Lake Life: A Peaceful Retreat to Lake Placid’s Whiteface Lodge

Growing up with the ocean in my backyard, I never fully understood the appeal of “lake life.” However, as our boat jetted around Lake Placid, the cool breeze flowing through my hair and the High Peaks of the Adirondack Mountains in view all around me… I got it.

Located far away from the hustle-bustle of any nearby cities, Lake Placid is a peaceful haven in upstate New York. The village, made famous thanks to its Olympic history, is one that embraces an active, outdoor lifestyle – with hiking and water sports in the warmer seasons and skiing and snow activities all winter.

While enjoying a peaceful retreat to Lake Placid consider staying at the award-winning Whiteface Lodge. This all-suite luxury resort is reminiscent of the historic Adirondack Great Camps. The three-story lodge features a rustic design, with hand-crafted furnishings and décor. Think: cast iron fireplaces, wood paneling, sofas you all but sink into, and lots of mahogany and cedar. There are even two open-air lean-tos on the properties courtyard, where you can enjoy a cocktail under the stars in front of a crackling fire.

Ideal for both family getaways and romantic retreats with someone special, Whiteface Lodge has something for everyone. For the kids, there’s a seasonal ice-skating rink, fishing pond, movie theater, game room, and ice cream parlor. For adults, romantic covered patios and balconies with mountain views, thoughtfully prepared menus for dining and imbibing, an indoor-outdoor year-round heated pool, and endless activities. The best part? Every possible activity is included with your stay, including daily breakfast at the on-property Kanu restaurant and nightly smores at the fire pit in the courtyard, perfect when that nightly complimentary warm chocolate chip cookie just isn’t enough to satisfy your sweet tooth!

Breakfast and gooey campfire desserts aren’t the only delicious offerings at Whiteface Lodge. Dinner at Kanu is not to be missed. From an extensive selection of wines, local brews, and cocktails created by the property’s master mixologist Zachary Blair, to a menu which features fresh, seasonal ingredients often sourced from local farms or the on-property herb garden. The menu changes with the seasons and each and every taste I enjoyed was better than the last. Another tasty experience not to be missed is the bespoke cocktail experience with Zachary while he’s behind the bar at Kanu Lounge. He’ll mix something up to your exact tastes – I received a smoky, Adirondack-inspired (read: apple) bourbon-based concoction that was the perfect start to my evening. If you’re craving an authentic Italian meal, hop in the resort’s complimentary shuttle and head over to Caffe Rustica where the raviolis are to-die-for.

The complimentary shuttle not only brings guests to nearby restaurants, but also to the village of Lake Placid where you can do some shopping and check out some of the Olympic hot-spots or to the property’s Canoe Club – where a private beach, canoes, kayaks, and paddleboards await. If visiting, be sure to book a boat ride around the lake with the concierge, it was this experience that made me a “lake life” believer as I mentally picked out which of the lake-side camps I wanted to make mine. Before beers and boat rides, enjoy a morning lakeside yoga class led by Mim Frantz, former Olympic Figure Skater.

After a day of lakeside activities enjoy some R&R at the 5,800-square-foot spa. Here, treatments are inspired by the down-to-earth tranquility of the Adirondack region. Enjoy everything from relaxing massage to hydrating facials to invigorating body treatments that feature local ingredients like maple and apple cider. Highlights include the Purifying Lodge Retreat and HydraFacial. The 80-minute Purifying Lodge Retreat is a full-body, multi-step treatment that calls on the detoxifying powers of magnesium, iron, and amino acids. After a dry brush the purifying clay is painted on your skin and you are wrapped up in blankets as your therapists administers a 10 minute scalp and face massage. Following a shower to remove the dried clay you will enjoy a massage using an oil infused with cypress leaves and juniper berries and hot stones. Kellie, my therapist, left my skin feeling unbelievably smooth and my mind and body incredibly relaxed. For a facial experience that will leave you with an unmistakable glow, consider the 50-minute HydraFacial with Susan. The machine infuses and resurfaces your skin with antioxidants, peptides, and hyaluronic acid. Results can be enjoyed immediately and get better as the days pass.

After a few days of lake life at Whiteface Lodge you are guaranteed to feel completely renewed and ready for your next visit.