Located just beyond the southern border of the Catskill Mountains and situated along the western side of the Hudson River, a Victorian castle known as Mohonk Mountain House has been refining the art of hospitality since 1869. Set majestically above Lake Mohonk, this award-winning resort is reminiscent of a bygone era. Extensive woodwork, fireplaces constructed from Shawangunk stone, period accents, and windows that perfectly frame the breathtaking scenery are sure to capture your soul. Since the day twins Albert and Alfred Smiley came to visit in 1869 — when they first envisioned a place to enjoy the beauty of nature and to renew body, mind, and spirit — guests including Andrew Carnegie, Theodore Roosevelt, former First Lady Julia Grant, and John D. Rockefeller have been making their way to Upstate New York and onto the 26,000 acres known as Mohonk Mountain House.

Mohonk Mountain House by Jim Smith Photography
Mohonk Mountain House by Jim Smith Photography

Accommodations at Mohonk vary and the Tower Suites are highly recommended. The most luxurious accommodations in the Mountain House, each Tower Suite has its own balcony and wood-burning fireplace. Complemented by antique furnishings, these charming spaces offer a timeless elegance and a true respite from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Also available are cottages that will provide you with a bit more privacy, independence, and a rustic charm that is surrounded by the natural beauty of the Hudson Valley. Close enough to the main House to participate in activities, programs, and meals, yet far enough removed so as to still feel private, these cottage rentals are another quality option.

Mohonk Mountain House by Jim Smith Photography in Upscale Living Magazine
Mohonk Mountain House by Jim Smith Photography

Secluded trails, enchanting forests, and awe-inspiring views are an integral component of the Shawangunk region which was awarded the distinction of being named “one of Earth’s ‘Last Great Places’” by the Nature Conservancy. With a staff Naturalist in place to guide canoe tours, nature walks, and bird watching the outdoors beckons. A significant point of interest for the outdoor enthusiast is the 85 miles of well-marked trails traversing the Mohonk woodlands. This impressive collection of hiking opportunities is dotted with romantic gazebos and resting spots to take in the transcendent panorama.

The Mohonk Red Signature Massage - Courtesy of Mohonk Mountain House
The Mohonk Red Signature Massage – Courtesy of Mohonk Mountain House

If being out on the nature trails does not appeal to you, relax your mind and body amidst the award-winning Spa at Mohonk Mountain House which recently topped lists in Condé Nast Traveler and Travel + Leisure. Including more than 40 treatments that offer opportunities for relaxation and renewal, the Spa at Mohonk Mountain House will certainly coax the weary, city-stressed businessperson, or anyone seeking a day of relaxation and renewal. Boasting 30,000 square feet which includes 16 treatment rooms, a solarium and verandas for lounging, steam rooms and saunas, a stone fireplace, and an outdoor heated mineral pool, you will not be in any rush to get back to — well — anything. Additional recreational activities include hitting the links on their 114-year-old, 9-hole, Scottish-influenced golf course, as well as rock climbing, boating, fishing, swimming, horseback riding, tennis, and much more.

Solarium with Stone Fireplace in The Spa at Mohonk Mountain House - Jim Smith Photography
Solarium with Stone Fireplace in The Spa at Mohonk Mountain House – Jim Smith Photography

All of these activities will certainly create a significant appetite and you will be delighted to find that dining at Mohonk includes a vast array of wholesome foods, most of which are sourced locally when seasonally available. A menu has been designed to appeal to a wide array of palates and includes items that cater to health-conscious guests, as well as vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options. Prepared by award-winning chefs, whose efforts have won numerous medals in national culinary competitions, you are sure to be delighted. If it is just a snack you are seeking, afternoon tea and cookies, which during the warm months can be enjoyed in one of the hundred or so rocking chairs on the deck overlooking the lake, are a wonderful and memorable option.

Summerhouse on Lake Mohonk - Jim Smith Photography
Summerhouse on Lake Mohonk – Jim Smith Photography

A member of Historic Hotels of America since 1991, Mohonk Mountain House received an award from the United Nations Environment Program recognizing 125 years of environmental stewardship and was designated as a National Historic Landmark in 1986.

Starting with just a 10-room inn, it now boasts 267 guest rooms and is overseen by the fourth generation of the Smiley family who takes their role as custodian of this exquisite piece of land seriously. Mohonk Mountain House is rich with history and is an experience to be treasured by the whole family, as well as a truly beautiful place to unwind and set your soul free.