Women-Owned Wellness Businesses in Ithaca

Rasa Spa in Ithaca is a full-service, holistic healthcare spa. In addition to elevating classic treatments, they offer services you will not find anywhere else such as Ananda based on an ancient Ayurvedic treatment of massaging warm oils into your hair and scalp. Rachel Hogancamp, the owner of Rasa Spa, truly cultivates wellness in the Finger Lakes Region with a mission to “focus on the well-being of the whole person through healing, empowerment, fostering a mindful community, and creating a tranquil atmosphere.”

Stop by August Moon Spa at La Tourelle, for a customized treatment featuring locally sourced ingredients and products, many of which incorporate herbs and botanicals grown on their grounds. Relax in the Vichy Waterfall room, which brings nature inside to you! Perhaps try healing your spirit through an Energetic Reiki session, or one of the popular exfoliating scrubs. Kash Iraggi-Wiggins runs the spa and owns Balance Aromatherapy, a company used to supply products to her spa. Her daughter Phoenix used to help manage the spa but now works with her mother in operating Balance Aromatherapy. They have an ever-changing collection of seasonal scent blends to make your treatments feel extra special.

Warm, inviting, and a bit luxurious sets the tone for The Inn at Gothic Eves and the Spa at Gothic Eves. The intimate setting is conveniently located right in the Village of Trumansburg. You will find relaxing packages to enjoy solo or with friends. Owner Rose Hilbert opened The Inn at Gothic Eves over 20 years ago, and she continues to come up with fresh ideas to provide her guests with the best experience. Rose enjoys time in nature exploring the Finger Lakes and takes pride in cooking nutritious breakfasts for guests with ingredients sourced from local farms.

Whether this is your first time practicing yoga or as an experienced yogi, connect with your body, breath, and mind at Mighty Yoga. They offer both small in-studio classes and have a live stream option. Mighty Yoga believes that if you are truly connected to yourself and have the support of your community behind you, then you are unstoppable, and from there you can begin creating positive change. Owner Heather opened Mighty Yoga in Ithaca to expand the practice of yoga in the community. Practicing yoga is a great way to stay in shape and take the time to truly be with yourself.

Located in downtown Ithaca, sisters Tam and Christine opened Hound & Mare, a cafe and bakery. The restaurant business runs in the family, as their parents own the Saigon Kitchen in Ithaca as well. Hound & Mare offers fresh, healthy, and convenient feel-good food to share with everyone. While their menu is mostly influenced by the American culture Tam and Christine grew up in, you will certainly see inspiration from their Asian roots.

Flourishing in the Fall Creek neighborhood, Botanist Coffeehouse formerly, the Ithaca Flower Shops Storefront. Alongside coffee, espresso, and snacks at Botanist, you will find houseplants, hand-tied bouquets, and cut flowers. Botanist Coffeehouse offers the serene vibe of a flower shop in a space where you can sit with a cup of coffee. While Ithaca Flower Shop has relocated its primary operations to Cortland owner Stacey Twigg, will remain in collaboration with Botanist Coffeehouse owned by Matti Sgrecci. The two share love for americanos and plant-loaded corners.

Visit Gourdlandia and bring home memories and some new décor. While visiting you can learn how to grow and dry gourds, explore the gourd garden, shop, and be inspired! Owner, Graham was introduced to gourd crafting several years ago, by another midwife. You can create lamps vases, dollhouses, nightlights and more, visitors to Gourdlandia are delighted at what can emerge from a gourd. Check out their website for classes and the best times to visit.

Hiking can be one of the best activities for maintaining physical wellness. As one of the most photographed waterfalls in New York state, you will particularly enjoy visiting the iconic Taughannock Falls regardless of the time of year. Taughannock Falls carves a 400ft deep gorge through layers of sandstone, shale, and limestone. Multiple hiking trails provide views of the gorge, main falls, and smaller surrounding waterfalls. Go alone or with a friend and feel connected to yourself and nature during your hike. 

Let yourself feel inspired by the works of Ithaca and Tompkins County’s diverse artists. Open to all and free of charge, you can join the monthly Gallery Night Ithaca, a walkable art show across many galleries and unique spaces in Ithaca. Gallery Night takes place on the first Friday of each month! Open Studio Weekends along the Greater Ithaca Art Trail held annually in the fall are also worth adding to your calendar, along with other First Saturday Tours that allow for a peek into artists’ studios live and through video.

Take a quiet walk with mother nature; it will nurture your mind, body, and soul. The Six Mile Creek Gorge is a diverse ecological area consisting of streams, gorges, waterfalls, marshland, forest, and meadows of goldenrods, asters, shrub thickets, or young forests. The Elizabeth Mulholland Wildflower Preserve on the north side of Six Mile Creek offers gentle walking paths along the creek. On the other side, you’ll find steep cliffside trails, take caution in the winter and spring. This area contains the City of Ithaca's reservoirs and is designated as a unique natural area.