When my best friend and I were itching to take a break from mom life, we knew we wanted to go away, but it had to be easy with our limited time and travel. So when we came across Mohonk Mountain House in New Paltz, NY, an hour from New Jersey, we felt like we had found the spot. It had all the same vibes as far-flung retreats without the jet lag—spa treatments, yoga, stunning views— and with a prime location on the shores of Lake Mohonk and surrounded by the breathtaking Shawangunk Mountains, it was an ideal place to recharge our batteries. Read on for the details on our trip and how Mohonk is the ideal go-to retreat for a mom break (and families). (featured photo credit: NJ MOM)
A peaceful retreat in a historic castle at Mohonk
Arriving at Mohonk Mountain House feels a lot like stepping into a manor castle you might find in the European countryside. The historic Victorian castle resort, perched on the edge of Lake Mohonk, is surrounded by 40,000 acres of preserved forest, offering breathtaking views every season. Originally built in 1869, the resort has maintained its old-world charm while adding modern amenities that exude a serene luxury. As we entered our lake view suite, a moment of zen washed over us—the picture-perfect views with a cozy fireplace, plush bedding, and a private balcony overlooking the mountains was precisely the antidote we needed to disconnect from the everyday mom hustle.
Settling into the spa life at Mohonk
One of the biggest draws of Mohonk is its all-inclusive package, which includes meals, activities, and access to the stunning property for one price. With so much to do, you won’t have to worry about planning, a welcome pause from my day-to-day mom life. We started with signature massages at the Mohonk Spa, followed by relaxation in the eucalyptus steam room and a dip in the heated indoor pool. Each morning, we began with a guided yoga session set against breathtaking mountain views, followed by a meditation that helped us slow down and reconnect with nature.
Getting out and about in any season
While relaxation was key for this trip, we also wanted to get outside and explore. Mohonk made that effortless with a robust list of outdoor activities. We snowshoes (our first time) around the property, slid down the hill on a snow tube, ice skated, roasted marshmallows, and enjoyed daily tea and cookies during their formal “Tea Time,” a guest favorite. With over 85 miles of hiking trails, rock scrambling opportunities, and guided nature walks, you have lots to explore in the breathtaking surroundings all year round. We also loved watching families cross-country skiing throughout the property and up the hills.
Outdoor Fun For All Ages
While this trip was all about the girls, we couldn’t help but notice how family-friendly Mohonk is. We made a mental note to bring the kids next time because there’s so much for them to do, like an indoor heated pool, outdoor adventures, and a roster of activities that match the season. They also have a drop-off Kids’ Club, which includes a Jr. Naturalist Program that lets kids explore the outdoors through hikes, animal tracking, bird and tree identification, and fossil hunting. Most rooms have no TVs, encouraging little ones to embrace nature and stay off the screens for their stay. And for something more unique, Mohonk offers several family-friendly wellness experiences. Family Yoga & Mindfulness Classes are designed for ages 7 and up, incorporating playful poses, breathing exercises, and simple meditation techniques to help children and parents enjoy the benefits of movement and relaxation. For families that truly want to unplug, Family Forest Bathing is a guided practice that immerses you in nature, fostering well-being while exploring the wooded trails.
All-Inclusive Dining
And let’s talk about the food—because it was next-level. From the moment we sat at our table, it was clear that dining here was just as much about the experience as the food. Mornings started with freshly baked pastries, fluffy omelets, and seasonal fruit, all enjoyed with a hot cup of coffee while looking out over the mountains. Lunches were light yet satisfying, featuring farm-to-table ingredients in crisp salads, hearty soups, and fresh sandwiches that kept us fueled for our afternoon adventures. But dinner? That was the real highlight. When we walked into Mohonk’s grand dining room each evening, the high ceilings, soft candlelight, and lake views set the stage for a regal multi-course meal that felt indulgent but never overcomplicated. The menu featured local farms and rotated daily, with beautifully plated dishes like seared scallops, rich short ribs, and local vegetable sides complemented by their extensive wine list. And just when we thought we couldn’t eat another bite, afternoon tea and cookies became our favorite ritual. After a long day at the spa or on the trails, nothing felt better than sinking into a cozy chair by the fire with a warm cup of tea and a fresh-baked cookie. By the end of our stay, we weren’t just leaving refreshed—we were already planning what we’d order the next time we came back.
What to Know Before You Go
Mohonk Mountain House offers an all-inclusive experience with rates starting at around $700 per night for two people mid-week, with gratuities included. Rates fluctuate for weekends and with the seasons (summer and fall are peak), amount of people, and room type. The inclusive pricing structure includes dining, most activities, entertainment, wellness classes, indoor pool, Wi-fi, valet parking, and Kids’ Club. Experiences such as the spa, horseback, carriage rides, or alcohol are available for an additional fee. Mohonk goes all out for seasonal celebrations, making it a magical experience no matter when you visit. Fall brings vibrant foliage and pumpkin-themed activities, winter is a wonderland with holiday lights and cozy fireside storytelling, spring is filled with blooming gardens and scenic hikes, and summer is prime for lake adventures and outdoor concerts. We left Mohonk feeling refreshed and reconnected and planning our next visit—maybe next time with the whole family in tow.
To learn more about Mohonk Mountain House, visit their website, Instagram, and Facebook pages.
Mohonk Mountain House
1000 Mountain Rest Road
New Paltz, NY 12561
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