Kenoza Hall, An Upscale Upstate NY Wellness Retreat In A Class Of Its Own
Hemlock Spa at Kenoza Hall, Upstate NY.
These Are Not Your Grandmother’s Catskills
Before airplane travel became the norm, New York families sought-out easy and accessible refuge in the Catskill mountains. Then the grandkids stopped going. My own immigrant family settled in the Catskills in the 1960s, acquiring property that would help the slavic community vacation. Even though I live in New York City I consider upstate to be my personal refuge and place of relaxation. Today’s upstate reels in a new kind of visitor – younger generations from all over the world come to the mountainous region for vacations and inspiration. Fortunately, some things remain the same. From blueberry picking and hiking, to nighttime campfires and vintage shopping, it all brings back childhood memories.
Kenoza Hall hotel and spa in Kenoza Lake, NY.
It is safe to say that the Catskills are in their heyday again. New and restored hotels sprouting all over Upstate New York have a lot to offer to newcomers and loyal visitors alike. Among the many new retreats, Kenoza Hall is in a class of its own. The Victorian-style hotel was one a boarding house dating back to the 1800s. It was lovingly restored by Foster Supply Hospitality’s husband-and-wife team Sims and Kirsten Foster. Foster Supply is behind other recognizable Catskill getaways: The DeBruce, The Arnold House and North Branch Inn. Kenoza Hall’s awe-inspiring re-construction has 22 guest rooms, bar, restaurant, and plenty of lounge space. Additionally, one cannot help but be impressed by the 55 acre property. Guests get to enjoy Hemlock spa, private bungalows, a pool, hot tub, walking paths, fine dining, and direct access to a lake.
My decision to stay at Kenoza Hall was driven by Hemlock Spa’s wellness philosophy. I was excited to find out that the spa offers Kneipp-inspired body treatments and hydrotherapy. The five pillars of the Kneipp philosophy: water, plants, exercise, nutrition and balance, allow you to experience the full effects of nature. Known as the “water doctor”, Sebastian Kneipp was a priest who studied the healing benefits of water and medicinal plants, applying his knowledge to helping cholera patients. It is no wonder that naturopathy and hydrotherapy are at the core of Kenoza Hall. Whichever way you spa, eat, or relax here, you are sure to find bliss and rejuvenation.
Hemlock spa is a tranquil sanctuary that focuses on helping you re-connect with nature. The spa’s relaxation space plays bird songs and nature sounds. Past and recent studies have shown that listening to birds lifts our spirits and allows us to feel safe. I was excited to try the Kneipp Walking Path. Grounding, or Earthing, is among one of the most accessible, but neglected, ways we can connect back to earth’s electrical charges. You simply touch your bare feet to the earth, in this case, different textures. Connecting to the earth’s electric charges is an excellent mood booster. Afterwards I spent some time in the barrel sauna. Coming here with goals of soothing sore muscles, it was not long before I was tempted by the outdoor hot tub. As soon as I walked out into the cold winter air and entered the hot water I felt euphoric. It was the highlight of my stay. It snowed overnight, and a blanket of fresh snow provided a magical backdrop. Relaxing at Kenoza Hall means engaging all of your senses.
The blissfulness of the spa is not the only perk at Kenoza Hall. Depending on the season you can choose your perfect experience. Our winter stay was ideal for tranquil nights spent with a glass of wine in a soaking tub, or with a board game by the fire. Kenoza Hall’s comfortable and inviting interiors include lots of whimsical details. Both the indoors and the outdoors have a way of luring you in. We enjoyed finding a reading nook, sinking into rich-toned chairs by the fire and taking brisk winter walks to the lake. To me, sipping warm tea near a roaring fire was the perfect antidote to city stress.
Find dining foodies will find that the in-house dining and drink menus, along with service, are nothing to sneer at. The restaurant experience is unlike anything else in the area. Anyone fond of the Old World Continental Cuisine will find Chef Oscar Vargas and his team offers many delicious classics, such as Oysters Rockefeller, Dover Sole a la Meunière, and Gnocchi Parisienne. During our visit we enjoyed the Pan Roasted Chilean Sea Bass and Gnocchi Parisienne. This winter you can look forward to Dry-Aged Duck (the chef's favorite) Charred Onion Soup (his take on the French Onion Soup) and more. The bar at Kenoza Hall is quite inspiring as well. It is the oldest part of the building and was once the original dining room of the previous family. If you seek a more casual experience with dinner and cocktails outside of the hotel, we recommend visiting The Junction in Roscoe.
The two hour drive from NYC is worth it, but don’t take our word for it. Whether you choose to stay in your room soaking in the tub or explore the outdoors, this wellness retreat is a must-stay. You will not be disappointed.
Kenoza Hall
5762 NY-52, Kenoza Lake, NY
https://www.kenozahall.com
