We Are Upstate NY With Lynn Schauwecker of Dewa Spa at Menla

People come from near and far to visit Menla, a modern resort and destination spa ensconced in the foothills of the Catskills Mountains, surrounded by thousands of acres of unspoiled wilderness. A highlight of a Menla visit is their extraordinary healing spa, Dewa, one of the few places in the West where you can experience the ancient Tibetan KuNye massage. Dewa is adorned unique hand-painted interiors and Tibetan-inspired accents, creating an immediate sense of tranquility. Modern saunas and steam rooms help provide a contemporary detox experience based on practices used for thousands of years. In addition to the highly sought-after Tibetan KuNye massage, Dewa provides a wide range of Eastern and Western spa treatments, including personalized well-being massages, Ayurveda, acupuncture, reflexology, herbal baths, energy healing, customized facials, sound therapy, and intuitive readings.

Insider tip: Make the trip to Dewa for this special spa treatment. KuNye is known for its profound healing effects and ability to unlock the body’s energy points (Zub-Tsog) and remove blockages. This massage consists of slow, rhythmic movements enhanced by the curative properties of warm Tibetan medicinal oils applied from head to toe.

INSIDE+OUT caught up with Lynn Schauwecker, the Managing Director and Co-Director of the Dewa Spa, to learn more about this luxurious sanctuary where one can enjoy tranquility, relaxation and rejuvenation in upstate New York.

INSIDE+OUT: Lynn, where are you originally from, and how did you wind up in the Hudson Valley?

Lynn Schauwecker: I grew up in Northern California and have been in the Hudson Valley since 1991. I moved here from the city and fell in love with the area.

Tell us about your role at Menla Retreat Center and Dewa Spa.

I am the Managing Director and Director of the Dewa Spa, along with Nena Thurman. I oversee many aspects of the organization, including all healing practices and training at the spa, program marketing, programming, staffing, and fundraising.

We’d love to hear more about the ancient restorative therapies from Tibet offered at Dewa Spa.

With the help of Dr. Nida Chenagtsang, a renowned traditional Tibetan physician and lineage holder of the Yuthok Nyingthig, and his team, we trained our therapists in the ancient healing practices of Tibet, including 7-nectar baths, KuNye Massage, and tapping.

Dewa is one of the few places in the West where you can experience your signature treatment, the Tibetan KuNye massage. What makes that so special?

KuNye is an ancient Tibetan healing practice that dates back thousands of years. It is part of the broader Tibetan medical tradition and one of the world’s oldest medical systems. The massage involves the application of specific medicinal oils and herbs tailored to the individual’s constitution and health needs. These substances are believed to have therapeutic properties that enhance the healing process. We make these healing oils in-house and individualize them based on people’s needs.

Tell us about your free Tibetan Tree Evaluation.

The Tibetan Tree Evaluation is a traditional diagnostic tool used in Tibetan medicine to assess a person’s physical, mental, and spiritual health. This method comprehensively examines various aspects of an individual’s condition to determine imbalances and underlying health issues.

In addition to Eastern modalities, Dewa offers a full menu of Western spa treatments. Which are the most popular?

Deep tissue massage, hot stone therapy, personalized wellness plans, intuitive readings, and sound healing.

The Hudson Valley attracts some of the most amazing therapists on the East Coast. How do you find exceptional Dewa therapists?

Dewa has some of the best therapists in the area, each with 15-30+ years of experience and exceptional knowledge.

I’m intrigued by the fragrant baths enriched with mountain herbs. Is that a stand-alone service?

All our baths are a stand-alone service. We get very high reviews about our baths.

Does one have to stay at Menla Retreat Center to visit the DEWA spa?

No, you can come in as a day guest or for treatment only.

What does wellness mean to you?

To me, wellness means body, speech, mind, and spirit health. When you address all these aspects and maintain connectedness to what you do, say, and think, including daily practice, you can attain wellness.

Are there any new programs in the works or anything else you’d like to share?

We are thrilled to announce our upcoming Alternative Wellness services! Soon, we will offer a range of IV therapies to enhance your health and well-being. In the meantime, you can already benefit from our Cellgym therapy, which reprograms mitochondrial cell metabolism through Intermittent Hypoxic Training. Stay tuned for more updates, and get ready to experience a new level of wellness!

Which are some of your favorite spa services?

I enjoy all our treatments at Dewa, especially our Tibetan ones. Menla offers visitors the chance to Create Your Own Getaway (CYOs), where guests can choose their experience.

Are all spa treatments included in this?

CYO does not include spa treatments; those are an add-on. CYOs include a sauna and steam access.

What is it about the Hudson Valley that makes it unique to live + work here?

It’s unique that we are only two and a half hours from New York City, and many interesting and creative people worldwide live in the Hudson Valley or visit here.

What impact does your business have on your community?

We attract many interesting people to the area, which brings business and interest. We also connect with many locals and work to support other businesses.

What local businesses do you rely on to be successful?

Many of our therapists are local, so supporting their personal practices through our spa is a large aspect of our community outreach. We also work with many local farms as well as food purveyors to supply Menla’s kitchen with beautiful organic produce and local products. Businesses in town, such as the Phoenicia Library, Brio’s, Bettina, and the Village Apothecary, often assist our guests by providing places to wait if they take the Trailways bus to our location. This is a huge help to us!

If someone were to “gift” you a day at Menla – what would be your dream package?

My dream day at Menla would begin with Nejang Yoga, followed by our Signature Tibetan KuNye massage. Next, I would enjoy a soothing Tibetan 5 Nectar herbal bath and end with the unique experience of Tibetan Tones’ sound healing. Amidst all these amazing treatments, I would include a delicious, organic, vegetarian lunch from our exceptional kitchen. We also have an incredible new organic Tibetan-inspired Dewa Skincare line that would make a wonderful gift.

Photos Courtesy of Menla

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