The Ranch Hudson Valley — Hotel in Town of Ramapo

Two of us attended this “luxurious” and “award- winning” health retreat at the most stunning property in Hudson Valley in October, which is the ideal season for exploration. The 3- day shared room package cost us $4000 each. The program emphasized endurance through hiking and fitness classes, wellness via massages and optional therapies like reiki and hypnotherapy (each costing $500 extra), and recovery with nutritious food. We completed a detailed health intake form and sent a photo to be placed on our nightstands beforehand. ||Regrettably, the high cost and promised experience significantly fell short of our expectations:||- With 40 guests on- site, staff appeared overwhelmed and flustered. During lunch, we observed the waitstaff assembling salads, where were the cooks? The limited dining staff meant program guides and our fitness trainer served dinners, which was strange. ||- There was no sense of personalization; the chronic illness noted in my form (low blood sugar) was ignored, despite requiring monitoring and tailored snacks. The photo I sent was never displayed in our room. ||- The food was the most disappointing aspect. None of the offerings, including fruits, were appealing or organic. Despite the abundance of local Hudson Valley produce, especially apples in fall, wasn' t offered to us. Many fruits were unripe; avocados were stored in Kirkland boxes, and tomatoes came from cans. All was cold, overcooked, and lacked seasoning or flavor. We mustered to eat our meals with the same two sauces for the entire retreat (photos here illustrate the issues). For $4000 per person, requesting a second serving with animal protein was not permitted, which felt stingy. We all went to bed hungry each night. ||- During one weight training session, I experienced a blood sugar crash due to inadequate eating. The trainer advised me to request a protein smoothie from the kitchen, which no one knew we could do. The smoothie was delicious and filling. Once others saw it, they all started asking for them. Why not let anyone know about this?||There were some wonderful aspects of the property and experience:||- The program guides were experienced and wonderful, they took great care of us during hikes regardless of fitness levels.||- The other fitness classes (Pilates, yoga, weight training) were also excellent, along with amazing massages, breath work, and sound bath sessions.||- The property was stunning, offering incredible views of the pond and sunset.||- The sauna was also fantastic, with incredible views of nature.||- The rooms were spacious, providing restful sleep on comfortable beds.||- We appreciated the informative “body pod” assessment, which gave us a good reference for our targeted daily calorie intake based on activity level (sadly, the food offered did not match the calorie or macros needs for proper replenishment and recovery). ||Upon leaving The Ranch, we found out that both the Hudson Valley and Malibu properties had recently been sold to a real estate development firm, which could explain the poor food quality and staffing issues aimed at...

I recently had the pleasure of staying at this incredible resort in the lower Hudson Valley, and it was an experience I'll never forget. From the moment I arrived, I was enveloped in the tranquility and beauty of the 200-acre lakefront estate. The historic setting, combined with the modern luxury of the accommodations, made for a perfect retreat from the hustle and bustle of New York City.The program at the resort is nothing short of amazing. I opted for the 4-night, 5-day version of their signature Ranch program, and it was the perfect balance of challenge and relaxation. Every morning, I joined the group for a hike through the stunning landscapes of Ringwood State Park and Harriman State Park. The panoramic views of the Hudson River and surrounding mountains were breathtaking, and the choice of a 2- or 4-hour hike allowed me to tailor the experience to my fitness level.Afternoons were a delightful mix of strength training, restorative yoga, and, my personal favorite, a daily massage. It was the perfect way to unwind and recharge after the morning's activities. The culinary team at the resort deserves a special shout-out. The organic, plant-based, and nutrient-rich seasonal menu was not only delicious but also left me feeling energized and inspired to recreate the dishes at home.I also took advantage of some of the unique health treatments offered, including the infrared sauna and the contrast hydrotherapy with a hot and cold plunge pool. It was a great way to enhance my recovery and overall well-being.One of the things I appreciated most about the program was the emphasis on a distraction-free environment. The luxury accommodations were free from televisions, and the minimal use of electronic devices allowed me to truly disconnect and reconnect with myself and nature. It was a deeply calming and rejuvenating experience.Overall, my stay at this resort was an unforgettable journey of self-discovery and wellness. The combination of the stunning natural surroundings, the comprehensive program, and the attentive staff made it a truly wonderful experience. I left feeling refreshed, revitalized, and ready to tackle the world again. I can't recommend it enough to anyone looking for a luxury retreat that offers both relaxation and...

The Ranch Hudson Valley is a 12 out of 10! Accommodations are completely luxurious, and the surrounding nature is breathtaking. I thought a ballroom converted to a gym might be strange, but it turns out, the acoustics and airflow are fabulous, the stunning molded ceiling has never been appreciated more than during stretch class, and yoga by firelight is a dream.||The staff is top-notch, extremely professional, and fun. Chef Mike is a gem. The vegan food is insanely delicious and filling. I wanted to bring him home with me. ||The hikes are beautiful and tough – through forests with views of the Hudson. The afternoon classes did wonders for my core. And I had some of the best massages of my life that helped prepare me for the following rigorous day. The staff, of course, accommodates for every fitness level. At the end of the day around the dinner table, everyone was grateful, felt they had pushed themselves to their max, and discussed how to incorporate what we were learning into our daily lives. ||For me, I was lucky to go to The Ranch Malibu over a decade ago. From that experience, I added yoga to my routine and have been a yogi ever since. I also observed how much unintentional snacking I had been doing and was able to change that habit. From this trip to Hudson Valley, I learned how I must work on my core more so that I will be able to continue running long distances. ||Lastly, the entire thing feels like summer camp for adults. No phones. Loads of time on the trail for long conversations. Friendships are made over meals in the orangery-turned dining room, and we often lingered into the evening with mugs of ginger turmeric tea. It was nice to take a break from alcohol. It felt great to see how good life can be and how bright we can feel when we skip the wine sometimes. ||So… if you are considering some time at The Ranch, go. It is transformative. The spirit of the place is all heart and soul, and they are there to help people become the best version of themselves. You will love it and...