If you’re looking to swap New York City’s light pollution for a dark, star-studded sky, we know just the place. Nestled between the Catskill Mountains and Kaaterskill Creek is Piaule Catskill, a landscape hotel where the architecture is designed to practically disappear into the woods.
The property offers 24 private cabins that are elevated above the ground, giving the illusion that they’re floating among the trees. Because they feature floor-to-ceiling glass walls, no two views are the same–especially as the Hudson Valley landscape shifts through the seasons.
Inside, the aesthetic is ultra-minimalist luxury, where clean lines and natural materials allow the surrounding forest to be the main decor. You’ll find:
- Stargazing Portals: A sitting area perfectly positioned for watching the fog lift or the stars come out
- Minimalist Design: Handcrafted furniture and organic linens
- Spa-Like Bathrooms: Luxurious waterfall showers with direct views of the treetops
The New Oak House
If you’re traveling with a crew, the property recently unveiled The Oak House.
This new guest accommodation sits on its own private 20-acre landscape just uphill from the main cabins. It’s a three-bedroom, two-bathroom lodging where every corner is an interior design lover’s dream.
And with the sweeping landscape comes abundant private outdoor space, making for endless opportunity to lose yourself in nature.
The Wellness Sanctuary
Beyond refreshing your mind with nature, you can dive into a full wellness circuit at their onsite spa, which is built into the hillside. The spa features:
- Temperature Therapy: A hot pool, mineral plunge, sauna, and steam room
- Zen Spaces: A meditation and exercise room with both group and private classes
- Restorative Rituals: Healing massages, immersive sound baths, and other rejuvenating experiences
Beyond the Cabins: Forest Bathing & Mountain Hikes
If you’re looking for more than just a quiet place to lounge, the property offers a curated selection of “landscape experiences” designed to get you moving. Whether you want a deep spiritual reset or a classic outdoor adventure, you can book:
- Guided Nature Walks: Choose between meditative forest bathing sessions or expert-led bird walks to learn about the local ecosystem
- Mountain Adventures: Take advantage of guided hikes through the rugged Catskill terrain
- Spiritual Wellness: For those seeking a deeper connection, the property offers unique sessions like couples reiki
Seasonal Dining with a View
Of course, no escape is complete without good food.
Just uphill is the property’s restaurant, which offers a warm communal setting and 360-degree views. You can start your morning with coffee as the mountain fog lifts and enjoy seasonal dishes sourced from local Hudson Valley farms throughout the day.
The restaurant also features tons of cozy corners to read or play a game.
The bottom line
Whether you’re forest bathing, bird watching, or just hiding away in your glass cabin with a good book, it’s the ultimate reset from the city grind.
- Where: 333 Mossy Hill Road, Catskill, NY
- Distance from NYC: ~2.5 Hours
- Find more info: Piaule.com
How to get there from NYC
Getting to Piaule Catskill from New York City is refreshingly simple–and the journey itself is part of the experience.
- By Car (2.5 hours): Take the New York State Thruway (I-87) North to Exit 21 (Catskill). It’s a straight shot and the most flexible way to explore the surrounding mountain towns
- By Train (2.5 hours): Hop on an Amtrak from Penn Station to Hudson, NY. From the station, it’s a quick 20-minute Uber or taxi across the river to the hotel
- By Bus (3 hours): Take the Trailways bus from Port Authority to the town of Catskill, followed by a short local cab ride
No matter how you get there, expect a smooth transition from city buzz to total mountain serenity.
