HEMLOCK NEVERSINK

Wellness—the holistic integration of physical, mental, and spiritual well-being, fueling the body, engaging the mind, and nurturing the spirit. It sounds terrific, but it’s not always easy to attain. However, you could consider visiting the restoration-focused retreat Hemlock Neversink, just two hours from Manhattan in Neversink, NY.

Having opened in the Fall of 2023, Hemlock Neversink is the newest edition to the Foster Supply Hospitality Catskill-based group behind several award-winning hotels and restaurants. The 34-room wellness destination sits on 230 acres. The Catskills, specifically the Neversink region, has long been a destination for rejuvenation and escape, with various lodgings catering to those searching for health and relaxation. Hemlock Neversink’s main building was constructed in the 1800’s. The rest of the property’s buildings took shape with each new owner over the years.

THE SUITE LIFE
A variety of accommodations offers guests a wealth of options. The solo traveler can enjoy a queen bed with an oversized bathroom. At the same time, a couple who meditate together and seek restoration may find a king suite with a private treatment room and both a sunrise and sunset deck overlooking the Catskill woods to their liking. Many rooms have a private patio or deck; some even offer private outdoor showers.

Interiors feature soothing earth tones and a Quaker-inspired design that perfectly melds the historic simplicity of natural wood and iron with modern fixtures and amenities like Belino Fine Linens, Matouk Turkish waffle fabric robes and towels, and Oneka bath amenities.

ON THE MENU
As an all-inclusive resort, Hemlock Neversink offers an outstanding culinary program where all meals and snacks are included. The Fosters—named 2023 James Beard Foundation’s Restaurant and Chef Awards Semi-Finalists—aim to continue this level of excellence with Bittersweet at Hemlock, a full-service restaurant with a plant-based seasonal menu. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are served in the main building’s spacious, wood-paneled dining room or, weather permitting, on the large outside dining deck.

Menus are kept simple so that you can manage the choices. Breakfast combines a Continental spread of fruit, yogurt, granola, pastries, smoked salmon, fresh juices, and a small selection of kitchen-prepared egg plates or avocado toast. Lunch also offers a limited selection yet will impress your taste buds. The Smoked Trout with Lettuce and Tomato on Sourdough, Charred Greens with Burrata, and the Portobello Mushroom Burger were all exquisite.

The dinner menu rotates daily and offers wonderful protein—and plant-based choices. One night, salmon with Grilled Asparagus was a delight, and the next night, duck Ragu with Pappardelle displayed Chef Charlie’s expertise. Several other nutritional opportunities are offered, including an all-day grazing table and communal tea areas.

A CUSTOM ITINERARY
The Hemlock Neversink team is focused on providing daily activities that fulfill each guest’s goals. After booking, guests are asked to fill out a short goal-oriented survey. All classes and activities are included—spa services are extra. Based on your goals, the team will develop a personalized itinerary from the extensive list of courses and activities.

The resort campus has three separate buildings dedicated to activities. The Spa and Pool facility will occupy a good amount of your time. Twelve treatment rooms are prepared to offer guests various massages, body treatments, bath rituals, facials, and body & energy work. Spend soothing time in the stunning Relaxation Room before and after your treatment. Swim some laps in the pool, followed by a detoxing steam room visit. Follow your daily workout routine in the gym. Then unwind in the sauna or hot tub or relax on the outdoor sun deck.  

The Movement Building, which houses a natural wood-accented studio offering beautiful meadow views, schedules various classes, including Vinyasa Flow, Yin, and Nidra yoga classes. Other movement/fitness classes include Tabata & Strength, High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT), Stretch, Dance Cardio, Tai Chi, and more.

CONNECTING WITH NATURE
Numerous other activities and classes are designed to help one grow, move, and connect. Bring out the inner child in you during a scheduled cloud spotting session. Grab a blanket and telescope at night and head to the stargazing deck to watch the sky above. Come together around the crackling warmth of the fire for a wellness-inspired fireside drumming circle.

Several guided hikes, forest bathing walks, and stargazing sessions encourage connecting with the natural surroundings. More than five miles of well-maintained trails traverse the property. Spend an hour of Animal Therapy with Hemlock Neversink’s resident goats. Offered daily, the Goat Hike is one of the most popular activities at Hemlock.

Kirsten Foster, co-founder of Hemlock Neversink, says it well. “Our vision of wellness isn’t about achieving perfection. It’s about achieving happiness, having fun, and feeling restored.” Spend a few days at Hemlock Neversink, and you’ll see exactly what she means.  

For more information on Hemlock Neversink, visit hemlockneversink.com