For skiers, lovers of the outdoors, and those of us who need a restaurant in a hotel, Wylder Windham makes for the perfect Catskills escape.

Built over 140 years, the Wylder Windham is designed like a compound–which includes seven buildings on 20 acres of land–along the beautiful Batavia Kill River in Windham, NY. From a wood-fired sauna and a massive heated pool to electric mountain bikes, pickle ball courts, and plenty of hammocks, Wylder has all of the classic outdoors amenities you need for a good time in the Catskills.

I arrived at Wylder Windham on a blistery Friday to a warm welcome by a crew of friendly staff members who asked if I wanted some whiskey in my complimentary cider. (The answer was yes.) Although there are seven different lodging options—which makes Wylder a great wedding destination for big parties— I was happy to be hosted in the main lodge, mostly because it’s connected to their delicious restaurant and coffee shop, Babblers. Then it was time to check out the accommodations, with interiors designed by Brooklyn-based design firm Post Company. Modest and comfortably arranged with vintage rugs, cozy chairs and a marbled bathroom, our room featured my favorite hotel amenity: a balcony deck surrounded by panoramic views of the mountains.

Before heading down to Babblers for an early dinner, it was time to lean into Wylder’s air of nostalgia for some good, old-fashioned game time. The recreation room was illuminated by a disco ball, had plenty of seating, and was stocked with a ton of board and billiard games. I’ve always been more of a Posh Spice than a Sporty Spice, but when it comes to pool and ping pong, I admittedly dominate the tables. I also rediscovered my love of ‘80s arcade games, like Ms. Pacman and Galaga.

But back to Babblers–the hotel’s charming restaurant-by-night and cafe-by-day, serving locally-sourced dinner and brunch. Furnished with industrial hanging lamps, gray benches, and an oak bar, Babbler’s has a warm and inviting energy with the food to back it up. The restaurant was bustling for a cold night in November, with almost every seat full–even at my geriatric dining hour of 5:45 pm. The scene ranged from young parents with their kids and some older local patrons to a group of 30-somethings. My boyfriend and I ordered martinis, the caesar salad, shishito peppers, house-cut fries, and shared a cheeseburger. The best part was the dessert that I took to-go: a slice of home-made mixed berry pie. 

Whether you’re looking for a weekend getaway from New York City, a work retreat destination, or perhaps a future wedding venue, Wylder Windham has all the makings of a cozy, comfortable hotel with the stunning surroundings of raw, pastoral beauty.

Insider Tips:

• If you’re looking for an easy scenic walk, try Windham Path

• Just about a 20-minute drive from Wylder, you’ll find Glen Falls House, a truly unique hotel with a bar and tavern. We stopped by there for a holiday market.

• To check out more in the upstate hotel scene nearby, Deer Mountain Inn has a great restaurant and often live music—also a 20-minute drive from Wylder Windham