A Guide to the Best and Most Unique Retreat Centers in New York
Finding a retreat center that is perfectly suited to the needs of you and your group can be a real challenge. There are so many factors to consider when looking for the perfect venue, such as catering, activities, accommodation, location, and so on. For this reason, our team has compiled a list of 7 of the most unique, picturesque, fun-filled, or simply the most relaxing retreat centers they could find in the great state of New York.
Each of the venues in this list is totally unique compared to the others and is certainly not the type of place most people get to take advantage of all the time. So no matter what type of event you are planning for, be it a wedding, a high-school group, family reunion, corporate getaway, birthday party, or just a chance to switch off and relax in nature, we hope that you’ll find ideas and inspiration from the venues we have shared below.
Rent an entire summer camp - Camp Schodack
What the Venue Says…
“Treat your friends, family or colleagues to a weekend of swimming, campfires, and pool parties. With tons of field sports and traditional camp fun like archery and go-carting, it’s sure to be a weekend to remember.
Having your own 100+ acre private resort for the weekend not only makes a great venue but also gives your guests a chance to meet each other and spend some quality time with everyone there.
By holding their event at Camp Schodack, our guests have been able to make their dream events come true. Whether it is a wedding, corporate retreat, or a school group, an event that would normally cost significantly more at a traditional hotel lasts longer and involves so much more.”
Find out more: https://berkshireretreatcenter.com/large-group-events
Kick back and enjoy a spa - Camp Schodack
What the Venue Says…
“The 12,000-square-foot Mirbeau Inn & Spa Rhinebeck facility features 14 treatment rooms with fireplaces and private sound systems, a co-ed resting area complete with meditation rock, an Aqua Terrace, an outdoor oasis with a fireplace, bar, and a hot thermal pool. The European-style menu includes anti-aging facials, soothing massages, restorative body treatments, and hand and foot therapies.
The 49-room resort has all the modern comforts, including French-style soaking tubs, European-tiled walk-in showers, and fireplaces that inspire you to bask in their glow. Capitalizing on the Hudson Valley’s lauded agricultural heritage, the resort’s restaurant—Willow by Charlie Palmer—provides yet another option to indulge thanks to its progressive American cuisine, which relies on seasonal produce from multi-generational farms. As the third addition to the Mirbeau portfolio, the property helps you leave the world behind.”
Find out more: https://www.rhinebeck.mirbeau.com/
SWITCH OFF AND RECONNECT - SPRINGWATER CENTER
What the Venue Says…
“Located an hour south of Rochester, New York, Springwater Center offers silent meditation retreats and year-round guest visits in a beautiful and spacious facility on 212 acres of country land with streams, meadows, forests, a pond, and miles of walking trails.
There are no rituals, required beliefs, or assigned practices.
The essence of retreat at Springwater is being together in the simplicity and openness of silent awareness. Attending moment-to-moment to what is happening within and without, in a spirit of wonder, curiosity, and discovery.”
Find out more: https://www.springwatercenter.org/
EMBARK ON A SPIRITUAL JOURNEY - SHALOM MOUNTAIN
What the Venue Says…
“For more than 40 years, people from all walks of life have been coming to Shalom Mountain and experiencing transformation and healing in their journey of self-discovery. Many people are searching for a new direction in life or to deepen their spiritual journeys. People in partnered relationship come to find new paths in loving each other, with a desire to be fully alive in their relationships. Some come to heal old wounds that they have carried for too long and now want to lay down. Others arrive here because they need to grieve their losses and know joy once again.
A Shalom Retreat® is a place where you can know yourself as whole, complete and lovable—an embodied, emotional, spiritual being. We celebrate the body’s wisdom and its gifts. You can learn to unblock the stuck places and open your heart once again. The retreat takes place within a circle of people, supported by intentional loving, where you can experience a focused time for your own individual work.”
Find out more: https://www.shalommountain.com/shalom-retreats
Stay at an old lodge & speakeasy - Lake clear lodge
What the Venue Says…
“25-acres of meandering spaces secluded artisan lodgings amid playful "Healing Woods" with serene beach and clear waters. Naturally luxurious with four generations of authenticity. Where simmering stocks with nourishing foods from the heart continue in a family-built 1886 Main Lodge with Stagecoach dining room and 1920s Speakeasy. A destination of magical experiences where traveling is equal parts rejuvenation and discovery for adventurers, romantics, and families.
Our strategic location between Saranac Lake/Lake Placid and Tupper Lake makes it effortless to explore some of the Adirondack's best activities. Within a short drive, you can visit The Wild Center, a historic downtown, the Olympic Village, and so much more. Let us be your Adirondack Guide.”
Find out more: https://www.lakeclearlodge.com/
Visit a classic homestead - The Y at Watson woods
What the Venue Says…
“Located in the rolling hills of Painted Post, New York, The Y at Watson Woods is proud to be serving the community. We are excited to share that we have expanded on our partnership of five decades with the YMCA. Our property is now The Y at Watson Woods.
While our name may have changed, our mission will not. We will continue to serve as the host site of YMCA Camp Corning’s Day Camp, as well as a place for longtime guests of the retreat and conference center to hold events for spiritual reflection. Planning is underway to include family and overnight experiences, along with unique group gatherings, weddings and conferences.”
Find out more: http://www.watsonhomestead.com/
Stay in a Mountain Top Castle - Mohonk Mountain House
What the Venue Says…
‘Do you ever feel like you need a vacation after your vacation? Do you get overwhelmed from planning and wrangling the details? When you choose Mohonk, we take care of it all. Down to every last detail.
When you’re here, the only thing you need to focus on is relaxing and exploring our mountaintop. Whether you’re an outdoor adventurer, wellness enthusiast, history buff, or a foodie, there’s something here for everyone.
At Mohonk, everything you need for an unforgettable Hudson Valley getaway is at your fingertips. With so much included in your overnight rate, spend more time making memories than planning for them.”