Josh Groban: A Fan of Skana Spa

Well, I think I have been watching too much American Idol. I forgot what great singing was really like – but I was reminded while enjoying the Josh Groban concert at the Turning Stone Resort, where Peter and I spent the Presidents’ Day weekend. Unfortunately, Peter never saw Josh Groban because he got antsy during the opening act, which started a bit late and went on for quite a while before Josh even hit the stage. (I guess that is one thing I’ve learned after almost 22 years of marriage: Live and let live.) He left, and I chose to stay. So glad I did; the concert was tremendous. I could have listened to him for another couple of hours. What a great voice. He plays piano, is a great drummer and a great actor, and has sung duets with Celine Dion and Barbara Streisand. Not bad for a 26-year-old. I was also told that he came to Turning Stone four or five days early to relax, enjoy the spa, and get really “centered” for the concert. It showed.

The next day I had my spa experience at Skaná. The Juniper and Cypress Detox Massage was what they scheduled for me. I began in the steam and sauna then bathed in the coed hydrotherapy pool, which had a lovely ambiance, although the Jacuzzi jets could have been stronger for my taste. The massage was memorable because the technique was so distinctive. My therapist used light feathering strokes along with deep muscle work and a fragrant massage oil with lemon.

I don’t think a lot of people know about Skaná yet, but I think that is about to change. The resort just won a major Conde Nast award. And I can’t help but believe that the spirit of the Oneida people whose heritage the spa honors so well might have something to do with making sure that more and more people are introduced to their Native American culture, sacred rituals, and healing herbs.