Escape to tranquility at INNESS in the Catskills, where Scandinavian-chic meets rustic Americana in gable-roofed cabins.
Situated between the Catskill and Shawangunk mountain ranges, discover 220 pastoral acres. Home to a hotel, restaurant, member’s club, golf, and abundant leisure activities.
Escape to Tranquility: Exploring INNESS in the Catskills
As the quiet country road winds up the gentle hill, our family is welcomed by the serene charm of INNESS. Nestled in the Catskills of New York, this cozy hideaway beckons with promises of tranquility and pastoral beauty. Just four weeks after giving birth to our daughter Grace, I was ready for a quick escape from the city to put some fresh air in my family’s lungs. I embarked on the two hour drive from New York City with my husband, our newborn daughter Grace, and our two-year-old son, James. INNESS, with its 220 acres of captivating landscape, proved to be the idyllic backdrop for an elegant escape.
Arrival and First Impressions
The entrance reveals a small check-in building, an elegant shop offering gifts and sundries, and a barn-like restaurant clad in cedar, where elevated comfort food with Italian and Middle Eastern influences delights the senses. The landscape, inspired by the Hudson River School artist George Inness, unfolds like a painting, with duplex cabins lining a gravel road leading to an old farmhouse. A nine-hole golf course, tennis courts, a pool, an enormous teepee, and walking trails dot the expansive grounds.
As we settle into the Adirondack chairs around the fire pit, we find ourselves in the company of fashionably casual urban couples and young professionals seeking respite from city life. INNESS, a brainchild of tastemaker Taavo Somer and design studio Post Company, represents a shift in Catskills hospitality—a fusion of Scandinavian-chic and rustic Americana.
Rooms: A Fusion of Simplicity and Elegance
The gable-roofed duplex cabins, influenced by Dutch vernacular architecture, exude clean lines and spartan simplicity. Inside, the ambiance channels Scandinavian minimalism and Shaker austerity, with wood stoves, well-equipped kitchenettes, and French doors opening onto small porches overlooking the valley. The 12-room farmhouse, where breakfast is served, embraces classic Americana with well-appointed interiors.
Culinary Delights
A Somer production, the restaurant at INNESS delivers a culinary experience that lives up to its reputation. The signature fried cauliflower with vadouvan-infused aioli tantalizes the taste buds, and Mediterranean influences grace dishes like the mezze plate and burrata with Calabrian chili. The farm-to-table comfort food, sourced from the on-site three-acre organic farm, includes a ribeye, heritage chicken, and a raclette cheeseburger. The Sunset Valley cocktail, a mezcal-infused concoction, perfectly complements the breathtaking sunset views from the restaurant’s porch.
Exploring the Neighborhood
Situated near Accord, INNESS is surrounded by classic Catskills landscapes, offering a mix of farmland, rugged nature, and quaint hippie towns. The legendary Mohonk Mountain House and the vibrant city of Kingston with its dining and shopping options are a short drive away. Hiking and cycling enthusiasts will find joy in the immediate vicinity, including around the Ashokan Reservoir.
The Cabins
INNESS is not just for couples. The generous cabins provide ample space, and the resort offers art classes in the teepee, a summer camp, and a range of guided activities suitable for all ages. The eco-conscious efforts, including the three-acre organic farm and sustainable practices at the golf course, add to the appeal for environmentally conscious families.
Service and Cozy Winter Retreats
Service at INNESS is a blend of friendliness and attentiveness, with a touch of informality. As we bid farewell to INNESS, we carry with us the memories of a family retreat filled with exploration, culinary delights, and moments of tranquility—a testament to the seamless marriage of design, nature, and hospitality that defines this hidden Catskills gem.
