This weekend I traveled back to the 1800s, so to speak--when life was simple (void of televisions and ringing cell phones), the great outdoors was cherished (a hike through the woods was as exciting and invigorating as an Equinox spin class), and when "relaxing" meant a day at the spa and gazing across a lake (not simply catching up on your DVRed/TiVoed shows).

Yes, I experienced all of that and more this past weekend when I had the pleasure of visiting a wonderful resort called The Mohonk Mountain House in New Paltz, NY.

Only 90 miles outside of New York City, it's the perfect little getaway for Big Apple dwellers, like myself. However, I would have traveled across the country to stay at this Victorian castle in the mountains.

Why, you ask? Here are just a few reasons you should consider at trip to Mohonk:

-As your beauty ambassador here at RealSimple.com, believe me when I say that The Spa at Mohonk was amazing! There are 16 treatment rooms, a solarium complete with a stone fireplace, a men's and women's veranda (pictured below), a state-of-the-art fitness center (offering classes in: yoga, pilates, Qigong, studio and water aerobics), an outdoor heated mineral pool, and an indoor heated swimming pool all at your disposal.

I indulged in the Signature Elements of Nature "Mohonk Red" Massage." Imagine a mixture of Swedish, Hawaiian Lomi Lomi massages and Thai stretches over a blissful 80-minute session. The "Mohonk Red" refers to the specific type of Witch Hazel that grows on the resort grounds, which is then infused into the warmed towels that are wrapped around your face and feet during the massage. Finally, the session is topped off with a guided power nap. I woke up feeling completely soothed and peaceful. And if it couldn't get any better...I was retired to the women's veranda with a plate of crispy grapes, a glass of cool herbal tea and a falcon of the Spa's signature oil to take home. Heavenly.   

-After almost 140 years (founded in 1869--by the Smiley family, who still own the property) of accommodating its guest with superb service and activities, the resort shows no signs of slowing down. Almost every weekend there is a themed program (all included for the price of your stay). This past weekend was entitled "Wonderful World of Words," and featured Will Shortz the mastermind/creator behind the New York Times crossword puzzles. Other weekend themes throughout the year include: ballroom dancing, jazz, astrology, tennis camp and yoga/mediation retreats-- just to name a few.

Want more? Depending on the time of year, the resort offers a laundry list of activities: Horseback riding, carriage rides, snowshoeing, cross country skiing, rock climbing, ice skating, boating, fishing and much more. Never a dull moment! I took a carriage ride through the mountains...it was breathtaking!

-Finally, between my amazing spa treatment,delicious meals and fun activities...I was completely relaxed spending time in my beautiful room (there are no TVs in the rooms. Truly a blessing in disguise)--reading in front of the crackling wood fireplace with the one I love. If that's not worth taking a trip to Mohonk, I don't know what is.

There are certainly many more reasons you should plan a trip to Mohonk, but I'll let you discover the rest on the mountaintop. You won't be disappointed! To learn more and to book your visit click HERE.

P.S. One of my favorite movies was filmed at the Mountain House--The Road to Wellville (an Alan Parker film starring Anthony Hopkins, Matthew Broderick and John Cusack), which is a comedy based on the cooky healthy-living ideology of Dr. John Harvey Kellogg, the man behind the famed Kellogg's corn flakes. Definitely worth renting.

Happy relaxing!