After settling into a very nice suite, I immediately went to the Native American-inspired Skana Spa where the assistant manager started my tour – and Michael Tompkins, Turning Stone’s VP of Hotel and Spa, finished it for me. The spa was quite impressive. Here are some aspects of the facility that made an impression:

• I liked the entry with the breezeway and a river flowing underneath (snow and ice covered it the weekend we were there).
• The Native American theme seems to have been used in a classy way for a change.
• The welcome lounge mirrored the Oneida welcoming ceremony.
• Loved the carpet on the floor of that lounge. It looked like wood chips but was really made out of some kind of rubber material.
• The 3,000-square-foot VIP suite (spa within a spa) was one of the largest I’ve seen.
• The disguised TV in the VIP lounge was really disguised. All I could see was a large, beautifully framed mirror (maybe five feet by five feet). If Michael had not demonstrated that one could watch TV on that mirror, I never would have believed it.
• The staff seemed friendly.
• The dream-catcher artwork (all individual) in each of the treatment rooms was unique.
• Spa Café – love that.
• Pool and fitness center – well done, although the fitness facility and the spa are on opposite ends of the building.

On the following day I would sample the spa. That night Peter and I had dinner…and Turning Stone was able to get us tickets to see Josh Groban. I admit that I didn’t know who he was, but Stacey in our office said he has a fabulous voice and that I should not miss the opportunity.