When you want more than a hike or a leaf-peeping drive—when you're craving warm fireplaces, lakeside views, spa treatments, and places you can sink into for a few days of rest—these resorts make for perfect fall retreats. Below are some standout destinations across New York, organized by region. 🍂
1. Adirondacks & Lake Region
The Lodges at Cresthaven, Lake George
A family- (and group-) friendly option with lodge rentals right on the shores of Lake George.A family- (and group-) friendly option with lodge rentals right on the shores of Lake George.
- Units: Two-bedroom, two-bath lodges with full kitchens, living/dining areas, lakefront porches, fireplaces, washer/dryer.
- Amenities: Heated indoor/outdoor pool, fitness center, recreation room, beach, on-site Boathouse restaurant, volleyball, grills.
- Seasonal: Indoor pool is heated and remains open through November.
Booking tip: The Lodges at Cresthaven advertise “Check Out Our Resort Getaway Discounts” on their site.
Lake Placid Lodge
A romantic, luxury-style option for couples or smaller parties.
- Setting: Only true luxury lodge directly on Lake Placid, blending rustic charm with high-end service.
Opal Collection - Rooms: 17 guest cabins + 13 suites. Each is unique, with handcrafted furniture, stone fireplaces, big porches with lake & mountain views.
- Experience: The lodge offers direct access to hiking, boating, fishing, and outdoor adventures.
Whiteface Lodge, Lake Placid
Combines resort-style amenities with a premium spa offering.
- Spa: 8,000-square-foot spa (or sometimes listed as 5,700 sq ft) with eucalyptus steam rooms, cedar saunas, body treatments, facials, massage, salon services.
- Other amenities: Indoor pool, resort-style lodging, proximity to the Village and Adirondack trails.
Mirror Lake Inn Resort & Spa, Lake Placid
For upscale lakeside indulgence.
- Spa: Offers treatments using brands like SkinCeuticals, Phytomer; full-service spa + salon.
- Location & perks: Private beach, award-winning dining, scenic grounds, and access to the charm of Lake Placid.
High Peaks Resort, Lake Placid area
A more casual but scenic resort.
- Lodging variety: Rooms facing lake or mountain, more of a full-service resort.
2. Hudson Valley & Catskills
Mohonk Mountain House, New Paltz (Hudson Valley)
This is one of the classic, iconic resorts in NY combining historic charm, nature, and a full spa.
- Spa: Eucalyptus steam room, sauna, hydrotherapy, body treatments, massage, wellness programs.
- Activities: Hiking, boating, seasonal programming, wellness experiences.
- Setting: Built like a Victorian castle resort on a lakeside and atop the Shawangunk Ridge.
Buttermilk Falls Inn & Spa, Milton, NY
A boutique, more intimate option.
- Spa & lodging: On a 75-acre estate, offers lodging, spa, farm-to-table restaurant, organic gardens, walking trails.
Mirbeau Inn & Spa, Rhinebeck, NY
A boutique spa-hotel perfect for a weekend escape.
- Spa: Full-service, wellness-centered, indulgent treatments in a French-inspired boutique setting.
- Location: In Rhinebeck, central Hudson Valley with wine trails, art, countryside charm.
Hudson Valley Resort & Spa, Kerhonkson, NY
A larger resort with a spa & wide amenities.
- Rooms: 270+ rooms & suites.
- Spa & facilities: Full health spa, on-site golf, proximity to Minnewaska State Park.
- Setting: 400+ wooded acres, renovated historic resort in the Catskills/Hudson region.
Diamond Mills Hotel & Spa, Hudson Valley
A newer and stylish boutique property.
- Spa & wellness: A spa, fitness center, and an emphasis on wellness and local sourcing.
- Character: Overlooks the Esopus Creek dam and views from rooms.
Wildflower Farms, Auberge Resorts Collection, Gardiner, NY
Ideal for nature & wellness lovers.
- Spa: Thistle Spa, with treatments using locally sourced oils and scrubs, ritual baths; indoor/outdoor soaking, steam rooms.
- Lodging: Freestanding cabins set in meadows & woodlands, with views of the Shawangunk Ridge.
Auberge Collection - Distance: ~90 minutes from NYC, making it convenient for a weekend getaway.
Auberge Collection
Six Senses Hudson Valley (coming/curated retreat)
For a higher-end wellness escape (often booked as retreats).
- Concept: Rural retreat, curated wellness programs, adult-only.
💡 Tips & Considerations
Book in advance: Many luxury lodges and spa resorts have limited inventory, especially in peak foliage weeks (late September to early October).
Check seasonal availability: Some pools, spa services, or facilities operate seasonally. For example, The Lodges at Cresthaven keeps the indoor pool heated through November.
Tripadvisor
Look for package deals: Many resorts run fall getaway specials (e.g., spa credit + meals, early booking discounts). The Lodges at Cresthaven explicitly mentions “Getaway Discounts.”
The Lodges at Cresthaven
Balance activity + downtime: Choose a resort that offers easy access to trails, lake or river walks, plus spa or lounge options for rest.
Consider travel distance: Hudson Valley options like Mohonk, Mirbeau, and Wildflower Farms are accessible from NYC (1–2 hrs), while Adirondack options require more transit (ideal for longer getaways).
Romantic vs. family tone: For couples, prioritize lodges with privacy, fireplaces, and romantic views (Lake Placid Lodge, Whiteface Lodge). For families or groups, resorts with multiple amenities (pools, recreation, large lodges) work better (Cresthaven, Mohonk).