This Luxury Wellness Retreat Is Beloved by Celebs — and It’s Now Just an Hour From New York City

I woke up on a Friday morning in June to the soft sounds of Tibetan chimes ringing consistently and filtering into my dreams. Opening my eyes, I almost forgot where I was. But as the rose-colored sunlight peeled into my room at the ripe time of 5:30 a.m., and I saw mountains instead of harsh city lights, I remembered: “I’m up!” I screamed, receiving a friendly “Good morning, Jess” as the chimes floated down the hall to the next room.

This is what a typical wakeup looks like at The Ranch Hudson Valley, the recently opened East Coast property of The Ranch — the renowned luxury health and wellness brand that grew a cult-following in Malibu over the last decade. Founded by husband-and-wife duo Sue and Alex Glasscock, The Ranch is known for its results-oriented fitness retreats and various healthy food and beauty products. Now, the brand has created a rendition of its Malibu offering within a historic 40,000-square-foot estate in Sloatsburg, New York, just a little over an hour from New York City.

Upon arriving at the property the day before, I was mentally unprepared for what I was about to experience — I  was still entirely in work mode as I pulled into the driveway around noon. A kind staff member awaited me at the end of the driveway who immediately gathered my things and escorted me into the front foyer. The scene behind the doors caught me off guard: It was like walking into a mansion from “The Great Gatsby.” (Think detailed trimmings along the high ceilings, a light-filled grand staircase, and marble-tiled floors.) I later learned this former home, the Table Rock Estate, was built in 1902 by J.P. Morgan for his daughter as a wedding gift. Who was she marrying, you may wonder? The great-grandson of Alexander Hamilton. So, grand was a given here.

Once checked in, I received my Ranch wristband — a brown leather band with a big “R” on it. “You’re on Ranch time now,” said Carlos Diaz, a staff member who joined the Hudson Valley team after working in Malibu for several years before, with a sly smile. The five days I spent at The Ranch were completely scheduled for myself and all my fellow Ranchers, as we were called, from start to finish — a luxury my type-A self had not experienced since I was a little kid.

Each day at this opulent sleepaway camp for adults goes a little something like this: 5:30 a.m. wakeup, morning stretch, group breakfast, and by 7:30 a.m., we are out the door and heading to the trails. In the afternoon, following either a two- or four-hour hike, guests return to a whiteboard schedule where they can choose which yoga or workout class they want to sign up for. Plus, everyone’s daily massage time is pinned to the board. (Even before we arrived, there was a plan: Thirty days before the scheduled trip, I received a 30-Day Pre-Arrival Packet in my inbox detailing some suggestions for how to best prepare for the program.)

The beauty of this experience is you can truly choose your own adventure, and that adventure can change throughout the stay. On day one, 11 strangers quietly introduced themselves, exchanged small talk, and later shared what they were grateful for at a communal dining table over a plant-based meal. The one thing we had in common? We chose to be sitting in those seats at that given moment.

By the final day, I had survived — and even enjoyed — seven rounds of cold-to-hot plunges on repeat with three women I didn’t know 72 hours prior, hiked 30 miles in and around the Hudson Valley, and successfully meditated not once but twice, for the very first time. As we shared what we were grateful for on that last evening with quinoa tahini ball treats in hand, we were no longer strangers; I couldn’t help but notice that everyone’s sentiments now involved each other. As one of my fellow Ranchers and new friend astutely said, “I learned something different from each of you.”

But the biggest takeaway for myself and fellow Ranchers is that our bodies and minds can do a lot more with less if we give them the chance.

Here, find my full review of The Ranch Hudson Valley — the first East Coast property from a cult-followed wellness brand.  

The Rooms

After a day as activity-packed as you have at The Ranch, come 8 p.m., all you want to do is retreat to a comfortable escape and fall into a deep sleep — and that’s precisely what the 25 accommodations here are made for.

Room choices include a premier junior suite, a deluxe guest room, and a double occupancy junior suite, each featuring a view of some kind. All the options — designed by New York designer Steven Gambrel, principal of SR Gambrel — maintain their historic feel thanks to original fireplaces and wall trimmings but are paired well with a modern, elevated design. A fun quirk of this Ranch property is that all of the rooms, except for a select few, are named after the staff’s pets — like Reinier and Clara-Jean, two pups who frequent the property to the guest’s delight.

I was placed in one of the exceptions, Morgan, in honor of the owner of the estate, J.P. Morgan. Upon first entering, I thought I’d use only some of the space. But by the end of the five-day retreat, I was beyond grateful for it: The couch was my landing place after four-hour hikes, the white wooden desk overlooking the grounds my haven for journaling each night, and the tub, a bonus not found in my city apartment. Plus, waking up to the sunrise over the lake from my four windows at 5:30 a.m. was an extra special perk.

Other spaces in the home include a 2,000-square-foot gym, formerly the ballroom, a beautifully lit dining room where we Ranchers ate together, a living room, a game room, a furnished deck perfect for sipping tea after a long day, and various sitting rooms.

Food and Drink

The organic, plant-based, dairy-free, and gluten-free cuisine served at The Ranch is vital to the program. But as a proud meat-eater consistently looking for ways to increase my protein intake, this element of the retreat gave me pause. (Before the trip, I even heard whispers from past Ranchers of sneaking turkey jerky and extra nuts to ensure you’ll reach peak full-ness after meals.)

However, my fears quickly dwindled once I met Chef Michael Narciso. Upon arrival, Chef Michael shared an overview of The Ranch’s more-than 20-year approach to holistic eating: All of the food is nutrient-rich and meant to fuel the active days we have while on the property while also promoting weight loss and building a healthier mind and body. All meals, including our twice-daily snacks, ranged between 200 and 500 calories, with our daily intake never exceeding 1,500. While at first glance of the portions I doubted the possibility, I left every meal relatively full, satisfied, and ready for the next activity.

Some highlights include mini bean burgers paired with crispy kale chips, eggplant meatballs with brown rice and broccolini, and what I’d call a nutritionist’s version of cereal — The Ranch’s signature granola paired with assorted fruit and a proportioned amount of almond milk.

The room’s energy made the dining experience even better, as Ranchers ate each meal together at a minimalistic, well-curated, long dining table like one big happy family. Outside of meals, tea and water are available 24 hours a day in the dining room.

Activities and Experiences

Before arriving at The Ranch, guests can choose a four- or five-day stay. I decided on the five-day option, but it’s more like three whole days plus a few extra hours on either end (guests arrive around noon or 1 p.m. the first day and leave before 10 a.m. on the last).

Each day begins with a morning stretch and leads into the main event and draw of The Ranch programming: the hikes. For the first time, guests can choose a two-hour or four-hour hike. (In Malibu, four-hour hikes are the norm.) I leaned into the experience and opted for the four-hour hikes on those three full days.

While none of the hikes were particularly grueling, there were definitely moments of hesitation, and I absolutely broke a sweat. I used hiking sticks for extra support and an extra workout for my shoulders and back. By the end of the three days, my phone said I had walked about 31 miles.

What I enjoyed the most was that five or so guides were hiking along with the group, spread evenly throughout, and there was no pressure to go fast. Many times, I hiked for about two hours alone in the forest, but thanks to my walkie-talkie and the orange flags that led our path, I felt secure and could truly enjoy the peace of my surroundings. It’s worth noting that my group of Ranchers had mixed opinions on the hikes: Some found them challenging, while others found they did not push them as hard as they would have liked.

Following the hikes, guests can choose to take a yoga or fitness class, and all are treated to a daily massage. Trust me, the latter is critical to continuing with the journey.

The Spa

A few hundred feet from the home is a 5,000-square-foot solarium that Ranchers can access at all hours of the day. It features an indoor heated pool and a hot and cold contrast plunge. The space is absolutely beautiful, and in warmer weather, the doors open out to the rolling hills of the backyard.

In addition to the daily massage, The Ranch offers a comprehensive menu of other treatments, such as Reiki, chiropractic bodywork, energy therapy, and more. These add-ons cost extra, starting at $100 and going up to $3,450 for the 360 Functional Wellness Program. 

While I was on the property, the outdoor pool and dock for the on-site lake were in the process of being built. The pool is expected to be complete by mid-July, and the dock will be ready for swimming access, as well as activities like kayaking and stand-up paddle boarding, by the end of summer.

Accessibility and Sustainability 

Chef Narciso currently buys produce locally and throughout the Hudson Valley Area. Within the year, the team also plans on building a greenhouse on the property that will supply the meals moving forward. All silverware and dishes are reusable and readily available for guests in the dining area.

When preparing for our daily hikes, the staff consistently reminds us not to leave a trail. Even pear cores left over from our day-two snack had to be brought back to the property within the doggy bags all Ranchers are given prior to exiting the grounds. This and other gentle reminders throughout the stay are on par with The Ranch’s values and are easy to follow.

Location

Located in the lower Hudson Valley, the scene at The Ranch is a serene one. The property is on a historic, private lakefront estate spanning 200 acres of forest, views, and walking trails. You immediately feel at ease once you pull into the long gravel driveway, thanks to the surroundings.

Plus, all hiking trails are no more than 30 minutes away. We visited Claudius Smith’s Den, Black Rock, and Diamond Mountain during my stay.

How to Get the Most Value Out of Your Stay

When visiting The Ranch, it’s best to take advantage of everything you are offered: The daily morning stretch, scenic hikes, yoga, fitness class, massage, and every meal (including snack time). One of the fundamental concepts of The Ranch is pushing your body and mind, and participating in all elements of the experience will help you achieve that.