Among the oldest mountain ranges in the world, the Catskills are home to iconic settlements such as Woodstock and our very own Phoenicia, recently named one of the top 10 coolest small towns in America! Once an immensely booming vacation resort region, the Catskill region fell relatively dormant in the latter half of the 20th century but is now undergoing a monumental rediscovery. Explore the many rich experiences the Hudson Valley has to offer, including some of our suggestions below.
Our region has an active music and art scene. Drive or take a local bus into Woodstock or Kingston, each 30 min from Menla, to treat yourself to live music on t...
Phoenicia is about exploring the great outdoors. The Catskill Forest Preserve is 300,000 acres of unspoiled woods, which the New York State constitution has dee...
Tubing on the Esopus is the most popular activity in town. The Esopus Creek follows Route 28 and winds through the bottom of town. There’s a quiet, calm s...
Tubers should head to Romer Mt. Park, off Route 28, at the foot of the mountain from Menla. The closest place to ski is Belleayre Mountain, the highest skiing p...
Horseback riding on Indian paths and old logging trails in the Forest Preserve is also a pleasant past time. The Saddle up Ranch, on Kinsey Street off Route 28,...
The fly fishing is good in Phoenicia! The Esopus Creek is noted for its rainbow trout in the spring and its native brown trout in the fall. There’s even a...
Our region also has numerous excellent antique shops to peruse. For a very local option, visit Country Gallery and Acorn Antique’s Craftsman’s Galle...
For being dropped out in the middle of the Catskill Park, there are some pretty amazing places to eat in our local area. If you’re on a day outing into th...
Seated on the world’s oldest known meteor crater, our 325 acres of tranquil mountain forests and streams are nestled deep in the heart of the Catskill mountains and feature a range of indoor and outdoor amenities ...
Enjoy healthy cuisine expertly prepared by our dedicated team of chefs, using produce from our organic vegetable garden and the best local plant-based offerings. ...
From the biggest conference hall in the Castkills to an intimate septagonal meditation space suspended above the valley, Menla offers fully equipped facilities to accommodate a wide range of programs and groups of every size ...
“Deep in the Catskill Mountains exists a very special place—the Dewa Spa at Menla. On a snowy, late winter afternoon there is nothing better than a long deep soak in one of their tubs infused with the 5 Nectars bath blend. The tranquil sounds of this hidden valley can be heard through a cracked window—the Pantherkill Stream and the sweet symphony of our bird friends chattering about the upcoming spring. This is the perfect place to leave the world behind for as long as possible!”
Lisa Tucker
“Menla is one of my favorite retreat centers in the world. The natural beauty, the wonderful staff and great accommodations always make the experience of leading a retreat effortless and graceful. The blessings of HH Dalai Lama and many other Great Beings who have been there usher us into our own True Nature with joy and ease.”
Krishna Das
“Menla is indeed magical, a place out of time that is rich in presence. The vibrational quality of this sanctuary is palpable as well as the magnificent natural beauty. Healing, peaceful and luminous with Light, a pilgrimage to Menla evokes the proverbial Medicine Mountain, and yet it is so close to NYC. Our Ayurvedic massage and experience at Dewa Spa was transporting, regenerative and deeply nourishing. Looking forward to our next retreat here and sharing this treasure with friends.”
Sarah Drew
MENLA
