A few weeks ago, I had the opportunity to visit The Lake House on Canandaigua in New York’s Finger Lakes region. It was a property I was especially excited to experience after attending a preview press event before the pandemic. While another two years would pass before I’d be able to check out the 124-room resort in person, it was definitely worth the wait.
Set on the fourth largest Finger Lake, The Lake House is within easy walking distance of the charming town (also named Canandaigua) and its various shops, galleries, and restaurants. The resort, located on the site of a former family-owned motor lodge, is breathing new life into the area with its world-class design, beautifully landscaped grounds, signature restaurant and lakeside bar, event barn, and Willowbrook Spa. Open year-round, the property was in full swing when I visited, with guests enjoying a taste of lake life.
Upon arrival, I was immediately impressed by the idyllic setting. Although I had a spa appointment on the books, the laid-back vibe made me want to clear my calendar to claim an Adirondack chair by the lake and relax with a good book.
What We Love
- The Waterworks rain showers
- Clean, minimalist aesthetic and decor
- Stunning event barn
- Poolside daybeds
- Dining at Rose Tavern
What Not to Miss
- Nordic-inspired barrel sauna
- Daily garden tour
- A sunset cruise
- Hiking in nearby Grimes Glen Park, with its deep gorge and cascading waterfalls
- Enjoying s’mores with loved ones around the resort’s many firepits
Guest Rooms
Having seen images of the guest rooms and done my homework on the design, I instantly fell in love with the wood-carved four-poster bed in our Premium Lake King Suite. The stunning beds are designed by The Brooklyn Home Company artist-in-residence Fitzhugh Karol, a sculptor, designer, and woodworker, who designed select furniture pieces for the rooms as well as indoor and outdoor sculptures found throughout the property. Curated pieces from other artists are also on display.
The bathroom was large and spacious with two sinks on opposites sides of the room and a beautiful soaking tub that served as a highlight. Although I didn’t find time to indulge in a bath, my partner, Bruce, gave it five stars. I was smitten with the shower, which I later discovered featured a Waterworks showerhead. The water pressure was perfect! According to general manager Chris Pulito, there are plans to transform guest rooms in the spa building—where we stayed—into wellness rooms enhanced with a host of wellness-related amenities, such as gemstone-infused showerheads, magnetic mattress pads and pillows, yoga blocks and mats, hand weights, an inclusive mini bar with healthy bites and juices, a facial steamer, an aromatherapy and chromatherapy diffuser, and a roll-on liniment gift.
Our room was on the ground floor and overlooked the channel, which feeds into the lake. Many of the rooms, however, feature lakeside views from private balconies and gas fireplaces. They all come with hardwood floors, custom-designed furniture, a Nespresso machine for coffee and tea, a mini bar stocked with local purveyors, filtered water, and a take-home tote bag. My only complaint was the limited tea selection. With that in mind, I grabbed a couple of green tea bags from the spa lounge to enjoy back in the room. Ultimately, the design-forward suite provided a relaxing place to rest, work, and recharge.
Cuisine
Our first evening at The Lake House, we dined at the signature restaurant, Rose Tavern. Wanting to be at the center of it all, we opted to eat at the bar, which turned out to be an auspicious choice. The bar staff was friendly and outgoing, making our meal a fun and festive experience. The American-style restaurant focuses on seasonal rustic fare sourced from the Finger Lakes region. It’s easy to eat healthy and sustainably thanks to a variety of local farms and suppliers. The next morning, we enjoyed breakfast at Rose Tavern. I opted for the Huevos Rancheros Benedict while Bruce ordered Two Farm Eggs, which came with some of the best bacon he’d ever had.
For another dining option, there is the Sand Bar. It debuted in 1994, becoming an institution in the area. The casual beach bar was given a refresh to match The Lake House, and the menu was updated with an extensive beer and wine selection. Today, you’ll find enticing seafood options, such as oysters, Maine lobster rolls, crab cakes, and New England clam chowder, along with burgers and steak.
Spa and Fitness Facilities
What first drew me to The Lake House was its much talked-about spa. Needless to say, I didn’t waste any time before checking in for a massage. The spa itself features a beautiful co-ed relaxation lounge in soothing colors. Following my massage, Bruce and I were scheduled for the Sauna Ritual ($75 + $45 pp, 60 minutes), a private session in a Nordic-inspired barrel sauna with views of the lake. After alternating between the steamy sauna and an icy shower, we felt energized and renewed. The experience concluded with a cup of Bacopa Tincture, a neuro-protective elixir reputed to enhance mental clarity and overall brain function.
Willowbrook Spa, a must-visit, is certainly a highlight of the resort. Designed by TLEE Spas, the six-treatment-room spa taps into the restorative power of nature. The treatment menu also draws on the surrounding area for inspiration, with offerings such as The Lake House Massage Method ($235, 75 minutes), a signature intuitive bodywork session curated with a series of therapeutic techniques and infused herbal blends, and The Lake Effect ($175, 60 minutes), a body treatment that repairs stressed skin with healing botanicals. A variety of bodywork enhancements—Amethyst Biomat, RAD Roller, salt stones, and more—is also available to enhance your treatment. In the retail area, you’ll find products from Ambika Herbals, Dr. Dennis Gross, Innersense, Luzern, Naturopathica, Tara Spa Therapy, and more. Although the spa features a menu of express services, you’ll want to carve out some time in your schedule to take full advantage of this healing haven.
Programming
As someone who likes to be on the move, I couldn’t wait to see what was on the agenda each day at The Lake House. An activity calendar listing each day’s activities is available. From Morning Yoga to Total Body Conditioning to a daily Garden Tour, there is much to see and do. I especially loved the Garden Tour with John Faerber, director of horticulture. Having recently discovered the joys of gardening, I enjoyed learning about John’s plans for the grounds and how he and his team were working to transform the gardens with beautiful pollinators. There was even a vegetable garden that the culinary team relied upon for fresh veggies. John even shared some tips with me on how I could enhance my own garden at home.
Beyond the many activities available at The Lake House, the Finger Lakes region also provides plenty of opportunities to get out and explore state parks; paddle, fish, or sail on the lakes; or visit a tasting room of one of the many wineries, cideries, or distilleries for which the area has become known. For more information on the Finger Lakes, visit www.fingerlakestravelny.com.
