In 1869, an enterprising man by the name of Albert Smiley purchased a lake, a tavern, and 300 acres of untouched terrain. Smiley’s mission was to create a resort that provided “opportunities for recreation and renewal of body, mind, and spirit in a beautiful and natural setting.” Over the years additional land was purchased, offering a spectacular natural respite for guests. Today, Mohonk Mountain House is set amidst 40,000 acres of preserve land in the Shawangunk Mountains—and to this day is owned and operated by the Smiley family. On its 125th anniversary, the resort received an award from the United Nations Environment Program recognizing the family and Mohonk “for generations of dedicated leadership and commitment to the protection and enhancement of the environment and for their inestimable contribution to the cause of peace, justice, and sustainable human development.”
Mohonk continues to be a haven for healing and a safe touchstone. It’s one of the best places to relax, renew, and come away with new tools for a better you. There are a number of seasonal outdoor activities (cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, ice-skating, and hiking) as well as a state-of-the-art spa that offers nature-inspired treatments using indigenous materials. A spa series called “Modern Living” addresses the burgeoning technologies and hectic pace of our lifestyles and offers new solutions for daily stress through innovative treatments such as “Texting Tension Tamer” and “Breathe Deep and Be Well.” If that isn’t enough to relax you, there are 600-plus rocking chairs set on porches with contemplative views. Nina Smiley, Ph.D., marketing director, and co-author of The Three Minute Meditator, leads some of the most inspirational workshops that give guests the necessary tools for healing and empowerment. She’s the expert behind details such as the “meditation extension” where guests, in the privacy of their own room, may make a quick phone call where they will hear a short recording of guided mindfulness to help clear their minds.
You’ll find more than 40 theme programs throughout the year at Mohonk, including the ever-popular Yoga and Meditation weekend that’s offered twice a year. Rates include meals and most activities.
Mary Bemis
A pioneering voice in spa and wellness journalism, Mary Bemis has spent four decades chronicling, championing, and helping shape the modern spa industry. As Founder and Editorial Director of Insider’s Guide to Spas, she brings a distinctive editorial perspective informed by a career that has helped define the language and landscape of spa media. Mary launched American Spa magazine in 1997, co-founded Organic Spa, and helped launch Luxury SpaFinder and NewBeauty. Her industry leadership extends to board service with ISPA, NYSPA, and WSPA, the latter two organizations she helped establish. She has also served as Special Advisor to the Balneology Association of North America. Today, she serves as Special Advisor to Global Wellness Day and sits on the board of the International Sauna Aid Foundation. Recognized among Medika Life’s Top 30 Influential Voices Transforming Wellness, Mary is also a recipient of the prestigious ISPA Dedicated Contributor Award, an inaugural Folio Top Women in Media honoree, and an American Spa Wonder Woman of Wellness. Her mission remains as steadfast as ever: to keep spa culture alive and relevant, honor its roots, challenge its shortcomings, and inspire an industry to live up to its promise.
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