YO1 LONGEVITY AND HEALTH RESORT

Your Oasis For Lifelong Vitality

Upon my second visit to YO1 Longevity and Health Resort—my first back in 2020—I felt the need to explore my wellness path more independently. The welcoming and knowledgeable front desk staff trusted my experience and allowed me to curate my visit. However, by the time I got to my room, Suzi, one of the front desk managers, with a beaming smile, arranged my spa treatments and refreshed my memory about the wealth of amenities and activities available for guests of the resort.

STAY
Each of the 131 rooms and suites offers guests a majestic view of Bailey Lake and the rural landscape of the Catskill Mountains. Though scenery is essential, it is also important that the rooms project an aura of relaxation and serenity. YO1 accomplishes this through its attention to comfort, from the spacious living space to the climate control to the luxurious steam shower. The shower has the potential for “stealing the show.” The rain shower head has excellent water pressure, and the ample shower space, with a marble sitting area, is transformed into a steam shower with the push of a button.

Of the three types of rooms, the king suites offer private balconies where you can lounge and listen to the sounds of nature while greeting the sunrise or watching the sunset. These rooms also boast a separate massage room with a separate entrance for the attendant. Certainly, the rooms supply the usual amenities, such as a small refrigerator, safe, ironing board and iron, lamps with plugs and USB ports, TV, etc., but the focus is more on calm and serenity through the natural colors, fresh air, tasteful art and artifacts, and the mountain landscapes.  

EAT
Each meal is carefully designed for ultimate health. The vegetarian dishes, which are designed to boost one’s immune system, detoxify, and enhance the body’s recuperative powers, are created with locally sourced ingredients, such as fresh fruit and vegetables. The menu plan is drawn from the best elements of Naturopathy, Ayurveda, and raw food diets. During my stay, the menu highlights included vegetable soup, gnocchi, and a very tasty artichoke salad.

REJUVENATE
Massages are always popular, and at YO1, expert therapists address every aching muscle as well as focus on the way massage can reduce anxiety and depression. The most common therapies are Swedish, aromatherapy, hot stone, and deep tissue massage. For the more hardcore visitors, the following treatments are available:

Abhyangam A rejuvenating massage with select herbal oil involving various stroking and positions is a unique therapy in Ayurveda.

Podikizhi A relaxing sudation therapy that massages the body with muslin cloth pouches (potli) filled with various rejuvenating herbs.

Udhwarthanam An exfoliating powder massage therapy done using various unique herbs, by rubbing the powder upward against the natural flow of the hairs.

Shirodhara A calming oil-streaming therapy, Shirodhara is a unique form of ancient treatment in which oil is poured on the forehead continuously and rhythmically, allowing the oil to run through the scalp and into the hair.

Shiroabhyangam A gentle, rhythmic massage of the head, shoulders, neck, and face using authentic Ayurvedic herbal oils. 

Padabhyangam A soothing, revitalizing, calming massage of the feet starting from the knees using unique pressure and technique to release negative energies from the body. 

In addition, guests will understand the point when they select the acupuncture treatment. Skilled practitioners begin a conversation to pinpoint the treatment and best focus on it. The result is relief from pain and discomfort, including anxieties about life.  

PLAY
On my first visit to YO1 Longevity and Health Resort, I stayed within the perimeter of the bricks. In truth, I was kept quite busy with a health regimen tailored precisely to my wellness needs. On my return trip, I left more to my own devices and augmented my health-related travel in the arms of Mother Nature.

Besides the nature trails that weave through the 1300 wooded acres, a simple walk along Bailey Lake will turn any visitor into a nature lover. Dragonflies flit above the young trees, landing at the top like so many holiday ornaments. Bees buzz amidst the vast fields of clover. Female red-winged blackbirds cross the fields in search of gifts to bring back to the nest. If one is fortunate enough, bald eagles might be spotted gliding above the lake with talons poised for their prey.  

The great takeaway is that a stay at YO1 is more than just the services offered, the caring staff, or the unique hospitality. One’s time at YO1 is an opportunity to center oneself through the senses, curated treatments, and the immutable beauty and tranquility of nature.  

For more information on YO1 Health and Wellness Resort, visit YO1.com