The Emerson Resort & Spa: A Poetic Retreat in The Catskills

Set amidst majestic mountains, flowing rivers and the natural beauty of New York’s Catskills, The Emerson Resort & Spa offers a great escape just two hours from NYC. Inspired by the location as well as its namesake, American poet Ralph Waldo Emerson, the 20-acre boutique hotel features a luxury destination spa, a farm-to-table restaurant, retail shops, pet-friendly amenities, and more.

The sprawling country-chic property is spread out on the site of the former Riseley dairy farm, built in the 1840s, with a collection of buildings perched along Esopus Creek. These include the original farmhouse and 1860s barn, one of which is home to The Shops at Emerson.

The Inn and The Lodge

There are two sides to this unique and charming property – The Inn and The Lodge. The Inn is a sun-washed, contemporary space housing Woodnotes Grille, featuring  locally sourced food and craft cocktails, as well as their crown jewel, The Emerson Spa. Quotes from Ralph Waldo Emerson fill the walls and the decor seamlessly evokes his themes of connecting the soul and nature with views of the landscape visible throughout.  In The Inn a warm and inviting great room beckons with its cozy floor-to-ceiling fireplace and a dramatic chandelier.  Each guestroom is decorated with soothing hues, pastoral paintings and excerpts from “Woodnotes,” one of Emerson’s poems.

A Place of Peaceful Tranquility

Passing through the 17th-century Rajasthani palace gates framing the entrance to the spa, one feels transported to a place of peaceful tranquility. After a personalized consultation, guests can soak away their aches in the outdoor hot tub, perfectly situated along the creek, and in warmer months enjoy the adjacent pool. Locally inspired treatments integrate natural elements, with aromatherapy massages incorporating hand blended oils such as “Mountain Forest” which reduces muscle tension and increases circulation and the “Emerson Seasonal Scent”, a special blend that reflects the four seasons. There’s also a wide variety of  global therapies from Thailand, India, Japan and Italy such as Reiki, Shiatsu, Balinese coffee polish, Italian Algae Body treatment and Thai Yoga massage.

A Local Treasure

While The Emerson is a private getaway, their doors are open to the local community, welcoming visitors to stop for coffee, shop, read in the great room or have a cocktail.  They truly want their neighbors to feel like it’s their local clubhouse.

Probably one of the more interesting things to see here is the World’s Largest Kaleidoscope, certified by the Guinness Book of World Records. The old Riseley grain silo houses the 56-foot-long optical instrument, designed by award-winning kaleidoscope artist Charles Karadimos. It’s housed in an imagery-based video theater enhanced by surround sound. Time inside it is a must and the shop offers kaleidoscopes of every size, shape, material and design, with experts on hand to teach about the artistry and history of these whimsical instruments.

An adjacent lodge on the other side of the resort is rustic, warm and more family-oriented, with cabin-like accommodations and an outdoor pavilion for events. They have a dedicated dog park and offer guests with animals in tow specially prepared meals upon request.  And no matter the season, The Emerson presents new offerings to experience the best of this bucolic part of New York state.

A Resort for All Seasons

Fall visitors will enjoy the famous Fall Foliage as orange and red hues sweep the majestic mountains and lush woods.  There are scenic nature walks around the property and all-level hiking along the scenic Woodland Trail nearby. And trout fishing is an ever-popular activity along the Esopus River.  In the cooler months, the resort offers Ski & Stay packages with discounted lift tickets at local mountains Belleayre and Hunter and soothing après-ski spa treatments, of course.

Nature takes center stage  at the Emerson, as it blends perfectly into the surrounding foothills, showcasing nature’s wonders and inspiring the poet in us all.