Our first sojourn to Hudson Valley in New York was utterly rejuvenating. Wildflower Farms Resort welcomed us with open arms, reinvigorated our spirits, tantalized our senses, reawakened our sense of adventure, and sent us home feeling refreshed, inspired, and grounded. Everything about our stay was sheer perfection. From incredible, seasonal, farm-fresh dining at Clay and morning yoga classes in the resort’s wellness center to an inspiring pottery class and tours of the farm, we packed our stay full of things to eat, see, and do that enriched and nourished us, mind, body, and soul. Come along with me to Wildflower Farms Resort, and learn how to book your getaway to this breathtaking corner of Hudson Valley!
Wildflower Farms Resort
Location: Gardiner, NY
Address: 2702 Main St, Gardiner, NY 12525
Rating: 5-Star Hotel by Auberge Resorts
Number of Rooms: 60
Staff Helpfulness & Friendliness: 5/5
Cleanliness: 5/5
Room Amenities: 5/5
Room and Bed Comfort: 5/5
Valet Parking: No
Pool & Hot Tubs: Yes
Spa: Thistle
Proximity to Other Points of Interest: 5/5
Arrival at Wildflower Farms Resort
Upon arrival, we were given a delightfully early check-in at around 10 am. This was such a delight because it meant we could make the very most of our stay, and the staff were so friendly and welcoming. Grangers brought our bags to our cabin, and we walked around the property to get our bearings. We were welcomed by cool water, wine, chocolates, and a handwritten note upon arrival at our gorgeous room.
Parking is self-managed in the resort’s gravel lot. Grangers are available to chauffeur guests from check-in to their rooms and around the property. Stop by, or call, the front desk to arrange transportation, or do what we did and get your steps in. If rustic and luxury had a baby, it would be Wildflower Farms Resort.
Ambience of Wildflower Farms Resort
I loved how much Wildflower Farms Resort felt like summer camp for adults in the most sophisticated way. Situated on a working farm that was once a tree farm, Wildflower Farms Resort is situated near the Shawangunk Kill, a river on the western edge of the property, and the Shawangunk Mountains (aka “The Gunks”) to the north of the property. Between the river and mountain ridge are meadows blooming with bright colors, butterflies, and honey bees during our mid-May visit.
This refuge from the mundane and urban felt like a true reconnection with nature without sacrificing quality or luxury.
Our Bower Cabin & Its Amenities
We stayed in a stunning and eco-chic Bower Cabin, which runs around $1,000 per night, and a little more on weekends. Complete with a spacious bathroom, an ample open closet space, and an attached private terrace that overlooked the forest and connected to the room with floor-to-ceiling glass doors and windows, this felt like glamping at its finest.
I really loved the linens in this room. On the bed was a handmade quilt embroidered with the resort’s name, plush pillows, and dreamy bedding that was plush and thermo-regulating. The furniture in the room was quirky yet charming and somehow felt as if it’d been custom-made for the space.
The bathroom was decorated with handmade robes, Kassatex linens, and a tiled rain shower. The bathroom vanity was spacious enough to spread out personal care items and toiletries without feeling cramped. Each evening, the turndown service includes a Refresh Ritual, which leaves a glass bottle of aromatherapy-grade botanical-infused floral essence for guests to mist over themselves or their rooms for a soothing and relaxing wind-down.
Outside on the terrace, we were entirely immersed in the forest. We couldn’t see anyone or any other cabins from our room (cabin 35), which meant no one could see us. The breathtaking view made us feel as if we were alone deep in the tranquility of the forest. Opening the sliding glass doors wide each morning was deeply invigorating to invite fresh air into the space. I particularly loved editing my photographs outside on the balcony, where there was a table with two chairs and a plush chaise lounge big enough for two.
A fun little surprise I noticed on one of the dressers was a portable lantern, binoculars, and plant snips, along with an invitation to explore the property, go bird watching, and snip plants for pressing, collecting, or displaying. This lovely touch added to the toolkit of fun activities around the property one could indulge in independently or with others.
Thistle Spa & Pool Deck
Thistle Spa, Wildflower Farms Resort’s spa, has some of the best massages I’ve had anywhere in New York. They also offer abundant botanically-based, nature-infused services like facials, massages, scalp treatments, reiki, ayurvedic nutritional counseling, and so much more. Located just off the Grand Deck near Clay Restaurant and The Shop, the spa offers world-class rejuvenation services. Stay tuned for a full review of Thistle Spa at Wildflower Farms Resort in my Luxury Spas vertical, coming soon.
Outside of the spa, hotel guests can also enjoy indoor and outdoor saltwater pools, a sauna, and wellness classes each day. Ask for a schedule of wellness classes. Most are included with a stay, though some, like the Sound Bath Session, are an extra charge. These extras should be booked 24 hours in advance to reserve your spot.
Things to Do
There is so much to do at Wildflower Farms Resort! We had such a wonderful time going from activity to activity and hiking in between. We began our days by Feeding the Animals, a quintessential experience introducing guests to the farm and the animals that call it home. The farm has two donkeys (one is currently pregnant, so soon there will be three!), eight Icelandic sheep, around a dozen pigs, and numerous Rhode Island Red chickens. Guests are invited to harvest farm-fresh eggs and bring them to the resort’s farm-to-table restaurant, where chefs will cook them for breakfast. This was so much fun!
The resort also offers yoga classes in the morning and various pilates, meditation, and breathwork classes in the morning. Ask for a schedule of events upon arrival, and definitely join in. We met some of the nicest people from New York, New Jersey, Alabama, and California during our visit by participating in these classes and events. It was fun to run into them throughout our stay. Plenty of people did these solo (I did a few alone, too, while Robin worked!), other couples participated, and so did groups who had journeyed there together. They’re perfect for anyone, and the staff are so sweet.
One of my favorite classes was the Vinyasa Hatha Flow which happened every morning of our stay. Our yoga instructor was a kind, sincere man who radiated good energy and joy. I loved the way he began the class by welcoming everyone and inviting us all to participate at our own level. These classes are truly for everyone, and I’d never been in such a judgment-free space. We were encouraged to follow him, go slower, or push deeper into our practice based on whatever we were feeling, and it was very freeing to be released of the expectation to perform yoga perfectly, which is how yoga should be!
We also participated in a really great Pressed Flower Pottery Class taught by Demetria Chappo of Demeteria Chappo Ceramics. This was one of the add-on activities that was so much fun. She guided us through the basics of making something from clay. Most people made bowls or mugs, my husband made a clay basket, and I made a clay box I plan to use to plant flowers in or as a trinket box. She showed us how to press flowers and greenery from the property into the clay, and then she took our creations back to her studio after class. There she will fire and glaze them, and in 4-6 weeks, they’ll be shipped to our homes as ready-to-enjoy momentos of our visits.
I also did the Sound Bath Healing session for the first time with Lindsey from TheLAB-wellness.com. This was so relaxing and invigorating! I left feeling so at peace and so much happier. It’s definitely something I’d love to do again someday! I’ll write a full review soon in my Luxury Spa vertical!
There are numerous hiking paths around the property and nearby Minnewaska State Park Preserve. We loved hiking around the property during the Daily Wellness: Forrest Immersion and independently. As the lighting and weather change, each hike is transformed, making every journey a different and uniquely exquisite experience. Getting into the great outdoors is a major draw of Wildflower Farms, and that alone makes it worth a visit.
Additional classes and offerings include watercolor classes, botanical mixology, wood chopping, flower and plant identification walks, bouquet building, mushroom growing, canning & preserving classes, fitness classes, tree grafting classes, greenhouse tours, and so much more. Some events are just for kids, and the offerings change every day of every week based on the weather and seasons. There’s always something extraordinary going on at Wildflower Farms!
Dining at Clay at Wildflower Farms Resort
The food at Clay, Wildflower Farms Resort’s on-site restaurant, was second to none. This was some of the best food we’ve ever had. Of course, I’ll write a full review of this restaurant in my Fine Dining vertical, but I was blown away by how fresh, flavorful, and delightfully presented every plate we ordered here. I would definitely count this in the top 10 restaurants I’ve ever visited anywhere in the world. I’m already looking forward to going back! Read about our brunch, here.
Final Thoughts
Wildflower Farms Resort is one of the most beautiful resorts on the East Coast. Though their doors opened last September, it’s already a well-established, fully functional farm and a delightful getaway. Whether planning a getaway from New York City or somewhere further away, it’s the perfect escape.
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Anonymous says
This looks amazing!!