There are moments when the relentless energy of New York City feels like both a blessing and a challenge. I adore the glittering skyline, the late-night diners, and the ever-humming streets — but there comes a time when the soundtrack of honking taxis and hurried footsteps makes me crave something softer. A breeze through pine trees instead of subway tunnels. The sound of waves instead of crosswalk beeps.
Recently, I decided to escape for a few days, swapping skyscrapers for sunsets. My mission was clear: find the best resorts just outside of New York that can be reached without boarding a long-haul flight. Over the course of a week, I explored a handful of retreats, each with its own charm — from elegant spa escapes to rustic lakeside hideaways.
1. Mohonk Mountain House – New Paltz, NY
Location: Just 90 miles north of Manhattan, nestled in the Shawangunk Mountains, this Victorian castle resort looks like something plucked from a fairytale. The drive takes about two hours, but the change in scenery feels instant — towering cliffs, wildflowers lining the road, and the shimmering Mohonk Lake greeting you upon arrival.
Price Range: Rooms start at around $450 per night during peak season, including most meals and activities.
Services & Experience:
Mohonk is all about timeless elegance. My room overlooked the lake, and every morning, mist curled over the water like it was keeping secrets. Days here are filled with hiking on over 85 miles of trails, canoeing on the lake, or unwinding in the indoor heated pool. The spa is a destination on its own — I booked a 50-minute aromatherapy massage and left feeling weightless. Meals are included, and dinner in the grand dining room, with floor-to-ceiling windows, is a regal affair.
Booking Tip: This place fills up quickly, especially on weekends. I secured my stay through a reputable online travel booking platform, which also offered a flexible cancellation option.
2. Gurney’s Montauk Resort & Seawater Spa – Montauk, NY
Location: On the eastern tip of Long Island, about a three-hour drive from the city (or a scenic train ride on the Long Island Rail Road), Gurney’s sits directly on a private stretch of sand with endless views of the Atlantic.
Price Range: From $550 per night for ocean-view rooms; beachfront suites can climb above $1,000.
Services & Experience:
If your idea of paradise involves the sound of waves in the background, Gurney’s is your spot. My room’s balcony framed the horizon so perfectly it looked like a painting. The resort boasts an ocean-fed seawater pool — the only one of its kind in North America — and a spa offering everything from seaweed wraps to deep-tissue massages. Dining at Scarpetta Beach, their Italian restaurant, means fresh pasta paired with a front-row view of the sunset.
Booking Tip: Summer rates soar, so I booked through a hotel aggregator app that offered last-minute deals for weekdays. It saved me nearly 20% compared to standard rates.
3. The Sagamore Resort – Bolton Landing, NY
Location: Set on its own 70-acre island in Lake George, about a four-hour drive from New York City, The Sagamore is both a family-friendly retreat and a romantic hideaway.
Price Range: Rooms start at $300 per night; suites and lakeside lodges are higher, especially with direct water views.
Services & Experience:
I was instantly charmed by the combination of Gilded Age grandeur and Adirondack coziness. The Sagamore’s wraparound verandas overlook the lake, and afternoons can be spent on boat tours, kayaking, or simply reading by the shoreline. There’s an 18-hole golf course for those who want to trade the lake breeze for lush fairways. Dining options range from casual lakeside grills to fine dining at La Bella Vita.
Booking Tip: I used a package deal via a popular travel booking site that bundled the stay with a boat tour and breakfast credits — surprisingly good value.
4. Crystal Springs Resort – Hamburg, NJ
Location: Just over an hour’s drive from NYC in Sussex County, New Jersey, this sprawling resort complex is known for its luxury lodges, golf courses, and award-winning wine cellar.
Price Range: From $250 per night for standard rooms; luxury suites and villas range upwards of $500.
Services & Experience:
Crystal Springs is a year-round playground. In the summer, it’s all about outdoor pools, farm-to-table dining, and golf. I stayed in the Grand Cascades Lodge, where my suite had a fireplace, mountain views, and a soaking tub the size of a small pool. The wine cellar here is legendary — 6,000 labels from around the globe. Evenings often mean live music on the terrace as the sky turns golden.
Booking Tip: Midweek stays offer the best rates. I found my deal via a travel rewards credit card’s booking portal, which also added free breakfast as a perk.
5. Rocking Horse Ranch – Highland, NY
Location: About 90 minutes from NYC, this all-inclusive family resort in the Hudson Valley offers a more casual, adventure-filled experience.
Price Range: Rates average $500 per night for two adults and up to two children, covering lodging, meals, and activities.
Services & Experience:
This is where you come if you want to swap your city sneakers for cowboy boots. Horseback riding is the main draw, but there’s also a water park, paddleboarding on the lake, archery, and nightly entertainment. Meals are hearty and communal — think barbecue nights and breakfast buffets. It’s more relaxed and rustic than some of the other resorts, but the warmth of the staff makes it memorable.
Booking Tip: I booked through a family-travel-focused platform that highlighted kids’ activities and offered a discount for stays longer than three nights.
6. Winvian Farm – Morris, CT
Location: Around two and a half hours by car from NYC, tucked into the rolling hills of Litchfield County, Winvian Farm offers a collection of unique, design-driven cottages.
Price Range: Starts at $750 per night for one-bedroom cottages, including breakfast.
Services & Experience:
Every cottage here is a work of art — I stayed in the “Secret Society” cottage with whimsical design touches, wood-burning stoves, and an outdoor shower surrounded by forest. The on-site spa offers tailored treatments using organic products, and the farm-to-table restaurant serves produce straight from its own gardens. The atmosphere is peaceful, luxurious, and deeply personal.
Booking Tip: I secured my spot via a luxury hotel booking app that included a complimentary spa credit — worth every penny.
Reflections on the Journey
What struck me most on this mini-escape wasn’t just the beauty of each location, but the way they made me feel. In the city, days are measured in subway transfers and calendar reminders. At Mohonk, time moved with the sun across the lake. At Gurney’s, I measured my hours by the tide. At The Sagamore, conversations lingered longer, with the scent of pine in the air.
Booking these getaways turned out to be a lesson in flexibility. Midweek stays almost always offered better rates, and keeping an eye on third-party travel platforms revealed discounts that wouldn’t have been obvious otherwise. Sometimes, simply shifting my check-in date by a day saved enough for a spa treatment or sunset dinner.
Tips for Planning Your Own New York Resort Escape
When planning a quick getaway from the city, a little preparation can make all the difference between a stressful trip and a seamless escape. First and foremost, choose your direction wisely. Each nearby region offers a distinct vibe: head north toward the Hudson Valley and Catskills if you’re craving mountains, lakes, and fresh forest air; go east to Long Island for sun-drenched beaches and salty ocean breezes; or venture west to New Jersey for sprawling golf courses and peaceful countryside retreats. Knowing what kind of environment you want to wake up in will help narrow down your options dramatically.
Don’t underestimate travel time. On paper, some resorts are just two hours away, but summer traffic, especially on Fridays and Sundays, can add an hour or more. I always build in an extra buffer to avoid stress and to allow myself time to stop for a scenic coffee break or stretch my legs along the way.
When comparing resorts, look closely at what’s included in the price. Some places bundle meals, activities, and even spa credits into the nightly rate, which can make your stay feel indulgent without breaking the bank. It’s worth factoring these perks into your budget to get the most value for your money.
Booking through platforms that offer flexible, refundable options is another must. Summer weekends fill fast, and plans can change, so a little extra cost for peace of mind is always worth it — especially during busy periods.
Finally, pack for variety. Even in the height of summer, temperatures can drop sharply in the mountains or by the water after sunset. A light sweater or jacket can keep you comfortable during evening strolls or fireside chats.
By the time I returned to New York City, the air felt palpably different—not quieter, since the city never truly sleeps, but somehow lighter and cleaner. Maybe it was the fresh lake breeze still tangled in my hair or the faint memory of warm sand beneath my feet. Whatever it was, it reminded me that paradise doesn’t require a long flight or crossing oceans. Sometimes, it’s as simple as hopping in a car and driving a couple of hours from the subway station. These nearby resorts offer a perfect balance — far enough to feel like a true escape, but close enough to return to the city’s heartbeat when you’re ready. That balance is the real luxury.
