Step out of your everyday life and into the timeless rhythm of a true spa town. This Saratoga Springs retreat is an invitation to gather with friends — and make new ones — while experiencing wellness the way it was originally intended: through mineral waters, nature, movement, arts, music, and community.
Inspired by the grand spa culture of Europe, Saratoga Springs blends healing waters with vibrant social traditions, beautiful architecture, and a deep connection to nature. Over several days, you’ll hike woodland trails, soak in a therapeutic mineral bath, explore a charming historic town, experience sound healing, enjoy the energy of the racetrack, relax in a floating sauna, and spend an evening with the NYC ballet.
This is more than a getaway. It’s a chance to slow down, reconnect with yourself, and rediscover the joy of shared experiences — leaving restored, inspired, and carrying the energy of the spa town home with you.
Health, History & Horses
Known for its longtime motto “Health, History & Horses,” Saratoga Springs is a place where wellness, culture, and tradition are beautifully intertwined. From healing mineral waters and grand architecture to world-class arts and the thrill of the racing season, Saratoga Springs offers a rare blend of restoration and celebration — a true American spa town shaped by European influence and timeless traditions.
Long before Saratoga Springs became a celebrated resort town, the mineral springs were revered by Native Americans as a place of gathering, healing, and renewal. The healing qualities of Saratoga Spring’s waters were not only recognized by native communities but, they later drew physicians, wellness seekers, and public leaders.
Following his 1921 polio diagnosis, Franklin D. Roosevelt developed a strong interest in hydrotherapy and supported the creation of a state-operated, scientifically designed spa modeled after Europe’s great health resorts.
Today, visitors can experience this enduring wellness culture through mineral baths, scenic park trails, and a lifestyle centered around movement, fresh air, and intentional rest. Saratoga Springs also holds a rare distinction — it is the only city in the United States belonging to the European Historic Thermal Towns Association. This recognizes its deep mineral-water roots and its shared heritage with the great spa towns of Europe.
In Saratoga Springs, wellness is not a trend — it is a living tradition shaped by nature, history, and the belief that healing happens when water, environment, and community come together.
Saratoga Springs flourished in the 19th century as a fashionable retreat where visitors gathered not only for health, but also for society, culture, and connection. Grand hotels, elegant parks, and beautiful architecture reflected an era when wellness meant more than treatments — it meant conversation, music, strolling gardens, and enjoying life at a slower pace.
Today, that spirit still lives on. Walking along Broadway or through historic Congress Park feels like stepping into another time, where fountains, preserved buildings, and cultural venues tell the story of Saratoga Spring’s golden age. Museums, theaters, and local landmarks continue to celebrate the city’s rich heritage, creating a destination that feels both historic and alive.
Horse racing has long been woven into Saratoga Spring’s story, adding excitement and social energy to its spa-town culture. The legendary Saratoga Race Course is considered the third oldest race track in the US and has welcomed generations of visitors, making the summer racing season one of the city’s most celebrated traditions.
Beyond race day itself, there are many ways to experience Saratoga Spring’s equestrian heritage. Enjoy breakfast at the track while watching morning workouts, explore behind-the-scenes barn tours, or dive deeper into the sport’s legacy at the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame. Whether you’re a lifelong racing fan or discovering it for the first time, the horse culture here adds a sense of excitement, elegance, and history that makes Saratoga Springs truly unique.
Day 1 — Sunday, July 5
Arrival, Welcome Dinner & Cello Sound Journey
Arrive at The Gideon Putnam and settle into your spa-town home nestled inside Saratoga Spa State Park. In the evening, we’ll gather for our first dinner together at the hotel—a relaxed and welcoming start designed to help everyone connect and ease into the experience.
After dinner, we’ll take a short stroll to one of the park’s historic buildings for a Group Cello Sound Experience with Demetria Koninis. This immersive sound healing journey blends the rich, resonant tones of live cello with Tibetan singing bowls, Koshi chimes, ocean drum, and gong. You’ll lie or sit comfortably as gentle breathwork begins the session, allowing the vibrations of sound to calm the nervous system, release stress, and create deep relaxation—leaving you grounded, restored, and gently opened to the days ahead.
Day 2 — Monday, July 6
Park Morning & Broadway Exploration
Enjoy a slow, relaxing morning in Saratoga Spa State Park—walk the trails, sip your coffee, and settle into the peaceful rhythm of the retreat. Head into town whenever you like using the complimentary resort shuttle and spend the afternoon exploring Broadway, the heart of downtown Saratoga Springs. Lined with boutiques, cafés, galleries, and historic charm, Broadway is the perfect place to wander, shop, and soak in the lively energy of this classic spa town.
Be sure to visit historic Congress Park, one of Saratoga Spring’s most beloved landmarks, known for its beautiful gardens, fountains, and grand old-world character that reflects the town’s rich spa history.
Day 3 — Tuesday, July 7
Geyser Hike & Roosevelt Baths
Start the day with a guided walk through the park to explore the famous geyser and experience the natural landscape that made Saratoga Springs a wellness destination. Later, enjoy a therapeutic mineral bath at the historic Roosevelt Baths, one of Saratoga Spring’s most treasured traditions. You’ll have the option to add a spa treatment at a discounted rate. You may also choose to enjoy a swim at the picturesque Victoria Pool.
Day 4 — Wednesday, July 8
Free Morning & A Classic Day at the Races
Enjoy a free morning to relax, explore, or simply linger in the calm of the park. Midday, take the resort shuttle to Saratoga Race Course for an unforgettable day at the track. Historically, racing and social entertainment often accompanied spa culture, offering excitement and connection alongside the healing waters. With your grandstand ticket, you’ll be fully immersed in the tradition, pageantry, and energy that make Saratoga racing legendary.
Day 5 — Thursday, July 9
Floating Sauna Renewal & Evening at the Ballet
Begin your morning at KOS Floating Sauna, the only floating sauna in the Northeast, where heat, water, and stillness come together for a deeply restorative experience on Saratoga Lake. Afterward, relax in the garden or take a peaceful stroll through the park before the evening’s cultural highlight.
In the evening, enjoy a performance of A Midsummer Night's Dream by the New York City Ballet at Saratoga Performing Arts Center. The ballet’s long-standing summer residency continues Saratoga Spring’s tradition of the arts as part of wellness—where music, movement, and beauty are essential elements of restoration and joy.
Day 6 — Friday, July 10
Departure — Carry the Energy Home
As your retreat comes to a close, depart with a sense of renewal, connection, and calm. The intention is not just to have stepped away, but to bring the spirit of the spa town—nature, movement, music, and community—back with you into everyday life.
Your home for 5 nights
Nestled in the heart of Saratoga Spa State Park, the The Gideon Putnam blends timeless elegance with the restorative spirit that has drawn wellness travelers to Saratoga for generations. Opened in 1935, the hotel and surrounding spa complex were envisioned as an American extension of the European healing-water tradition, with architecture and design influenced by the grand spa culture of Europe, reflecting the same belief in mineral waters, nature, architecture, arts, and music as essential parts of the healing experience. From the classical details to the serene park setting, there’s a quiet feeling here that makes you feel as though you’ve stepped into a European spa town — without ever leaving New York.
Surrounded by natural springs, historic bathhouses, and miles of scenic hiking and walking trails, the hotel places guests at the center of the park’s most beloved experiences. Just steps away are the Saratoga Automobile Museum, the intimate Spa Little Theater, and the iconic Victoria Pool, a historic swimming complex perfect for summer afternoons. With easy access to wooded trails, mineral springs, live performances, and cultural venues throughout the park, the Gideon Putnam offers a stay that feels both deeply relaxing and richly connected to Saratoga Spring’s legacy of wellness, creativity, and European-inspired spa culture.
Accommodations & Setting
5 night stay at The Gideon Putnam, a 4-star historic resort nestled within Saratoga Spa State Park
Access to miles of scenic walking and hiking trails throughout the park
Complimentary resort shuttle service to downtown Saratoga Springs, Saratoga Casino, and Saratoga Race Course
High-speed Wi-Fi throughout your stay
Admission to the historic Victoria Pool complex
Admission to the Saratoga Automobile Museum
Use of sports equipment for tennis and putting
10% savings at Roosevelt Baths & Spa for treatments and retail purchases
Experiences Included
Welcome group dinner at The Gideon Putnam
Group Cello Sound Experience with Demetria Koninis
Therapeutic mineral bath at the historic Roosevelt Baths
Morning session at KOS Floating Sauna on Saratoga Lake
Grandstand ticket for a day at the historic Saratoga Race Course
Evening performance by the New York City Ballet at Saratoga Performing Arts Center (seating based on availability)
Curated free time to explore Broadway, Congress Park, and Saratoga Spring’s historic spa-town charm
What’s Not Included
Airfare or transportation to/from Saratoga Springs
Meals not specifically listed in the itinerary
Alcoholic beverages
Optional spa treatments beyond included experiences
Personal expenses and shopping
Gratuities for drivers, spa staff, and hotel services,etc
Activity Level
Easy to Moderate
This retreat is designed to be comfortable and accessible for most travelers. Activities include leisurely walking on mostly flat ground, with distances generally up to ½ mile at a time. Guests should be comfortable with:
Walking through parks, gardens, and downtown streets
Occasional steps, including access to the floating sauna and grandstand seating at the race track
Standing for short periods during tours or events
The pace is relaxed with plenty of free time and opportunities to rest throughout the experience.
Group Size
This particular retreat is limited to a small group of just 14 travelers, allowing for meaningful connection, relaxed pacing, and a more personalized experience balanced with time to explore as you wish.
Your Saratoga Spa Town Retreat is designed to be a seamless and restorative getaway, with thoughtfully curated experiences, wellness traditions, and meaningful moments already included. From your stay at The Gideon Putnam to the signature activities throughout the week, everything is arranged so you can relax, connect, and fully enjoy the experience.
Retreat Pricing :
$1,525 per person double occupancy required
$2,400 per person for a private room
Refund Policy:
A maximum total refund of $1,750 per room is available for cancellations made a month or more prior to the retreat start date of July 5, 2026. (Please note, both parties in the room need to cancel to receive the refund.)
Cancellations made after June 5, 2026 are non-refundable.
Questions? Call Kristi Carrara at 518-222-3544.
Kristi Carrara is a wellness travel professional and retreat curator who specializes in creating meaningful, restorative travel experiences. Having personally explored the historic spa towns of Europe, she brings a deep understanding of the spa-town tradition — where mineral waters, culture, nature, and community come together as part of true wellness. Her retreats are thoughtfully designed to help guests slow down, reconnect, and experience travel in a way that feels both elevated and deeply renewing.
Ann Hopkins is a retired hospital social worker from NJ who now lives in Lexington, Va. Her daughter is owner of KOS floating sauna in Saratoga Springs, NY. Since Ann loves to travel and organize things, she contacted Kristi and worked with her to design this first of its kind trip to Saratoga Springs to celebrate its Spa Town status. She hopes you will consider coming to this healthy and fun retreat.