Crystal Springs Resort, out in Sussex County, NJ, is a spot with a little bit of everything—and then some. It’s only about an hour’s drive from New York City, but it feels way out in the mountains. The place is huge, with six golf courses, two full spas, and a bunch of restaurants (including one that’s super fancy with a massive wine cellar that’s won awards).
You can come here for all kinds of trips—family vacations, weekend getaways with your partner, work retreats, or even weddings. No matter the season, they’ve got stuff going on: pools, food, spa days, golf, hiking, winter activities—you name it.
This guide breaks it all down so you can figure out what to do, where to stay, what to eat, and how to get the most out of your trip.
Lodging at Crystal Springs Resort
Crystal Springs Resort has two main hotels: Grand Cascades Lodge and Minerals Hotel. Each one offers a different type of stay. One is more high-end, while the other is laid-back and great for families.
Grand Cascades Lodge
Grand Cascades is the resort’s luxury hotel and sits on a ridge of the Appalachian Mountains in Hamburg, NJ. It’s one of the few AAA Four-Diamond hotels in New Jersey. The building has a lodge-style look and views of the mountains and golf courses.
Rooms range from standard deluxe rooms to large multi-bedroom suites and villas. Some suites include fireplaces, full kitchens, and balconies.
This hotel includes some of the resort’s best features:
- Restaurant Latour, a fine dining spot with a top-rated wine cellar
- Reflections Spa, for high-end treatments
- The Biosphere, a tropical indoor pool complex with a water slide and real palm trees
- Vista 180°, an outdoor infinity pool with mountain views
- Easy access to three of the resort’s golf courses
Guests staying at Grand Cascades can also access the amenities at Minerals Hotel, which is a short drive away.
Minerals Hotel
Minerals Hotel is located in Vernon, NJ, in the valley below Grand Cascades. It’s designed to be more casual and family-friendly but still includes plenty of amenities.
The rooms are comfortable and modern, including family suites. This hotel is known for having lots of things to do on-site.
Key features include:
- Elements Spa, which is ranked the #1 spa in New Jersey
- Minerals Sports Club, which has a gym, indoor track, basketball court, racquetball, rock climbing wall, and over 60 fitness classes each week
- A large indoor/outdoor pool complex with a sauna, steam room, hot tub cave, splash pad for kids, cliff jump, and even an underground aquarium
- Kites Restaurant and other casual dining spots
- A 9-hole golf course just outside the hotel
Amenities at Both Hotels
No matter which hotel you choose, you’ll get:
- 24-hour front desk service
- Daily housekeeping
- Room service
- Free Wi-Fi
- Free Parking
- Storage for golf clubs or ski equipment if needed
Dining at Crystal Springs Resort
At Crystal Springs Resort, food is a big part of the experience. The resort has over ten different places to eat, and they cover everything from fancy dinners to quick snacks. They also focus on using local ingredients—over 100 locally sourced items are used across their menus.
Let’s go over the different dining spots grouped by where they’re located.
Dining at Grand Cascades Lodge
- Restaurant Latour is the resort’s fine dining restaurant. It’s rated four stars and serves multi-course meals made with fresh, local ingredients. The restaurant has mountain views and a quiet, elegant setting. Plus, its wine list is award-winning—Wine Spectator has given it the Grand Award every year since 2006. You’ll have to make a reservation and dress up a bit for this one.
- Crystal Tavern is more relaxed but still upscale. It’s open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner and serves American-style dishes using food from local farms. It’s known for its cozy fireplace and sunset views.
- Springs Bistro is the lodge’s Italian spot. It has wood-fired pizzas, house-made pasta, and a list of Italian wines and cocktails. In the warmer months, there’s outdoor seating with views of the mountains.
- Chef’s Garden is open only in the summer. It’s a garden-to-table set up right inside the resort’s own garden. Chefs cook in front of you using veggies and herbs picked right from the garden beds. It’s outdoors and very limited, so reservations are usually needed.
- Biosphere Café (also called Biosphere Taqueria) is inside the Biosphere pool area. This one’s for casual poolside eats—tacos, salads, tropical drinks, and gelato. It’s only for guests staying at Grand Cascades who are using the pool.
- Vista 180° Seafood Shack is a summer-only grill next to the outdoor Vista 180° pool. They serve lobster rolls, tacos, salads, and cold drinks. Guests can eat by the pool or at the outdoor bar.
- Champagne Chalets are clear, and heated domes are set up on the Fire & Water Terrace. They seat up to six people and are used for private dinners with prix-fixe menus, champagne, and wine. They are offered in the colder months, and reservations are required.
- Jacques Torres Cocoa Cabin is open in the winter, near the resort’s ice skating rink. It serves spiked hot chocolate, warm drinks, and snacks like pretzels and churros. It’s a good spot to warm up after skating.
Dining at Minerals Hotel
- Kites Restaurant is the main restaurant at Minerals. It’s casual and good for families. The menu includes breakfast classics, burgers, steaks, pastas, and kid-friendly dishes. The space has stone walls, dark wood, and a big bar for drinks or watching sports.
- Moonshine and The Farmstand are two outdoor spots open during the summer. Moonshine is a country-style bar that serves craft beer and cocktails and has live music on weekends. Right next to it, The Farmstand is a food truck with a farm-style menu—BBQ, grilled items, and seasonal ingredients.
- Frosty’s Cantina pops up in the winter. They serve spiked hot cocoa, coffee drinks, and simple comfort foods like hot dogs and chili. There are fire pits, and you can also take part in other winter activities nearby like axe throwing or roasting marshmallows.
- Zinc Café is a small grab-and-go coffee shop in the Minerals lobby. They have coffee, espresso, tea, pastries, sandwiches, and snacks. It’s good for a quick stop before skiing or golf.
- Minerals Pool Bar is located right at the pool. It’s open in warm months and serves cocktails, soft drinks, and light snacks. You can order in your swimsuit and flip-flops, no problem.
Dining at the Golf Clubs
- Owen’s Pub is at Ballyowen Golf Club. It’s styled like an Irish pub and serves shepherd’s pie, fish and chips, and other Celtic-inspired dishes. A bagpiper plays at sunset every evening during golf season, which is a well-known tradition there.
- Bear Den Grille is at Black Bear Golf Club. This one serves classic pub food and is open for breakfast through dinner during the golf season. You can sit indoors or on the deck with a view of the course.
- The Bird House is a small snack stand located at the turn between holes at Crystal Springs and Wild Turkey golf courses. They serve hot dogs, burgers, bratwursts, and drinks. It’s meant for golfers but open to any resort guest passing by.
Activities & Recreation at Crystal Springs Resort
One of the main reasons people return to Crystal Springs is that there are so many things to do all year. Many of these activities are included with your stay.
Pools & Water Fun
Crystal Springs has three major pool areas:
1. The Biosphere (Grand Cascades Lodge)
This is a tropical indoor pool complex with a 140-foot water slide, palm trees, a hot tub cave, and even an underground aquarium. It’s open year-round and kept warm—even in the winter. The retractable roof opens on sunny days. Only Grand Cascades guests can use this pool unless a day pass is purchased (if available).
2. Minerals Pool Complex (Minerals Hotel)
This is a large indoor/outdoor pool area that includes:
- A pool you can swim through from inside to outside
- Hot tubs, a sauna, and a steam room
- A cliff jump feature and splash zone for kids
- A waterfall grotto
It’s open all year to guests staying at Minerals Hotel. Guests from Grand Cascades can use it by driving over.
3. Vista 180° Pool (Grand Cascades Lodge)
This seasonal outdoor pool includes:
- An infinity-edge pool with mountain views
- A vortex pool, water slide, and spa cove
- Private cabanas available for rent
- Food and drinks served by the Seafood Shack
All pools are heated, and lifeguards are present during busy times. The resort also hosts poolside movies, aqua fitness classes, and even “snow pool” events where guests swim outdoors in winter.
Outdoor Adventures
The resort’s mountain location makes it great for outdoor fun in all seasons.
1. Hiking & Nature Walks
Trails around the resort connect to nearby areas, including parts of the Appalachian Trail. The resort also offers guided hikes and fall foliage walks.
2. Biking
Mountain Creek Bike Park, about 8 minutes away, is a popular summer spot. Guests can also ride along nearby scenic country roads. (Note: the resort doesn’t rent bikes, but you can bring your own or rent nearby.)
3. Horseback Riding
Nearby stables offer guided trail rides, and sometimes pony rides for kids are held on-site during summer weekends.
4. Archery & Axe Throwing
Minerals Hotel hosts archery sessions with the equipment provided, as well as outdoor axe throwing in winter. These are supervised and free for guests.
5. Animal Encounters
In spring and summer, you might see farm animals, petting zoos, or wildlife programs like “Animal Educators,” where kids can meet animals like birds of prey or reptiles. Goat Yoga is also offered seasonally.
Family & Kids Activities
Crystal Springs has a full daily schedule of kid-friendly activities.
1. Daily Activities
These include:
- Arts and crafts
- Scavenger hunts
- Glow-in-the-dark painting
- Bingo, trivia nights, and magic shows
Some crafts are free; others may have a small materials fee.
2. Seasonal Workshops
During holidays, kids can decorate gingerbread houses or make ornaments. In summer, there’s often tie-dye T-shirt making or outdoor nature crafts.
3. Marshmallow Roasts
Fire pits are lit in the evenings for roasting marshmallows and making s’mores year-round when the weather allows.
4. Game Rooms
- Minerals Hotel has an arcade with video games, air hockey, and pool tables
- Grand Cascades sometimes sets up board games or card tables in a lounge
5. Kids Camp (Summer Only)
Parents can enroll their kids in a day camp that includes crafts, games, and pool time while they enjoy adult activities.
Winter Activities
In winter, the resort becomes a cold-weather retreat with plenty to do outside and inside.
1. Skiing & Snowboarding
Crystal Springs is next to Mountain Creek Ski Area, which has:
- 44 trails
- A 1,000-foot vertical drop
- A snow tubing park
The base is right next to Minerals Hotel and only 3 miles from Grand Cascades Lodge. Guests can get lift tickets through Mountain Creek or as part of the resort’s Stay & Ski Free packages. A shuttle or quick drive connects the hotels to the slopes.
2. Snow Tubing
Mountain Creek also has one of the biggest tubing hills in the area. Tubes are included, and no experience is needed. Tickets sell out on busy weekends, so it’s best to plan ahead.
3. Ice Skating (On-Site)
In winter, the resort sets up a synthetic ice rink called “Glice” near the Grand Cascades Clubhouse. Skates are available to borrow. After skating, guests can stop by Cocoa Cabin for hot drinks.
4. Winter Workshops & Events
Activities include:
- Ornament decorating
- Snowflake crafting
- Stuffed Animal Workshops
Around the holidays, the resort may also offer visits from Santa or the Easter Bunny, tree lightings, and indoor wine or cocktail events for adults.
Evening Entertainment
Evenings at the resort are relaxed but fun.
1. Live Music
- Kites Restaurant sometimes hosts DJs or bands on weekends
- Moonshine Bar (summer only) has country or rock music outdoors on Fridays and Saturdays
- During special events, there may be fireworks
2. Wine Cellar Tastings
Crystal Springs has a 135,000-bottle wine cellar, one of the largest in the U.S. Guests can sign up for tours and tastings, which happen throughout the year.
3. Dining Events
There are often special dinners, such as:
- Chef’s Table events
- Winemaker dinners
- Farm-to-table meals in the Chef’s Garden (summer)
4. Night Golf
In summer, the putting course is sometimes lit up for glow-in-the-dark golf—a fun option for families and couples.
Golf at Crystal Springs Resort
Crystal Springs is known as the largest golf resort in the Northeast. It has six different golf courses, all located within about five miles of each other. No matter your skill level—beginner or experienced—you’ll find a course that fits. There are full 18-hole championship courses, alongside shorter ones.
In fact, Golfweek has regularly named the resort’s courses among the “Best You Can Play” in New Jersey, and the resort is widely recognized as one of the top golf destinations in the region.
Let’s take a look at what each course offers.
Ballyowen Golf Club
This is the most popular course at the resort. Ballyowen is a links-style course built to feel like something you’d find in Ireland or Scotland. Designed by Roger Rulewich, it covers 250 acres of farmland and open meadows on top of a scenic plateau.
Players get 360-degree views of the Wallkill Valley and the Appalachian Mountains. Ballyowen is often rated the #1 public course in New Jersey, and it’s known for its wide fairways, fescue grasses, and a fair but challenging layout.
At sunset, a bagpiper plays near the 18th hole, adding to the Irish-style experience. After the round, golfers can relax with a drink at Owen’s Pub, which overlooks the green.
Wild Turkey Golf Club
Wild Turkey is another 18-hole course designed by Roger Rulewich. It’s known for its unique layout, which mixes two styles of play. The front nine runs through a wide, open basin, while the back nine climbs into ridge areas with high views.
This course includes both link-style and target-style holes, making it interesting and varied. It’s especially liked for its elevation changes and scenic tee shots.
Crystal Springs Golf Club
Crystal Springs is the resort’s namesake course and also one of the most challenging. It features tight fairways, sloping land, and natural rock formations throughout.
The course is especially famous for its par-3 ninth hole, which requires hitting over a quarry lake. It’s a true risk-reward shot. Crystal Springs has hosted state tournaments and is known for great fall colors when the surrounding trees change.
Black Bear Golf Club
Black Bear is another 18-hole course, and it’s designed to be more approachable for a wide range of players. The layout includes tree-lined fairways, gentle elevation changes, and both easy and more difficult holes.
This course also has a full driving range and is home to the area’s only 9-hole Golfers’ Academy course, made for juniors and beginners. Black Bear is a common choice for casual rounds and group outings.
Cascades Golf Course
Cascades is a 9-hole course designed for quick, enjoyable rounds. It includes par-3s and par-4s, and there are no par-5s, so it’s shorter and easier to walk.
Even though it’s smaller, the course is kept in the same great condition as the bigger ones. It’s ideal for families, beginners, or anyone wanting to practice the short game or squeeze in an extra round.
Minerals Golf Club
Minerals Golf Club is another 9-hole course located next to Minerals Hotel. It’s considered one of the best beginner courses in New Jersey, and it’s especially good for kids and families.
This is an executive course, meaning the holes are shorter, and the round takes less time—about 90 minutes to finish. It also offers footgolf, which is like soccer played on a golf course. The course winds through the resort and has nice views of the nearby hills.
18-Hole Putting Course
For something more relaxed, the resort has a natural grass-putting course located at Grand Cascades Lodge. It’s designed like mini golf but with real putting greens. The course includes slopes, dips, and small water features, making it fun for the whole family.
This is a great option for non-golfers who still want to play or for families looking for a low-key activity together.
More Golf Amenities
Each course has its own clubhouse, pro shop, and dining options. The resort also offers:
- A lighted driving range
- Practice greens
- The David Leadbetter Golf Academy for lessons
- Rental clubs available on request
Tee times can be booked online or through the resort’s system, and guests can choose Stay & Play packages that include rounds of golf with their hotel stay.
Spa & Wellness at Crystal Springs Resort
After spending the day golfing or doing outdoor activities, many guests choose to unwind at one of the resort’s two full-service spas or take part in fitness and wellness programs. Both spas have received top ratings and offer a wide range of services. The resort also has a full fitness club and group wellness classes.
Reflections Spa (Grand Cascades Lodge)
Reflections Spa is the main spa at Grand Cascades Lodge. It’s known for its crystal-themed decor, including a ceiling that looks like a starry sky and quartz light fixtures. This spa has been ranked #2 in New Jersey and listed in the Top 30 spas in North America by Spas of America.
Reflections offers:
- Private treatment rooms and quiet lounges
- Massages, wraps, and facials, many using local ingredients
- Special “glow rooms” and changing areas for bridal parties or groups
- A boutique with high-end skincare products
Guests can book anything from a short aromatherapy massage to a full spa day package. Couples also have the option to book side-by-side massages.
Elements Spa (Minerals Hotel)
Elements Spa is located at Minerals Hotel and has a nature-inspired design. Inside, guests will see earth-tone murals, natural textures, and calming water features. It was ranked #1 in New Jersey and also placed in the Top 10 spas in North America.
This spa focuses on holistic healing and includes:
- Massages using mineral stones
- Mud wraps and Ayurvedic treatments
- Hydrating and anti-aging facials
- A “Blend Bar” where guests can make custom scrubs or oils
- A small boutique with organic products
Like Reflections, Elements welcomes individuals, couples, and small groups. It’s a good choice for guests looking for a peaceful setting to relax.
Spa Services
Both spas offer similar types of services, including:
- Massages – deep tissue, hot stone, CBD, and more
- Body treatments – scrubs and wraps
- Facials – for hydration, anti-aging, or calming
- Salon services – manicures, pedicures, makeup, and hair styling
Guests can book services on their own or choose a package. One example is the “Golf & Spa” package, which lets one guest golf while the other spends time at the spa. While most spa visitors stay at the resort, day guests are also welcome with a reservation. It’s best to book in advance, especially for weekend slots.
Minerals Sports Club (Minerals Hotel)
In addition to spa treatments, Crystal Springs has a full fitness center called Minerals Sports Club, located at Minerals Hotel. This indoor wellness center is open to guests and club members.
It includes:
- A gym with cardio machines and free weights
- Studios for over 60 fitness classes a week, like yoga, Pilates, spin, Zumba, and pool workouts
- Indoor basketball, volleyball, and tennis courts
- A rock climbing wall (45 feet tall)
- An indoor track
- Steam room, sauna, and indoor/outdoor pools
Personal training is also available for an added cost. The club is connected to the larger Minerals pool area, which includes hot tubs and a splash zone.
Wellness Activities
Aside from regular spa and gym services, the resort also hosts special wellness sessions. These include:
- Morning yoga classes (indoors or outdoors, depending on the season)
- Meditation sessions
- Seasonal extras like Goat Yoga, where guests stretch while goats roam around, add a playful element to the session
These activities are listed on the daily schedule and can help guests feel balanced during their stay.
Booking & Special Packages at Crystal Springs Resort
When you’re ready to plan your trip to Crystal Springs Resort, there are several ways to book your stay and many special packages to help you save money or enjoy a more personalized experience.
How to Book
You can book a room directly through the resort’s official website or by calling the reservations line. The online system lets you choose between Grand Cascades Lodge or Minerals Hotel and shows room types, rates, and availability.
It’s best to book early for busy times like summer weekends, fall foliage season, or holiday weeks, especially if you want a suite. Midweek stays often have lower prices and more package options.
At checkout, you can usually add:
- Spa treatments
- Golf tee times
- Dinner reservations
A credit card is required to hold the booking. The cancellation policy depends on the rate you book—usually a few days in advance. Check-in is at 4 PM, and check-out is by 11 AM. If you arrive early or leave late, they’ll store your luggage, and you can still use the facilities.
Room Rates
Prices change depending on the season, hotel, and room type:
- Minerals Hotel rooms can start around $200 per night during off-peak times
- Grand Cascades Lodge suites can go over $500 per night in high season
A daily resort fee is added to your total. It covers:
- Pool access
- Wi-Fi
- Scheduled activities
- Other guest amenities
Before you book, check the resort’s “Specials & Packages” page. You might find deals like:
- Third night free
- Midweek discounts
- Seasonal bundles
Popular Packages
Crystal Springs offers a variety of theme-based packages that include lodging plus extras like spa services, meals, or golf. Here are some of the main options:
1. Couples Retreats
These packages usually include:
- A stay at Grand Cascades Lodge
- A dining credit or set-price dinner at Restaurant Latour
- A couple’s spa treatment or champagne in the room.
They’re great for romantic getaways any time of year.
2. Golf & Stay Packages
Perfect for golfers, these deals may include:
- Lodging plus tee times and golf cart use
- Packages like “Unlimited Golf” or one round at Ballyowen with daily breakfast
They’re ideal for guests planning multiple rounds over a few days.
3. Spa & Stay Packages
These offer:
- A set number of nights
- A spa credit (like $200)
- Extras like a bottle of wine
These are popular for friends’ weekends, couples, or mother-daughter trips.
4. Culinary Packages
For food lovers, these might include:
- Dinner at Restaurant Latour
- Wine tastings in the Wine Cellar
- Entry to food events like the New Jersey Wine & Food Festival
5. Family Fun Packages
These usually bundle:
- Hotel stay with meal credits
- S’mores kits for marshmallow roasting
- Tickets to local attractions (like Mountain Creek Waterpark in summer)
During school breaks, you might find extra savings—up to 30% off, plus free activities for kids.
6. Seasonal Promotions
Look for time-limited deals around:
- Spring or fall
- Major holidays
- Winter ski season
Examples include:
- “Spring Fling” – 30% off in April
- “Easter Weekend” – discounted rooms plus brunch
- “Ski & Stay Free” – winter stays with lift tickets
- Valentine’s specials and Black Friday booking deals
The Specials page on the resort’s website is updated regularly. You can filter packages by type, such as family, golf, spa, couples, etc.
Memberships & Passes
If you visit often or live nearby, Crystal Springs offers seasonal passes and memberships. One example is the Minerals Vacation Pass, which gives:
- Full access to Minerals Sports Club
- Use of the indoor and outdoor pools
This pass is included for Minerals Hotel guests, but Grand Cascades guests can pay extra to add it.
There are also memberships for:
- Golf
- Spa access
- Social use of resort facilities
Gift Cards & Gift Packages
You can buy resort gift cards, which can be used for:
- Overnight stays
- Spa services
- Golf
- Dining
They also offer pre-set gift packages, like:
- “Spa Day Gift”
- “Dinner for Two at Latour”
These make great birthday, anniversary, or holiday gifts if you want to surprise someone with a future getaway.
Plan Your Escape to Crystal Springs Resort
Now that you’ve seen everything Crystal Springs Resort has to offer—from pools and golf to spas, dining, and fun for the whole family—you’re all set to start planning your trip.
As a next step, take a look at the resort’s current packages and pick what fits your plans best. And if you’re unsure where to start, call the resort quickly. The staff can walk you through your options, explain the best deals, and help you build the trip that works for you.
Use this guide as your starting point, and enjoy a trip that has it all.
