Award: Best spa
Gardiner, NY
Wildflower Farms, part of the Auberge Collection, occupies 140 acres in Gardiner, NY, positioned near the impressive Shawangunk Ridge. The property features 65 cabins and cottages, thoughtfully spaced to ensure privacy, each equipped with large windows and cozy fireplaces.
Design elements emphasize simplicity and comfort. Rooms showcase expansive floor-to-ceiling windows, inviting seating by the glass, and sliding doors that lead to private patios furnished with comfortable chairs. Inside, guests will find gas fireplaces, wide-plank wood flooring, and beds designed for restful sleep, alongside bathrooms complete with soaking tubs and walk-in showers. Throughout the day, guests may find themselves shifting between the window, patio, and fireplace to enjoy the varied ambiance.
The farm’s presence integrates into daily life at the resort. Mornings might see chickens taking their time across walkways, while staff tend to crops and early visitors explore the gardens, often picking fresh produce. Later, guests may recognize those same ingredients featured at Clay, the on-site restaurant, highlighting a genuine farm-to-table experience.
Thistle, the spa, embodies the same ethos. Utilizing Hudson Valley botanicals, its signature treatments include the Body Botany, which combines herbal poultices with deep tissue massage, and the Valley Ritual—a private suite experience that offers a soaking tub, couples shower, botanical scrub, and a glass of a locally sourced beverage. Additional facilities include an indoor saltwater pool, outdoor hot tubs set in the meadows, a dry sauna, and a spacious movement studio providing complimentary 45-minute sessions each morning.
Best amenity: The Ridge Suites. Situated at the property’s highest elevation, these suites feature cedar soaking tubs that overlook the scenic valley.
Can’t-miss experience: Schedule a farm session early in your stay and embrace the experience without overthinking it. This interaction allows guests to gather eggs and harvest fresh produce, creating a connection to the food served during dinner—a simple yet rewarding activity.
From $1,000
