Windham is one of the best easy-to-reach destinations for New Yorkers looking for a weekend escape from the city. From enjoying some of the region’s best ski destinations in the winter to experiencing gorgeous hikes out to nearby spots like Kaaterskill Falls in the summer, the striking, mountainous region is a nature-lover’s dream. The recently opened Wylder Windham is an excellent home-base for just such an outdoorsy getaway.
Wylder Windham is a 20-acre compound consisting of seven different buildings—all built at different times over the last 140 years. Because of the large scale of the resort, one of its best attributes is the wide range of accommodations available to guests.
There are seven different lodging experiences to choose from. The Main Lodge is located next to the Batavia Kill and houses the resort’s front desk and on-side restaurant Babblers. Across the street, the Pines Inn, built in 1854, provides sweeping views of trees and mountains with a spacious lobby. Next door to that, Evergreen Lodge provides motel-like accommodations with gigantic rooms and private balconies overlooking Windham Mountain.
On the other side of the street, Spruce Cottage, Tamarack Lodge and Manor Inn provide a mixture of rooms and suites with varying layouts. Meanwhile, the Farm House can be rented out through the resort, or via Airbnb, and features four bedrooms, three bathrooms and an open kitchen and dining room. The latter is a great option for large family gatherings.
Across all of the buildings, there’s a rustic-yet-modern aesthetic with light wood, rich carpets and country charm. In the winter, guests can take advantage of an ice skating rink and private wood-fired sauna. In the summer, there’s a heated outdoor pool, firepits, river tubing and plenty of outdoor activities. A recreation room in the basement of the Main Lodge has board games and arcade games, perfect for children. In addition to the on-site restaurant Babblers (don’t miss the meaty and rich Sunday Everyday Pasta Bolognese) a coffee shop and bakery serves up drinks and treats daily, including a must-try Strawberry Rhubarb pie.
Time Out Tip: If you’re staying at Wylder Windham in the winter, you’re probably looking to ski at Windham Mountain. Take advantage of the free shuttle service to the mountain from the resort in a badass vintage Land Rover Defender 110. Just be sure to make it back in time for weekend apres ski at Babblers.