Although this is a busy time of year for all of us in Delaware North Companies Parks & Resorts, there were undoubtedly many blissful moments experienced at our respective properties on National Relaxation Day on August 15.  One of such locations is the Roosevelt Baths & Spa at the Gideon Putnam Resort.  The soothing, naturally carbonated mineral waters of Saratoga Springs, NY have been long-revered for their restorative properties and continue to benefit spa-goers at this Delaware North-operated property.

In 1935, the bath house and health treatment facility was opened and dedicated by then-New York State Governor Franklin Roosevelt.  In 2007, Delaware North Parks & Resorts was awarded the operating contract and ushered in a new era of wellbeing and rebirth for the “Queen of Spas.”

The science behind the restorative nature of Saratoga’s signature spa lies in the Lincoln Mineral Spring water.  The water contains high amounts of negative ions and minerals which promote the following:

  • Increased circulation and cell oxygenation.
  • Stimulation of toxic secretions from the intestinal tract.
  • Soothing of skin irritation and speed in healing of abrasions.
  • Balancing of the endocrine and central nervous systems.
  • Nourishment of tissues and vital organs.
  • Increased feelings of physical and psychological wellbeing.

In addition to the mineral baths, treatment offerings are diverse and range from the popular Roosevelt facial, which features the Eminence Organics skin care line, to body wraps and scrubs, to traditional salon services including hair and makeup.  Wellbeing consultations and treatments include acupuncture, private yoga and meditation, flower essence remedies, ayurveda and massage therapy.

Kimberly Rossi has been the spa director for three years and is constantly working on improving the spa to make it the “center of health and wellbeing in Saratoga,” while growing revenue and expanding treatment offerings.

The Eminence Green Spa Certified 19,000 square-foot historic bathhouse contains 42 treatment rooms, therapeutic mineral springs and a full-service salon.  This certification highlights the environmentally friendly practices that Kimberly and her team employ on a daily basis.  They also commit to Delaware North’s GreenPath® principles, even though maintaining environmentally responsible practices in a spa are difficult, due to the importance of sanitation and the high volume of customers (up to 150 guests per day during the high season).

In addition to overseeing the daily operations for the spa and salon, Kimberly also oversees the facility’s retreat weekends and wellness programs that extend the promotion of health and wellness beyond just spa guests into the community and to associates.  The spa hosts the annual Chamber of Commerce Health and Wellness Mixer, themed weekends, Wellness Wednesdays, and other public wellness events that feature mini-treatments, healthy hors d’oeuvres and activities.  These events help to introduce people to the historic space and walk the building to better understand the wide scope of services offered.

Staff receive complimentary mineral baths and are entitled to a 50 percent discount on spa treatments and products, which serve to not only keep them healthy but also enable them to talk to the offerings in an informative, first-hand manner.  Discounts for local residents are also offered periodically.

The Roosevelt Baths & Spa embrace all of the five key indicators of GreenPath: reducing its environmental footprint; protecting the historic structure of the bathhouse; educating visitors and local children through interpretive materials and participation in the DiscoveryPaths program; providing wellness outreach to the local community; and promoting holistic health through ayurveda, yoga and wellness planning offerings.