Mohonk Mountain House
New Paltz, NY
Photos courtesy Mohonk Mtn House & RDHA
Nestled in the picturesque Shawangunk Mountains of New York, Mohonk Mountain House is a historic Victorian retreat founded in 1869 by the Smiley family. Renowned for its timeless elegance and natural beauty, the resort sits on the shores of Lake Mohonk, surrounded by pristine wilderness. Over the years, Mohonk Mountain House has evolved, blending its rich history with modern amenities to provide guests with an unparalleled experience. A significant part of this evolution was the re-design of its state-of-the-art Spa, which RDH-A were honored to undertake.
Guided by our philosophy of promoting health & wellness by connecting with nature, we aimed to create a spa that blended seamlessly with the surrounding landscape. We derived the Spa’s material palette directly from the Site, – our sample board of materials is juxtaposed against an aerial site photograph. Local slate and wood compliment natural fabrics. We designed a new free-standing Spa summer cottage to be nestled along a hiking path, perched amongst the cliffs, surrounded by trees with a dramatic view of the lake beyond. This new destination provides utter tranquility, enhancing a sense of harmony within Mohonk’s natural environment. The outdoor cottage offers a comprehensive range of treatments, where therapists tailor the experience to clients needs offering: couples massage, facials to yoga and meditation sessions, rejuvenating your body, mind, and soul.
Mohonk’s commitment to personal and natural sustainability reinforce our holistic design approach to wellness. We integrate natural light and views to nature wherever possible, blurring the distinction between indoors and outdoors. Mohonk Mountain House exemplifies how historical preservation and modern innovation can coexist harmoniously. The outdoor treatment cottage provides guests with unforgettable experience, that celebrates how nature – nurtures, creating an oasis of tranquility captivating the hearts of all who visit.
Wellness Architecture + Interiors