Wanting an escape from the excessive sirens and horns that plague my Brooklyn neighborhood, I recently enjoyed a staycation with my partner at The Opus Westchester, Autograph Collection (White Plains, NY). While we had hoped for an opportunity to explore the neighborhood, the weekend turned out to be a washout with an unrelenting downpour. Fortunately, the hotel was an inviting destination to camp out. A 10-minute walk from the Metro North train station, The Opus Westchester is situated just steps away from White Plains’ main drag, complete with dining, shopping, and more.
What We Love:
- The spacious and stylish guest rooms
- Dining at Red Horse by David Burke
- A soothing massage at Opus Spa
- Proximity to Metro North and Manhattan
- The indoor rooftop pool
Accommodations
While Westchester is often overlooked in favor of Manhattan’s bright lights, big city action, the charming Opus Hotel delivers style and sophistication a short train ride away. I immediately felt at home in a spacious Executive Suite, with a king bed, floor-to-ceiling windows, and a separate living area. The bed was especially comfy with sateen Sferra Linens, and the spa-inspired bathroom was large with both a tub and a rainfall shower. I was just sorry I didn’t have time to experience them both. All in all, the room felt like a serene sanctuary away from the city.
Cuisine
A highlight of our stay was dining at Red Horse by David Burke. On a Sunday evening, the place was packed. Even though it had only recently opened, the popular steakhouse from the celebrity chef seemed to be the talk of the town with families, groups of friends, and more bringing a festive vibe to the scene. The spacious restaurant features an engaging design with white decor and pops of red throughout. Artwork of horses and other equestrian pursuits can be found adorning the walls. Burke, an avid collector, showcases some of his favorites at Red Horse, and custom-painted jockeys line the upper reaches of the dining room. Floor to ceiling windows look out over the heart of White Plains.
We started with the Lobster Dumplings and Tuna and Salmon Tartare, both of which were delicious. The Clothesline Bacon was also clearly a favorite, as we witnessed it being delivered to multiple tables. I couldn’t resist ordering the filet mignon, which was cooked to perfection. And my seafood-loving partner opted for the Roast Branzino, another winner. Although we had no room for dessert, we ordered the Tin Can Cake. It came in a branded Red Horse tin. Ultimately, we ended taking it to go and eating it on the train ride home the following day.
Because I had an early morning spa treatment scheduled the following, we decided to order room service for breakfast. It, too, hit the spot. And there were a host of healthy options, such as raw juices, overnight oats, fruits, and more.
Spa and Fitness Facilities
Situated on the ninth floor, The Opus Spa is an urban oasis offering a host of soothing massages, signature facials from Biologique Recherche, Hydrafacial, and Yon-Ka Paris, skin-glowing body treatments, and more. I experienced the 60-minute Rest and Renew massage, which relied on traditional Swedish strokes to reduce tension, increase circulation, and enhance relaxation. It was so relaxing that I was tempted to return to my room and crawl back under the covers.
The menu also features other wellness options, such as time in a Halotherapy Salt Chamber (30 minutes); Reiki Healing (60 minutes); Cupping Therapy (60 minutes); and Nutritional Wellness (60 minutes), a consultation with a nutritional expert on how to eat to maintain a healthy lifestyle. The Opus Journeys let guests experience more in-depth experiences. For example, The Magnum Opus ($tk, 3 hours) includes a rejuvenating sugar exfoliation followed by a 30-minute session in spa’s salt chamber and concluding with a warm shea butter massage.
Locals can also take advantage of unlimited access to the spa with a Bliss Membership, which provides entry to the spa facilities, pool, and fitness center. It also features complimentary access to the halotherapy salt chamber (with reservations), one treatment per month (Relax and Renew Massage, Organic Opulence Facial, or Organic Coconut Sugar Glow Ritual), 15 percent off additional spa treatments, and a 10 percent discount off retail. It’s the perfect escape for a healing journey.
