Stepping into Mohonk Mountain House’s New Spa

My Lakeview Summerhouse Massage begins with a pause as my massage therapist and I take a few steps from the Spa at Mohonk Mountain House in New Paltz, New York. We embark on a short forested path leading to the newly built outdoor spa treatment room, perched high above Lake Mohonk. Surrounded by sweeping cliffs, ancient trees, and diverse plant and animal life, this setting is part of the 265-room Mohonk Mountain House and its 1,185 acres of pristine land. My massage therapist invites me to pause and appreciate the surroundings—listening to birds singing, inhaling the aromas of nature, and admiring the vibrant colors of the flowers and greenery.

1. Spa Experience

We ascend the steps to the Lakeview Summerhouse, which showcases a complete refresh, unveiled this summer. Designed similar to the rustic wooden summerhouses throughout the resort’s impressive 85 miles of hiking trails, its secluded lofted location creates an intimate tree-house vibe. Before entering the main area draped with billowy curtains for both privacy and summer breezes, my therapist encourages me to sit outside to reconnect with my locale. While I do, she gently massages my hands and envelops my feet in heated sacks. The pampering continues within the Lakeview Summerhouse, culminating with a magical full-body massage.

The focus on nature extends beyond the Lakeview Summerhouse throughout the Spa. The goal is to integrate guests with nature, both in the new space and indoors, as emphasized by spa director Margaret Lora. “There is a power in nature to calm,” she shares. The Spa features large windows in the solarium and veranda, allowing guests to bask in natural views. The full refresh includes warm wood tones and rich, natural stone, along with amenities like a steam room, sauna, outdoor heated mineral pool, indoor heated pool, fitness center, and yoga/motion studio.

The Lakeview Summerhouse Massage is just one of the new treatments introduced following the Spa’s refresh. On another occasion, I experienced the new Luxe Lift Facial, which utilizes botanical products to stay true to the resort’s nature theme. This 60-minute pampering included face, hand, arm, and neck massages, as well as face masks and more.

2. Mindfulness at Mohonk

The Lakeview Summerhouse also serves as a serene setting for private mindfulness sessions conducted by Nina Smiley, Ph.D., who oversees mindfulness programming at Mohonk Mountain House. Along with her brother, David Harp, M.A., she co-authored “The Three Minute Meditator” and “Mindfulness in Nature.” Nina is part of the Smiley family that has managed the resort since 1869, upholding the wellness focus that has always defined its experience. In cooler months, or for those preferring indoor sessions during summertime, mindfulness classes occur in a dedicated room adorned with Victorian furnishings from the 1890s. My mindfulness session, emphasizing breathing and sensory imagery, equipped me with practical tools I aim to integrate into my daily life.

Following my session with Nina, I realized I had already been practicing mindfulness while exploring Mohonk’s breathtaking trails with my family. The stunning views of the mountains, the lake, and the castle-like resort capture your attention as you stroll along the high trails or relax in one of the 120 historic summerhouses that harmoniously integrate with the landscape. Nina has designed a virtual mindfulness hike accessible through QR codes located along the captivating Eagle Cliff trail. The hotel concierge can guide you toward trails tailored to your desired skill level. One day, we challenged ourselves on the Sky Top Tower trail, rewarded at the summit with a glorious 360-degree view extending across six states, including New York.

Tranquility saturates the National Historic Landmark resort. Here, you truly feel as if you’ve stepped back in time to the leisurely pace of the Gilded Age, during which city dwellers sought refuge in the countryside for refreshing air and scenic beauty. Multiple outdoor porches lined with rocking chairs offer a picturesque view of the surroundings. In the Victorian-furnished guest rooms, you won’t find any televisions, but you will discover rocking chairs on private balconies for moments of reflection.

3. Feeding the Mind and Body

The year-round resort offers a variety of season-dependent activities, including golfing at a nine-hole course, tennis, swimming, boating, archery, mountain biking, and more. Guests can also enjoy fishing, horseback riding, and ice skating during the winter months. Children can revel in a dedicated kids’ club, while a tour of the gardens and greenhouse offers a glimpse into the beauty of the property.

Dining experiences at Mohonk are exceptional, emphasizing locally sourced ingredients with a broad selection available in the main dining room and an extensive summer buffet at The Granary. For a distinct culinary experience, indulge in the nine-course tasting menu paired with fine wines, featuring only farm-to-table ingredients expertly prepared in the resort’s kitchen.

The lodging packages feature all-inclusive pricing (the tasting menu incurs an additional charge, as do spa treatments and horseback riding excursions). Guests pay a singular rate that encompasses accommodations, three meals daily in various venues, afternoon tea, most non-alcoholic beverages, activities, evening entertainment, and more. Experience the unparalleled serenity and beauty of Mohonk Mountain House.