Mohonk Mountain House:
A timeless retreat in the heart of nature
By StoryStudio on February 6, 2025
The journey down the two-mile private drive to Mohonk Mountain House is a quiet transition into another world. “Slowly and quietly,” signs read along the way, a simple directive that captures the essence of the sanctuary ahead. With each mile, the bustling noise of city life fades into a calm quiet, replaced by the sounds of nature and the soft rustle of leaves. As the car turns through the final bend, the lush canopy of the forest parts to reveal a sprawling Victorian castle, perched atop the Shawangunk Ridge.
Nestled in the Hudson Valley, just 90 miles north of the urban hustle of New York City, Mohonk Mountain House is a place where time stands still. Voted the No. 1 resort in the Mid-Atlantic by Condè Nast Traveler, Mohonk is more than a getaway; it’s a tradition that offers peace, adventure, and connection with nature. Long before “forest bathing” and “digital detox” became buzzwords, the Quaker family who founded Mohonk understood the human need to escape the relentless pace of our daily lives. Here, elegantly appointed guest rooms intentionally lack televisions, replacing such distractions with panoramic views of the Catskill Mountains and shimmering Lake Mohonk.
As the warmer months bring the estate to full bloom, the allure of a multi-generational retreat is undeniable. While grandparents enjoy dockside lounging or nature lectures, parents can tee off on the nine-hole golf course or hit the tennis courts, knowing their young adventurers are discovering the joys of nature in the Kids’ Club. Guests can try their hand at archery or tomahawk throwing, visit the spa for a treatment or private yoga session, or hit the Mohonk Stables to explore the woodland on horseback. On a crystalline lake, canoes and paddleboats beckon visitors to glide on serene waters between the ridges. With 85 miles of hiking trails across 40,000 acres of protected forests and cliffs, every visitor can explore to their heart’s content.
After dusk, Mohonk’s summer concert series lights up the evening. Here, families and couples gather to enjoy an eclectic mix of music across an ocean of genres, including Jazz, Country, Broadway, Folk, Reggae, and more. Look out for performances by a range of widely beloved and local artists alike.
The perfect place to learn at any age
Take a lesson with Diamond Peak's professional instructors to learn or improve your skiing or snowboarding skills. The resort offers group and private lessons options for ages three and up.
Mohonk Mountain House offers an array of accommodations, blending Victorian elegance with modern comforts to cater to every guest’s needs. From cozy rooms with breathtaking views of the lake and mountains to luxurious suites featuring private balconies and in-room fireplaces, each space is thoughtfully designed to enhance your stay. The exclusive Grove Lodge offers a more secluded experience, with its natural stone fireplaces and expansive Great Room, providing the perfect setting for family gatherings or executive retreats. Whether seeking a romantic getaway or a family vacation, Mohonk’s accommodations promise a serene and memorable escape in the heart of nature.
With activities tailored for all ages, the secluded resort is the perfect setting for creating cherished family memories. This is Mohonk’s specialty — providing a liberating getaway where each family member can revel in their version of an ideal vacation experience while reconnecting through shared activities and relaxing downtime woven into each day’s schedule. Visit Mohonk.com to plan your getaway today.
SPONSORED BY Mohonk Mountain House
Embark on an exhilarating journey on the first and only Via Ferrata in the Shawangunk Mountains, the East Coast’s premier rock-climbing destination. Mohonk’s Via Ferrata, translated as “iron way,” combines the excitement of rock climbing with the security of fixed steel cables and rungs. Participants, equipped with harnesses and carabiners, safely navigate a pre-determined path along the quartz rock face. This adventure offers the thrill of mountaineering with a gentler learning curve, making it accessible for all skill levels.
As an add-on experience, Mohonk’s Via Ferrata tours feature cable traverses, aerial staircases, and sky ladders. Catch breathtaking views of the Shawangunk cliffs and the valley below while you enjoy a moment of suspension between earth and sky and a unique way to connect with the natural beauty of Mohonk.
Elevate your stay
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In 1869, Philadelphia teacher Albert Smiley acquired a 10-room inn and 280 acres of land on which to create a peaceful escape in the Hudson Valley. Over decades, Mohonk evolved from a simple retreat into a grand resort. Its Victorian buildings, turrets, and gabled peaks emerged wing by wing in the early 1900s. The construction of the iconic Sky Top Tower in 1923, a memorial to Smiley, marked a significant milestone and remains a symbol of the resort’s enduring legacy.
For 156 years, Mohonk has remained under the stewardship of the Smiley family. Their commitment to Albert’s original mission, one of hospitality and conservation, has never wavered. Recognized as a National Historic Landmark in 1986, Mohonk has hosted presidents, dignitaries, and families for over a century, offering a timeless escape and preserving the natural beauty of the Shawangunk Ridge.
Guests interested in the resort’s rich history can visit the Mohonk Barn Museum, a treasure trove of artifacts from a storied past. Set in an original 19th-century barn, the museum displays a collection ranging from vintage carriages to early resort memorabilia, inviting guests to step back in time and explore Mohonk’s heritage.
Stepping back in time
Plan your visit
Plan your visit
Visitors come to Mohonk to escape, but they’re quickly swept away by an exceptional farm-to-table culinary experience. Breakfast and lunch buffets are brimming with farm-fresh produce and baked goods sourced from the fertile Hudson Valley and award-winning artisan producers. By night, guests adjourn to the palatial dining room — an architectural marvel of soaring windows, rustic fireplaces, and clusters of cozy tables sharing panoramic views of the sylvan landscape. Three-course plated dinners showcase creative seasonal menus, and Mohonk’s partnership with local farms ensures that every meal is a tribute to the region’s agricultural heritage. For special occasions, reserve the ultimate dining experience, the intimate Chef’s Table—a nine-course tasting menu with wine pairings—and witness masterful culinary action firsthand. Guests won’t want to miss a beloved Mohonk tradition of afternoon tea and cookies at 4 o’clock every day in the Lake Lounge. And like almost everything else at Mohonk, dining is included in your overnight rate.
An inclusive pricing model ensures that guests can enjoy the vast array of activities, from the indoor heated pool to the Kids’ Club and wellness classes, without the worry of hidden costs. Dining, gratuities, entertainment, valet parking: Most elements of a stay at the Mohonk Mountain House are included in the reservation. Here, the luxury of simplicity and the richness of experience invite families to indulge in a holiday where every detail is curated for their enjoyment and peace of mind.
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Surrounded by 40,000 acres of pristine forest, the National Historic Landmark resort offers inclusive pricing with farm-to-table cuisine and countless activities included in your overnight rate. Save up to 40% on select dates when you book from February 11 through March 6, 2025.
The Spring Sale is on now at Mohonk
