We Stayed at The #1 Resort in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic – Here’s Why This Serene Oasis Wins The Crown
Ninety miles north of New York City is a Victorian castle overlooking a lake inside 40,000 acres of protected forest. Beloved by families, couples, groups, and centuries of distinguished visitors, Mohonk Mountain House transports guests to a nature-filled oasis that feels worlds away.
The Lake Castle in The Sky
According to ancient legends, the word Mohonk means lake in the sky. Thanks to the Smiley family, who purchased and nurtured the land over the last 155 years, this National Historic Landmark and its 85 miles of trails can be enjoyed today, along with all the conveniences, amenities, and service of a luxury resort.
Let Nature Nurture
The original owners, brothers Albert and Alfred Smiley, believed people should spend time in the mountains for a break from hurried city life. Long before medical studies showed exactly how being outside can improve health, they knew that humans’ relationship with nature should be a priority.
With this in mind, they designed a resort where people could be relieved of their everyday cares and be invigorated by the scenery, mountain air, and outdoor experiences. And in 2024, that vision is still alive, wowing guests.
No Wonder It’s a Regular On ‘Best of’ Lists
From Conde Nast Traveler to Good Housekeeping, TripAdvisor to USA TODAY, the resort’s long award list is a testament to the elevated experiences and service offered in this mountain paradise.
“Mohonk Mountain House consistently stands out as a treasured retreat in the USA TODAY 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards,” said Maggie Tyner, USA TODAY 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards editor. “Their all-inclusive experience and unique blend of historic charm, natural beauty, and array of amenities and activities continue to endear it to our readers.”
The All-Inclusive Format Shines
In line with the founders’ vision, the all-inclusive structure allows guests to focus on enjoying nature through a myriad of activities without worrying about the cost of each one. Dining, sports, water activities, nightly entertainment, classes, valet parking, gratuities, and the award-winning Kids Club are included in the nightly rate. Spa treatments, carriage rides, and alcohol are available for an additional fee.
It lets guests move seamlessly from activity to meal and back to activity. This allowed us to squeeze in leisure time and the things everyone in our family wanted to do.
Award-Wining Dining
Their Main Dining room was voted into the 4th spot for Best Hotel Restaurant in America by USA TODAY’s 10Best readers. And we saw exactly why.
While breakfast and lunch are buffets, they’re nowhere near your typical buffet. My husband remarked that it’s like an over-the-top wedding offering with carving stations, fresh-made omelets and salads, and one surprising farm-to-table option after another. Nightly dinner is a three-course meal with an optional kids’ menu. The service was outstanding and could not have been more accommodating to kids, even when they changed their minds.
There’s Over 150 Things To Do
While checking in, a staff member gave my daughter a brochure of the 150 things to do at the resort. She loved circling her picks, like nighttime smores, afternoon tea, and the putting green. Activities are elevated with special, unexpected details. For example, the fire-side acoustic sing-along at Smores was a wonderful touch and a great end to the night.
Depending on the season, guests can pick from ice skating, rock climbing, and over 85 miles of trails for hiking, mountain biking, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing. The grounds include colorful gardens, a nine-hole golf course, numerous sports courts, and stables for horseback riding. Don’t miss lake activities such as boating, fishing, and swimming at the summer beach.
Enjoy Family Favorites Or Try New Things
I love that all-inclusive resorts provide a “no worries” approach to trying out new things with your kids. For example, if they want to canoe or paddleboard but change their mind after 5 minutes, there’s no tour to back out of. We played classic lawn games for the first time with the kids after we checked out and before heading home.
The resort considers you a guest the entire day of your check-in and check-out so that you can enjoy as much of the property and stunning setting as possible.
Indoor Options, Too
One afternoon during our weekend stay, it rained for four hours. After a morning of outdoor activities, we had a leisurely lunch. Then, we enjoyed the indoor pool, afternoon tea and cookies while sitting in the library, and family fun in the game room. Before we knew it, it was time to head to dinner.
World-Class Entertainment Is Included
One of the many surprises of our experience was the high-quality evening entertainment. On Friday night, six-time GRAMMY-nominated music group Tiempo Libre played, and on Saturday night, Natalie Merchant, most known as the lead singer of 10,000 Maniacs, performed.
Classically Elegant Rooms
The resort includes 256 rooms, suites, and six new luxury guestrooms in the Grove Lodge ideal for a group. Parents will love the TV-less accommodations, while couples and families can cozy up to the fireplaces in every room during mountain nights.
It’s Special Occasion Worthy
When Mohonk invited us to experience the resort, I knew it would be a special family weekend. If you’re looking for a getaway to celebrate a birthday, anniversary, or other milestone, this is the place.
Nightly rates start at $1245 for two adults, double occupancy, inclusive of meals and activities. Their website features numerous 25% off special rates, and in the past, their Cyber Monday offer included 40% off midweek stays.
NEXT: Here’s What It Is Like to Sail on MSC, The World’s Third Largest Cruise Line
More than 35 million travelers will cruise this year, and many of them are sailing with MSC Cruises around the world. Relatively new to the American vacationer, this family-owned line started offering U.S. cruises in 1998 but has become more popular in North America in the past couple of years.
So, my daughter and I took a 3-night Spring Break cruise to the Caribbean to see for ourselves why so many Americans are hitting the sea for vacation, and increasingly with MSC Cruises.
Here’s What It Is Like to Sail on MSC, The World’s Third Largest Cruise Line
Vacation Like Food Network Star Jeff Mauro in The Cayman Islands
Three in four Americans who have traveled in the last five years went for the food, according to a OnePoll/Hello Fresh Survey. One of those travelers is Emmy-Nominated Food Network Star, The Sandwich King, Chef Jeff Mauro.
He said, “I want to go to places with great food. And Cayman never ceases to amaze me. I like going to new places and discovering new things, but out of all the places that we have been, this is the one that we come back to,” Mauro explained to the audience at the Taste of Cayman Food & Drink Festival.
Vacation Like Food Network Star Jeff Mauro in The Cayman Islands
