Ithaca: La Tourelle Resort and Spa

La Tourelle served as the perfect retreat after chasing waterfalls all over Ithaca. This converted farmhouse set back from the road had such a charming appeal. I still felt one with nature, enjoying the extensive grounds of La Tourelle. When I wasn’t relaxing in one of the outdoor gazebos,  I was enjoying all the wonderful features of La Tourelle Resort and Spa. If I could use one word to illustrate my stay, it would be “relaxation”.

The Location

La Tourelle Resort and Spa is located in Ithaca, New York in the heart of the Finger Lakes region. The Finger Lakes is a truly beautiful region nestled in Central New York. Ithaca is known for its busy college town (Cornell University) and its multitude of waterfalls and gorges. There is no shortage of hikes in Ithaca. La Tourelle is just 5 minutes outside of town and sits on 70 acres of land. The property even offers a hiking trail that connects to Buttermilk State Park. The hike from the hotel is about an hour downhill. If you don’t feel like making the hike back, La Tourelle will pick you up. 

The Rooms

I have never felt more at home in a hotel room than I did at La Tourelle Resort and Spa. The rooms are luxurious yet still, feel homey. The King bed’s canopy in my room made me feel like a Queen while the bookshelf and fireplace had the cozy elements I was after. La Tourelle has 53 rooms; including Queen rooms, King rooms, and suites. From the patio of my King room, I was able to enjoy the sunset over the hotel grounds. Each guest room has a jacuzzi tub in the bathroom which I took full advantage of after the day of hiking. 

The Cuisine

I kept snoozing my alarm until I realized that if I didn’t wake up, I wouldn’t be able to have breakfast. There is no way I would ever miss a hotel breakfast. The breakfast that is served at The Bistro should not be passed up. The Bistro at La Tourelle Resort and Spa serves farm-to-table meals including locally sourced ingredients from the Finger Lakes region. The food is fresh, delicious, and plentiful. My breakfast was so good that I ate every last bite. The Bistro also serves lunch and a weekend brunch. If you’re looking for a place for dinner, you don’t have to stray further than the parking lot. John Thomas Steak House is located in the same lot. While I didn’t get the chance to dine at the steakhouse during my stay, the menu looked enticing. 

The Amenities

There’s no better way to unwind than a spa day. At La Tourelle’s August Moon Spa, you can do just that. August Moon Spa was the highlight of my stay. This was my first spa experience and I’m already hooked. The spa treatments are inspired by local ingredients and the majority of the products used for the treatments are from Balance Aromatherapy, a local company owned by the Manager of August Moon Spa. I had one of the more popular treatments, New York State Finest maple sugar scrub. This treatment included a maple walnut sugar scrub to gently exfoliate my skin, followed by a sweet orange deep moisturizing application. It was amazing! My skin has never felt smoother. After my treatment, I choose to relax in the waterfall room, one of the two tranquility rooms on site. The spa also has a sauna and steam room off the changing area. 

Come Join My Journey was welcomed to La Tourelle Resort and Spa as a guest, however, our opinion is as always our own.