Consider this your invitation to a Victorian castle set within 40,000 acres of protected forest.
A National Historic Landmark Resort, Mohonk Mountain House is equally prized for its charming ambiance as the opportunities for physical adventure it presents—enthralling guests since it was founded by the Smiley family in 1869.
For 156 years, Mohonk Mountain House has provided guests with the opportunity to connect with nature and each other in an idyllic setting. Guests are invited to make their Mohonk experience as serene and relaxing or as adventurous and active as they’d like. “Many of our repeat guests are multi-generational families who come here every year to reconnect with each other. Because there are so many ways to experience Mohonk, there’s truly something for everyone,” says Eric Gullickson, fifth-generation family member and President of Mohonk Mountain House.
Adventure
There are over 85 miles of trails at the Mountain House to explore on your own, or on guided nature hikes or bike rides. Plus, the resort is set on a serene glacial lake, offering kayaking, fishing, paddle boarding and a private beach.
Every day, there are a range of activities that guests can participate in, with professional instructors offering assistance to beginners and pros alike. From archery, nature walks, tomahawk throwing or Ellove (a blend of ballet, yoga and Pilates), the Mountain House keeps guests as engaged with the physical world as they’d like to be.
While some activities, like the Pinnacle Ledge Tour—along a sky bridge—include an additional fee and pre-registration, there’s a year-round basketball court available, as well as tennis, pickleball, shuffle board, disc golf, and a 9-hole golf course available spring-autumn. Green fees are complimentary.
Enrichment
During the summer, the Mountain House throws an incredible Festival of the Arts from July 6-August 15 that embodies its love of culture, and its longstanding relationship with artists across the world.
The Festival, now in its 36th year, is curated by 4th generation Smiley family member Maria Guralnik, and includes a daily performance that spans genres, from Broadway, to classical, to jazz. Music and theater lovers can plan their stays around performances from the likes of powerhouse vocalist and storyteller Raina Sokolov-Gonzalez, or the Amici Dell’Opera, which has four singers and two pianists joining forces to share highlights from Puccini, Mozart and hits from the American songbook.
Lovers of farm-to-table cuisine are able to explore gourmet and down-home fare fresh from local Hudson Valley farms. There are a number of dining venues available, including the iconic Main Dining Room with picturesque views of the Catskill Mountains, outdoor cookouts at The Granary, immersive global dining at Founders, or the ultimate culinary experience at The Chef’s Table, with an immersive behind-the-scenes kitchen tour and curated VIP nine-course menu with wine pairings.
Mohonk’s newest offering is Spirits on the Porches, a cocktail program hosted at two stunning locations. Guests can sip on a handcrafted cocktail or mocktail overlooking Lake Mohonk on the Parlor Porch, or take in sweeping views of the Catskill Mountains and golden-hour skies from the Sunset Porch.
Connection
If reconnection with loved ones or simply some much-needed self-care is on the menu, Mohonk has you covered.
“For extended families or large groups, we offer The Grove Lodge for the ultimate in private accommodations,” Gullickson says. “It’s nestled right in a fern grove, with six luxury guest suites, a stunning Great Room and easy access to the Mountain House. Each suite features a private stone patio, stone fireplaces, and an expansive bathroom with a soaking tub and heated floors.”
For years, the Spa at Mohonk Mountain House has drawn visitors and locals alike with its wide range of transformative body treatments, mindfulness programs and wellness experiences. (Day spa guests receive access to the Mohonk Mountain House and grounds for the day of their treatment).
Families with kids will find a rich array of swimming, horseback riding, , lawn game and campfire activities for the entire family, Parents can take advantage of Mohonk’s Kids’ Club to relax or explore on their own. A complimentary dropoff program for ages 4-12, the Kids’ Club features age-appropriate activities, encourages exploration of the natural world, and has made Mohonk one of the Best Hotel Kids Programs in the country, according to Travel + Leisure.
If you’re craving something that isn’t on the Mohonk Mountain House’s extraordinarily extensive menu of activities, edibles, quaffables and treatments—just ask. If this team can’t help you meet your goals for adventure, enrichment or connection, chances are, no one can.
