Callicoon Center, N.Y.— Amidst an unusually busy summertime, I decided to accept an invitation to visit and write about Callicoon Hills, a property in the Catskills of New York that recently added “glamping” to their variety of accommodations.
The ride out to Callicoon Hills is gorgeous and interesting. There are many antique shops and interesting sights along the way. It is just far away enough to feel different from home, a real getaway. The air is crisper and the trees are different. The property sits under majestic evergreens creating the sensation of being deep in an evergreen forest.
After the drive, we pulled up to the check-in station located in a gorgeous 1905 “Boarding House” that looks like it is straight out of a movie. I felt immediately at ease by the cheerful, welcoming staff in this bright, accessible space with a high-end summer camp (or summer “glamp”) feel.
Check-in was a breeze, and we made our way to our room in the “Pool House.” Our room was exceptionally clean, comfortable, hip, modern, and came equipped with a variety of lighting options, a cute refrigerator, and exquisite (MALIN+GOETZ) toiletries. The rum-scented body wash, the peppermint-scented shampoo, and the cilantro-scented conditioner are so fabulous.
The end of the hallway opens to the property’s king-size pool complete with cabanas and a little bar tucked into an adorable food truck. In addition to the pool, the property has fire pits, outdoor and indoor games, hammocks by their whale-shaped pond, two Scandinavian saunas, an indoor-outdoor gym, and an outdoor yoga deck with stunning views.
The resort offers a variety of accommodations including the historic “Boarding House”; the “Pool House”; “Ridge Rooms,” which are perched on a hillside offering a idyllic vista; the private “Creekside Cabin,” which is rustic, yet modern; and set against the towering pines, the “A-frames,” a true “glamping” experience with floor-to-crown windows, plush beds, wifi, lights, electricity, Adirondack chairs, fire pits, and twinkly light lit paths.
If you want to go camping without having to pack more than your clothes and toiletries, you found the perfect spot. Everything you need, including all meals, can be found right on campus. I visited the resorts’ “Conover Club” for dinner and breakfast. So much thought is put into the seasonal menu, the presentation of the food, and the fun cocktails named after movies like the Zest Side Story and A Few Good Mangoes. Don’t miss out on the house-made carrot cake (which is to-die-for!) The staff is also happy to recommend excellent places to dine nearby.
So much care is taken by the staff at Callicoon Hills. Many little touches like the beautifully presented meals, a bottle of wine in the room, and evening “S’mores and Conversation” by the fire made me feel welcome, comfortable, and special. Callicoon Hills is perfect for a solo, romantic, or family getaway. It’s also perfect for weddings and corporate retreats. I am in love with this stunning property.
For the ride home, we grabbed coffee to go from “Rise & Shine,” the resort’s own coffee shop. The staff recommended a visit to Ashokan Reservoir, where we took a gorgeous walk. We also visited the peace-loving town of Woodstock for lunch and a little antiquing.
Callicoon Hills is located at 1 Hills Resort Road in Callicoon Center, N.Y. More information can be found online.
