Exploring a Hudson Valley Landmark

Nature Fuses With History & Luxury at the Mohonk Mountain House

Nestled in the heart of New York’s Shawangunk Mountains, just 90 miles north of New York City, lies the historic Mohonk Mountain House. This Victorian castle resort, founded by the Smiley Family in 1869, stands as a testament to the harmonious blend of nature, wellness, and luxury. 

Surrounded by 40,000 acres of pristine forest, Mohonk Mountain House is a National Historic Landmark that features miles of walking trails that offer stunning landscapes and spectacular views.

Add to that a mouth-watering farm-to-table cuisine and a plethora of daily activities, and you have all of the ingredients for an experience you will never forget.

A Legacy Preserved in Luxury

Every corner of Mohonk Mountain House exudes a sense of history that is woven together seamlessly with modern indulgences. The elegant suites, rooms, and parlors are a testament to Victorian luxury, offering warm wood touches and soothing earth tones that reflect the natural beauty of the region. 

Spacious parlors also give a nod toward the hotel’s historic roots, providing lovely settings to relax or socialize.

Wellness and Rejuvenation

Wellness and rejuvenation are central to the Mohonk experience. The resort’s award-winning spa focuses on providing restoration for the body, the mind and the spirit.

Nature is part of the experience in this environmentally conscious spa that is listed in the “Top 10 Green Spas and Resorts” in the world by Organic Spa. It was also honored by the Spa Finder Wellness Readers’ Choice Awards as “Best Eco Spa,” and having “Best Outdoor Activities,” and “Best Environmental Practices.”

Treatments are inspired by the natural surroundings, encouraging relaxation and rejuvenation through massages, facials and hour-long pedicures.

One of the key features at the spa is an outdoor heated mineral pool.

Infused with healing Dead Sea salts rich in magnesium, calcium and sulfur, this pool is heated to 100 degrees and is open year-round. The mineral pool offers a rejuvenating experience​ that is delightful at any time of the year.

The Mountain House spa also includes a eucalyptus infused steam room, a dry sauna, and indoor relaxation verandas​​. 

An indoor pool adds to the list of amenities at Mohonk. Surrounded by glass to give the feeling of being surrounded by nature, the pool features underwater speakers, allowing guests to enjoy music while swimming.

Additionally, there are various wellness and mindfulness sessions at the Mohonk Mountain House, including yoga hikes, forest bathing, private meditation sessions and personalized training programs.

Things To Do

Guests at Mohonk Mountain House will find no shortage of things to do, with a wide-ranging daily activity schedule that offers everything from meditation, yoga and nature walks, to archery, tomahawk throwing and shuffleboard. 

The resort’s location in the Shawangunk Mountains, provides a unique opportunity to engage in outdoor adventures like hiking, carriage rides, horseback riding, and mountain biking.

The property also boasts rock scrambles, offering guests a chance to test their stamina and navigate incredible tunnels and boulder fields. 

Lake Mohonk, which is the shining star of this mountain top resort, is a glacial lake that stretches about a half-mile and reaches depths of 61 feet. Swimming, fishing, canoeing, boating and paddle boats are a few of the water sports available during the warmer months.

Between the Mohonk Preserve, which surrounds the Mountain House, and the resort itself, guests have access to 85 miles of trails. Unique wooden “summer houses” dot the landscape, providing a place to rest, or just relax and soak in the breathtaking views.

How breathtaking? From the Sky Top Tower on a clear day, you can see five states.

The Culinary Scene

The Main Dining Room is the hotel’s flagship restaurant, where guests can enjoy elegant dining with picturesque views of the mountains. The three-course meals are included in the room fee, with a menu that focuses on locally sourced and seasonal ingredients.

During the warmer months, guests can dine at The Granary, which offers a more casual experience, but with the same fresh, farm-to-table concept as the main dining room.

Guests can also unwind and socialize while enjoying cocktails, light snacks, and appetizers at the Carriage Lounge. 

The Mohonk Mountain House is recognized for accommodating dietary restrictions and preferences, including vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and more. Guests can typically request customized meals to suit their needs.

An Array of Art

Mohonk’s interior rooms, hallways and public areas are adorned with a diverse collection of art and photographs that reflect the resort’s rich history, while celebrating the natural  beauty of the Hudson Valley.

The collection includes 800 pieces in the hallways and another 1,000 in the individual guest rooms.

Included in the displays are family portraits of the Smiley family, who founded and operated Mohonk Mountain House. The portraits offer a glimpse into the people behind the resort’s long legacy.

Mohonk’s walls are also adorned with historic photographs that chronicle the resort’s long history. These photos provide a visual timeline of the property’s evolution over the years, showcasing the many changes it has undergone.

In keeping with its commitment to nature and conservation Mohonk Mountain House also features several paintings from the Hudson River School, a prominent 19th-century American art movement known for its romanticized landscapes. Many of these paintings depict the natural beauty of the Hudson Valley area.

The art at Mohonk Mountain House is not only aesthetically pleasing, but also reflects the resort’s values of environmental stewardship, history, and the celebration of the natural world. 

Accommodations With Luxurious Views

Each room at the Mohonk Mountain House features comfort and style, exemplifying the essence of luxury in a setting that feels like home​​.

The Victorian Rooms feature ornate woodwork and classic Victorian furnishings. This ambiance is carefully maintained, offering a step back in time with all the comforts of modern living. Many of the rooms include working fireplaces, complete with matches and a stocked wood box.

Guests have the option of selecting rooms with either Lake or Mountain Views, each of which provide breathtaking and unparalleled landscapes. 

The Lake View rooms provide a serene vista of the sparkling waters of Lake Mohonk and the forested vista beyond, while the Mountain View rooms offer a majestic panorama of towering peaks that seem to go on forever.

Both choices give guests the feeling of being deeply immersed in nature’s splendor.

The iconic Tower Rooms also provide breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape, and feature unique architectural elements that are perfect for those looking for a room with an unparalleled view.

Mohonk Mountain House also offers spacious and luxurious suites that are ideal for those looking for a more upscale experience. Some suites may also feature balconies or terraces.

Each room type at Mohonk Mountain House is designed to cater to different preferences and needs, ensuring that every guest finds their perfect retreat. The common thread among all accommodations is the attention to detail, the blending of history and modern amenities, and the spectacular views of the natural surroundings that make Mohonk Mountain House a truly unique destination.

Location. Location. Location.

Surrounded by Nature as far as the eye can see, the Mohonk Mountain House offers its guests the sense of being whisked away to another world. The Shawangunk Mountains, where Mohonk is located, have been designated as one of Earth’s “last great places” by The Nature Conservancy, adding to the allure of this mountaintop retreat. 

In addition to the unspoiled natural beauty, the resort boasts extensive grounds that include meticulously kept gardens and winding hiking trails. These features provide a perfect backdrop for guests to engage with the tranquil and picturesque surroundings. 

The combination of secluded tranquility, accessibility to regional attractions in the beautiful Hudson Valley, and short distance from New York City, makes the Mohonk Mountain House a perfect getaway destination.

Mohonk’s Role In World History

Beyond being a stunning resort, Mohonk Mountain House has played a significant role in the history of peace advocacy and international relations. 

This unique aspect of its history is rooted in the vision of its founder, Albert Smiley, who was deeply committed to the cause of peace and understanding among nations.

In 1895, Smiley convened the first Conference on International Arbitration which continued as an annual event until 1916. These conferences focused on promoting arbitration as an alternative to war for resolving international disputes.

The Mohonk Conferences played a crucial role in the peace movement of the early 20th century and contributed significantly to the development of international law. 

In fact, the discussions and resolutions from these conferences helped pave the way for the establishment of the Permanent Court of Arbitration at The Hague in 1899.

A Mohonk Mountain House Getaway

Mohonk Mountain House provides a unique blend of historical significance, natural beauty, and luxurious amenities. From its storied beginnings to its current status as an iconic retreat, the resort continues to offer a special experience to all who visit, making it an essential part of any luxurious travel itinerary.

Whether it’s a peaceful morning stroll along the lake or a sunset dinner overlooking the mountains, Mohonk Mountain House provides an unparalleled fusion of natural splendor and upscale comfort.

There are other luxury resorts that lean heavily on nature, but Mohonk Mountain House distinguishes itself with its unique Victorian castle architecture, a rich historical background linked to peace advocacy, and a strong emphasis on healing and wellness.

Click here for information on purchasing a Day Pass to Mohonk.  

Photos Copyright © 2023 Jessica James

Some or all of the accommodations(s), experience(s), may have been provided at no cost or sponsored to accommodate the contributor, but all opinions expressed are entirely those of the contributor and have not been influenced in any way.