Wellness Week: 15+ Rejuvenating Upstate Escapes
Weekend Inspiration (1/17): Boutique Hotels, Wellness Weekends, Vacation Rentals + More
Hello all, we made it! It’s finally Friday, the 55th day of January, 2025.
With everything going on – LA wildfires, an arctic blast from Siberia, the passing of David Lynch, Meta’s decision to scrap fact-checking, plus a few other unpleasantries – we’d say 2025 isn’t off to the best start.
Mercifully, Upstate New York is absolutely beautiful right now, with a coat of fresh snow in the Catskills yesterday keeping things pretty cozy. And though the holiday weekend (happy MLK day!) will liven things up a bit, the best part about winter – according to me – is that the quietude it provides is the perfect setting to fully reset.
Finish that stack of books that piled up last year, stock up on wine for fireplace nightcaps, light up the sauna, or literally dive into a full-on wellness weekend: no matter how you choose to decompress, we’ve got some getaway ideas below we think will help. Lord knows we need it!
Enjoy,
- Erin + the EB team
EB Winter Warm-Up: Getaways with Saunas, Heated Pools, Hot Tubs + More
ICYMI, yesterday’s winter-focused wellness newsletter highlighted some favorite getaways in Upstate New York that feature warming amenities to combat the cold.
The properties range from high-end resorts like Inness and Wildflower Farms, which offer full-service spas and wellness programs, to intimate private rentals like Ki Cabin and Hikers Hollow that provide more secluded experiences.
Each getaway features diverse styles, settings and amenities – from the boutique, maximalist-vibes Urban Cowboy Lodge and its Estonian sauna – to Rowley House’s super modern style and indoor infrared sauna. Properties like Piaule and Troutbeck emphasize wellness through extensive spa facilities and treatment options, while others like Warner's Camp and The Roundhouse focus on combining rustic charm with luxury comforts.
Many locations offer additional amenities such as on-site dining, fitness facilities, and organized activities – all while providing easy access to charming Upstate towns like Kingston, Woodstock, and Livingston Manor for local exploration and dining. Get the list here.
Winter Wellness Weekend Retreats at Seminary Hill in Callicoon, NY
Escape the city this winter for a soul-nourishing getaway at Michelin-recognized Seminary Hill’s Boarding House. Throughout the season, the boutique hotel, cidery, orchard and tasting room is hosting three Winter Wellness Retreats, where all experience levels are welcome.
Super cozy lodging (check out their Michelin feature here) meets mindful moments for the duration of the series, with Friday through Sunday programming led by Catskills wellness guru Susan Mendoza of The Chi Hive. Dates include January 17-19, February 14-16, and March 14-16.
Think cozy meditation sessions, gentle yoga flows, and dreamy sound baths — all wrapped in the magic of Upstate NY. The three day reset is fueled with farm-to-table goodness from Chef Jack Tippett, with most meals included in the all-inclusive rate, which begins ~$450 for the weekend. More info here.
Hemlock Neversink Spa + Wellness Hotel
Those looking for a deep dive into wellness should check out Hemlock Neversink, a wellness-centered getaway two hours from NYC. In tandem with Wellness Week, we just launched the EB Guide to Hemlock Neversink that not only includes an overview of the hotel – but also some recommendations for nearby attractions, including a scenic drive up, and a shopping/gallery day in nearby Livingston Manor.
The center of the stay is Hemlock’s noteworthy spa, with an indoor heated pool, a steam room, barrel saunas, and 12 treatment rooms. A full spa menu includes body treatments, massages, facials, and more. (Of note: the spa is also open to non-guests, who can purchase day passes at $300/person.) For movement-centered activities, the Movement Building offers multiple yoga and fitness classes that cater to various skill levels and preferences.
After a day at the spa, enjoy a meal at Bittersweet, Hemlock Neversink’s outstanding on-site restaurant. The plant-forward menu utilizes local ingredients to make delicious meals with fresh, in-season produce; limited meat options are available. Lunch and dinner reservations are available to outside guests, making a meal at Bittersweet the perfect add-on to a spa day pass. Hotel guests can (and should) opt in for the meals package, which provides three amazing meals per day during your stay.
Check out our full feature here.
That’s all for this week! Stay warm out there, and enjoy the long weekend.
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