Envision yourself a world away. A locale with unique, rustic charm, jaw-dropping scenery, and amenities galore. Take a quick ride up Route 17 north, cross the state line into New York, and in all of 20 minutes, you’ll discover a private village where you and your friends can gather—even with socially distant policies in place.
A visit to the Valley Rock Inn in Sloatsburg, New York is an immersion in bucolic beauty. It's a peaceful setting with a vibrant health and wellness attitude complemented by incredible culinary delights. This hidden gem is surrounded by 70,000 acres of mountains. With Harriman State Park and Sterling Forest nearby, there are more outdoor experiences than you can shake a stick at! Trails and lakes in every direction make this getaway perfect for fresh air adventures.
The fitness-focused property offers a 75-foot pool, a 7,000-square-foot gym, and guided hiking, biking, and kayaking outings. Year-round wellness and fitness programs incorporate healthy eating and exercise in the great outdoors. Developed and opened in phases over the past few years, the property’s historic homes and barn buildings form a wall around an interior courtyard garden. Four renovated guesthouses provide a total of 17 bedrooms and 16 baths that are perfect for family reunions and corporate retreats.
The Inn features an organic market and two restaurants with a farm-to-table theme that highlights organic products sourced from their own Hudson Valley fields with a big emphasis on fresh air dining. “When I realized COVID was going to be a significant issue this spring, we immediately converted our organic market to an online model. It offers hundreds of items to pick from including filet, salmon, tuna, and fresh produce; it is one of the only fresh organic markets in the area that is set up for curbside pickup or delivery,” says Michael Bruno, Valley Rock Inn founder and owner.
Pivoting to manage the business and meet the needs of customers, while ensuring the safest environment possible, Valley Rock’s garden area will be closed to the general public. However, the restaurants will be open to serve a limited number of guests by reservation only. “It’s all about the outdoor dining here,” says Michael. We have a stunning setting and extensive gardens. Social distancing is not a problem since we can move our guests even farther apart than the standard 6 feet outdoors. Being known for providing a wonderful experiential fresh air dining experience is not such a bad thing right now!” quips Michael.
The resort has begun offering Shelter and Nature Overnight stays to thoughtfully and safely accommodate guests. Valley Rock’s guesthouses offer superb accommodations with three to five bedrooms each. They are being offered exclusively to parties that have sheltered together. With an emphasis on fitness and active outdoor lifestyles, guests can reserve one or all four houses for a reunion of friends and family. Every guest house will have its own assigned pool area complete with seating and sun lounges, and each house comes with three dedicated dining tables in the Lodge restaurant, the Rose Garden, and by the pool.
Overnight guests will have a dedicated 90-minute time slot each day to use Valley Rock’s gym featuring yoga classes, spin studio, and weights. Those with “pedal power” can enjoy using the resort’s e-bikes, road bikes, or mountain bikes specifically dedicated for the use of each guest during their stay—it’s a great way to explore the parkland that surrounds the property. Guides are available to take guests hiking on hundreds of miles of trails with stunning views. Hikes can be anywhere from one hour to five hours long and may include strolling along a brook or to famous 7 Hills complete with ridgeline views and some exciting climbing. Kayaking is available as well.
Relax back at the Inn with a game of bocce, and a quick bite or freshly squeezed juice from the organic market. These retreat-style getaways start at a two-night minimum and offer an “a la carte” plan as well as an all-inclusive plan for the ultimate spa-type getaway. The resort allows for two days in between each stay to be sure each house has been properly cleaned and sanitized, and there is plenty of space to spread out!
Valley Rock’s art gallery, 66 Orange, had recently opened before the pandemic shut-down, but hopes are that exhibitions will begin with new shows soon and guests will be invited to tour the latest exhibit installation. Although the space leans toward local artists, the gallery will be drawing artists from other areas of the country as well.
Consider taking over the entire property for your next event, or reserve one of Valley Rock’s special gardens, which were designed to accommodate spectacular events--whether it’s a birthday party for 20 people, a wedding for 250, or a corporate retreat. “To find a private place where you and your friends and family can gather is rare…but even rarer one hour from New York City,” says Michael. “The views are beautiful—providing a great outdoor experience is our thing!”
valleyrockinn.com
