Just 120 miles north of Manhattan, the Catskills offer a dreamy escape where nature, history, and artistic soul collide. Rolling farmland, dome-shaped peaks, and postcard-worthy towns set the stage for a region rich in both history and creativity. Scenic hikes lead to hidden swimming holes, roadside farm stands spill over with local produce, and the coziest diners serve up hearty, seasonal fare. In winter, slopes at Windham and Hunter lure skiers in; whereas summer plans call for exploring streams and trails, inviting lazy afternoons and wildflower walks.

From Woodstock to Phoenicia, each town offers its own flavor, with colorful streets, farm-to-table restaurants, and a laid-back but cheerful vibe. Long a magnet for artists and free spirits—Bob Dylan, Janis Joplin, and Mark Twain, to name a few—the region still buzzes with a creative pull (now, of course, just more contemporary). The dynamic blend of creative urban transplants and nature lovers has amped up the region’s ever-growing innovation. And today, chic lodges, hotels, and Airbnbs nestle into colorfully restored villages, while boutique shops and contemporary galleries showcase a vibrant presence of local talent. The Catskills’ charm is undeniable, with its mix of culture, adventure, and natural wonder. Read on for where to eat, stay, and play when you’re headed this way.

FAQ:

Where to eat

The Catskills’ culinary revolution has unfolded over the past decade, marked by innovative pairings between local farmers and restaurateurs that result in vibrant and delicious dining. In Livingston Manor, this partnership is exemplified at Kaatskeller, where wood-fired pizzas feature locally sourced ingredients amidst a lively garden atmosphere. Milkweed offers sustainable vegan gelato, showcasing the region’s commitment to ethical dining practices and farm-to-table freshness. The Walk-In embodies this revolution with its casual, locally inspired dishes, celebrating the close-knit community of farmers and chefs. Meanwhile, The DeBruce in Livingston Manor blends James Beard acclaim with a menu that highlights the best of Catskills produce. Near Hunter Mountain, the iconic, old-school Phoenicia Diner is a staple from the early 80s that offers mouthwatering comfort food.

Hotels, too, carry the region’s tradition with hearty fare crafted from locally sourced ingredients: Tannersville’s Hotel Lilien reflects the region’s commitment to sustainable, delicious, and vibe-y dining experiences. In Callicoon, the Seminary Hill (and especially its Tasting Room) features a seasonal menu that showcases the bounty of the Delaware River Valley, inviting diners to savor flavors deeply rooted in the Catskills’ agricultural heritage.

Kenoza Hall

Lawrence Braun

Where to stay

The region’s reimagined historic hotels meet the creative spirit of artists, with purpose-driven design bringing each space to life alongside sweeping nature. Whether you want to be nestled in the lush green mountains or situated just outside one of the Catskills’ charming towns, you can truly bask within (and take advantage of) the ultimate upstate getaway in these local hotels—or, of course, you can also camp (say, along the Esopus Creek), or explore many of the fabulous Airbnbs in the area (below, a few for your inspiration).

In the up-and-coming town of Narrowsburg, Blue Fox Motel is a mom-and-pop-owned gem that combines rustic cabin charm with groovy tunes and swanky cocktails in a unique dining and bar area. For a romantic stay with gazebos and themed dinners, Kenoza Hall is a historic gabled Victorian in Sullivan County on the quieter grounds in the western Catskills. Nearby, the Chatwal Lodge and Chapin Estate sit not far from the Monticello Raceway, the Bethel Woods Center for the Arts, and the site of the original Woodstock festival. (It’s a dream for family stays.) As for upscale cabins with thoughtful service and a top-tier Mexican restaurant, Camptown in Leeds is a destination in and of itself.

For design-forward hotel lovers, seek out Inness for a rich marriage of Scandinavian-chic and rustic Americana. The property is on a gentle hill up a quiet country road—located just outside of Accord. Or, in Tannersville, you mustn’t miss a stay at the colorful and rustic Hotel Lilien. With modern touches juxtaposed by Victorian charm, the inn-like property offers a cozy yet trendy cocktail bar and proximity to Hunter Mountain, making it a perfect spot for both relaxation and adventure. If you’re looking for a quintessential lodge stay, head to Scribner’s Catskill Lodge right across the highway from Hunter.

The glittering temples of Chiang Mai’s moated Old Town are enchanting, and the buzzing Nimmanhaemin district is on the pulse when it comes to artisanal coffee and local designer boutiques—but leafy Wat Ket, delivering a bit of both, remains one of the loveliest spots in the city. Here, rootsy art galleries line the streets and restaurants on the banks of the Ping river dish up khao soi noodles and cocktails under banyan trees lit up with fairy lights. This is also where some of the most charming boutique stays are found, taking over villas from a bygone era.

The Ping Silhouette, however, is inspired by an even earlier time when this part of the city was still a thriving multicultural merchant district dotted with Chinese-style warehouses. Behind a façade of glazed tile roofs and antique French shutters lies a stone-paved courtyard where large glassless windows frame manicured bonsai trees and cosy tea nooks. A long, goldfish-filled pond is a zen antidote to the frenetic markets, while ancient artifacts from China (ornamental doors, stone horses) extend the theme. Rooms are done up in white and teal, and most have terraces overlooking weeping willows and an inky-blue lap pool in the riverside garden.

The café, where walls are stacked with chinoiserie teapots and blue-and-white ceramics, prepares breakfasts of Thai rice porridge and sweet treats such as pa tong go doughnuts served in bamboo steamer baskets. A striking standout on the teakwood-dominated local scene, and a perfect fit for this curious corner.

Greece has been among the world’s most iconic holiday destinations for a very long time, yet many tend to skip Athens and fly straight onwards to one of the small islands which are dotted all around the mainland. However, the Greek capital has lots to offer so I made a list of hotels which you need to consider when visiting Athens.

Funnily enough, there’s only one in the city centre while all the rest are 20 to 30 minutes away in the Athenian Riviera, but these will give you so much more in return. Space, beach, tranquility… let’s dive into it.

Four Seasons Astir Palace Hotel

Located a mere 25 minutes from the Acropolis on its own privately owned peninsula, overlooking the bay of Laimos in Vouliagmeni, this hotel needs no introduction. The original Astir Palace built in the 60’s was the hotspot for national and international movie stars who would either come over to enjoy their holidays or to film their next production. Fast forward to recent times when Four Seasons took over and reopened the hotel in 2019 where it got voted number 35 in The World’s Best 50 hotels in 2023. Suffice to say that this place has it all. The location allows the hotel to use all the space it wants to, and as a result there are 2 main buildings (Nafsika and Arion) and on top of that there are several bungalows dotted around one of the many bays.

What immediately stood out to me when I first arrived, was the fact that it doesn’t look or feel like a 300 bedroom hotel, on the contrary. Of course, with the different buildings and bungalows spread out over the area, everything instantly becomes much more relaxed and less crowded. The busiest part is probably the main pool area which is surrounded by bars, restaurants and even a kids club, but then still it’s a nice place to relax. One of the highlights for me is the view you get from most of the property, which is stunning due to the fact that the hotel is built onto a cliff. Another part you can’t miss out on is the Athens Spa which is truly an oasis within the whole complex. If food is your thing then you better extend your stay to try all of the restaurants out cause there are more than a handful. And if that’s still not enough for you, they offer a free transfer within a 3 km radius to visit any of the restaurants in the area outside the hotel. All in all, a property that is hard not to like.

Anthology of Athens

This newly opened boutique hotel is the one to go for if you really want to stay in the centre of Athens. Not only is it right across the Temple of Olympian Zeus, it’s also a stone’s throw away from the famous Acropolis. It’s as if you would open up your history book and plant a hotel right in the middle of the Greek chapter. With only 12 rooms and 6 suites you need to be quick to secure some space, but when you do, you’ll be in for a real treat. The rooms and suites are modern yet you still feel at home from the moment you walk in. Too many hotels nowadays are clinical, cold and lack soul. Luckily that’s not the case at Anthology of Athens.

One of the absolute highlights of this hotel is The Botany, a fine-dining rooftop restaurant which offers some of the most incredible views over the Acropolis. The outdoor garden just adds to the overall feeling of dining al fresco. But what to do on a rainy day? No worries, the Balaneion Spa is the perfect place to spend some quality time while escaping the hustle and bustle of the city. Boutique hotels often tend to forget how important it is to provide these relaxation options for their guests, but nothing of that at the Anthology of Athens. it might be small in size but it’s grand in service and style.

The Roc Club

Like some other hotels mentioned here, this boutique property is located in Vouliagmeni, a short drive from the city centre. With views over the bay, it’s the perfect place to wind down and truly soak up the local vibes of Athens in the area. It’s also right next to the Vougliameni Lake, which is a stunning lake surrounded by impressive caves and verdant nature. it even has thermal springs which suppose to have healing energy. However, it’s not only to be found at the lake cause from the moment you step into The Roc Club you’ll feel there’s an energy present. Smiles all around, a warm welcome and instantly a glass of bubbly to get you in the holiday moon. The Roc Club, which is part of the famous Grecotel brand by the way, nails the brief when it comes to first impressions.

The rooms and suites are light with beautiful interiors that go perfectly with the stunning outdoor vistas. But this is Greece so you want to be outside as much as you can, and The Roc Pool is one of my favourite places to do so. Not only is the pool partially surrounded by the rock on which the hotel is built, it’s also great to see the different small terraces all around where you can create your own little oasis with sun loungers and so on. The pool bar is just the cherry on the cake but who am I to go against it. Another gem is The Roc Rooftop, from which you have of course the best views over the bay. But, enjoying those while savouring some of the traditional Mediterranean cuisine which is served over here, makes it all the more special. And then there’s the art which is literally omnipresent throughout the property and adds a dash of colour. If you look for that hidden gem in the Athenian Riviera, then you must certainly put The Roc Club on your radar.

One & Only Aesthesis

This architectural marvel is located in Glyfada, some 20 minutes south west of the city centre. Much like the Four Seasons you feel like entering a secluded oasis within striking distance of the Greek capital. It offers room, suites, bungalows and villas up to 6 bedrooms so it will be tough not to find the ideal accommodation for you and whoever you decide to bring along. The style is a mix of sleek modern with a definite Southern European twist. On a culinary front you’ll be treated to some superb Mediterranean cuisine but if you like a change you’ll be able to transport your tastebuds to Peru or Japan thanks to Manko and Sumosan, their speciality restaurants.

In terms of experiences there’s very little that isn’t possible. From the gorgeous tennis and padel courts, to the stunning pools, amazing fitness centre and the fun-filled kids club, it’s all here. Speaking of which , the One & Only Aesthesis is truly a family friendly hotel where your little ones will equally enjoy their time as much as you do. And while your kids are having a good time all around the property, you’ll have time to visit the stunning Guerlain spa. It’s the first of its kind in Greece and allows for some superb tailor-made facial and body treatments. And if you fear getting bored with the property then there’s always the option to take the speedboat to the One & Only Kea Island which is located less than an hour away yet makes you feel like you’re in a whole new region.

The Margi

A final boutique hotel which you certainly need to consider is The Margi. A sleek property located in the same area as The Four Seasons Astir Palace and The Roc Club, but with a style of its own. Modern lines welcome you while an eclectic art collection spices things up to make sure you never get bored walking around this hotel. Over 10 room categories are offered, making sure there’s a perfect fit for every guest, and if you decide to come over with family or friends there’s the stunning 4-bedroom villa that will make your Greek holiday dream come true. If that’s not enough, I suggest you go the the wellness area where you’ll quickly pick up the eastern influences, unless you step into the gym which is located in the same spot, but here you’ll pick up weights instead.

One thing that stands out at The Margi is the food, which truly stands out. Why? Well, it’s because the hotel has its own organic farm just a few kilometres down the road, from which it gets all the fresh produce every day. And that freshness truly translates in amazing flavours on your plate. Add to that their amazing wine cellar (or cocktails if that’s more up your alley) and you know you’re in the right place. But why not take it a step further and visit the farm itself, pick some vegetables yourself and get them prepped by the chef on site while you enjoy a Greek bbq extravaganza. It doesn’t get more local than that, but that’s the beauty of Greek hospitality.

Of course there are still loads of other places to stay and enjoy your time in Athens and the Athenian riviera, but when you pick any of these 5, you can rest assured that the Greek Gods will be enviously looking over your shoulder!