I love New York and its busy streets, but even if I’m only visiting, I still find myself wanting to take a break from all that, even for just a bit. I needed to relax and be surrounded by nature, so when I heard that the Mohonk Mountain House could offer both, I felt like I should be there.
Honestly, my expectations for this place were high, and I’m glad to report that Mohonk didn’t disappoint. Come along with me as I share my whole experience during my stay.
Why I Wanted to Visit the Mohonk Mountain House
While doing my research about the Mohonk Mountain House, I thought they had a fascinating history. It has been around since 1869 and was founded by twin brothers Albert and Alfred Smiley.
The Smiley family’s vision was to create a place where people could escape the hustle and bustle of city life and reconnect with nature, themselves, and their loved ones.
The Mohonk Mountain House itself is a stunning Victorian castle-like resort nestled in the Shawangunk Mountains of New Paltz, New York. The resort’s architecture is a blend of Victorian grandeur and rustic charm that I kind of forgot I was in New York.
Inside, the grand lobby welcomes guests with its high ceilings, intricate woodwork, and cozy fireplaces.
The rooms and suites are tastefully decorated with antique-style furnishing. There are also rooms with private balconies. Some have rocking chairs, so you can get a nice view of the lake and mountains.
I can’t help but think how lovely it is that until today, the Smiley Family’s legacy lives on, and it’s pretty cool that their descendants still own and operate the resort.
Outdoor Adventures: Hiking, Lakeside Leisure, and More
I wanted to relax and enjoy the quiet away from New York’s busy streets, but since I am surrounded by natural beauty, I might as well indulge. I felt like I should enjoy the outdoors before I focus on relaxation and wellness.
Taking a Hike
I spent a morning exploring the resort’s hiking trails, which wind through forests, meadows, and cliffs. The first I followed was Lemon Squeeze, a challenging but rewarding trail that leads to a narrow passageway between two rock formations.
It was a bit of a scramble, especially when you realize why it’s called Lemon Squeeze. There’s a narrow crevice that you need to navigate before you reach the top, but once you get through that, the views are impressive.
I also followed the Sunset Path that’s less than a mile long. It took me less than an hour to complete it and I stayed there to enjoy the sunset with a few other visitors.
The Main Dining Room
After my hike, I was tired and famished. I had to fight the urge to order from room service, but I wanted to see the main dining area. It was both cozy and luxurious, but that night was quite busy. I didn’t realize that quite a few people also go there on weekdays.
I ordered French Onion Soup as an appetizer, and then I went with Grilled Prime NY Strip Steak for my main course. With all the hiking I did earlier, there was just more room for dessert. I enjoyed a Budino, which is a white chocolate mousse with an orange liquid center.
To end the night nicely, I also ordered Bantha Milk. It was a sweet, tasty gin drink with white chocolate liqueur and butterfly pea foam.
Enjoying the Lakeside
After a nice breakfast in the main dining room, I went out to get a better view of the lake. It was warm, so I saw a handful of other visitors enjoying the water. I went for a bit of swim, but I also rented a canoe.
The canoe glided smoothly across the lake, and I took pleasure in the peaceful rhythm of the paddle and the gentle lapping of the water against the hull. While on the water, I also spotted a few people fishing.
As I paddled further, I found a secluded cove where the water was crystal clear, and the only sounds were the occasional chirping of birds and the soft rustling of leaves. I decided to take a break and just float for a while. I wanted to soak into the serene beauty of my surroundings.
After some time, I made my way back to the shore and thought it would be a perfect opportunity to enjoy a lakeside picnic. I packed some snacks and a refreshing drink in a small cooler, so I found a cozy spot under a shady tree.
The picnic tables were conveniently located near the water’s edge, and I enjoyed the view as I had my meal. I wondered what the place would look like in winter, and according to some of the people I met there, the lake would freeze. So, if you want to enjoy ice skating, visit during winter.
Rejuvenation and Wellness
So, what about wellness and relaxation? Mohonk Mountain House is also a great resort for this because it has a world-class spa, yoga, and meditation programs, and even fitness facilities.
The Spa at Mohonk Mountain House
The Spa Getaway I booked included a $230 spa credit that I can use on their steam room, sauna, mineral pool, relaxation verandas, solarium, and spa treatments.
Upon entering the spa, I was greeted by the soothing ambiance and a welcoming staff who guided me through the various options available. I decided to start with a visit to the eucalyptus-infused steam room, which immediately helped me unwind and clear my mind.
The warm steam and refreshing eucalyptus scent were incredibly invigorating. I remember fighting the urge to sleep, and when I felt like losing, I moved on to the outdoor heated mineral pool with Dead Sea salts.
For my spa treatment, I opted for a Swedish massage that lasted an hour. I didn’t want to use my credits on that, so I paid $220 for it. I thought they only offered massages, but no, they also provide skin care treatments.
I got a Custom Radian Facial ($230) that lasted another hour. This included deep cleansing and facial massage. It was worth it because, after the session, my skin felt smoother and softer.
Yoga and Meditation
After my relaxing spa experience, I felt like trying their in-room dining. The menu was different that night, and I had Meatless Quinoa Meatballs. I savored my meal by the window in my room, just looking at the sunset.
The next day, I joined a yoga session. There are three yoga classes you can choose from, which are the following:
- Barkan Yoga Method: This method emphasizes strength, flexibility, and balance and often includes a series of postures designed to detoxify the body and promote mental clarity.
- Hatha Yoga: More on breath control and meditation (suitable for beginners!)
- Yin Yoga: Involves holding poses for an extended period, typically 3-5 minutes, to target deep connective tissues and increase flexibility.
After the yoga session, I felt energized and wanted to check out their fitness sessions. They have options like Pilates, Mosaic Barre, and Tai Chi, but I thought the yoga session already got me pretty tired, so I opted for Qigong.
Qigong is an ancient Chinese practice that combines gentle movements, breath control, and meditation to promote physical and mental well-being.
The session was led by an experienced instructor who guided us through a series of flowing movements designed to improve energy flow and balance.
The slow, deliberate movements and focus on deep breathing left me feeling relaxed and centered. It was a perfect complement to the more physically demanding yoga session I had earlier.
What a Relaxing Stay at the Mohonk Mountain House
My stay at Mohonk Mountain House was a truly relaxing and invigorating experience. The rooms are luxurious, and the resort is surrounded by natural beauty. The exceptional amenities also made it worth every penny.
So, if you’re willing to splurge to get away from your busy day-to-day life and just focus on relaxing and yourself, Mohonk Mountain House is worth it. You can treat it as an investment in both your physical and mental well-being.
Mohonk Mountain House – FAQs
What are the rates for staying at Mohonk Mountain House?
Standard room rates typically start around $700 per night, but this can vary based on the season and package you book. You can find detailed information on the resort’s website or by contacting their reservations department.
Are there any activities that require an additional fee?
Some activities, such as spa treatments, private horseback riding lessons, and certain workshops, may require an additional fee.
Are pets allowed at Mohonk Mountain House?
Pets are not allowed at Mohonk Mountain House, except for service animals that meet certain requirements.
