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Travel + Leisure Names New York's Top Resorts for 2025

Travel + Leisure Unveils New York's Top Resorts for 2025: A Comprehensive Guide to Luxury Getaways

In a much-anticipated annual reveal, Travel + Leisure magazine has released its list of the top resorts in New York State for 2025, showcasing a diverse array of luxurious escapes that blend natural beauty, historical charm, and modern amenities. Drawing from reader surveys, expert opinions, and on-site evaluations, the rankings highlight properties that excel in hospitality, dining, wellness offerings, and overall guest experience. This year's selections emphasize sustainable practices, unique cultural integrations, and innovative wellness programs, reflecting broader travel trends toward mindful and rejuvenating vacations. From the rugged peaks of the Adirondacks to the serene shores of the Finger Lakes, these resorts offer something for every type of traveler, whether seeking adventure, romance, or family-friendly fun. The list underscores New York's status as a premier destination for domestic getaways, with properties that have adapted post-pandemic to prioritize health, exclusivity, and personalized service.

Topping the charts is the iconic Mohonk Mountain House in New Paltz, nestled within the Shawangunk Mountains. This Victorian-era castle-like resort, established in 1869, continues to captivate with its timeless appeal. Spanning 40,000 acres of pristine wilderness, it boasts over 85 miles of hiking trails, a stunning glacial lake for boating and swimming, and an award-winning spa that incorporates natural elements like quartz crystal treatments and forest bathing sessions. Guests rave about the all-inclusive dining, featuring farm-to-table cuisine sourced from local Hudson Valley producers. Travel + Leisure praises Mohonk for its commitment to environmental stewardship, including solar-powered initiatives and wildlife conservation efforts. With activities ranging from rock climbing and archery to yoga retreats and evening storytelling around fire pits, it's an ideal spot for multi-generational trips. Recent upgrades include renovated guest rooms with eco-friendly materials and enhanced accessibility features, ensuring it remains a beacon of sustainable luxury.

Securing the second spot is The Sagamore Resort on Lake George, a historic gem in the Adirondacks that evokes the grandeur of the Gilded Age. Overlooking the crystal-clear waters of one of New York's most famous lakes, this resort offers a blend of opulent accommodations and outdoor adventures. Highlights include championship golf on a Donald Ross-designed course, a full-service marina for yacht charters, and a state-of-the-art fitness center with panoramic views. The resort's dining scene shines with options like the elegant La Bella Vita restaurant, serving Italian-inspired dishes with ingredients from regional farms. Travel + Leisure notes its family-oriented programming, such as kids' camps focused on environmental education and water sports. Sustainability is a key focus here too, with efforts to reduce plastic use and protect the lake's ecosystem. Guests can indulge in spa treatments using Adirondack-sourced botanicals, or unwind in private cottages equipped with fireplaces and hot tubs. The Sagamore's seasonal events, including winter ice bars and summer fireworks, add to its allure as a year-round destination.

In third place is the Lake Placid Lodge, a rustic yet refined retreat in the heart of the Olympic village of Lake Placid. Perched on the shores of Mirror Lake and surrounded by the High Peaks, this Relais & Châteaux property exudes Adirondack elegance with its hand-hewn timber structures and artisanal furnishings. Adventure seekers will love the guided hikes, fly-fishing excursions, and access to nearby ski slopes, while those seeking relaxation can enjoy the lakeside spa with treatments inspired by Native American traditions. The lodge's culinary program, led by renowned chefs, emphasizes hyper-local ingredients, with menus featuring wild foraged mushrooms and venison from sustainable hunts. Travel + Leisure highlights its intimate atmosphere, with only 30 rooms and suites, many boasting stone fireplaces and private balconies. Recent enhancements include electric vehicle charging stations and partnerships with local artisans for bespoke guest experiences, like custom woodworking workshops. It's particularly popular for romantic getaways, with packages that include private boat tours and stargazing sessions under the clear mountain skies.

Rounding out the top five are two Finger Lakes standouts: Mirbeau Inn & Spa in Skaneateles and The Inns of Aurora. Mirbeau, drawing inspiration from French countryside estates, offers a serene escape with its Monet-inspired gardens, thermal pools, and a spa renowned for vinotherapy treatments using grapes from nearby vineyards. Guests appreciate the cozy accommodations with gas fireplaces and the farm-to-fork restaurant that pairs meals with regional wines. Travel + Leisure commends its wellness focus, including yoga pavilions and meditation gardens, making it a haven for stress relief. Meanwhile, The Inns of Aurora, a collection of five historic properties on Cayuga Lake, provides a boutique experience with personalized touches like in-room libraries and lakeside picnics. Activities abound, from sailing and wine tastings to art classes at the on-site studio. The resort's commitment to community involvement, such as supporting local farmers and artists, earns high marks for authenticity.

Further down the list, urban-adjacent retreats like The Point in Saranac Lake offer ultra-exclusive experiences. This former Rockefeller estate, with just 11 rooms on 75 acres, caters to those desiring seclusion, featuring all-inclusive gourmet meals, private boating, and bonfire gatherings. Travel + Leisure describes it as the epitome of "rustic luxury," with no televisions or clocks to encourage disconnection from the modern world. In the Catskills, Scribner's Catskill Lodge impresses with its mid-century modern vibe, offering glamping options, a heated outdoor pool, and proximity to hiking trails and ski areas. Its restaurant, Prospect, focuses on seasonal, wood-fired cuisine, while wellness programs include sound baths and forest therapy.

Other notable mentions include the Whiteface Lodge in Lake Placid, known for its upscale suites with cast-iron tubs and a spa featuring eucalyptus steam rooms; Oheka Castle on Long Island, a Gold Coast mansion turned hotel with opulent gardens and fine dining; and The Gideon Putnam in Saratoga Springs, blending spa heritage with equestrian culture. Travel + Leisure's methodology involved thousands of reader votes, assessing factors like room quality, service, location, and value. Many resorts on the list have introduced post-2020 innovations, such as contactless check-ins, enhanced sanitation protocols, and hybrid work-friendly spaces with high-speed internet and ergonomic setups.

What sets these New York resorts apart is their ability to merge the state's diverse landscapes—mountains, lakes, and valleys—with world-class hospitality. For 2025, trends point toward experiential travel, with resorts emphasizing mental health through nature immersion and cultural storytelling. Whether you're planning a wellness retreat at Mohonk or an adventurous family vacation at The Sagamore, these properties promise unforgettable stays. As domestic travel surges, these rankings serve as a roadmap for discovering New York's hidden gems, encouraging visitors to explore beyond the city lights. With bookings already filling up, early reservations are advised to secure spots at these acclaimed destinations, ensuring a year of luxurious escapes in the Empire State. (Word count: 1,028)

Read the Full Democrat and Chronicle Article at:
[ https://www.democratandchronicle.com/story/news/2025/08/06/travel-leisure-reveals-new-yorks-top-resorts-for-2025-see-the-list/85259546007/ ]