New York’s Emerson Resort & Spa has completed a $500,000 renovation of its 2,500-square-foot Catamount event space. The property, located just two hours from Manhattan, offers panoramic views of the surrounding Catskill Mountains — plus the world’s largest kaleidoscope. The space is available for events ranging from weddings to corporate retreats.

The Catamount, which also includes a 200-square-foot outdoor deck, can accommodate up to 100 guests. The space offers a variety of seating areas, landscape artwork and a natural cork wall covering to evoke the feeling of a birch canopy.

Emerson’s event coordinator Marcilene Smith believes that the natural beauty of the Catskill Mountains plays a large part in the success of events held there.

“The beauty of the natural surroundings, coupled with unique activities such as rail bike rides and mushroom foraging, and personalized service combined result in truly productive, memorable corporate events that ultimately invigorate and reenergize our event participants well after the meeting,” Smith said. 

The Emerson Resort & Spa offers two additional areas for receptions and gatherings.  The Great Room, which can hold up to 60 attendees, features floor to ceiling windows and a fireplace. The open-air Waterside Pavilion, with views of Mt. Tremper and Esopus Creek, is available from May to October and can accommodate up to 150 attendees.

Corporate retreats and executive meetings, where a balance between work and relaxation are desired, are a sweet spot for the resort.

Ulster County Regional Chamber of Commerce Foundation, Inc.’s executive director, Ingrid Kulick, provided a testimonial on the outstanding levels of customer service at the resort.

“The Emerson Resort & Spa provides an outstanding venue for corporate retreats via ease of access, perfect accommodations, delicious, healthy meals and snacks, and service from a gracious, considerate and attentive staff at any hour,” Kulick said. 

Efrat Moshkoviz, who organized a retreat for former employer Sunday Sky, said that holding the event at the Emerson worked from both a professional and personal standpoint for participants.

“The staff was friendly and attentive, our rooms were great, and the atmosphere made it easy to work while also making it very easy to relax,” Moshkoviz explained.

Both Kulick and Moshkoviz said they would recommend the Emerson to any corporate group.

The hotel features 53 rooms and suites and a 6,193-square-foot luxury spa. Woodnotes Grille, the Emerson’s on-property restaurant, serves handcrafted cocktails and Catskill-themed menu items with ingredients sourced from the local Hudson Valley area.

The 56-foot-long Guiness World Record-holding kaleidoscope is located in the property’s Emerson Country Store, and is open to the public with a nominal fee. The kaleidoscope’s main presentations utilize video playing off a three-dimensional three-mirror system and theater-quality surround sound.  The show changes seasonally and each reflects the theme of the Catskills.

For more information on holding an event at the Emerson Resort & Spa, go HERE.