We started out early on our two-hour drive from New York City bound for the Catskill Mountains region and Hemlock Neversink, the new 33-room all-inclusive wellness resort that opened in fall 2023. The hotel’s daily, one-hour goat hike begins at 10 a.m. and I was determined to make it there in time, though my husband was a bit more reticent about the adventure.



At 9:50 a.m., we made our way up the long drive to the property that sits on 230 mostly wooded acres. Taking in the intimate bucolic setting, I could literally feel my mind and body start to slow down. This sense of calm continued as we walked to the barn to meet our fellow hikers and the nine resident goats. Over the next 48 hours or so, I learned that Hemlock’s ability to encourage its guests to unplug and leave their troubles at home, if only for a short time, is its main draw (even more so than the goats). It all starts with a pre-arrival email from the Hemlock team to discover each guests’ interests and goals to create a personalized itinerary.



AN UPSCALE CAMP EXPERIENCE
Our stay here felt a bit like an upscale camp experience thanks to the woodsy setting. Guest rooms boast a luxury farmhouse feel with some offering private porches. You’ll find no TVs, which encourages guests to get outside and enjoy the outdoors and to meet others. I did just that spending time on the inviting deck outside the main building — which dates back to the 1800s. It offered plenty of seating, including my pick of a rocking chair with a view of the pond and barn just beyond. The main building, home to the Bittersweet restaurant, also houses the lobby and living room where you can find board games and a stone fireplace.