Travel Diary: Winter Reset at The Ranch Hudson Valley

At The Ranch Hudson Valley, I embarked on a transformative journey alongside an intimate group of Members — one that went beyond just relaxation. Nestled in the heart of the Hudson Valley, this immersive retreat offered a chance to reset both my mind and body, surrounded by stunning nature and exceptional care. Over the course of four days, we engaged in activities designed to reconnect us to ourselves, from guided hikes and fitness classes to nourishing meals and quiet moments of introspection. What followed was a unique blend of physical rejuvenation and mental clarity. With every detail crafted to support our path toward renewal, I discovered over the next few days a powerful reminder of how necessary it is to pause, reflect, and embrace the opportunity to be present.

Day One

From the moment I arrived, The Ranch Hudson Valley exuded a sense of belonging. The warm welcome from the staff, the crackling fireplaces, and the thoughtful attention to detail immediately set the tone for the days ahead. This was more than just a retreat — it was an invitation to slow down, reconnect, and embrace renewal.

After settling into our beautifully appointed rooms, we gathered for a gentle stretch session, followed by a short hike that unveiled the estate’s breathtaking grounds. Steeped in history, the property — originally a wedding gift to J.P. Morgan’s daughter and Alexander Hamilton’s great-grandson in 1902 — whispered stories through its walls. From the cozy den filled with carefully curated books to the solarium's state-of-the-art sauna, cold plunge, and heated pool, every corner beckoned exploration. Before dinner, we took part in a guided breathwork and meditation session, grounding ourselves in the present.

Dinner introduced us to a cherished nightly ritual — a silent moment of gratitude before each meal. That evening’s menu — bean escarole soup and zucchini ravioli with cashew cheese — was the perfect blend of comfort and nourishment. We ended the night with an inspiring dinner talk led by our guide, Stacey, who encouraged us to release expectations and let The Ranch become our sanctuary.

Day Two

The 6 am wake-up call came early, but the reward was well worth it — a deep stretch class followed by a two-hour hike under clear skies. The crisp morning air was brisk, but the steady movement and lively conversations with new friends kept me energized and warm. Back at The Ranch, I unwound in the infrared sauna, soaking in the tranquil views of the lake. Lunch was exactly what my body craved after an active morning — a hearty bowl of veggie chili topped with avocado, accompanied by a fresh-baked, gluten-free muffin.

The afternoon brought one of the most memorable experiences of the retreat: a hands-on culinary class with Chef Michael. We learned how to make zucchini and black bean meatballs, house-made granola, and energy bites — simple, nourishing dishes designed to fuel both body and mind. I couldn’t wait to recreate them for my family and friends. After a restorative massage and some quiet time curled up with a book in the cozy living room, we gathered once more for our nightly gratitude ritual before dinner. That evening, we enjoyed the zucchini meatballs we had prepared earlier, paired with an Asian-inspired sauce and a refreshing miso carrot salad, accompanied by conversation about The Ranch’s core values.

Day Three

The morning began with a rejuvenating stretch session, followed by a breakfast of baked oat bars topped with strawberries and creamy coconut yogurt. Choosing the longer, four-hour hike, I was rewarded with stunning views: frozen lakes, snow-dusted trails, and, in the distance, a rare glimpse of the New York City skyline. There’s something magical about being immersed in nature and sharing travel stories that built an undeniable sense of community within our group.

Returning to The Ranch, I refueled with a warm bowl of corn chowder and a quinoa-stuffed squash before heading into the contrast therapy class led by Lorin. She guided us through breathwork as we alternated between the sauna and cold plunge, eventually holding our breath for three minutes and ending with two dunks — an exhilarating challenge we conquered together, sprinting to the hot tub in triumph.

My afternoon continued with an acupuncture session focused on stress relief, followed by a soothing massage that eased the tension from the long hike. That night’s dinner — layers of eggplant, zucchini, roasted peppers, and cashew cheese, topped with cilantro pesto and homemade marinara — was the perfect, comforting conclusion to the day.

Day Four

Despite the 17-degree morning, waking up for the 6 am stretch had become a cherished ritual. A hearty breakfast of house-made granola with almond milk and bananas fueled us for the brisk two-hour hike ahead, hand warmers in tow!

I pushed myself further with a core workout class before lunch — a grilled “cheese” on The Ranch bread, paired with a comforting bowl of tomato soup. Following a chiropractic session and my final massage, I made my way to the journaling and meditation class. The instructor’s prompts invited deep introspection, reminding us of the power in putting our thoughts to paper.

The session naturally led into our final dinner, featuring crispy air-fried oyster mushrooms over lentil hummus. As we reflected on our gratitude for the weekend, we were introduced to the Letter to Self practice — a heartfelt exercise where we wrote messages to our future selves, filled with affirmations, lessons learned, and reminders of our incredible journey. These letters will be mailed back to us in six months, a thoughtful keepsake of our time at The Ranch and everything we had accomplished.

Day Five

Our final stretch session left us with a sense of pride and peace. Breakfast featured a delicious avocado toast topped with heirloom tomatoes and vegan feta, the perfect fuel before we set off on our last property hike. The crisp air and serene surroundings offered a peaceful send-off. As we packed our bags and said our goodbyes, it was clear that The Ranch had left a lasting mark on each of us. I felt lighter, more centered, and ready to return to the real world. The Ranch gave me more than just a weekend escape — it reminded me to move, nourish, breathe, and savor the beauty of simply being present. I know I’ll return.