Inside An Ultra-Luxury Catskill All-Inclusive Less Than Two Hours From New York City

Just a quick trip from Manhattan, The Chatwal Lodge is a secluded retreat in the Sullivan County hamlet of White Lake, New York, worlds apart from the bustle of New York City.

Contrary to the typical notion of “all-inclusive,” which conjures images of crowded resorts with mediocre dining options, The Chatwal Lodge stands apart as a singular property.

Its privacy, exclusivity and culinary excellence make it an exceptional midweek or weekend getaway—or destination for a lengthier vacation.

Truly Off The Proverbial Beaten Path

The ultra-luxury resort is set on 100 acres of the lush, 2,500-acre Chapin Estate, a community of multimillion-dollar homes. The property is surrounded by over 18,000 acres of pristine forest preserve in the Catskill Mountains managed by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation.

A 1.5-mile stretch of paved road that leads to a dirt road takes visitors from the enclave’s gates to The Chatwal’s Main Lodge at 338 Chapin Trail Road. Heads turn as guests pass a working horse and cattle farm on the route.

Bespoke, Unscripted Service

Personalized service begins before the visit. Guests receive a pre-arrival questionnaire to choose their preferred dining times and make special requests, as well as a menu of activities to help them make the most of their stay.

Because there is no reason to leave the grounds, cars are whisked away to a nearby parking area right after check-in. Chauffeured Range Rovers and golf carts transport guests to one of the resort’s 14 luxury accommodations—oversized guest rooms, suites and treehouses—ranging from 850 to 2,800 square feet.

Trails throughout the property are conducive to walking and hiking, but guests can request car service to get around the grounds at any time of the day. A front desk concierge is available 24/7 to triage guest requests, and en-suite room service is available.

Lavish ‘Great Camp’ Accommodations

All the tastefully-furnished Adirondack-style accommodations and public areas convey a feeling of rustic elegance. The extensive use of local woods and stone, both inside and out, blends into the woodsy setting, bringing the outdoors in.

Depending on the particular unit, many offer claw-foot soaking tubs, cozy electric fireplaces, private terraces, and outside fire pits with private terraces and views of the Toronto Reservoir.

Every interior design detail and nicety has been carefully selected, from the luxurious Frette bedding and linens to the spa showers, tech-savvy Toto toilet bidets, and Malin+Goetz toiletries.

Original art, photography, and intricately hand-carved sculptures add a touch of sophistication, while the upholstery’s rich leathers, vibrant color palettes, and bold prints contribute to the space’s distinctive style.

Earlier this year, The Chatwal Lodge introduced three Treehouses, elevated residences swathed in light among the oak and maple. These modern structures were imported from Germany.

Each can accommodate up to four guests and offers luxury appointments and amenities like the other 11 units, including complimentary in-room minibars.

Inventive American Cuisine

CIA-trained chef Karl Ulmer’s seasonal, farm-to-table menu sources high-quality ingredients from local farmers and food purveyors and offers preparations that will appeal to every palate. Special dietary requests and preferences are honored whenever possible.

Guests can enjoy breakfast, lunch, and a four-course dinner in the lodge’s main dining room, the Rustic Grill, or order room service delivered to their suite or patio.

Three-hour windows for each seating affords guests flexibility. Additionally, room service is available all day until 9 PM and the staff is happy to pack boxed lunches.

Every table in the dining room with a vaulted wood-beam ceiling offers serene views of the grounds and a beautifully landscaped reflecting pool. With such a limited number of guests, the spacious room is never crowded.

Tips are discouraged throughout the stay and although there is an extensive bar list, wines and cocktails are one of the few exclusions from the all-inclusive pricing model.

Experiences Attuned To The Seasons

The beauty of the outdoors in the western Catskills changes seasonally, and many of the experiences offered at this four-season resort are also dynamic.

Outdoor lovers can choose from archery, bicycling, bird-watching, boating, fly fishing, Japanese forest bathing, kayaking, nature walks, and snowshoeing. The on-site recreation center offers shuffleboard, billiards, ping-pong, and duckpin bowling.

In addition to the on-site Fitness Center and in-room spa treatments, skilled practitioners offer group yoga and meditation classes for wellness. Food and wine enthusiasts will enjoy tastings and mixology courses. Some activities have minimal additional charges, but many are free. A pool and spa are slated to debut in Spring 2025.

Although most guests hesitate to leave the captivating grounds, the Bethel Woods Center for the Performing Arts and Woodstock Museum are less than 15 minutes away. The Borscht Belt Museum, which celebrates the history of the Catskills, is a 45-minute drive.

The Majesty of the Mountains

The Chatwal Lodge is a sister property of the landmark Chatwal New York City hotel. Both are part of the prestigious Unbound Collection by Hyatt and participate in the World of Hyatt loyalty program, allowing guests to earn and redeem points for stays.

Because of its majestic setting, The Chatwal Lodge has been dubbed the Yellowstone of the Catskills. It brings unparalleled levels of luxury and bespoke service to “the mountains,” making it a perfect retreat for couples, special celebrations, or corporate retreats.