Early this week I attended the New York Spa Promotion Alliance Inc. (NYSPA) meeting held at the Mohonk Mountain Resort. Professor Mary Tabacchi, from Cornell, organizes the yearly gathering for NYSPA and puts a lot of energy and enthusiasm into getting spa industry professionals from all over the state of New York together.

I thought this year’s meeting was exceptional – a great group of people and some interesting panel discussions. Also, I think the setting and the perfect weather made for a nice experience.

Mohonk is one of my favorite spas from the “affordable” category. The rooms, the views, the hiking, the spa – wow – and the casual atmosphere are really rejuvenating. But it is the friendly people which is the frosting on the cake. I am continually amazed at how you can judge a property by the attitude of the valet parking attendants. Here they were so friendly and helpful and “down home”….and that ended up being the case throughout the resort. The front desk staff, the dining staff, the spa therapists, management, etc. Genuine, kind, caring folks.