforts. For example, the spa has instituted various green initiatives throughout the space and its operations, such as having its menu accessible via QR code, thus reducing the need for printed materials; prioritizing digital communications and receipts, and opting for email over paper whenever possible; using reusable plates, glassware, and mugs; donating its gently used linens to a local animal shelter; incorporating ample natural light and the use of energy-efficient fixtures; and sourcing organic and cruelty-free products to be used in the spa. Find out more about The Spa at Woodcliff below!
A suburb of Rochester, NY, the village of Fairport grew with the success of the Erie Canal, and got its name from travelers who deemed the stop as a “fair port” in which to stay. Currently considered the Crown Jewel of the Erie Canal, historic Fairport is a wonderful place to visit and stay, and the Woodcliff Hotel & Spa does not disappoint. A hidden gem inside the hotel is The Spa at Woodcliff, which originally opened 20 years ago and recently underwent an extensive renovation. “What truly distinguishes our spa from others is our unwavering commitment to detail, ensuring that our space exudes opulence while remaining firmly rooted in the natural world,” says Sheila Bracewell, spa and wellness director at The Spa at Woodcliff. “The Spa at Woodcliff aims to provide a distinctive sensory experience for our guests, where the blend of modernity and the soothing embrace of nature creates an unparalleled haven for relaxation and rejuvenation.”
The spa was designed to seamlessly incorporate into its surrounding area while capturing the views that the property offers to guests. It has an expansive 3,200-square-foot two-level relaxation room, and two semi-private balconies, which allow guests to enjoy the natural beauty of the surroundings while centering themselves before and after their spa experiences. “Each section of The Spa at Woodcliff, be it the welcome area, locker rooms, hair and nail salon, tranquility lounge, or treatment rooms, all boast panoramic views from Horizon Hill,” says Bracewell. “This brings the outdoors into every corner of our space. The use of natural materials, such as wood and stone, coupled with a striking 20-foot-tall white Himalayan salt wall, soft lighting, and calming color schemes, enhances the spa’s tranquil ambience.”
The spa features 13 large treatment rooms that are spacious enough to be used for individual and side-by-side couples’ services while still maintaining a cozy and intimate setting. The spa’s commitment to personalized wellness is reflected in each treatment, which is tailored to meet the needs of each guest, promoting overall wellbeing. “We go beyond the ordinary by incorporating aromatherapy and seasonal scents into our everyday services like manicures, enhancing the sensory experience,” says Bracewell. “Partnering with indigenous and New York-based product companies, such as Keyano Aromatics and Beekman 1802, further underscores our commitment to quality and innovation. These factors combined make our spa a sanctuary for those seeking a truly rejuvenating escape.”
According to Bracewell, the creation of the spa menu reflects the spa’s commitment to providing a distinctive experience for guests. “Our menu is not only a product of careful consideration of our guests’ preferences and the needs of our local clientele, but also a testament to our commitment to staying at the forefront of industry trends,” says Bracewell. “We continuously track industry developments to ensure that our offerings are not only current, but also ahead of the curve.”
Massage services, such as the Tranquility Massage ($135, 50 minutes; $185, 80 minutes) and the Deep Muscle Massage ($150, 50 minutes; $205, 80 minutes), remain the most sought after, therapeutic effects of massage, allowing guests to address various aspects of their wellbeing, from relaxation and stress relief to skincare and detoxification. By encouraging guests to explore a full body approach to wellness, we can help with side-by-side massages being particularly popular due to the ample space in each treatment room. In addition, signature facials like the Woodcliff Signature Facial ($150, 50 minutes) are also popular. “While massage remains the top-requested service for good reason, expanding our offerings to include treatments like body wraps and facials allows us to provide guests with a more comprehensive approach to their wellness journey,” says Bracewell. “These treatments offer benefits that complement the therapeutic effects of massage, allowing guests to address various aspects of their wellbeing, from relaxation and stress relief to skincare and detoxification. By encouraging guests to explore a full body approach to wellness, we can help them achieve a deeper sense of balance, rejuvenation, and overall health.”
Specialized treatments, such as advanced skincare procedures or niche body therapies, are harder to sell because they may require more education and awareness among guests, according to Bracewell. In order to make guests aware of the benefits of those services, the spa creates targeted marketing campaigns, personalized consultations, and introductory offers. Because guests range from area residents seeking regular self care routines to tourists visiting the area looking for a rejuvenating escape, the spa has developed a strategic approach to promote the spa’s wellbeing offerings to all guests in various ways. “Our comprehensive strategy encompasses on-property materials, email newsletters, social media, enthusiastic word-of mouth recommendations, and digital marketing efforts,” says Bracewell. “In addition to these channels, we forge partnerships with local businesses and our product providers, such as Eminence Organic Skin Care and Fizzy Bombz, to enhance our offerings and reach.”
Throughout the spa, from design and services offered to amenities, one of the most important elements is sustainability. To that end, the spa has instituted various green initiatives throughout the space. In an effort to reduce waste, the spa created a menu that is accessible via QR code, reducing the need for printed materials. The spa also prioritizes digital communications and receipts, opting for email over paper whenever possible, unless specifically requested otherwise. “To further minimize our environmental impact, we’ve transitioned to reusable plates, glassware, and mugs, eschewing disposable alternatives,” says Bracewell.
Moreover, the spa intentionally optimized its space to minimize its environmental footprint by incorporating ample natural light and the use of energy-efficient fixtures. The spa’s commitment to the environment extends to the products and practices within its treatments. “We exclusively source organic and cruelty-free products, ensuring that every indulgence aligns with our values of sustainability and wellbeing,” says Bracewell. “Ultimately, our goal is to provide a holistic and memorable spa experience that encompasses both physical and mental wellbeing, all while embracing the natural beauty that surrounds us.”
SIDEBAR
OWNER: WIDEWATERS (SYRACUSE, NY)
SPA DIRECTOR: SHEILA BRACEWELL
OPENED: 2004
RENOVATED: 2023
CLIENT BASE: 70% FEMALE 30% MALE
SPACE: 6,700 SQUARE FEET 13 TREATMENT ROOMS
PRODUCT LINES & EQUIPMENT: AMIKA, BEEKMAN 1802, BETTER MAN BEARD, BOCA TERRY, BOOKER, DAZZLE DRY, EMINENCE ORGANIC SKIN CARE, FIZZY BOMBZ, FOOTLOGIX, KERSTIN FLORIAN, KEYANO AROMATICS, KNEIPP, MICHELE PELAFAS, OAKWORKS, OPI, REDKEN, SCHWARZKOPF, YEAH BABY
ARCHITECT: WIDEWATERS CONSTRUCTION (SYRACUSE, NY)
INTERIOR DESIGNER: IDI+ (RICHMOND, VA)