This is the Tulip Festival, an annual event at the historic Mohonk Mountain House resort located west of New Paltz in Ulster County, and you have until May 11 to see it in its full splendor.
This year, the tulip display in the Victorian Show Garden is exceptionally vibrant. Enclosed by protective fencing, the rows of soldier-straight blooms mark that spring has arrived at this part of the Hudson Valley. The staff at Mohonk has created a lineup of events to celebrate their Tulip Festival with floral teas, cookies daily, with crafts, garden tours, campfires, music and evening entertainment. And that’s just one activity in an event-filled calendar of the resort’s specialty-themed weekends.
Founded by Albert Smiley in 1869, the purchase of 300 acres and a ten-room hotel now boasts 40,000 acres of forest and hiking trails. A massive, architectural marvel stands alongside the glacial lake which has been expanded to over 250 rooms. Ranging from charming and classic décor with lake views, to spacious suites for special occasions or family gatherings, there’s plenty of room inside to find quiet corners or rooms to read, and outside as well for a nature walk, or a boat rental on the lake.
If there is one thing that makes Mohonk stand out is the variety of activities offered. There are romantic couples’ weekends, rock and roll weekends, and lots with family themes. Their spa offerings have recently been expanded and now offer a “Korean Skin-Care Inspired Spa Treatment with nutrient-rich ingredients rooted in Eastern traditions.” There’s a full-body, 120-minute treatment with lavender and manuka honey, and a collagen sculpting facial leaving one’s skin “luminous, lifted and refreshed.”
Looking ahead, we’re told of the reopening of their outdoor Lakeview Summerhouse treatment space at the end of May for the Lakeview Summerhouse Body Ritual. Inspired by the clarity and calm of Mohonk Lake, this immersive experience begins with a sound bowl meditation overlooking the water, followed by dry brushing and deeply restorative bodywork that incorporates Korean-inspired techniques and botanical ingredients. It’s designed to leave guests feeling grounded, revitalized, and deeply connected to the surrounding landscape.
When Smiley purchased the land more than a century ago, his mission was to provide opportunities for recreation and renewal of body, mind and spirit. The family has kept that promise. Nina Smiley, Ph.D. is the Director of Mindfulness Programming and promotes wellness in the resort brochures, and in her programs. “Simply taking a breath,” she says, “during a difficult moment before engaging can make a significant difference.” This might provide a great opportunity to introduce the kids to a wellness activity, like a family meditation and mindfulness class.
Upcoming events include a Wellness Week (May 25-29); Country Western Weekend (June 5 – 7); and Festival of the Arts (July 5 – August 14). That’s just a small sampling of what’s coming up for the summer, fall, and winter holidays.
Photos by MJ Hanley-Goff
