Prana Residence - Spa — Hotel in Cornwall

I came here for the day, arriving in the early morning and leaving late at night. The drive to Prana from Manhattan was beautiful as we left the city and headed into the inviting Connecticut woods. The nearby city of Kent was beautiful, with many shops and restaurants, and as we got closer to Cornwall Bridge, we saw spectacular scenery including a beautiful waterfall. There is a stunning covered bridge in the village and it is very peaceful and quiet.

Once we arrived at Prana Residence & Spa, I immediately felt relief. I put the hustle and bustle of Manhattan behind me and was happy to relax in this interesting igloo-like structure. Inside it's beautiful with a fireplace to warm us and I flopped on a couch to have some snacks and chill. The view from the window overlooks a woodsy scene, with deer in the distance.

But by far the best part about Prana are the amenities! This place has an indoor pool (heated) where you can actually swim laps; a jacuzzi in the master bedroom, a dry sauna that can seat your whole crew of 6, a cold plunge (after the sauna), and best of all and outdoor hot tub where you can look up and see all the stars--because there is hardly any pollution out here. That was amazing and I will never forget it. It's the amenities that will bring me back here. Definitely check out the photos I posted--it will give you a better picture...

I arrived for my visit on a beautiful autumn day, just before twilight, after a leisurely drive through the spectacular countryside, and my first glimpse of the "igloo" house glowing through the trees nearly took my breath away. Nestled in the woods, the facility sits like a bluff, belonging just as much to its surroundings as do the lovely old wooden houses in the nearby towns we associate with rural Connecticut.

The physical structure itself is so unusual, that upon entering, you are swiftly but subtly brought into a spiritual dimension, one of warmth and calm serenity. My interest was in the architecture, and the experience brought about in the different spaces--how, for instance, the cozy invitation of the fireplace in the soaring main room with its spiral staircase contrasted with the protected cocoon-like feeling in the spa areas. The relationship of interior space to the outdoors is so skillfully managed, too, that you're immersed in nature, while at the same time feeling completely sheltered.

Since I visited, I've intensified my yoga practice, and I look forward to coming back in every season. I think the key words to describe Prana Residence and Spa, for me, would be "calm connectedness," and I'd especially recommend it to anyone seeking to recharge themselves after the stress and bustle...

Have you ever wanted to spend some time in a large, airy, comfortable, inviting igloo? How about a lovely and relaxing spa where you can rejuvenate your mind and body from the stresses of everyday life? I had both experiences at once in this unique place – unconventional & interesting architecture to enjoy and wonderfully revitalizing spa facilities. Ah, the spa! – the hot, hot sauna, the cool, sunlit, geodesic-domed swimming pool (how exhilarating to fall out of bed in the rosy dawn & fall into gorgeous aqua waters), and soaking in the bubbling hot tub outdoors under the stars.

I’ll never forget the beautiful, almost spiritual, lunch we had in the solarium and the fireplace is an ideal place to gather and share intimate stories in the evening. The tranquil and secluded nature-setting embracing the house provided even more opportunities to de-stress and re-center myself. I also discovered quaint villages and towns nearby with antique stores and ice cream parlors. I can’t wait to return for more – the waterfall park I glimpsed on the drive to Prana has also been calling me back like a siren...