A countryside escape at Pendry Natirar brings together autumn scenery, spa experiences and farm-to-table dining—all within easy reach of New York City.
There’s something about fall that makes me want to get out of the city and into the country. The crisp air and abundance of seasonal food seem to call for a slower pace, and Pendry Natirar in New Jersey is an ideal place to answer that call.
Set on 500 acres of rolling countryside in Somerset County, Natirar feels worlds away from New York City, even though it’s less than an hour’s drive. The historic estate is surrounded by woods, open fields, and walking paths, making autumn the perfect time to explore the grounds. For me, that is part of the appeal: You don't have to plan an elaborate itinerary. A walk through the property, a quiet afternoon taking in the scenery or simply sitting by the fire can be enough.
Of course, a visit to Natirar wouldn't be complete without time at Spa Pendry. The spa is designed as a true retreat, with a heated indoor tranquility pool, cedar sauna, eucalyptus steam room, rainfall showers and even a halotherapy salt room. There are also treatment rooms offering massages, facials and body treatments designed to encourage relaxation and restoration.
I was especially happy to see Wildsmith Skin among the spa's beauty offerings. The British botanical skincare brand is one of my personal favorites, and its philosophy feels particularly appropriate here, where nature is such an integral part of the experience. Wildsmith combines botanicals with sophisticated skincare science, creating treatments that feel both luxurious and grounded in the natural world.
And then there is the food—which is a significant part of the Natirar experience. At Ninety Acres, the property's signature restaurant, the farm is essentially part of the kitchen. Seasonal produce is grown on the estate, while the menu celebrates the ingredients and flavors of the region. Fall is particularly enticing, when the harvest brings an abundance of squash, apples, root vegetables, mushrooms and other cool-weather favorites to the table.
For a more relaxed meal, Ladd's Tavern offers a welcoming spot for contemporary comfort food, while The Great Room, with its fireplace and cozy atmosphere, is made for lingering over a drink or a bite as the temperature drops outside.
This fall, consider following the color out of the city. At Natirar, the season is not just something to look at—it's something to experience, one beautiful, unhurried moment at a time.
As a sidenote: If you do decide to venture to the resort in the summer, the outdoor swimming pool is another highlight. Surrounded by the resort’s spectacular grounds, it offers a refreshing place to cool off, relax and soak up the sunshine between spa treatments, activities and leisurely afternoons. It’s the kind of setting that makes it easy to slow down and settle into the unhurried rhythm of a summer getaway.