The Ultimate Family Gift Guide
Sure, gizmos and gadgets make great holiday gifts—but I’m suggesting you think outside the box this season. My top picks for all the members of your family: Great Get-Aways. That’s right; the gift that keeps on giving is something truly spectacular to look forward to in 2010. I’ve got a few great gift-certificate ideas up my sleeve for 1. him and her, 2. the kiddos, and 3. the entire family. Today I’ll share the third one:
My third (and final) top holiday getaway gift suggestion is for the entire family: Mohonk Mountain House
Until early this year, I had never heard of Mohonk Mountain House in New Paltz, New York. After a travel writer-friend tipped me off that this is where she goes on vacation during her downtime, I knew it was some place special. So I was happy to pass along the summer suggestion here.
Well, I walked my talk and booked a family vacation at Mohonk Mountain House mid-summer and honestly, we all fell in love with the place. It’s only 90 miles north of New York City, so if you’re looking for a great spot for your entire family, this is the one. It’s steeped in tradition: 2009 marked their 140th anniversary.
It wasn’t until the day before our trip did I tell my husband and children one minor little disclaimer about Mohonk Mountain house: There’s no TV’s in the rooms. At first, my SpongeBob-obsessed son cried—real tears– and my husband told him it was a vacation full of fun and bonding and he really shouldn’t make that big a deal about going TV-less for a few days.
After my son walked away assured he’d have fun, my husband had a panicked looked about him. “Really? No TV in the room—are you sure?” he asked, pondering the possibilities of being able to survive without ESPN. “Aw, come on—where is everyone’s sense of adventure?” I asked. But just as I suspected–our stay at Mohonk was a big hit.
Mohonk is truly magical. It’s one of those family getaways you almost don’t want to share with everyone. You want it to be your little family secret. Well, it’s the season of sharing, so here goes. Mohonk was also featured in the best-selling book “1000 Places to See Before You Die”. And since it’s a drivable destination—it’s timeless treasure you must treat your family to.
Why? It’s togetherness times ten, and guess what; not one complaint that there was no television. There’s just no time! By the time we got back to our room at night, the kids were so exhausted and wiped from a full day of activities, they hit the bed like rocks! After they passed out with smiles on their faces, my husband and I sat on the balcony for hours—talking. We square danced, we held hands and quite frankly; I had no idea a vacation with the kids would have resulted in such a marriage boost.
One thing that really moved me was the staff. It’s unlike anything I’ve experienced before. You get the feeling that they are “proud” to be there. It sounds strange, I know, but as a guest, you really do get the feeling that the staff takes a great deal of pride working at Mohonk.
The spa was beyond amazing. I indulged in the Indigo Herbal Poultice Massage—a new Signature Treatment with its time-honored healing traditions inspired by the Indigo plant grown on Mohonk’s property. The massage features a steamed Indigo Herbal Poultice (muslin pouch) filled with aromatic wild herbs and spices to ease tension, loosen sore muscles, and increase circulation. Yep, there was a wow-factor. A combination of massage modalities are used: Royal Thai Massage, Thai stretches, acupressure, aromatherapy, and herbal heat to detoxify the body, combat fatigue, and provide an overall sense of well-being. Last but not least, a guided power nap ends the experience.
Oh, and there’s golf for the guys. Mohonk Golf Course recently celebrated 112 years of continuous use, making it one of the oldest courses in the country. (That’s all you have to tell him—really!)
Our first day there, we were at the indoor pool and it was pretty obvious we were Mohonk newbies. A lovely woman suggested we head to the 9 pm bonfire across the lake and she started to give me lots of tips and pointers. I never did get her name, but all throughout our vacation, I kept running into her—she shared smiles and more great advice on how to make the most of Mohonk. It wasn’t until the very last day, while lounging in front of the lake, did we really get a chance to chitchat for a few moments. Turns out—she’s from Long Island and we exchanged emails moments before I was about to check out.
Suzanne Dagger, from Massapequa and her husband Denis had nothing but wonderful things to say about Mohonk when I contacted her after I returned. Denise has visited eight times as a child and teenager and three times as an adult (twice with his own child.)
Since she really seemed to know the ropes, I asked Suzanne to share some of the things she feels makes Mohonk… so special.
“Mohonk is a great vacation for many reasons.
First off, the relatively short drive is great for kids. There is not too much of the “are we there yet?” We love the historic nature of the buildings and grounds. You feel like you are in a storybook. We love that it is all inclusive, no worries about lines and money!
You get a lot for your money! There is a daily list of activities that ensures nobody could get bored. The food is top notch and plentiful. We feel that we have gourmet meals day and night. We especially love eating at the Granary for dinner where there is every type of food you can imagine for a BBQ. Mohonk has something for everyone. My husband loves running on the multitude of trails, swimming in the lake and trying to mountain climb.
My daughter loves the children’s camp. The staff there is excellent and they are truly wonderful with the kids. I especially like that each day you are there; they let you know beforehand what activities they will be doing with the kids. These activities are really creative and fun, and by letting us know beforehand we can choose when we want her to go. Kids love the indoor pool that is really warm and large, and they love playing lakeside on the “beach.”
I treat myself to one spa treatment each time I visit, and I believe the spa is the best of I have ever been to. The staff is professional and great at their work. The spa is absolutely gorgeous and no detail was forgotten. I love the robes, the locker room, and the veranda with luxury lounge chairs and tea.
This past trip I even had time to take an art and yoga class, and make an attempt at mountain climbing! One of the best spots on the resort is a rocking chair on the large porch looking out over the beautiful lake. At night we went to family activities like a wildlife encounter. Even though at times you may do your own thing, you always come back together for a meal. I call Mohonk a luxury cruise without the ocean and the back and forth on and off the ship.”
Mohonk Mountain House has tons of seasonal packages to pick from. Here are a few highlighted specials.
President’s Special (Children Stay Free!)
When: February 15-18, 2010
The Package: Join us midweek to enjoy unique, family-oriented programs and activities: snow tubing, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing (weather permitting), and ice-skating at our beautiful Pavilion. And, with the kids’ home from school, be sure to ask about our Presidents’ Special offer, where children age 12 and under stay free when sharing a room with two adults.
* This next one would be perfect for my parents!
Cousin Brucie’s Rock ‘n’ Roll Weekend
When: March 26-28, 2010
The Package: From the Beatles to Elvis to Sandra Dee, it’s all about music, cars, and rock ’n’ roll. Bruce Morrow, a.k.a. Cousin Brucie, has become a treasured icon for the ’50s and ’60s, the “solid gold” years, and “the happy times.” Music, dancing, and movies will fuel memories of this bygone era. So, c’mon! Grab those old dancing shoes and leather jackets—and get groovin’ with Cousin Brucie!
Ok, time’s a ticking! To give the gift of Mohonk, call 866.966.4665 or visit www.Mohonk.com
