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New York, New York – the city so good they named it twice, as the saying goes – needs little in the way of an introduction. It’s status as the fashion, culinary, and arts capital of the world is undisputed, its landmarks legendary and its energy magnetic.

Beyond Manhattan, the state of New York couldn’t be more of a contrast to the city. Beautiful mountains, grand riverways and sandy beaches await those who venture off the island, in search of nature, rest and recreation.

From luxury lakeside retreats to traditional lodge-style accommodation, here’s our pick of the best resorts in New York:

1. The Sagamore Resort

The Sagamore Resort

Just a four-hour drive from New York city lies the beautiful Sagamore Resort, nestled on its own 70-acre private island. The AAA Four-Diamond Lake George Sagamore is one of New York State’s most luxurious and historic accommodations, and has been welcoming guests for over 100 years.

As well as the historically-listed hotel, the resort also features award-winning restaurants, a golf course and access to ‘The Morgan’ – the Sagamore’s replica 19th century tour boat – allowing guests to leisurely explore Lake George.

An all-season resort, summers on the lake are replaced cross-country skiing in the winter, and warm, wood-burning fires.

Website: http://www.thesagamore.com/

2. Mohonk Mountain House

Mohonk Mountain House

Opened by the Smiley Family in 1869, the Mohonk Mountain House is one of New York State’s most historic resorts.

The Victorian castle-style accommodation sits amongst 40,000 acres of forest land in the Hudson Valley, with beautiful views of across the water.

Originally named the Stokes Tavern Inn, the resort expanded over the years and now offers guests luxury accommodation in the form of rooms, suites, lodges and cottages – each with exquisitely decorated in a traditional style.

Pop into the Spa at Mohonk Mountain House to use the outdoor heated mineral pool, dry-rock sauna or book in to one of the 16 spa treatment rooms.

Website: https://www.mohonk.com/

3. Whiteface Lodge

Whiteface Lodge

Lake Placid’s premier resort, Whiteface Lodge, offers guests the chance to immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the Adirondacks and explore the celebrated ski-slopes of Whiteface Mountain, whilst enjoying every luxury of this much-awarded accommodation.

Created to rival the world’s best luxury properties, Whiteface Lodge was named on Conde Nast Traveler’s Gold List as one of “The 2012 World’s Best Places to Stay” as well as being widely regarded as the “Northeast’s Best Mountain Resort”

Along with their full-service spa, Whiteface Lodge has a heated indoor and outdoor swimming pool, outdoor hot tubs, a movie theatre and, in the winter, an on-site ice rink. Guests can also enjoy world-class fine dining at the resort’s restaurant KANU, which serves traditional American Cuisine under Executive Chef Adam Bechard.

Website: http://www.thewhitefacelodge.com/

4. Geneva On The Lake

Geneva On The Lake

Escape the city with a trip to New York Wine Country, and stay in luxury accommodation at Geneva On The Lake – which has been awarded 30 AAA Four Diamond Awards in 31 years.

The charming resorts offers elegantly decorated suites, with plush furnishings and luxury touches, including fireplaces, four-poster beds and balconies with breathtaking views over the picturesque Seneca Lake.

Inspired by the design of the Italian Villa Lancellotti in Frascati, guests at Geneva On The Lake can enjoy fine dining in the beautiful Lancellotti Dining Room, or in summer, on the outdoor terrace.

Website: http://www.genevaonthelake.com/

5. Emerson Resort & Spa

Emerson Resort & Spa

Just two hours from Manhattan, The Emerson Resort and Spa is an ideal weekend break for those looking to swap city life nature and the scenery of the Catskill Mountains.

The resort features oversized windows and Adirondack-style lodge accommodation, with a luxury spa, on-site shopping and a huge range of outdoor activities, including fishing, skiing, hiking and cycling.

The Emerson Resort’s restaurant – Woodnotes Grille – gives guests the chance to experience American Cuisine with a relaxed feel, whilst the nearby towns of Phoenicia and Woodstock offer more fine-dining options.

Website: http://emersonresort.com/

6. Otesaga Resort Hotel

Otesaga Resort Hotel

Upstate New York’s most picturesque lakeside property, The Otesaga Resort Hotel, provides guests with the finest accommodation in Cooperstown. The resort has repeatedly won the AAA Four Diamond Award – offering luxury old-world accommodation and listed as one of the Historic Hotels of America by the National Trust for Historic Preservation.

Amenities include two fine-dining restaurants, a heated outdoor pool, boating on the lake and an award-winning golf course.

The charmingly decorated rooms feature free Wi-Fi, TVs, oversized baths and artwork from the Fenimore Art Museum, as well as stunning views of Lake Otsego.

Website: http://www.otesaga.com/

7. Cromwell Manor

Cromwell Manor

A historic, romantic getaway – just an hour from New York City – the Cromwell Manor Inn in the heart of the Hudson Valley was originally built as a private mansion house in the 1820’s.

Beautifully kept in original period style, guests can stay in one of the elegantly decorated rooms which feature antique furnishings, oversized baths and wood-burning fireplaces.

For the ultimate in luxury, book an in-room side-by-side massage or relax with a yoga class. For those who prefer to remain active, indoor tennis, horse-riding and a fitness centre are available.

Website: http://www.cromwellmanorinn.com/

8. Glenmere Mansion Resort

Glenmere Mansion Resort

Set amongst 150-acres of rolling farmlands in the lower-Hudson Valley, the spectacular hilltop Glenmere Mansion is known for its elegant European-style and world-class accommodation.

Built as one of America’s finest country homes, the Glenmere has hosted aristocracy, royalty and celebrities over the years, and now features a full-service spa, two fine-dining restaurants and beautifully landscaped, Italian-style gardens.

Rooms and suites, created by renowned interior designed Scott Snyder, blend modern amenities without losing any of the mansion’s original features. Many rooms have fireplaces, whilst all feature Italian-style marble baths, flat-screen TVs and incredible views of the lake and surrounding hills.

Website: http://www.glenmeremansion.com/

9. Mirbeau Inn & Spa Skaneateles

Mirbeau Inn & Spa

Meaning “reflected beauty”, the Mirbeau Inn and Spa Resort is located in the charming 19th century village of Skaneateles, on the north shore of Skaneateles Lake – considered one of the purest water lakes in the world.

The design of the chateau-style property and its surrounding gardens were inspired by the French Impressionists, and in particular, the work of renowned artist Claude Monet.

Choose from Club, Queen and King Rooms, each furnished in a French style and featuring oversized, soak-tub baths, TVs, plush bathrobes and Mirbeau exclusive line of toiletries.

Website: http://www.mirbeau.com/skaneateles

10. Topping Rose House

Topping Rose House

Follow the lead of New York’s elite and escape the city for a weekend in the Hamptons – New York’s most affluent holiday destination. Luxury resorts don’t come much grander than the Topping Rose House – the historical mansion in the eastern area of Long Island.

Featuring a restaurant helmed by chef Jean Georges, a spa, pool and Lexus cars for conveniently getting around the area, you’ll feel like royalty at the Topping Rose House.

Rooms and suites are tastefully decorated and include bathrobes by Chadsworth & Haig, luxury amenities by Farmaesthetics and customisable minibars, as well as over-sized bathrooms and iPod docks.

Website: http://www.toppingrosehouse.com/

11. Montauk Yacht Club Resort & Marina

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Montauk Yacht Club Resort & Marina

Montauk Yacht Club Resort & Marina has been one of the most popular playgrounds for New York’s rich and famous to escape to the Hamptons for over eight decades.

Situated in the hamlet of Montauk, on the South Fork of Long Island, the Montauk Yacht Club Resort & Marina boasts a private waterfront, replica of Montauk Lighthouse and a huge range of amenities and activities.

Laze away the day at one of the indoor or outdoor pools, sign up for surf, paddleboard and tennis lessons or learn everything you need to know to enjoy the water at the on-site sailing school.

The resort also features two excellent restaurants and lounges, serving fresh seafood and Hamptons-inspired dishes.

Website: http://www.montaukyachtclub.com/

12. The Gideon Putnam

The Gideon Putnam

Located in the serene Saratoga Spa State Park, just moments away from Saratoga Springs, the Gideon Putnam Resort describes itself as a health and wellness retreat from daily life.

Embracing the natural powers of Saratoga Springs, the Gideon Putman is surrounded by beautiful hiking trails, geysers and streams – allowing guests to relax and rejuvenate in a pure, natural setting.

You’ll find plenty of history at the Gideon Putman too – The Roosevelt Baths & Spa was established in 1935, largely thanks to President Franklin Roosevelt’s dedication to preserve the Saratoga Springs. Authentic.

Guest will find luxury accommodation with a historic feel, featuring flat-screen TVs, WiFi and plus bedding, as well as fine-dining at the Putman restaurant.

Website: http://www.gideonputnam.com/

13. Hudson Valley Resort & Spa

Hudson Valley Resort & Spa

Situated in the heart of the Shawangunk Mountains and featuring impress Catskill views, the Hudson Valley Resort & Spa has been one of New York’s most popular destinations for over 70 years.

With a Championship 18-hole golf course, fully-serviced spa, indoor and outdoor pools and tennis courts, the Hudson Valley Resort & Spa provides guests with everything they need for a relaxing or energetic vacation, all under one roof.

The resort’s 270 rooms are simply and tastefully decorated, with TV, internet access and luxury marble bathrooms. Guest also have the option of both golf course and Catskill views.

Website: http://www.hudsonvalleyresort.com/

14. Gurney’s Montauk

Gurney’s Montauk

The only year-round, waterfront resort in Montauk with its own private beach, Gurney’s is something of a Hamptons icon.

Guests can stay in one of the 146 luxury rooms, or choose a beachfront cottage for extra seclusion and unbeatable ocean views. Both come decorated in a stylish, neutral color pallet and feature walk-in rain showers, wet bars and free Wi-Fi.

The resort’s amenities include a spa with an ocean-fed seawater pool – the only of its kind in North America – and no less than five on-site food and drink venues, offering everything from fine-dining and cocktails to relaxed beach-side snacks.

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Website: http://www.gurneysmontauk.com/

15. Ocean Colony Beach and Tennis Club

Ocean Colony Beach and Tennis Club

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A classic Hamptons club-style resort the Ocean Colony has been attracting luxury travellers to its resort for decades. Having recently undergone a multi-million-dollar renovation, the Ocean Colony now features exquisitely designed accommodations, a heated outdoor pool and first-class tennis courts, but its biggest draw remains its impressive, 400ft private beach.

Enjoy Atlantic Ocean or beach views from your room, studio or apartment – the latter of which comes with a fully equipped kitchen for self-catered stays. Cable TV, free WiFi and daily housekeeping come as standard, and guests have the opportunity to make use of the clubhouse with ping pong & table games.

Website: http://www.duneresorts.com/ocean-colony.htm