For starters, this isn't a knock on Wildflower Farms. I've never been and would love to go one day. That being said, my best friends and I just got back from a weekend in the Hudson Valley. We stayed at the recently opened Habitas-On-Hudson just outside of Rhinebeck. Some know it from their Tulum location (I didn't). This trip was special because I was leaving my kids for the first time since my son was born, and this group of friends is so important to me. In sum, Habitas delivered. Was it an Auberge level experience? No. Was it a wonderful weekend filled with intention setting, yoga, sound baths, massages and 9/10 food? Yes. Our stay was $358/night, which included all of their wellness programming plus the hotel generously comped all of our drinks for the weekend. We came away from our trip feeling that Habitas-On-Hudson is the best value for quality within a short drive (it took us 2 hours) from NYC. We would all recommend it. Rates will go up once they are out of their "opening phase" so it's an especially great choice for a trip before the summer. Read on for my weekend highlights. 

The Welcome Ceremony

Upon arrival, the hotel invited us to participate in their welcome ceremony ritual, which involved intention setting, smoke, spirit animals and warm hibiscus tea. I've been pulling animal spirit cards with these friends for years so this moment felt like serendipity. It was a great moment to pause and create special energy for our trip.

Our Adopted Living Room

Our rooms happened to be around this living room space, which we really loved. If you are going with a group, I definitely recommend requesting rooms around this area in the main house. It creates such a cozy and beautiful spot to convene that felt private enough to be your own.

The Food

The food at every meal was so good. Just as good as any great restaurant in the city. The brunch spread was especially beautiful. Their restaurant is casual enough to wear something cozy post massage but nice enough to get a little dressed up if you're in the mood. It can be whatever you want it to be in terms of vibe. Plus, we loved drinking our morning coffee in their Jono Pandolfi Ceramics.

Wellness

The hotel offers a menu of wellness offerings everyday that are included in your stay. We did a yoga class and a sound bath, plus you can book additional services from their spa menu. Their spa pricing is better than anything you can find in the city and my message was one of the best I've had in years. One thing to note, the spa treatments and wellness classes take place in rooms throughout the property as opposed to a built out spa.

The People

Ultimately, I would have a good time with these women sitting on the side of a road. Good company is always what matters most.

Plus, What I Packed:

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