Inspired by the teachings of 19th century naturalist and Transcendentalist Ralph Waldo Emerson, the namesake Emerson Resort, in upstate New York, is a place to enjoy the great outdoors all year round. Emerson’s love of nature was distilled into gems like, “The creation of a thousand forests is in one acorn,” and “Live in the sunshine, drink the wild air,” and his words-to-live-by are literally etched onto the walls of the hotel lobby.
Surrounded by the picturesque Catskill Mountains, the Emerson is a perfect weekend getaway, where guests hike, bike, ski, fish and relax in front of a roaring bonfire with s’mores at the close of day. The area is renowned for attracting talented holistic healers, and their gifts are evident at the award-winning Emerson Spa, where treatments are inspired by nature, and some, like the Chakra Renewal and tarot card reading, encourage guests to journey inward. The new al fresco Spa Bites Cafe overlooks the babbling Esopus Creek, where a feeling of peace and serenity envelops you like a hug. Woodnotes Grille, the signature restaurant, features a tantalizing menu that includes local cheeses, cured meats and other artisanal specialties.
Accommodations at the Inn are modern and spacious, many with fireplaces, balconies and huge windows that frame lovely views. The Lodge offers rustic, Adirondack-style lodgings, perfect for families. Electric car-charging stations, geothermal heating and solar panels all nod to sustainability. A calendar of cultural events and workshops is on offer, as well as the World’s Largest Kaleidoscope. And nearby towns of Woodstock and Phoenicia are well worth exploring— unless, of course, you can’t bring yourself to leave the property. emersonresort.com