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The Ranch has been a favorite spa destination of Travel + Leisure readers for years.
Credit:Jess Feldman/Travel + Leisure
Heres an inside look at its very first East Coast property.
Opening my eyes, I almost forgot where I was.
(Think detailed trimmings along the high ceilings, a light-filled grand staircase, and marble-tiled floors.)
Ellen McDermott/Courtesy of The Ranch Hudson Valley
Who was she marrying, you may wonder?
The great-grandson of Alexander Hamilton.
So, grand was a given here.
Ellen McDermott/Courtesy of The Ranch Hudson Valley
Once checked in, I received my Ranch wristband a brown leather band with a big R on it.
Plus, everyones daily massage time is pinned to the board.
The one thing we had in common?
Ellen McDermott/Courtesy of The Ranch Hudson Valley
We chose to be sitting in those seats at that given moment.
Upon first entering, I thought I’d use only some of the space.
However, my fears quickly dwindled once I met Chef Michael Narciso.
Ellen McDermott/Courtesy of The Ranch Hudson Valley
Outside of meals, tea and water are available 24 hours a day in the dining room.
Activities and Experiences
Before arriving at The Ranch, guests can choose a four- or five-day stay.
For the first time, guests can choose a two-hour or four-hour hike.
Ellen McDermott/Courtesy of The Ranch Hudson Valley
(In Malibu, four-hour hikes are the norm.)
I leaned into the experience and opted for the four-hour hikes on those three full days.
I used hiking sticks for extra support and an extra workout for my shoulders and back.
Jess Feldman/Travel + Leisure
By the end of the three days, my phone said I had walked about 31 miles.
It features an indoor heated pool and a hot and cold contrast plunge.
Accessibility and Sustainability
Chef Narciso currently buys produce locally and throughout the Hudson Valley Area.
Jess Feldman/Travel + Leisure
All silverware and dishes are reusable and readily available for guests in the dining area.
When preparing for our daily hikes, the staff consistently reminds us not to leave a trail.
Location
Located in the lowerHudson Valley, the scene at The Ranch is a serene one.
Jess Feldman/Travel + Leisure
You immediately feel at ease once you pull into the long gravel driveway, thanks to the surroundings.
Plus, all hiking trails are no more than 30 minutes away.
We visited Claudius Smiths Den, Black Rock, and Diamond Mountain during my stay.
