Located just an hour outside of Manhattan, Crystal Springs Resort (Vernon, NJ) provides an ideal getaway from life in the city. With seven championship golf courses; seven indoor and outdoor heated pools complete with cliffs and caves; 12 restaurants, cafés, and bistros; and more, the resort has much to boast about. To make a visit even more appealing, the resort's Grand Cascades Lodge recently debuted a stunning new 6,500-square-foot spa. Conceptualized by New World Design Builders, Reflections Spa was inspired by the luxe lodge and the surrounding area, which is made up of the Kittatinny Mountains and the verdant Vernon Valley. According to Mark Kibutu, vice president of design, the idea behind the project was to create an "oasis within the earthy, rocky lodge."
 Guests can relax in the posh lobby before heading to their respective changing areas. The women's vanity area is a popular stop post-treatment. |
Complementing the newly opened Grand Cascades Lodge, the spa features 11 multipurpose treatment rooms, three of which have wet areas; two couples' treatment rooms; one Thai massage room; and a full-service Bridal Suite with two styling stations, two manicure and pedicure stations, and one makeup station. "The environment is modern and glamorous while maintaining sophistication and simplicity," says Kibutu. Akin to a spa one might expect to find in Miami or some other mecca of hipness, Reflections relies on a variety of distinct materials, such as custom geode-like stained glass, black tile floors, ruby glass tiles, and quartz crystal. According to Kibutu, quartz was chosen because it is a healing stone known to enhance an individual's life-force energy. "A fire- and water-themed decor focuses on a series of unique features, beginning at the spa's distinctive reception area, which is highlighted by the sensational fire-art glass entrance; 8,000 individually hung quartz crystals on the ceiling; and a fire-waterfall composed of 30,000 pieces of glass stacked in a meticulous manner," says general manager Susan Haywood. "Guests readily acclimate to the relaxing ambience by stepping into a sensory journey wherein a grand cascading waterfall flows into a reflecting pool dotted with footbaths. Additionally, an alluring, softly backlit crystalline wall creates a transcendent mood particular to Reflections."
 Healing quartz crystals are hung from the ceiling over the check-in desk and other areas throughout the spa. |
In addition to its sophisticated design, the spa also entices spa-goers with a host of tempting treatments. According to Haywood, in creating the menu, she and spa director Jason Scharff sought to develop "treatments that reflect the luxury and pure decadence of the surrounding spa." For example, the Champagne, Caviar & Truffles Facial ($130, 50 minutes) is an organic anti-aging treatment that incorporates a manuka honey and vitamin C mask as well as a truffle and caviar cream to deliver immediate results. The Chardonnay Vinotherapy Massage ($110, 50 minutes; $190, 1 hour 40 minutes) and Pinot Noir Signature Glow ($135, 50 minutes) rely on equally decadent ingredients, such as the essence of grapeseed. "The choosing of vinotherapy-related treatments was two-fold," says Haywood. "The first reason was that the antioxidants called polyphenols contained in the grapes' seeds, skins, and pulp have been proven to effectively fight free radicals generated by the sun, smoke, and pollution. The second reason was that the vinotherapy treatments are inspired by our world-class, award-winning 64,000-plus bottle wine cellar, which has made the resort, as a whole, a wine-centric destination." Other indulgent treatments include the Decadent Sugar & Honey Treatment ($125, 50 minutes) and the Luxury Body Facial ($125, 50 minutes).
 Clockwise: Spa-goers can unwind in the dramatic fire-and ice-themed reception area with individual footbaths, in the men's lounge, or while experiencing a treatment. |
Catering to well-traveled guests and spa aficionados, the 20 full-time and 30 part-time staff members can handle up to 252 clients in a single day. "There is an exquisite attention to detail evident throughout the entire spa, from the Möet Rose champagne and chocolate truffles served during the client's time in the spa to the soothing harps and chimes in the background to the exceptional therapies and therapists that give extraordinary service and hospitality," says Haywood. For design-savvy spa-goers interested in equally luxe treatments, Reflections Spa is a newfound gem just waiting to be discovered.
 Clockwise: Guests can kick back or peruse the spa's retail offerings in the lobby before indulging in a treatment or relaxing in the women's steam room. |
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