Perched atop a scenic ridgeline in Livingston Manor, New York, the Catskills Retreat is a luxury resort thoughtfully designed to immerse guests in the natural beauty of the Catskill Mountains while minimizing its impact on the surrounding landscape. Overlooking the town below and offering sweeping views of Catskill Park, the resort seamlessly integrates architecture, wellness, recreation, and sustainability to create a world-class mountain destination.

Designed as a premier hospitality experience, the resort features 110 luxury guest rooms and suites, complemented by private cottages, destination dining, wellness amenities, conference facilities, and an extensive network of outdoor recreation opportunities. Every aspect of the master plan encourages guests to connect with nature while enjoying the comfort and sophistication of a modern luxury resort.

The architecture responds sensitively to its mountain setting through the extensive use of living roofs and rooftop gardens, allowing the buildings to blend naturally into the landscape and significantly reduce their visual impact. Rather than dominating the ridgeline, the resort becomes an extension of the terrain, preserving views while reinforcing a strong connection between the built environment and the surrounding ecosystem.

Guest accommodations are carefully oriented to capture panoramic views of the Catskill Mountains. Each room enjoys direct access to private outdoor space through an individual roof garden, which also serves as the living roof for the suite below. This innovative layering of architecture and landscape maximizes privacy, enhances energy performance, and creates a unique hospitality experience where nature becomes an integral part of every guest stay.

The resort offers a diverse collection of indoor and outdoor amenities designed to support recreation, relaxation, and year-round programming. Facilities include a luxury spa, swimming pools, hot tubs, tennis and squash courts, bowling lanes, game rooms, banquet facilities, conference spaces, and private gathering areas. An extensive network of hiking, mountain biking, and running trails connects guests directly to the surrounding landscape, extending the resort experience into the natural environment.

The master plan carefully separates guest experiences from back-of-house operations to create a seamless arrival and hospitality experience. A dedicated service roadway descends below the main porte cochère, allowing deliveries, employee circulation, valet operations, and service functions to remain hidden from public view. Approximately half of the resort's parking is discreetly located below grade, reducing the visual presence of automobiles while preserving uninterrupted views across the property.

Outdoor recreation facilities are equally integrated into the landscape. The tennis complex is nestled within an existing natural embankment, where the surrounding terrain forms built-in spectator seating and minimizes site disturbance. Throughout the property, architecture and topography work together to reduce grading, preserve natural landforms, and strengthen the connection between guests and the mountain environment.

Natural daylight is introduced deep into the interior through innovative glass block skylights incorporated within the rooftop gardens, bringing sunlight into corridors and shared spaces while maintaining the continuity of the living roof system. These daylighting strategies enhance the guest experience, improve energy efficiency, and reinforce the resort's commitment to sustainable design.

Three distinct public gathering areas are strategically distributed throughout the campus, each featuring landscaped terraces and rooftop gardens that support multiple events simultaneously. These flexible social spaces accommodate weddings, conferences, wellness retreats, and private gatherings while maintaining an intimate atmosphere across the expansive property.

The Catskills Retreat exemplifies Ward Blake Architects' philosophy of designing hospitality environments that are deeply connected to their landscape. Through sustainable site planning, innovative green roof systems, thoughtful guest-centered design, and a careful balance between luxury and environmental stewardship, the project creates a destination resort that celebrates the natural beauty of the Catskills while providing an exceptional experience for visitors from around the world.

Location

Livingston Manor, NY

Project Size

285,000 sq. ft.

awards

2011 International Design Awards. Architect Concept Design - First Prize/Gold

2011 International Design Awards, Overall Contest Honorable Mention (Architect)

Publications

2011 IDA Book of Designs 11