Andiamo has rounded up our Top 7 Picks for those looking to escape NYC for the great outdoors.

We're seeing a trend: city-based travelers are ditching their normal urban dwellings for any chance to get outdoors and away from the crowds. Whether you're a repeat guest or trying something completely outside your comfort zone, we can guarantee there is something for everyone on this list. Our picks are designed for savvy travelers who are accustomed to luxurious accommodations and award-winning food and beverage and have a thirst for outdoor activities!

Glenmere Mansion (Chester, NY)

Less than 50 miles from NYC, hidden within the farmlands of the lower-Hudson Valley, you will find the stunning Glenmere Mansion, located on an 150-acre estate. Originally, a country home that hosted royalty, aristocrats and leading artists, the Mansion has been transformed into a Relais & Chateaux luxury hotel and spa with just 18 guest accommodations. Expect lush meadows and bountiful gardens with a golf course and many areas in the nearby region for hiking and cycling. The property boasts two fine-dining restaurants, The Supper Room and Frogs End Tavern, as well as a lengthy list of wine bottles in their cellar. The Glenmere Mansion is the ultimate option for an indulgent couple’s retreat and a great way to unwind from city life. 

Mohonk Mountain House (New Paltz, NY) 

This Victorian Castle-style resort in the Hudson Valley was founded in 1869 and sits just 90 miles from NYC. Surrounded by 40,000 acres of National Historic Landmark forest, the property possesses 300-private acres for outdoor activities and exploration. In addition to the rooms and suites offered in the Main Building, the property also offers (4) secluded cottages and (1) Grove Lodge with six-bedrooms and an expansive living space. This is a perfect destination for getting active with the options for golf, tennis, swimming, hiking and more! The rates are all-inclusive of meals throughout the week with many options to try throughout the grounds.

*Andiamo Pro Tip – let us secure you a room or suite with a private balcony to enjoy breakfast (or any other meal) outside in the privacy of your own accommodations! 

The Point (Saranac Lake, NY) 

Touting the accolade of being the only Forbes Five Star hotel in Upstate NY, it’s no surprise that this forested retreat was originally built by the Rockefeller family as a private estate. Guest accommodations are housed within four of the original log cabin buildings and are located on the shore of Upper Saranac Lake. Expect a plethora of options for seasonal outdoor activities – all taking place on the property’s grounds. Enjoy unbeatable dining options from award-winning Chef Loic Leperlier who combines French Cuisine with his Reunion island roots, adding hints of Indian, African and Chinese influences into his dishes. The goal of this resort is to cater to adults who are looking to unplug from the stresses of city life. This is our top pick for couples, friends or adult families.

Scribner’s Catskill Lodge (Hunter, NY)

Scribner’s bespoke lodge in the heart of the Catskills aims to be the much-needed getaway locale for urban dwellers. The location makes it the perfect home base for exploring the area with over 20 acres of mountainside to uncover. This boutique property features 38 rooms and suites that are contemporary in style, yet individualized and unique in design. Executive Chef Alex Napolitano brings his Italian and French training to the hotel’s main restaurant Prospect, which also happens to feature panoramic views of the Catskill Mountains and serves up fresh farm-to-table seasonable dishes year-round.

Lake Placid Lodge (Lake Placid, NY)

This luxury lodge located lakefront within the Adirondacks offers a natural sanctuary and activities for all four seasons. In Summer & Fall, guests come for the boating, fishing, hiking, tennis and golf. Whereas, winter guests stay for the easy access to Whiteface Mountain’s Olympic-grade skiing, snowshoeing, ice skating and ice fishing. The property offers many options in terms of accommodations, ranging from the Main Lodge’s rooms to the six Lakeside One-Bedroom suites or the standalone one and two-bedroom cabins. Lake Placid is truly a destination for guests of all ages and one of our favorite recommendations for families! 

The Lake House on Canandaigua (Finger Lakes, NY)

*NEW OPENING – AUGUST 2020*

The Lake House is making waves with its opening this August as the first luxury property to grace the banks of the Canandaigua Lake. There will be 125 thoughtfully designed guest rooms that emphasize the historic charm of the property, yet include many modern touches. Expect plenty of indoor/outdoor space within each accommodation to relax and soak up your surroundings as well as picturesque views of the breathtaking foliage. The Lake House will also have an Event Barn for destination weddings or celebrating special occasions as well as many wellness and spa offerings. Rose Tavern, the signature restaurant, is set to open its doors next month (September 2020), featuring locally sourced food and beverage twists on American classics from Chef Scott Riesenberg.

Lake Kora Lodge (Raquette Lake, NY)

AVAILABLE FOR EXCLUSIVE PRIVATE BUYOUT ONLY THROUGH OCTOBER 15th

The stunning 1,000 acre property was once a legendary Great Camp property in the Adirondacks and an infamous playground for American aristocrats. It has remained a private camp until 2015 when it’s owners updated the lodge with minor modern amenities, such as Wi-Fi, telephones and spa facilities, and started opening its doors to public guests. There are 12 guest accommodations located in the 7-lodges that make up the property, all designed to evoke a sense of privacy within and allow the beautiful setting to take center stage. In an effort to keep the summer tradition alive for the lodge, the property has decided to remain open throughout the pandemic, yet is only offering bookings on an exclusive private buy out basis through October 15th of this year.

For those looking to make changes and find a last-minute wedding or special occasion destination this Fall, Lake Kora would be a perfect fit for a socially distanced event – the exclusiveness, remote outdoor locale and high-end amenities will make the lodge a timeless backdrop for your forever moments.