Story by Danielle O'Connell
Photos courtesy of The Crystal Spa and Roosevelt Inn

You’re lying in a bath of warm water, surrounded by the smell of relaxing fragrances. Then you fall into a blissful comatose state as you get a full body massage; a euphoric feeling that many can only dream about. This is the type of experience that Saratoga spas have provided people with. The spas in Saratoga Springs possess something extraordinary—and people are flocking there for the experience.

These spas are special because mineral spring water is used in each of them. Saratoga Springs has provided this luxury to people for many generations. The water has a long history, dating back to the Native Americans. The Native Americans used the water to heal wounds and found it to be therapeutic. In the nineteenth century, settlers in Saratoga Springs and surrounding areas also took advantage of the water's medicinal purposes.

They began drilling for the water, which runs for sixty-five miles from Albany to Whitehall, New York. Drilling for this water can sometimes be a challenge. The drilling can go from a couple of hundred to a couple of thousand feet deep. The depth did not matter to the settlers in this area; they were determined to get as much as they could. The drilling was a success and Drink Halls were created so people could taste and buy the mineral water. Saratoga Springs decided to extend their usage of mineral water and moved on to creating spas.

Gazebo outside of The Crystal Spa (Courtesy of The Crystal Spa)

The Lincoln Bath House was the first spa to open in Saratoga Springs. The spa opened its doors on May 17, 1930. With white tiles covering the spa and each porcelain tub being separated by stalls, the bathhouse was a hit. The Lincoln Bath House is still opened and offers different facials, mud wraps, massages, and mineral baths.

The Lincoln Bath House started the wave of successful spas in Saratoga. The Recreation Center opened in 1935 and provided guests with spa treatments and recreational activities like tennis, golf, and swimming. Now, modern spas like The Crystal Spa and Roosevelt Spa have made their impact on Saratoga Springs, just like the historical spas in the thirties. The water is still the spa's prized possession because people know that it is good for the skin and body. It exfoliates and helps with any type of muscle ache.

“All skin needs minerals, and this water is filled with an abundance of them,” Sherl Morrow said.

Sheryl Morrow, manager of the Roosevelt Spa, said, “All skin needs minerals, and this water is filled with an abundance of them.” Morrow was enthusiastic to share why the water is so special. “At our spa the water is high in sodium, calcium, and carbonation. There is no nasty smell because there’s no sulfate.”

Entrance to the Roosevelt Inn and Spa (Courtesy of Roosevelt Inn)

The Roosevelt Spa offers a variety of different treatments, ranging in price from $75 to $135. They have facial and body treatments, massage therapy, and unique mineral baths. “We have an herbal mineral bath with essential oils. The power of the aroma is profound. Some of the oils have helped people with sinus problems,” Morrow said. The same is true for The Crystal Spa. Immediately after walking through the French doors, you are relaxed by the aromatherapy oils and classical music. The Crystal Spa has its own historical Victorian gazebo with a mineral water fountain in the middle. Visitors can get a taste of the mineral water by drinking out of the fountain. Both the Roosevelt Spa and Crystal Spa have prided in giving people a visit that they will remember forever.

The mineral water has been a huge asset to Saratoga Springs for many generations. From the drinking halls to the health spas, this water has provided the city with a trademark that will carry on forever.

Spas to visit in Saratoga Springs

Roosevelt Mineral Baths and Spas
19 Roosevelt Dr.
(518) 584-2011

Saratoga Turf and Spa Motel
176 Broadway St.
(518) 584-2550

Lincoln Mineral Bath and Spa
65 South Broadway St.
(518) 583-2880

Kimberly Inn
184 Broadway St.
(518) 584-7709

The Crystal Spa
120 South Broadway St.
(518) 584-2556