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/

Best Conference Centers in Albany

Albany’s Best Conference Centers

We have put together a list of 5 of the best conference centers and retreat venues in the Albany area. The Capital Region is fortunate to have many incredible venues for groups of all sizes, no matter what the occasion. We have scoured the internet to find 5 venues that stand apart from the others because of their facilities, their location or both. They are all totally unique and have years of experience delivering top quality events and experiences.

Whether you are planning a high school retreat, corporate getaway or a team-building weekend, we hope that you will take inspiration from the locations below and get ideas about how to plan your next event.

Hire An Entire Summer Camp - Camp Schodack

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 couples looking for privacy and elegance on their wedding day. There are over 40 acres of open fields and 60 acres of private forest for you to take advantage of. This secluded getaway offers spacious open fields as well as wooded trails to help you escape the noise of the city. The retreat also offers an outdoor amphitheater with seating for up to 500 guests.

Catering with Camp Schodack offers buffet options, barbecue, food carts, and plated meals for every style wedding. Overnight accommodations are also available through Camp Schodack. You can host your retreat at Camp Schodack, and celebrate the whole weekend through in their luxury cabins for the whole family. The retreat can accommodate up to 500 guests in a mix of family and couple’s cabins. All cabins have master bathrooms and showers. If you choose to stay for the weekend at Camp Schodack, you and your guests will have access to sports facilities 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://berkshireretreatcenter.com/

Pick The Performing Arts Center - The Egg

“The Egg” itself is owned by the State of New York and managed by the not-for-profit Nelson A. Rockefeller Empire State Plaza Performing Arts Center Corporation. This entity was established to present quality performances, accessible to all citizens of New York State, highlighting the unique and extraordinary artists from New York State, across the country, and around the globe. Through partnerships and collaborations, the Corporation presents performances, spotlights emerging artists, fosters relationships with resident companies, and enhances activities in cultural and arts education.

The theatres and lounges at The Egg are available to rent for performances and related activities as well as receptions, educational and corporate events. Pick between a number of different theaters and conference rooms that you can make use of, whether it is fifteen comfortable tiered seating rows wrap around a dual hydraulic lift stage in the Kitty Carlisle Hart Theatre, or the more intimate Lewis A. Swyer Theatre which seats a maximum of 450 in only nine rows, including six seats in the special needs section. Every seat offers exceptional sightlines and comfort, and the small stage is perfect for all performance types. There are also lounges, perfect for smaller gatherings and cocktail parties

Find out more: http://www.theegg.org/

Albany’s Best Hotel - The Desmond

If you are planning meetings or a conference in the Albany area, The Desmond offers over 28,000 square feet of flexible space throughout our facility for groups of all sizes. Hold a meeting for 10 in one of our Executive Meeting Suites, conference with thousands in our Town Hall amphitheater, or present your next business proposal in High Street Conference Center. Our indoor courtyards are the perfect location for trade shows and exhibits, with 30′ and 36′ high ceilings and large atrium skylights in an open setting with natural light.

Our unique Albany hotel features 322 non-smoking guest room and suite options, including king-size four-poster beds, spiral staircase duplexes, suites with private entrances and patios, and ADA accessible rooms.  We combine rich Americana design and charm with modern amenities for the seasoned business traveler.  Modeled after a colonial village square, our two indoor courtyards feature 30′ and 36′ high ceilings with large atrium skylights, mock storefronts, a koi pond, beautiful fountains, and guest room balconies that overlook year-round landscaping.  Exceptional dining is available in Simpson’s restaurant and in our English pub The Tavern.

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

Stay In Town - The Capital Center

Located in the heart of downtown Albany, the Albany Capital Center is within walking distance of restaurants, hotels, shops, art galleries, night clubs, museums and more! Operated by ASM Global, the Albany Capital Center is a beautiful glass structure that can accommodate 10 to 5,000 people. Housing 22,500 square feet of ballroom/exhibit space, 6 meeting rooms with 9,200 square feet of space, and 13,500 square feet of pre-function space. The Albany Capital Center provides all of the top-notch amenities needed for your successful meeting or event. 

The Albany Capital Center is directly connected to the Empire State Plaza Convention Center, The Egg Performing Arts Center, and the Times Union Center arena via an enclosed walkway. Together, these spaces create the Capital Complex, the largest meeting space in Upstate New York at more than 159,000 square feet.

Find out more: http://albanycapitalcenter.com/

Escape To The Countryside - Menla Center

With its magical valley setting deep in the Catskills and just two hours from NYC, Menla is uniquely suited to host your group retreat or conference. Able to host residential groups of up to 108 individuals across a wide range of comfortable accommodations from deluxe private rooms to small group cabins, our spacious 325-acre facility also offers supplemental dorm-style options & numerous camping sites. Enjoy delicious healthy cuisine and the caring support you need from our production team.

Facilities include the biggest conference space in the Catskills, spacious yoga studio, meditation sanctuary, a world-class destination spa, hiking trails, swimming pool, fitness room, tennis courts, fire pits, and sweat lodge. Menla’s tailored nature experiences, private classes, and optional retreat add-ons let you add a new dimension to your offerings by combining elements that are just the right fit for your group retreat. Set off on a range of guided treks and learn about our flora & fauna, add a meditation, yoga or sound healing session lead by local experts, or experience the magic of a traditional sweat lodge or a bonfire beneath the stars.

Find out more: https://menla.us/