Mineral Bath, Roosevelt Baths and Spa, Saratoga Springs, NY

In January, Erin and I, along with our mutual friend "J" all got together for a girls' overnight.  It was J's and my first overnight as moms and Erin somehow convinced both of us to go AND coordinated the whole trip.  Erin had heard about mineral baths in Saratoga Springs, New York.  Saratoga Springs is a cute little historic town where the Roosevelt Baths and Spa is along with the National Museum of Dance.  It's only about three hours from us so just the right distance for an overnight.  I didn't know a whole lot about mineral baths before our trip.  I read that they help soothe inflammation within the body, aid digestion, and are very relaxing.  I was sold when I read "relaxing.'

Our baths were scheduled for 4pm at the Roosevelt Baths and Spa.  We had trouble finding the building and once we got there we were a little rushed.  I was a little apprehensive because I didn't know what to expect.  I'd packed a bathing suit because I wasn't sure if it was a large, public bathing area or what.  I was happy that each bath is done privately in a large, private bath tub..  Massages are done in the same rooms so there are massage tables near the tubs.  The tubs didn't look fancy as I would have expected at a spa but that was ok.  The rooms are dark for relaxation and I was also surprised to see that the bath water was dark and kind of murky from the minerals in the water.  The spa attendant warned us about the water but it was still shocking to see and be in at first.  I couldn't see the bottom and that kind of freaked me out.  It took me about ten minutes in the tub, which was thankfully warm, to relax.  The mineral bath was naturally effervescent and had an odor.  It wasn't unpleasant, just different.  I'm not going to lie, for the first ten minutes in the bath I was not relaxed or comfortable at all.  I couldn't get past the water not being clear and the there was a lot of noise from the other rooms and people in the hallway.  Then suddenly magic happened!  I utterly, totally and completely relaxed.  It was pure bliss.  My mind let go, my body floated, the bubbly water felt like heaven in the tub.  For a half hour i relished every second of the deep relaxation I was in.  Almost a month later and I am still day dreaming about the awesomeness in those thirty minutes.  If you ever get the opportunity to check out the Roosevelt Baths and Spa, I highly recommend you do so.  It's affordable, at $40 for a forty minute bath, and the other spa services were competitively priced.  I didn't get a massage or any other spa services, but the sauna and relaxation room were nice.  You can find booking information here.

Have you ever had a mineral bath or visited a hot spring?  Drop a comment below and let me know your experiences!

-Michelle