Peaceful Retreat in the Catskills

A positive outlook can be a huge part of getting fit and losing weight, which is what makes secluded and private Hunter Health Retreat so effective. Located in the Catskill Mountains, the homey retreat surrounds guests with babbling brooks and nature trails so they can focus wholly on improving body and mind with low calorie meals and breaking bad habits. The retreat is even able to help people who are 100+ lbs. overweight.

This getaway gives you two ways to approach your stay. If you opt for the fitness package, you’ll enjoy three well-balanced meals per day, consisting of 900 calories (more calories can be requested). Each day, you’ll have a bounty of fitness classes to choose from, including Pilates, water aerobics, and dance; classes are tailored to what guests are physically able to do and are not required. You’ll also have access to the resort’s pool, tennis courts, gym, and spa.

Alternatively, you can opt for the breakfast-only plan. While fitness classes and additional meals are not included, this option allows for more flexibility with how you spend your days. You can go swimming, enjoy the fire pit, play tennis, and participate in activities in area like zipline or the scenic Skyride. Consider planning your visit to coincide with one of Hunter’s many festivals, such as Oktoberfest (every weekend from September 26 to October 18).

Many of the standard rooms have scenic views of the surrounding foothills, pine forests, and meandering mountain streams. After a busy day, therapists at the onsite spa can help you wind down with a facial, slimming body wrap, or aromatherapy massage.

Hunter, New York: Small Town in Catskill Mountains with Year-Round Recreation

High up in southeastern New York’s Catskills, Hunter is surrounded by some of the tallest peaks in the state. But the natural beauty here goes beyond the rugged mountains as the town sits within the Catskill Forest Preserve, a vast forested region dotted with waterfalls, lakes, and meadows. A diversity of wildlife makes a home here, ranging from larger mammals such as bobcats and white-tailed deer to smaller muskrats. The varied terrain also attracts active types year-round. Most of the action centers on the Hunter Mountain resort, which has 55 skiing and snowboarding trails sprawled out over three mountains. During warmer seasons these peaks transform into a popular spot for hiking, mountain biking, and ziplining.

For a more laid-back alternative, head about 30 minutes east to the Thomas Cole National Historic Site, the former studio and home of the famous 19th-century American painter. Cole was a member of the Hudson River School, a group of artists that painted idyllic American landscapes as representations of the new Eden. The site showcases a selection of Cole’s artwork and is open for guided, walk-in tours from May through October (group tours are available by appointment in the off-season).

About 40 minutes south you’ll find the town of Woodstock, an active artist colony that hosted many Hudson River School painters and inspired the legendary Woodstock music festivals. Today the village is known for its many antique shops.

Love to travel? Follow us on Facebook and Twitter for travel tips, inspiration, and photos from around the world.