Wylder Windham’s luxurious pool. Photo by Ryan Noel
The all-seasons resort in the Catskills offers an outdoorsy itinerary with pickleball, saunas, and onsite happenings for every guest.
If you’re searching for a serene getaway suited for any season, we know just the place. Wylder Windham is a charming resort with offerings to promote relaxation along with an array of activities. With ample amenities and enough to do in the area, this upstate gem is a worthwhile two-hour drive north of Westchester.
Rich in history, the property was established in 1880 by the Thompson family and ran as the iconic Thompson House Resort for over 140 years. The family-owned and -operated resort became a staple in the area for locals and travelers alike. Once Wylder Hotels purchased the property in June 2021, the seven historic lodges were lovingly restored and opened to the public in July 2022.
On the 20 acres of land sit seven lodges from which guests can pick and choose: The Pine Inn (28 rooms), The Tamarack Lodge (16 rooms), The Manor (14 rooms), The Spruce Cottage (14 rooms), The Evergreen Lodge (25 rooms), The Main Lodge (13 rooms), and The Farmhouse (1 key residence). Each room has its own whimsical style, with classic wood beams integrated throughout the property, and a few rooms even feature stained glass detailing. No two rooms are identical, but the timeless atmosphere travels throughout the resort.
Each of the buildings were consciously rebuilt by the design firm Post Company, local architect Jason Anderson, and Baxter Built. Designed for a modern vacation with hints of the past, the 110 suites feature oak floors, custom furniture, earth-toned linen, and luxurious tiled bathrooms.
Paying homage to the history of the property, portraits of the inn’s original owners hang in The Pine Inn, while original woodwork remains in numerous buildings. Eighty-two of the rooms feature an expansive balcony to remind guests of the nature awaiting them.
The inn is a hotspot for celebrations of all kinds, thanks to the property’s 4,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor event space, not to mention the ballroom’s 200-guest capacity. From company retreats to wedding celebrations, the versatility of the property allows for a diverse spread of events and accommodations.
One major draw of holding an event at Wylder is that it’s one of the few resorts in the region that can accommodate a large guest list. The inns and private cottages are available for hosting the event’s guests and provide options to fit parties of different sizes and needs. For an extra touch of luxury, there’s also the resort’s decked-out “Baller Suite,” an elevated suite with two balconies that overlook the pool and mountains.
Part of the resort’s one-stop shop experience are the top-tier amenities. On the property’s expansive lawn, there are hammocks along the Batavia Kill River that present guests with serene sounds of nature, tree swings, fire pits for a cozy evening with s’mores, lawn games, and live entertainment. The resort hosts yoga classes on the weekends as well. Plus, you won’t have to leave your fur baby at home because the resort is dog-friendly!
For those who want to relax and unwind, there are a handful of wood-fired saunas scattered throughout the property. And once the enticing wood barrels heat up, you can hop in for a sizzling and soothing experience.
Another trendy addition are the two pickleball courts where weekly pickleball tournaments are held. Both experienced players who hopped on the trend early and guests who are looking for competitive exercise on Sunday mornings are welcome to join.
For those seeking a mix of exercise and leisure, the heated outdoor pool is open for the season. Surrounded by plush lounge chairs and views of Windham Mountain, the pool offers a delightful way to cool down after a day of exploring. And, with a cocktail in hand, it would be hard to pull us away.
Speaking of cocktails, the bartenders at the in-house restaurant and bar, Babblers, serve up decadent sips. The spicy cucumber margarita with a tajin rim is a must, while the Porch Summer Smash with lemonade and mint is the ideal seasonal choice. The bar has a sizeable list of wines and local beers along with small bites as well.
Head to the Babblers restaurant for a welcoming and laid-back atmosphere to enjoy your dinner. Babblers is open Wednesday and Thursday from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m., Friday and Saturday from noon to 9 p.m., and Sunday for brunch from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The eatery, which is open to hotel guests and the community, serves up comfort food and local fare. Wrap up your dinner with a slice of pie from Babblers Bakery for the perfect sweet ending to a delightful day in the Catskills.
The bakery is open for breakfast and lunch, serving up egg sandwiches on house-made croissants, its signature rhubarb pies, and soft-serve ice cream. The restaurant and bakery are attached to the Main Lodge, which sports a cozy nook on the main floor and a stocked game room on the lower level.
When the seasons change, activities in the area seem to double as the resort is in proximity to Windham and Hunter Mountains. Hop in the vintage Land Rover Defender 110 to shuttle to and from Windham Mountain, Windham Country Club, and downtown Windham.
When escaping Westchester during any season or for any occasion, Wylder Windham should be at the top of your list. Whether you want to cozy up in a sauna and watch the snow fall or soak up the sun poolside, it’s better to adventure in the Catskills.
@westchestermag If you’re searching for a serene getaway suited for any season, we know just the place. Wylder Windham is a charming all-seasons resort with pickleball courts, an outdoor pool, wood-fired saunas, and more! #westchester #catskills #wylderwindham ♬ In the Bosom – Sweet After Tears
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