Set in the Catskill mountains in upstate New York, the Emerson Resort and Spa sits directly along Esopus Creek and is surrounded by a 600-square-mile Catskill Forest Preserve. The beauty of the flowing “creek,” – actually a primary river draining a section of the eastern Catskills – sums up the feeling of this resort; peaceful, energizing, and soothing. Originally built in 1840 on the site of a thriving dairy farm, the Emerson is named after Ralph Waldo Emerson, whose essay “Nature,” was inspired by the serene beauty of the Catskills. I ventured there one weekend, by myself, to recharge and reconnect. It was a worthwhile trip.

The inn’s accommodations feature 26 suites ranging from 620-1,000 square feet with gas fireplaces and outdoor decks overlooking the scenic Esopus. There's a gym, yoga studio, and award-winning spa on the premises as well as my personal favorite, their outdoor Jacuzzi deck. 

The main draw of the resort is its Asian-inspired spa that you'll enter through an original 17th-century Rajasthani palace door. The surrounding area of the Catskills, known for its spiritual centers and Buddhist monasteries was inspirational in the overall spa development. Their treatments are a combination of east meets west. I opted for a combination facial and mud wrap, utilizing the Comfort Zone product line from Parma, Italy.  While the spa is near perfect, the highlight here is the outdoor Jacuzzi deck from which you'll hear the peaceful sounds of the river with direct views of Mount Tremper, the town of the same name where the resort is located. 

Beyond the spa, there are plenty of on-site and outdoor activities to enjoy. The resort offers guided nature walks, or you can explore on your own. Grab a guide map at the front desk and head to the Ashokan Rail Trail for a day of birdwatching. On-site, there are a variety of workshops offered throughout the weekends, such as a Japanese Knotweed Wind Chimes workshop, which was offered while I was there.

For dining, the Catamount restaurant, located on its grounds, offers locally sourced contemporary dishes. Sitting on the edge of the Esopus, the restaurant has indoor and outdoor seating within a rustic, log cabin environment. If you wish to venture off the resort, check out the Peekamoose restaurant. A high-end “farm to feast” experience in a restored farmhouse located 15 minutes from the Emerson Resort and Spa.

Spring is the perfect time to discover the serenity of this spa for a blend of relaxation surrounded by natural beauty. emersonresort.com/