My idea of a great weekend escape is one of action, where I wake up with the sun, see every sight, and do all the things I can never fit in during the week. His ideal weekend starts at noon and leisurely stretches out for a few hours of coffee and sun, with the only set plans being no plans at all.
If you need a little bit of everything to give you both the perfect weekend escape, look no further than Mohonk Mountain House, located 90 minutes north of Manhattan at the top of the Shawangunk Ridge. This luxurious Hudson Valley resort, located in a magnificent seven-story, 265-room Victorian castle, has a landmark St. Andrews style golf course, award-winning gardens with a traditional Victorian maze, and countless sporting and leisure activities.
The perfect day for me starts with a refreshing morning swim in Lake Mohonk, half a mile of calm waters nestled in peaceful, rocky surrounds. I encourage him to join me, and he grudgingly agrees that a morning nap on the beach has a certain appeal. After I finish a few laps, I wrap myself in a towel and snuggle up next to him, both of us warming up to the weekend ahead.
After a quick change of clothes, he wants us to explore the 85 miles of hiking trails surrounding the resort, promising me we'll end up somewhere beautiful. I grab a trail map, just in case. Walking hand in hand through the seemingly endless forest, amazed by the white stone ridges that surround us, I realize it is a pleasure to get lost here.
Later that afternoon we each treat ourselves in the full-service spa; he lazes in the solarium while I check out the fitness center and yoga room. For those braver than I, there is a new rock climbing program. It sounds thrilling, but I'd rather join him in the heated pool. We retreat to our charming Victorian room for a little privacy, cuddling by the fireplace and gazing out the balcony to the wonders below.
