Best Retreat Centers in New York

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.”

Find out more: https://www.mohonk.com/

Top Ten Retreat Centers - New York

Top Ten Retreat Centers in New York

Here is a list of the best Retreat Centers in New York as compiled by our team with a combined 50+ years of experience hosting groups and events of all sizes.

We know that every retreat is different from the rest and so every group has their own unique and individual needs. For this reason, we have picked ten retreat centers here that all offer amazing facilities combined with some of New York’s finest scenery and yet are all completely different from each other in some way.

No matter what type of event or retreat you are planning, we are confident that you will find ideas and inspiration from the venues we have shared below.

Takeover an entire summer camp - Camp Schodack

Our facility consists of over 100-acres with beautifully renovated cabins and private housing, sports fields, outdoor adventure activities, and private woods. We are conveniently located just 2.5 hours from both NYC and Boston and just 15 miles outside of Albany.

The list of activities available is seemingly endless, featuring tennis, go-karts, basketball courts, climbing towers, waterslides, and zip-lines. You will never be short of things to do come rain or shine!

Our cabins all have their own private bathrooms and showers and we can accommodate up to 500 people. Our Kitchen and Dining Hall are fully equipped – we are ready to cater your event or help you bring your own caterer if you prefer.

Find out more: https://www.schodack.com/facility-rentals/

Enjoy a silent escape - Springwater Center

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/

Be mindful by the lakeside - Ashbury Retreat Center

Located on stunning Silver Lake in Western NY, our retreat center, offering a variety of facilities, is the ideal location for all types and sizes – from small, more intimate gatherings to larger retreats. For decades, Asbury has been a place where lives have been forever impacted.

Asbury operates year-round offering a variety of facilities to accommodate your group, from hotel-like with private bathrooms to seasonal lodges. Asbury Retreat Center is the ideal location to enjoy time with your group, relaxing by the lake, swimming in the heated pool, or gathering by the campfire.

Find out more: https://asburyuny.org/

Enjoy a holiday house for women - Wiawaka Center for Women

Wiawaka Center for Women is a 501(c)3 charitable organization dedicated to enriching the lives of women. We do charge for services but much of our programming is funded through donations.   Our season generally runs from mid-June through Labor Day where we offer day visits, overnight accommodations, special events, programs, and workshops. In our “shoulder” season we host weddings, family reunions, and private retreats.

Wiawaka was created by and for women in 1903. It is the oldest and longest continuously operating retreat for women in America. We are proud to honor our tradition and embrace the future as we work to maintain this historic property and fulfill the mission set forth by our founder, Mary Fuller.

Find out more: https://wiawaka.org/

Enjoy a Holistic Spa Retreat - Sanivan

Since 2005, co-owners Saniye and Ivan have welcomed guests to share their authentic wellness lifestyle through delicious organic meals, peaceful accommodations, spa treatments, and facilities in a beautiful Catskills town near forests, lakes, and charming shops. Sanivan is a spa retreat close to New York (located just 2 hours from midtown), easily accessible by bus or car from the tri-state area.

You’ll find our retreat rates are quite affordable compared to traditional spa resorts in the Northeast because we see health as a necessity for all, not a luxury for some. We invite you to explore our special offers and events and take advantage of seasonal savings to carve out a little you-time. You can also view our Retreat Packages for extra savings on your next visit.

Find out more: https://sanivan.com/

Peace Village

​Peace Village is a nonprofit, volunteer community created for learning and contemplation.  For more than 20 years we’ve been helping people understand spiritual principles, experience inner peace, and build spiritual capacity.
 
Sitting on Hunter Mountain in New York’s beautiful Hudson Valley, Peace Village welcomes thousands annually who come for silence, learning or a chance to serve – sometimes on the 300-acre grounds, sometimes in the 6 lodges where we accommodate guests or sometimes in the greenhouse or Peace Park. 
 
Peace Village is one location in a global network of over 15 retreat centers worldwide owned and maintained by the Brahma Kumaris World Spiritual University.  The Brahma Kumaris is based in India with a global community of over a million members in 8000 centers in 120 countries – all with the same aim of understanding the self and serving the world. 

Find out more: https://www.peacevillageretreat.org/

Help clear your mind in the mountains - Nine Mountain

We know how many choices and decisions there are in organizing a group retreat. We delight in working out all of these logistics with you to help you create the most successful event possible – a retreat that flows easily, with clarity, focus, ease, and grace – and create an environment that supports both teachers and participants in sharing a meaningful transformational experience.

Group retreats always have exclusive use of the Nine Mountain. This means that the only people on site are your participants and Nine Mountain’s staff – our Resident Caretakers, and kitchen staff – who organize behind the scenes to create beautiful and nourishing meals, answer questions, fix what breaks and support you.

Find out more: https://ninemountain.com/

Be part of a multi-faith community - Stony Point

Stony Point Center is a conference and retreat center nestled in the scenic Lower Hudson Valley of New York.  A brave and open space committed to radical hospitality and radical humility, welcoming guests from all walks of life into our beloved community.

Our campus rests on 30 acres of nature, gardens and farmland. Our meditation space, labyrinth and art space help guests explore faith, creativity, community and leadership building. Stony Point Center is located in the scenic Hudson River Valley, northwest of Manhattan in beautiful upstate New York.

Stony Point Center is located about a mile from the Hudson River in a small community. It is not really a "camp in the woods." Instead, picture beautiful lawns, vegetable gardens and a tranquil setting that has both woods and other houses located immediately around us, and you'll have a good idea of what to expect.

Find out more: https://stonypointcenter.org/

Escape to an ashram - Sivananda Yoga Ranch

The Yoga Ranch was founded in 1974 by Swami Vishnudevananda to provide a peaceful retreat structured around a full immersion into Yogic living and nurtured with the natural beauty of the lush mountains.

The simple living close to nature quiets the mind and prepares it for meditation and the high thinking of the Vedanta philosophy. Asanas (yoga postures), Pranayama (breathing techniques), vegetarian meals, chanting, and working together in Karma Yoga help complete the Yoga experience.

Our ashram is a sacred space that encourages you to awaken to life and to awaken to grace. It is an adventure in self-discovery of your own True Nature.

Find out more: https://sivanandayogaranch.org/

Feed you soul in the city - Sanctuary NYC Retreats

We welcome you to the serene spiritual atmosphere Sanctuary provides, as well as varied programs on bhakti (yoga of devotion) which we offer as part of our membership program. These include sacred meditation in the yoga studio/temple room, workshops on Vinyasa infused bhakti-yoga, kirtan (devotional chant/prayer), history and philosophy of yoga, Ayurveda (science of life and healing), as well as varied workshops/events on related subject matters (nurturing body, mind & soul).  

Each room is equipped with a mini-library of books on the science of the soul as delineated in the ancient classic Bhagavad Gita, the text that inspired Gandhi, Emerson, Thoreau, and Einstein who wrote; "I bathe my intellect daily in the cosmological wisdom of the Bhagavad Gita."  Weekly classes are included in the Sanctuary membership program @ our affiliate The Bhakti Center.

During their stay, our guests volunteer in the Sanctuary NYC sponsored Food For Life program to feed the homeless in nearby Tompkins Square Park. Please see the glowing reviews on our Media Page from 'Our Town Downtown" magazine about this heartwarming, rewarding experience. 

Find out more: http://www.sanctuarynycretreats.com/

Best Group Retreat Locations Near Albany

Check Out The Best Group Retreat Locations Near Albany, NY

Searching for a great group retreat location can be a real challenge. That is why we have put together a list of 5 of the best available in the Capital Region. Below you will find venues that are all unique in what they offer, but they are all venues that know how to host a great event, no matter what you are looking for.

So if you want to go glamping for a weekend, hire an entire summer camp to yourselves, stay in a spacious country lodge, or relax and kick back in a spa, you will find something in our list below that will tick those boxes.

We hope that no matter what you are looking for, you will find ideas and inspiration from the venues below to help you with your search for the perfect retreat center for your group.

Camp Schodack / Berkshire Retreat Center

Camp Schodack is a beautiful countryside venue in Nassau, New York. This retreat was founded in 1957 and has been family owned and operated for four generations. It’s rich history and beautiful landscape make Camp Schodack a perfect venue for groups looking for privacy and plenty of activities for their group.

There are over 40 acres of open fields and 60 acres of private forest for you to plan your retreat, and spacious indoor venue space for anyone needing additional space. No matter what your plans may be, Camp Schodack will make it spectacular. This secluded getaway offers spacious open fields as well as wooded trails for a nature-seeking guests. The venue also offers an outdoor amphitheater with seating for up to 500 guests as well as dining facilities with thew same capacity.

Find out more: https://berkshireretreatcenter.com/

Emerson Resort & Spa

Designed with the splendor of the Catskill Mountains and Hudson Valley in mind, open spaces and oversized windows expose stunning views and bring the beauty of the outside in. Enjoy spacious accommodations in the contemporary Inn or Adirondack-style Lodge, nature-inspired treatments at our award-winning spa, our signature restaurant, Woodnotes Grille, The Shops at Emerson, and the not-to-be-missed World’s Largest Kaleidoscope. Skiing, hiking, biking, tubing, fishing and outdoor concerts are just a few of the numerous nearby activities. Or, explore the eclectic and historical towns of Phoenicia, Woodstock and Saugerties. We can’t wait to welcome you back to the Catskills.

Find out more: https://emersonresort.com/

Handsome Hollow

This silvery-grey fox is 240 years old and once a working dairy barn. Not only will you have 4000 sq. ft of sweet space to soiree, a restored 18th century farmhouse to hang your hat in but Handsome Hollow sits on 93 acres of pristine wilderness. Explore endless trails, creeks, hemlock groves, maple forests, blueberry fields, springs, an old bluestone quarry and Big Fork Mountain.

Handsome Hollow is a truly rare place. The stunning, 93-acre property with fields, meadows, forests and mountain views, is the location of a restored 18th century barn. Also on the property, is a chic, stylishly designed, 120-year old farmhouse. Handsome Hollow is an idyllic, unforgettable wedding destination in the Catskills.

Find out more: http://www.handsomehollow.com/

Spillian

We welcome groups of friends, colleagues, family members for an all-inclusive weekend or a week at Spillian. Our chef and staff are on hand to make your stay utterly effortless! Relax, challenge yourselves and your imaginations, and revel in being together. Whether your dream is slow-paced porch-sitting punctuated with feasting and silly games in the library or an expansive weekend exploring the Catskills or a project together, Spillian embraces its visitors as family. Remarkable things happen at these gatherings!

We can host up to 18 overnight guests onsite, and can accommodate more daytime guests who are staying elsewhere for meals and any activities you’re dreaming. (We’re happy, by the way, to help you find additional lodging.)

And we offer virtually limitless choices  of special experiences, from spa services to guided adventures throughout the Catskills, informal workshops and cooking classes, wine and spirit tastings, and more, or simply the chance to read that great book you’ve been wanting to get to as you sit in front of the fire.

Find out more: https://spillian.com/

The Arnold House

If you are looking for a rustic country backdrop but don't want to compromise on great local food for your private event, The Arnold House on Shandelee may be just what you are looking for! We offer weddings & events year-round and can comfortably accommodate up to 200 guests. Located 2 hours north of New York City in the western Catskills, the Arnold House is a country retreat set on seven acres and nestled into the forest of Shandelee Mountain.

We specialize in rustic barn and outdoor weddings on our beautiful grounds, including ceremonies in our meadows and near our pond, but also offer cozy cold weather affairs with our roaring wood stoves and comfortable indoor seating. These events can be held in our Tavern, 1960’s Dining Room, Sun Room, BBQ Barn or outside in the meadows. Our goal is to work with each individual party to make sure we customize to taste, style and budget.  

Find out more: http://www.thearnoldhouse.com/weddings

Best High School Retreat Venues in the North East

Check Out These Amazing High School Retreat Locations

There are so many amazing Retreat Centers all across America for you to choose from, no matter what event or group you may be hosting. So choosing the right one can seem like an overwhelming challenge at first. Worry not though, for we have searched far and wide across the Northeast of the US and picked out some of the very best.

Whether it is beautiful scenery, wonderful lodgings, or some of the best and most exciting activities you can find, we are sure that you will find something you like from our selections below that will suit your group. Whilst each of the Retreat Centers we have selected is individual in their own way, from their history to the specialist teams that run them, they can all cater to large groups and are perfect for high school group getaways.

We hope that whatever sort of retreat you are planning, you find ideas and inspiration from our list below.

Berkshire Retreat Center at Camp Schodack, Albany, NY

Located just 20 minutes outside of Albany, Camp Schodack is a hidden gem in the Capital Region. Set on 40 acres of open lawns, sports fields and wooden cabins, the main site caters to everything high schoolers could need to disconnect, play games, hang with their peers, and enjoy the great outdoors. Around the camp are 60 acres of privately owned woodlands, criss-crossed with hiking trails and paths that are a perfect way to spend an afternoon exploring.

We have a number of large indoor and outdoor spaces, capable of accommodating large groups daily or overnight, and our Dining Hall can comfortably cater for groups of up to 500 in our main hall and outdoor patio. Whether you are looking for us to plan your entire stay or just a part of it, our experienced team of event organizers will be on hand throughout to make sure that you have a schedule of activities and downtime that will ensure you make the most of your time with us.

Find out more: https://berkshireretreatcenter.com/

Capital Retreat Center, WAYnesboro, PA

Nestled between serene lakes and surrounded by the Appalachian Trail, our first-class facility awaits your group in the stunning Catoctin Mountains of Pennsylvania.  We are conveniently located close to Washington DC, Baltimore, Philadelphia, New York, Virginia and three major airports (Baltimore Washington International, Reagan National and Dulles International).  The opportunities for a fabulous event are limitless.  From exceptional food to comfortable lodging and outdoor team-building activities to audio visual presentations, we have you covered so you feel, look and sound great!

We believe that retreating can achieve maximum impact if itineraries are meticulously planned and seemingly effortless in execution. Itinerary options should refresh, renew and enhance both the participating group and individuals.  While buildings are vitally important to success – we will always be an environment that challenges, nurtures and cares for retreat participants of all ages, whatever time of year they join us to experience a retreat program.

Find out more: https://capitalretreat.org/

Trout Lake, POCONOS, PA

The versatility that Trout Lake offers is what makes it a favorite facility for college and school retreats. We take care of the necessities and provide the meeting space, activity areas, lodging, and meals, and the rest of the retreat is up to you! Each school retreat group has different goals, so we like to work together to help you build your perfect getaway. Utilize Trout Lake’s activities or use your own curriculum to meet your specific objectives.

Although we keep our prices low, you won’t sacrifice quality and professionalism while at Trout Lake. Our heated cabins are clean and comfortable, and the bunk bed-style lodging enhances group bonding. We pride ourselves on using fresh, real ingredients to carefully prepare our meals, and we offer a variety of menu choices to satisfy your group’s tastes. Our facility was designed with retreat groups in mind, so our main meeting spaces are centrally located, with various sports fields and outdoor spaces dotted around our property to mix up your curriculum. Many members of the Trout Lake staff are teachers or former teachers themselves and are exceptionally skilled at connecting and engaging with young adults. We really do have all you need to host the ultimate college or school retreat!

Find out more: https://troutlakeretreats.com/

NORwich Lake, huntingdon, MA

A beautiful destination for individuals, families and groups, with hiking opportunities, scenic drives and ample water activities on Norwich Lake. We provide the perfect retreat space for churches, families and businesses to grow, as well as a Christian Camp during the summer months.

The Retreat at Norwich Lake is a 97 acre campus located on Norwich Lake in Huntington, Massachusetts. It is the perfect centerpiece for the surrounding hills with deer, moose, bear and other wildlife. Norwich Lake, a glacier lake located in the foothills of the Berkshire Mountains, is crystal clear and teeming with multiple species of fish restocked annually. All who visit are encouraged to ride horses, hike, fish, practice archery, cook on a campfire, swim, paddleboard, kayak and canoe.

The Retreat at Norwich Lake is a wonderful place to getaway from the busyness of life for a Christian Retreat, family holiday or corporate retreat. Our property borders the Berkshires, MA and is a beautiful destination for individuals, families and groups, with hiking opportunities, scenic drives and ample water activities on Norwich Lake.

Find out more: http://www.timothyhill.org/retreat-camp-norwich-lake

​Taconic Retreat Center, Milan, NY

Founded in 1966 as a Christian Camp and Retreat Center, Taconic has a long history of offering rest and retreat to groups from across the Tri-State area, the United States, and even groups from around the world. We offer both guided programs and retreats as well as a wide range of rental opportunities for churches, school groups, community groups, and individuals. We invite you to come and explore our beautiful natural setting for reflection, empowerment, and renewal.

Taconic Retreat Center is a Christian camping and conference center founded by the Church of the Nazarene in 1966. Since then, Taconic has hosted events for churches, colleges, Christian schools & organizations throughout the North East region. Taconic sits on a 220 acre property located two hours north of New York City, three hours west of Boston and one hour south of Albany. Our purpose at Taconic Retreat Center is to serve God and the community by providing a place of retreat, rest and renewal to all who walk on our grounds.

Find out more: https://www.taconicretreat.org/

5 Reasons To Plan A Company Retreat

5 Great Reasons To Book A Company Retreat

Organizing a company retreat can be a challenging task. It takes a lot of planning to take your entire team, department or company away from the office together.

Once you have scheduled the time and got your team excited for the idea, the benefits will be seen for weeks, months and even years after you have packed up and returned to the office.

Below we have listed 5 reasons why you should seriously think about booking a retreat for your company. We hope that you find ideas below and are inspired to take the first step toward holding your own.

Get Out Of The Office!

It may sound obvious, but your employees love being out of the office. Whether it is a site visit, a trip to the coffee shop down the road or any excuse to be away from their desks, everyone loves the opportunity to stretch their legs and enjoy a bit of fresh air..

By scheduling a few days or perhaps even longer, you are letting your employees know that you recognize that this ‘break from the office’ is important and you are making it a a focus within your company to participate in a break together.

Bond With Colleagues

Spending time with colleagues outside of meetings and boardrooms may not sound like everyone’s first choice of social activity, yet we are always amazed by the bonds that are formed once people are put in situations that are designed to get people working together as a team.

It can be simple challenges and puzzles or perhaps something energized and competitive. The benefits of having your colleagues split up and worknig with people that they do not normally work with can have the double benefit of bringing your team closer together, as well as encouraging a more cohesive workforce. Not to mention that it is fun to play games!

Get Inspired

Being on a company retreat doesn’t mean that you aren’t going to get any work done. Many teams we work with find that once they set their staff a specific task or share in discussions about projects that are coming up, the ideas just keep flowing. Changing the environment we are in, changes the way we think and opens us up to new ideas and chains of thought.

Mix up your schedule so that it includes some downtime where your employees can relax by the pool or take the opportunity to go hiking, then book in time to have group discussions or brainstorming sessions to make sure that there is a focus on work and shared projects. After that you can switch to a team activity to make sure that people are able to socialize and stay active.

Have A Digital Detox

The big distraction points of many meetings and office environments are the temptations to
”just check one more email” or scroll through social media. It takes up time, slows productivity and offers very little in the way of substance to either the employee or the employer.

By having your team together on a retreat means that you can suggest that everyone leaves their phones and devices in the cabins. This means that everyone can be focused on the task at hand, whatever that may be. This increased attention can have amazing benefits over the weekend and also beyond the retreat.

Relax and Recharge

It is as simple as that. By getting out of the office and into the great outdoors, our brains and bodies react differently to their new surroundings. There are hundreds of articles and journal entries out there that can tell you the benefits of time spent in nature and the good it does for our physical and mental wellbeing.

Whether you want your retreat to be about preparing your team for a specific project you have coming up, a chance to get out of the office and relax and bond together, or simply as a way to let off steam and reward your team for their hard work, the benefits of a company retreat far outweigh the effort that goes into planning it!

__________

Camp Schodack is set on 400 acres of privately owned playing fields and surrounded by 60 acres or private woodlands. We have dining and accommodation for up to 500 guests and a whole host of specialist and non-specialist activities available to our guests, in addition to a highly skilled and experienced events team that will help create the perfect timetable and schedule for any style of group event. Take our exclusive use offer r share the site with another company. Whatever your plans, we are ready to help you have an incredible experience away from the office.

Click below to find out more about us and find out whether we may be the perfect place for your next event.

Check Out These Amazing New York Retreat Centers

Amazing New York Retreats

Looking for a retreat venue in New York? We have selected 5 amazing retreat centers located all across the State. Each of these venues offers something totally unique and stands apart from the others. Whether you are looking for a beautiful location, amazing facilities or just to escape in the middle of nature, we have got you covered.

We hope that you find a retreat center here that fits the needs of your group, no matter what the event. . At the very least we hope that you take ideas and inspiration from the centers we have selected here to help y6ou find the center that is best for you.

The Summer Camp - Camp Schodack

Camp Schodack offers acres of rolling hills and shade trees, just over the New York border in the beautiful foothills of the Berkshires. This secluded getaway offers spacious open fields as well as wooded trails for nature-inspired events and outdoor reception spaces. The retreat also offers an outdoor amphitheater with seating for up to 500 guests. If you want more formal events, Camp Schodack also offers indoor space for banquet receptions.

Camp Schodack wants to make your event everything you’ve always dreamed. You’ll get to work with their events coordinator to plan every detail, from catering to the decor and everything in between. They offer DIY packages for you to bring in their own food and drink, or you can choose from one of their many catering options. Catering with Camp Schodack offers buffet options, barbecue, food carts, and plated meals for every occasion. Overnight accommodations are also available through Camp Schodack.

The retreat can accommodate up to 500 guests in a mix of family and private cabins. All cabins have ensuite bathrooms and showers.

If you choose to stay for the weekend at Camp Schodack, you and your guests will have access to the facilities’ sports centers and activities. The retreat as multiple heated swimming pools, sports courts and fields, a go-kart track, and private hiking trails to enjoy.

Find out more: https://www.schodack.com/facility-rentals

The Mansion - The Glencove Mansion

The Mansion at Glen Cove was designed in 1910 by renowned architect, Charles Adams Platt. He was commissioned by John Pratt, an attorney, and executive with the Rockefeller family's Standard Oil Company.

Pratt was one of scores of wealthy Americans who built grand country estates at the turn-of-the-century, with acres of landscaped grounds. The Mansion at Glen Cove, formerly called The Manor, is also a movie star, used several times as a location in big Hollywood productions, and is one of the very first conference center hotels in the United States.  

Pratt’s restaurant is the beating heart of The Mansion. Take the secret staircase to the third floor to find out why this enchanting restaurant is the perfect place to sample delicious meals like cajun blackened salmon or smoked mozzarella with local tomatoes. Host bachelor/bachelorette parties or a pre- or post-wedding soiree in one of our two private rooms. Listen to live music on the weekends, play billiards or plan a game night with family and friends.

Find out more: https://www.glencovemansion.com/

The Retreat in the City - Sanctuary

We welcome you to the serene spiritual atmosphere Sanctuary provides, as well as varied programs on bhakti (yoga of devotion) which we offer as part of our membership program. These include sacred meditation in the yoga studio/temple room, workshops on Vinyasa infused bhakti yoga, kirtan (devotional chant/prayer), history and philosophy of yoga, Ayurveda (science of life and healing), as well as varied workshops/events on related subject matters (nurturing body, mind & soul).

Each room is equipped with a mini library of books on the science of the soul as delineated in the ancient classic Bhagavad Gita, the text that inspired Gandhi, Emerson, Thoreau, and Einstein who wrote; "I bathe my intellect daily in the cosmological wisdom of the Bhagavad Gita." Weekly classes are included in the Sanctuary membership program at our affiliate The Bhakti Center.

During their stay, our guests volunteer in the Sanctuary NYC sponsored Food For Life program to feed the homeless in nearby Tompkins Square Park. Please see the glowing reviews on our Media Page from 'Our Town Downtown" magazine about this heart warming, rewarding experience.

Find out more: http://www.sanctuarynycretreats.com/

The Lakeside Escape - Springwater Center

Springwater Center is located in the beautiful Finger Lakes region of Western New York, an hour south of Rochester. Situated on over 200 acres of soft rolling hills, the land has quiet trails wandering through open meadows, wide vistas, and secluded hardwood forests. Streams cascade through shaded ravines, and a lovely pond with benches is situated on a hillside with striking views of the valley below.

In the heart of this land is a 12,000 square foot retreat center. The building has 14 guest rooms, a large kitchen and dining area, and a beautiful and spacious sitting room which accommodates up to 45 people. The building also has a library, solarium, and an outdoor area with lovely views for sitting and eating. All meals are vegetarian. The Center is maintained by a full-time staff.

Find out more: https://www.springwatercenter.org/

The Spa - Honors Haven

Honor’s Haven Resort & Spa offers 232 spacious rooms and suites that provide expansive lake, mountain, and garden views. Choose between standard, executive, or suite accommodations; all designed to enhance your stay.

Committed to providing you with the best experience possible, Honor's Haven offers conference space, amenities, views and versatility that is unsurpassed in the area. Your event planning has never been so simple or enjoyable.

Honor’s Haven Resort & Spa is proud to offer a 9-hole championship Golf Course designed by the legendary Robert Trent Jones, Sr. Situated at the foothills of the Shawangunk Mountain Range and overlooking the glistening calm of the resort’s private lake, this course offers 360 degrees of panoramic views.

Our Wellness Classes are a combination of Energy Yoga, Healing Tai-Chi, Breathing & Meditation. Each class is designed to awaken the body's sensitivity. You will increase your power of total concentration and awareness of the more delicate energies moving in the body.

Find out more: https://www.honorshaven.com/

Top Tips for Planning a Group Retreat

Tips For Planning A Great Group Event

Planning a High school retreat? A corporate getaway? A weekend reunion? No matter what the occasion for your event, below we have listed 5 great tips to help you along the way.

Our team has had years of experience planning group events for all sizes and occasions. We have hosted weddings, ran summer camps, planned weekend getaways, and some pretty epic birthday parties. In all the years we have been putting on events in different professional capacities, we have learned a thing or two about the most important parts to consider.

Whether you are planning an event right now or just thinking about planning an event in the future, we hope that you find our ideas here useful when it comes to putting your plans in motion.

Timetables and Scheduling

“The best-laid plans of mice and men often go awry” is how the saying goes…You can plan, plan, plan, but may need to be ready to change everything at the last minute! Depending on the location of your event you need to make sure that your plans can go ahead successfully, come rain or shine.

This means finding our way in advance about the facilities available to you at the place you have hired. Do they have indoor spaces for you to use if it rains? If so, how many people can you comfortably fit inside? Do they have PA systems in place for you to address your group? Are they helping you plan your event or do you need to bring your own staff? Is it accessible for guests with mobility issues? Is everything easily signposted? (this is especially important if it is a large venue such as a summer camp where things are very spread out).

These are just some of the questions you should be asking your venue ahead of time.

Stretch Your Budget

No matter what sort of event you are planning, you are sure to have some budget constraints. There are always limits to what you can do but there are also ways to stretch your budget.

Food and drink are often one of the biggest costs for any group event. You can help keep your catering costs down in a number of ways: Ask your venue if you can provide your own alcohol or if your guests can do BYOB. For food, you could supply your own catering that you can purchase cheaper ahead of time. You could ask to have fewer food options for your guests on the menu, therefore lowering the overall cost of catering (this will help the venue as they can cater more specifically to your group). Or you could simply cook yourself…grab a BBQ, throw on a comedy apron and you’re ready to go!

Know your audience

You can spend your time putting together the greatest weekend ever, only to find that the people you have attending don’t really love the activities that you are putting on or that your venue has available.

One way to get around this is to mix up your schedule with choice periods where guests can fill their time doing activities that they choose to do (this also helps take the pressure off you to fill every minute). You can also promote and highlight certain activities by sending out sign up sheets ahead of your weekend. By getting guests to sign up ahead of time, you will be able to know what activities are going to be popular and can plan the rest of your weekend around this.

If you are planning to split your guests into teams for the weekend, tell them to bring certain colored tops ahead of time. This allows you to mix groups up based on colored shirts and also helps to mix up groups so that people meet new people.

Food, glorious food!

We already mentioned above how to stretch your budget by looking at different catering options. However, getting the food right is as important as any other part of your planning. From our experience, guests will tell you straight away if they do not like the food! This can be especially true of any guests with dietary restrictions. So be upfront with the venue about allergies but also dietary requirements. Vegetarians don’t just want to eat mushrooms all the time!

Speak with your venue ahead of time and make sure that you are happy with the menu options available. Most venues will be happy to provide sample menus for you ahead of time. Furthermore, if you know that your guests want certain foods on the menu, tell the venue’s coordinator that this is what you want. Usually, chefs will be more than happy to provide food that they know the guests are going to love.

It is important to remember that you cannot please everyone! No matter how hard you and the venue plan the menus together, someone is always going to want something that isn’t available!

Opening and Closing Ceremonies

Having a large or small group come together for a weekend event can be a wonderful bonding experience. It is important to help facilitate those moments to bond through occasions where you bring everyone together.

Holding an opening ceremony or event is a great way to set the tone for your weekend. Similarly, bringing everyone together again at the end to recognize the time you have spent together can really bring home what a great experience the weekend has been.

Finally, you can make time to recognize people at the the end of the weekend with awards or acknowledgments or potentially do this at the end of each night, around a campfire. Nothing closes a day better than roasting marshmallows and sharing stories over a fire.

At Camp Schodack's Berkshire Retreat Center, we work tirelessly to provide all of our guests with amazing experiences no matter what the occasion or how long they stay with us. Please get in touch with a member of our team at camp@schodack.com and we will be happy to talk to you more about how we can host you and your guests with us.

5 Great High School Retreat Ideas

Amazing Ideas for High School Groups in a Summer Camp Environment

Trying to entertain large groups of young people, especially in a setting not familiar to you or them, can often be a daunting task. You have to make sure that there is suitable accommodation. Food choices and menus can be a sticky point if you have fussy eaters in your group and then you also have to plan what they will be doing in their free time.

Here at Camp Schodack and the Berkshire Retreat Center we aim to take the challenging part of all that away by providing all-inclusive packages that cater to groups of all sizes and all ages. Over the years we have seen many young people came and go through Camp Schodack and all of them will have taken something from the experience.

Below we have listed 5 ‘Camp’ ideas that you can use individually if you want to create a focused environment or combine elements each to create a more inclusive experience that will appeal to children and young adults alike.

Whether you decide that one of these ideas is right for you or not, we hope that you will at least find ideas and inspiration from our suggestions below.

Nature Camp

Pack a lunch, pull up your hiking socks and head outside to explore! Our privately-owned site is surrounded on all sides by 60-acres of crisscrossing woodland trails and paths, perfect for educating young minds on the great outdoors. You can experience different wildlife and fauna and really reconnect with nature all within our boundaries.

The rest of our main site has designated camping areas for those that may want to spend a night under the stars. For those less adventurous, our beautifully renovated cabins will provide a home away from home during your time with us. We also have several fire pits around the site that are an ideal way to round off a day spent in the woods, where groups can share stories and roast marshmallows.

Sports Camp

Have a competitive group that likes to test their skills? Our main site features some amazing sports facilities. Basketball courts, soccer fields, outdoor street hockey, a baseball field, 2 heated swimming pools and more.

If team sports aren’t enough, we have a number of one on one and individual sports and challenging activities that can keep your group entertained. A purpose-built go-kart track, 5 sided climbing tower, table tennis and 7 brand new tennis courts should all be enough to make sure that no one in your groups gets bored! All of this is spread conveniently over our 40-acre site and is within easy access of our dining hall and accommodation.

Personal Challenge

Overcoming a challenge or conquering fear can instill real confidence in any young person and we have a whole host of challenging activities across our site that are perfect for doing just that.

Starting with our auto-belay, 5 sided, 40ft climbing tower! The tower is designed to allow climbing without an instructor so that participants can tackle the wall at their own pace and in their own time. It allows up to 10 people to climb unaided at a time and reaching the top is an exhilarating feeling! We also have a purpose-built go-kart track, a horse corral and a 300-yard zip-line for those that want to challenge themselves further.

Team Building

Nothing brings a group together like an element of achieving something as a group and overcoming common obstacles. Across our 100-acre site there are a number of activities that are available to our groups to help facilitate team building. We have many small and large groups activities that our special events team can oversee and facilitate.

We have a low ropes course with several working elements that are designed to be overcome by whole groups together. Beyond that (and for the more adventurous) there is our high ropes course, set way up in the trees. Many of these elements are designed for one person at a time but individuals often have trouble overcoming them without the support of the rest of their group.

Low Ropes, High Ropes,

Get Artistic

Got a group that is dying to let their artistic side loose? We have got everything you need right here. Our dedicated Arts Shack has all the arts and crafts project a group could want. Simple wood making projects, the ever-popular Tye-Dye, drawing painting, jewelry making and more are all under one roof.

If getting creative and making a mess (probably!) isn’t the order of the day then perhaps enjoying some light yoga or meditation would work. We have a soft play gymnastics area and also a recreation hall that both serve well as a yoga and meditation space. It could be the perfect way to end a day in the studio.

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So there you have it, 5 different ways that you could offer a group of young people an incredible experience, with top-class facilities, in a safe and controlled environment. If you would like to find out more then please get in touch with a member of our team at camp@schodack.com or call us at 781-444-5520.

Alternatively, you can visit our website BerkshireRetreatCenter.com to find out more.