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Or if your path is a more holistic onetheres something for you here as well.
Photo: Courtesy of The Ranch Hudson Valley
Why go here?
The Ranch Malibuis legendary among seekers of wellness.
Whats the vibe?
Shot for The RANCH Hudson Valley - September 4/5 2023www.theranchmalibu.com
At which point,Downtown Abbeyturns into a deluxe sleepaway camp for wealthy grown ups.
The Ranch staff is eager to serve.
Flattery aside, its hard not to immediately start breathing more deeply at The Ranch Hudson Valley.
Shot for The RANCH Hudson Valley - September 4/5 2023www.theranchmalibu.com
The airy interior is swathed with neutral tones of white, gray, and beige.
Ceilingsoriginal and intricately carvedsoar.
Interior designer Stephen Gambrels color choices were inspired by nature.
Shot for The RANCH Hudson Valley - September 4/5 2023www.theranchmalibu.com
In his words, modern art, lean shapes, and comfortable, relaxed furniture set the tone.
The history?
The Ranch Malibu was founded by Alex and Sue Glasscock 14 years ago.
Shot exclusively for The RANCH, Hudson ValleyDesign : www.srgambrel.com
But The Ranch Hudson Valley is their first foray into a brick-and-mortar sibling to the Malibu original.
Brick-and-mortar is a figure of speech here.
Locally quarried tile, wood paneling, and intricate molding remain.
A new solariumfeaturing an indoor pool, hot tub, and sauna will be open by the summer.
The Ranch Hudson Valley, on the other hand, offers three- or four-night stays.
And there are other changes.
Portions used to be smaller, one alumnus I met at The Ranch Hudson Valley told me.
And you would come off the trail genuinely not knowing if you could take another step, she said.
These austerities are things of the past on both coasts.
Founders Alex and Sue have listened to feedback requesting shorter programs and less restrictive diets.
Both spas now offer a two-hour hike option.
Fitness classes and yoga are optional, with some, myself included, spending afternoons catching up on work.
At meal times, double portions are provided on request.
And theres no shame in askingseveral people requested more food on my visit.
Patrons are offered the option of being weighed and measured on arrival and departure, but they can decline.
What should you try?
Mornings at The Ranch Hudson Valley are taken up with intense four-hour hikes.
These are the heart of The Ranch experience.
Its worth attempting the full hikeafter all, its what youre there for.
The daily included massage is a necessity.
Within 30 minutes, she relieved the hip pain Id accepted as irreversible and fixed my hamstring.
Other things make the high price tag feel reasonable: vegan meals by Chef Michael Narciso are fantastic.
A shepherds pie of wild mushrooms in wine topped with whipped sweet potato elicited audible moans from diners.
A lunch of roasted cauliflower with kitchari was deceptively rich and filling.
Definitely do not snooze on the daily morning stretch at 5:30.
Stretching with the sunrise and a hot cup of coffee nearby is a practice I brought home with me.
How environmentally friendly is it?
The Ranch Malibu has an extensive garden, from which much of its produce comes.
Currently, The Ranch Hudson Valley buys all its vegetables.
Excess food will go to a local food pantry.
A compost operation is on the horizon.
Gentle reminders to use energy sparingly make it clear that The Ranch is aware of its larger environment.
What else do we need to know?
I would also warn anyone whos suffered from disordered eating.
Self-awareness about whats safe for you is vital.
You cant avoid dirt on hikes, theres no menu, and theres no TV.
Who can go?
The Ranch Hudson Valley is only open to guests.
