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 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.

Amazing Retreat Locations

5 Amazing Retreat Locations in New York

Finding the right location for your event can be a challenging task, especially when there are so many options to choose from. Having been providing amazing experiences for over 60 years, we know that choosing the right Retreat Center is important, so here we have taken a look at 5 totally different Retreat centers in and around New York State to give you and your guests inspiration for next getaway.

The Summer Camp - Camp Schodack

With overnight accommodation for up to 500 guests at any one time, Camp Schodack is a truly unique location in the foothills of the Berkshires. Spread over a 100-acres, this privately owned venue operates as a Summer Camp from mid-June to mid-August. One of the benefits to a venue such as this is that any rental group has the bonus of taking advantage of all of the activities that are part of the property during their stay. These include go-karts, archery, a climbing tower, 7 tennis courts, 2 heated outdoor swimming pools as well as a range of indoor and outdoor areas and meeting spaces to take full advantage of the beauty of the capital region.

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

The Learning Center - Peace Village

There are spaces that touch the heart and soul in ways that you will not find anywhere else. Peace Village is a learning and retreat center that offers weekend retreats on a variety of topics where you can learn to meditate and study spiritual knowledge. The silence and tranquility of the Village provides the atmosphere for self-exploration and spiritual practice. Practicing yogis volunteer and teach at Peace Village. Their hospitality and warmth while hosting you during your retreat will be one of the memorable aspects of your stay. Peace Village opened in 1999  and is a retreat center of the Brahman Kumaris .

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

The Meditation Center - Kadampa Center

In 1994 Kadampa Buddhist teacher Geshe Kelsang Gyatso established Chakrasambara Center in New York City and requested one of his senior students, Kadam Morten, to become the principal teacher. The Center started off in a small graffiti covered dance studio near the Bowery, and by 2001 classes were being held in a rented commercial space in Chelsea. With an unprecedented volume of people seeking these teachings and meditations each week, we faced an immediate need to expand. In late 2011 we located and were able to purchase a street front space only two blocks away from our longtime location. After an extensive build-out and the installation of  numerous newly cast Buddha statues, in October 2012 we opened the doors to the future of Kadampa Buddhism in New York City.

Find out more here: https://meditationinnewyork.org/

The Farm - Bailey Farm

Bailey Farms was settled by John Young in the early 1800s, and the original farmhouse still survives. The property was acquired in that century by “Old Ira” Bailey, from whom the Farm gets its name. In the early 1900s, the property was purchased by a Broadway actress. Next, legend has it that a wealthy New York gentleman took ownership of the Farm and in 1937 built a replica of a Georgian estate house for his wife, who had admired a picture of a similar structure in a British magazine. Twenty years ago, Bailey Farms became the retreat and conference center it is today, dedicated to serving the larger community. We regularly welcome schools and colleges; professional and business associations; churches, synagogues, and other religious / spiritually oriented groups; community, civic, and cultural groups.

Find out more here: http://www.baileyfarms.org/

The Mountain Spa - Menla

Set in a secluded valley beside an enchanting stream in the heart of the Catskill mountains, Menla is a hidden oasis, featuring spiritual and wellness retreats as well as exclusive getaways and the world-class Dewa Spa. A truly unique venue, Menla is the Dalai Lama’s cultural center in North America—a modern retreat and destination spa inspired by the ancient Buddhist kingdom of Tibet. Immerse yourself in the magic of our pristine mountain forests, explore hiking trails, encounter wildlife, and discover a rich tapestry of wellness experiences and activities, including workshops with renowned teachers, yoga and meditation, Tibetan healing therapies, massage and other bodywork, and so much more.

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

5 Unique Conference Centers in New York

Check out our list of 5 of the most unique conference centers in New York and the North East

If you are looking for a conference center to hold your next event, then take a look through our 5 incredible options for locations to hire in New York and the North East of the US. We have varied our range to include Conference and Retreat Centers in a number of locations with offerings near lakes, in the woods, cities, farms and more.

Whatever the aim of your event, we think that you’ll find a location here that will suit your needs or at the very least, inspire you.

The one in the countryside…Camp Schodack

Why get a hotel or a conference center for three hours when you could book your own private resort for the whole weekend? Bring the family, friends, colleagues and whoever else wants to enjoy an unforgettable experience! Schodack is the ultimate corporate get away accommodating up to 500 guests. Whether you want to spend your time relaxing with colleagues by the pool, using our extensive indoor spaces for planning and discussions or perhaps you are looking to challenge your group to get the most from themselves through our adventure course, go-kart track or any of the amazing activities we have available.

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

The one in the city…Convene at One boston place

Convene at One Boston Place is the newest on-demand meeting, event, and conference space in the heart of Boston's Financial District. This state-of-the-art venue has a capacity for up to 175 guests, including a private outdoor terrace and six meeting rooms - perfect for hosting board meeting, town halls, team offsites, trainings, and corporate receptions. Convene provides a dedicated meeting planning team, an on-site Executive Chef who prepares seasonal menus for your attendees, and unlimited access to Nourish, which is our fully-stocked snack and refreshment stations.

Find out more here: https://convene.com/location/one-boston-place/

The one by a lake...Fort william henry

The Fort William Henry offers upscale lodging accommodations with the perfect mix of historical elegance and today’s conveniences. From the traditional grace of the Grand Hotel to the comfort of the Premium East and Standard West rooms, all of our accommodations enjoy access to our extensive amenities, including an indoor pool with sauna and Jacuzzi, Olympic-size outdoor pool,  and three restaurants all on resort grounds.

Find out more here: https://www.fortwilliamhenry.com/

The one on a farm…Eddy farm

We are committed to excellence in providing programs and facilities for worship, teaching, counseling, banquets, conferences, retreats, and physical activities–all with a focus on the Bible as our standard of living.

Find out more here: http://eddyfarm.sandbox.nikijones.com/

The one in with a water park…Hope lake lodge

We look forward to welcoming you on your next vacation to Hope Lake Lodge Resort and Conference Center in Upstate New York, a first class destination situated on more than 1,600 acres of forests and hills in the beautiful Finger Lakes Region of New York state. Getting to Hope Lake Lodge is easier than you think. Convenient to Interstate-81, Hope Lake Lodge is located halfway between Binghamton and Syracuse near Ithaca, New York. Our central location is just a short drive from many metro areas like NYC, Philadelphia, New Jersey, Toronto, Rochester and Buffalo.

Find out more here: https://hopelakelodge.com/

5 Reasons To Hire Berkshire Retreat Center

1. Amazing New York Location

Being located so close to both Boston and Manhattan means that we are in an excellent location for groups in either of those cities. It also means that in the rare case that you may think about venturing beyond our borders for a visit to a nearby State Park, a museum or maybe a concert in Albany, we’ve got you covered. But we promise that there is so much happening on the property that you won’t want to leave.

2. Incredible Capital Region Facilities

We have a number of large indoor and outdoor meeting areas and spaces for activities including our 500 seater playhouse, our Recreation Hall, large outdoor amphitheater and quaint Gazebo for smaller group gatherings. Our site can house up to 500 people in our beautifully renovated cabins. Each comes with high ceilings and fan units which keeps them cool during the hot summer days and warm in the cooler evenings. Each of our cabins comes with its own large porch area complete with outdoor seating for you and your guests to take advantage of.

3. 100 Acres of Private Fields and Woodlands

We are truly hidden away from the outside world and yet still easily accessible for you and your guests. Pull into the parking lot, leave your keys in your cabin and you can spend the rest of your time with us blissfully unaware of the anything else going on. Our guests really get the chance to reconnect with nature and each other. Spend time exploring the 60 acres of woodlands trails around us or ditch the shoes and wander barefoot across our 40 acres of green lawns whilst you enjoy the surroundings.

4. More Activities Than You Could Ask For

As we operate as a summer camp from Mid-June to Mid-August our facility is equipped with all of the activities you would associate with a traditional summer camp in the 21st Century. These include popular sports like soccer, lacrosse, basketball and hockey in addition to individual activities like golf and tennis. We have more adventurous activities such as our 40 ft. climbing tower, zip-line, high ropes adventure course and purpose built go-kart track not to mention 2 heated outdoor swimming pools.

5. Make Your Money Go Further

Choosing to plan your next event with us won’t break the bank. Our dedicated team will be on had with you to help you as much or as little as you want. Want to bring in your own catering? No problem. Thinking of planning your own entertainment? Fine with us. You can create your own DIY package to suit your needs or ask our team to help you do it all and let us take the reins.

10 Reasons to get married at Summer Camp

David & Katie who held their wedding at Camp Schodack, NY

1. LOCATION LOCATION LOCATION

   • Why confine yourself to a room in a hotel or conference center when you can make use of 100 acres of open lawns and woodlands in the countryside surrounded by all the beauty of nature.

2. MAKE IT UNIQUE

   • Create the wedding you want without limitation. Want to bring your own caterers? decorations? your best friend Sally’s dog? Go ahead! You can make the schedule that works best for you without anyone telling you otherwise.

3. THE VIEWS

   • Summer Camps are set in beautiful locations and available during peak seasons. Whether it is spring, summer or fall, the great American outdoors is a truly spectacular backdrop for any event. Get married on a hilltop or in the woods, with beautiful green lawns stretching out as far as you can see or under a canopy in the trees - You can do it wherever you like.

4. ACTIVITIES

   • It’s a Summer Camp and that means all the benefits of having plenty of activities right outside your front door. Basketball, baseball, go-karts, swimming pools, climbing towers, woodland hikes, mountain bikes and more. You name it, they have it and they are all available to entertain you and your guests.

5. MAKE YOUR BUDGET GO FURTHER

   • By renting the facilities, you have the run of the place and can be as lavish or as cost effective as you like. Let them do all the catering or host your own BBQs. You can bring in food trucks or enjoy Camp favorites like grilled cheese!

6. HAVE THE ENTIRE PLACE TO YOURSELVES

   • Having people look in at what is going on can feel impersonal when you are trying to celebrate with friends and family. By having the entire place to yourselves you can hold your dream wedding away from peering eyes and really make it special.

7. INVITE EVERYONE YOU KNOW!

   • Who is going to make the ceremony and then who will only be invited to the reception??? You don’t have to worry about that at Camp. With bunks, cabins and accommodation normally used to holding hundreds of people, you can invite everyone you want with no fear of running out of room.

8. EXPERIENCE THE MAGIC OF CAMP, AGAIN.

   • If you ever went to summer camp then you know how special it is and you’ll get to dive back into that world for the weekend to celebrate your special day. Plus any guests that never went to Camp can finally see what all the fuss is about.

9. MAKE IT LAST LONGER

   • There is no expectation that you will be just there for the day. Many Summer Camps will let you have the facilities overnight or even for the whole weekend. This means that you are in no rush. You can really savor every moment with your guests.

10. FINISH WITH A BANG

    • Imagine getting to the end of your wedding celebrations and watching fireworks paint the sky and after that, instead of having to put everyone in taxis home, you can all wrap up warm and sit round a fire, roasting marshmallows and talking about how great the weekend was. When you are finally done for the night you’ll only have a short walk back too your cabin!