Experience the Best Restaurants, Hotels & Spas in New York State

Luxury Experiences for Summer in New York State

Mar 20, 2026 by I LOVE NY Staff

A couple sits on lounge chairs at the Seawater Spa in Gurney's Montauk Resort

From world-class beaches and designer shopping in the Hamptons to a castle stay in the Thousand Islands or Finger Lakes regions to feasting at Michelin-starred restaurants, indulge in the ultimate luxury experiences in New York State this summer.

High-end Tours, Tastes, and Treatment (NYC)

For an unrivaled luxury city stay, The Plaza Hotel delivers at every turn. Lavish accommodations and amenities are complemented by attentive, discreet service. Adding to its luxury guestrooms, The Plaza offers first-class dining, upscale shopping at The Plaza Boutique, and top-tier wellness amenities, including the Fitness Center and the 111SKIN Spa/Clinic. Make sure to book a table at The Palm Court, the hotel’s iconic dining venue, where you can indulge in afternoon tea, craft cocktails, and dinner service beneath a stunning glass dome.

For a true Michelin-starred experience, New York City is home to 72 restaurants boasting one, two, and three Michelin stars. Renowned dining destinations like Aska, Dirt Candy, Le Bernardin, and The Modern deliver refined settings, coveted reservations, and exceptional epicurean experiences inspired by global flavors.

Keep your standards high, and your sense of adventure even higher, with a helicopter tour from HeliNY, one of the most exhilarating ways to take in the city. Soar above the unparalleled city skyline and get panoramic views of landmarks like the Statue of Liberty and Central Park from the helicopter’s floor-to-ceiling bubble windows. If you prefer a tour from ground level, set sail with City Cruises for a grandiose Bateaux Premier Plus Dinner Cruise, where you’ll enjoy a refined prix fixe menu, curated cocktails, and live music along with sweeping skyline views from a glass-enclosed yacht.

Indulge in The Hamptons (Long Island)

From the Gilded Age to today’s Gold Coast, Long Island has long been synonymous with luxury living. For an oceanfront escape, check into Gurney’s Resort in Montauk. Elevated amenities include a private beach, a renowned seawater spa and bathhouse, complimentary bicycles, various dining venues, and sweeping ocean-view suites.

Visit one of the state’s most striking coastal landscapes, Montauk Point, known as “The End of the World”, and home to the historic Montauk Lighthouse. While you’re in the area, break out the clubs and hit the greens at Montauk Downs State Park, often ranked among the best public golf destinations in the state and the top municipal courses in the country.

Venture down the coast about an hour to Coopers Beach in the Hamptons, ranked among the top 10 beaches in the country. Enjoy powder-soft white sand shores and pristine water while admiring historic mansions in the background. After a day at the beach, soak up “Summer in a Bottle,” (signature rosé wine), at Wölffer Estate Vineyard as you admire 55 acres of summer’s finest scenery. Embark on a 90-minute cellar tour and tasting that offers an inside look at 35 years of world-class winemaking. Guided by an on-site sommelier, the experience includes tastings of four wines paired with light bites.

This area is also known for its shopping, so be sure to browse the bougie boutiques along Main Street in East Hampton, Amagansett Square, and wander through Sag Harbor.

Round out your Hamptons stay at the cultural cornerstone, Guild Hall, a historic venue for theater, film, and visual arts.

Live Like Royalty at Singer Castle (Thousand Islands)

Credit: @rbbramlett on Instagram

Who doesn’t want to feel like royalty? At Singer Castle, you can. Set on Dark Island in the heart of the Thousand Islands, this Scottish-inspired castle dates to the early 1900s and was once occupied by the fifth CEO of Singer Sewing Machine Company, Frederick Bourne. You can be king or queen of the castle when you book a stay in the Royal Suite, an entire wing of the castle hosting up to six people. You’ll be treated to canopy beds, lavishly decorated rooms and bathrooms with period-style fixtures. Breakfast is included in your stay, and you can request your meals to be served in the tearoom, drawing room, loggia, or front terrace. For dinner, enjoy a sumptuous feast followed by a private tour of the castle.

Immerse yourself even more in the majestic beauty of the Thousand Islands and St. Lawrence River when you book an Uncle Sam Boat Tour, with stops at Boldt Castle and cruising past Millionaires Row. The St. Lawrence River is also a world-class destination for anglers, ranked among the nation’s top bass fishing spots, and an ideal spot for brown trout, sturgeon, and salmon. Reel in an expert-led angling experience with St. Lawrence River Fishing Charters.

Back on shore, head to nearby Clayton to peruse the Antique Boat Museum, home to North America’s largest collection of antique and classic boats. If you’re visiting in early August, don’t miss the annual antique boat show and auction.

Sip and Stay in the Finger Lakes (Finger Lakes)

Venture to the Finger Lakes, where rolling hills and sparkling lake views set the scene for one of the country’s premier wine destinations. With more than 130 wineries and four distinct wine trails, the region is especially known for its aromatic whites, including Riesling and Gewürztraminer. Reserve a room at the lavish Belhurst Castle, an 1880s estate overlooking Seneca Lake. Choose from three accommodations, the castle, a Georgian Revival mansion, or a charming inn. Inside, antique furnishings and cozy fireplaces are complemented by a unique perk, a complimentary in-room red wine spigot.

During your stay you can indulge in guided tastings of award-winning wines and take advantage of a curated food and wine pairing dinner. Also on-site is the full service Isabella Spa-Salon, offering an array of massages, facials, and salon treatments.

Get a true taste of wine country when you book a Crush Wine Tour. Opt for the Seneca Lake Wine Trail, where you’ll enjoy four standout wineries, guided tastings, and scenic lake views. Tours also include professionally chauffeured transportation and custom itineraries designed to showcase the beauty of the region.

When you’re ready to explore beyond the estate, head to Seneca Lake State Park for lakeside biking, boating, and peaceful waterfront walks.

Saratoga Summer Splendor (Capital-Saratoga)

Photo credit: Michael Gallitelli

Known as the “Queen of Spas,” Saratoga Springs offers an upscale escape year-round, but especially shines in the summer. Book a room at the Gideon Putnam, set within the expansive 2,300-acre Saratoga Spa State Park. The Gideon Putnam invites you into upscale accommodations and amenities including on-site al fresco dining, and discounts to the area’s wonderful wellness experiences, including the Roosevelt Baths & Spa. Just a short walk from the hotel, the spa offers restorative therapies that harness Saratoga’s naturally effervescent waters, from soothing mineral soaks to massages and facials. Also part of your stay is easy access to the historic Victoria Pool, along with advance tee times at the scenic Saratoga Spa State Park Golf Course.

Summer brings the excitement of the horseracing season to Saratoga Race Course, the county’s oldest track and one of Sports Illustrated’s top 10 sporting venues. Experience the thrill of thoroughbred racing at major events like the Belmont Stakes, Whitney, and Travers, best enjoyed with reserved clubhouse seating.

For open-air entertainment, Saratoga Performing Arts Center (SPAC) hosts a lively season featuring a star-studded lineup of concerts, comedy, and cultural performances, including the beloved Jazz Festival and a special residency by the New York City Ballet.

Saratoga’s drinking and dining scene is second to none. Head to the center of the city, bustling Broadway for standout culinary experiences at 15 Church, Hamlet & Ghost, and Salt & Char. For live jazz in a historic and refined bar setting, make your way to 9 Maple jazz club, home to the largest selection of single malt scotches between Manhattan and Montreal and a martini menu of over 250 choices.

Soar into Wildflower Farms (Hudson Valley)

Find serenity in a refined nature sanctuary at Wildflower Farms, named the #1 resort in New York by Travel + Leisure in 2025. 140 secluded acres invite you to explore, engage, and expand both spirit and mind as you roam the rolling meadows, orchard vistas, and the spectacular Shawangunk Ridge. The embodiment of rustic luxury, the farm’s 65 thoughtfully designed cabins, cottages, and suites are tucked beneath tree canopies and amid wildflower fields, each offering sweeping views of the Hudson Valley landscape.

Farm-to-table dining reaches its peak at Clay, the upscale on-site venue that celebrates the region’s rich agricultural heritage, with seasonal, locally sourced menus inspired by the resort’s own farm and the Hudson Valley’s community of growers.

Beyond the culinary program, wellbeing is a priority at Wildflower Farms. Relax and rejuvenate at Thistle, the on-site spa where nature-driven treatments, botanical remedies, and therapeutic bodywork are rooted in the principles of slow wellness. Take a dip in the indoor saltwater pool, outdoor hot tubs, or sauna, all designed to restore balance.

For a more exhilarating perspective, elevate (literally) your experience with a tandem skydive from Skydive The Ranch, offering the highest skydive in New York, with expert instructors. where adrenaline meets sweeping views from the Catskills to the Manhattan skyline. Soar over the Hudson Valley with views from the Catskills to the Shawangunk Mountains to the Manhattan skyline.

Magnificent Mountain Escape (Catskills)

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Urban Cowboy Lodge & Resort (@urbancowboylodge)

Get off the grid at Urban Cowboy Lodge, a refined mountain retreat in the heart of the Catskills where hand-crafted design meets breathtaking natural beauty. Set on 200 acres in the Big Indian Wilderness, this 44-room boutique escape welcomes you to unwind with a forest bath in a deep soaking tub, indoors or out, savor a steam in the Estonian sauna, or take a refreshing dip in the pool, all surrounded by serene mountain landscapes. For a distinctive take on mountain luxury, book the Alpine Penthouse suite, featuring funky angles, dormered ceilings, exposed beams, a private balcony, and divine details from a copper clawfoot tub, built-in gas fireplace to Pendleton robes and blankets, heated bathroom floors, custom hand-printed wallpaper, and much more.

Adventure and relaxation go hand in hand at the Urban Cowboy, with miles of private hiking and creekside trails, a bluestone patio, firepits, sauna, and an immersive treenet installation offering a playful way to take in the forest canopy. Dining is equally memorable at the lodge’s award-winning restaurant, where seasonally-sourced ingredients make up a breakfast and dinner menu that can be enjoyed in the design-forward dining room or al fresco on the picturesque porch. Afterward, enjoy craft beer and bowling at Ralph’s Bar & Bowling or sip expertly made cocktails at The Public House Bar, then cozy up fireside in the adjacent lounge.

Continue the indulgence at nearby Emerson Resort & Spa. Treat yourself to a nature-inspired spa treatment, wellness classes and amenities including a sauna, steam room, and outdoor hot tub. Don’t miss The Shops at Emerson, housed in a beautifully repurposed 19th-century dairy barn.

Hit a Grandslam in Cooperstown (Central New York)

For over a century, the Otesaga Resort in Cooperstown has provided a sense of grandeur to guests. The waterfront resort offers sweeping views of Otsego Lake, nicknamed “Glimmerglass” for its sparkling beauty, and is home to the award-winning Leatherstocking Golf Course. Play a round on one of the most beautiful courses in New York State, then relax with a massage, facial, or body treatment in the venue’s Hawkeye Spa. Feast on deliciously prepared cuisine at one of several on-site restaurants, including slow roasted prime rib and miso halibut, served with a view at the Hawkeye Bar & Grill.

After reveling and relaxing at the resort, explore the wonders of Cooperstown. The Glimmerglass Festival offers world-class opera and theater performances in a unique outdoor theater, and with the baseball season in full swing, the National Baseball Hall of Fame’s special tours and experiences will only add to your grand slam visit. Indulge your inner art lover with a visit to the Fenimore Art Museum, which is home to the extraordinary Eugene and Clare Thaw collection of American Indian Art. Permanent and visiting exhibits make this a must-visit.

Luxury might not be the first word that comes to mind when you think of a brewery, but Brewery Ommegang redefines the experience. Set on a picturesque 136-acre farmstead in the heart of Cooperstown, this destination pairs award-winning craft beers with a flavorful food menu. Beyond the expansive Tap House, tasting room, cafe, covered patio, and retail shop, the natural amphitheater lawn setting hosts major concerts and festivals all summer long.

Live on Island Time (Adirondacks)

Treat yourself to a destination getaway on Lake George at the iconic Sagamore Resort, ranked third in the 2025 Travel+Leisure World's Best Awards, and where more than 140 years of history meet refined, family-friendly luxury. Set on its own island in the Adirondacks, the resort offers eight waterfront dining venues, a full-service spa and salon, ample indoor and outdoor recreation, and an 18-hole golf course designed by Donald Ross. Unwind in the main hotel’s rooms and suites, featuring sweeping lake views, spacious balconies, and marble-accented bathrooms, then explore the 70 scenic acres that make up the resort. Your stay also includes a cruise aboard The Morgan, a replica 19th-century touring vessel, offering unforgettable views of Lake George, also known as “The Queen of American Lakes”, along with its many islands, high peak backdrops, and elegant estates.

Elevate the experience with a hot air balloon flight from SunKiss Ballooning, where sunrise or sunset rides expose unrivaled vistas of the “Forever Wild” Adirondacks and Lake George region.

Toast to a memorable getaway with a visit to Adirondack Winery, one of New York’s most celebrated craft wineries. Sample from more than 35 varieties, from dry reds and crisp whites to the fruit-forward wines that have become a signature of the brand.

Alluring Arts and Culture in Chautauqua (Chautauqua-Allegheny)

Stay in timeless elegance at the Athenaeum Hotel, part of the Chautauqua Institution, and a grand Victorian landmark overlooking Chautauqua Lake. Enjoy on-site dining with a view at the hotel’s Heirloom Restaurant.

Each summer, the Institution flourishes during its renowned nine-week season (June 27-August 30, 2026), an evolving tradition since 1874. The program features a captivating lineup of thought-provoking theater, concerts, symphony performances, lively discussions, and workshops, all set across a picturesque 750-acre lakeside campus. Some of this year’s guests include: Wynonna Judd, Melissa Ethridge, Sutton Foster, Kelli O’Hara, Chuck Todd, Neil deGrasse Tyson, and Harry Connick Jr.

Beyond arts and culture, the Chautauqua Institution offers a wide array of recreational opportunities including sailing, boating, fishing, and swimming on Chautauqua Lake, a 36-hole golf course designed by legendary course architects Seymour Dunn and Donald Ross, fast-dry and hard-surface tennis courts, playing fields, and fitness centers.

Grandiose Getaway in Buffalo (Greater Niagara)

Credit: @getawaymavens on Instagram

Revel in grandeur accommodations at the Curtiss Hotel, a five-star boutique hotel housed within the historic Harlow C. Curtiss building in the heart of downtown Buffalo. Its 68 sleek, high-tech rooms are complemented by standout amenities, from a rooftop lounge offering panoramic views of Buffalo, Lake Erie, and the Canadian shoreline. On-site, Chez Ami delivers an upscale dining experience with an elegant bar and year-round patio.

Buffalo has been referred to as “a textbook for a course in modern American buildings.” See some of the finest architectural gems when you tour Frank Lloyd Wright’s Graycliff and Martin House. The Martin House sits in the historic Parkside neighborhood, designed by famous landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted. Set on a cliff with expansive views of Lake Erie, Graycliff was the beautiful summer home of Darwin and Isabelle Martin.

Art lovers can immerse themselves in an extraordinary collection of modern and contemporary bodies of work at the nearby Buffalo AKG Art Museum.

Make sure to visit one of the world’s most magnificent natural wonders, Niagara Falls State Park, the oldest state park in the country. To make it even more memorable, take to the skies on the Fallsview Balloon ride, where panoramic views from up to 500 feet above offer a once-in-a-lifetime perspective of the falls.

Share New York State adventures with us on TikTok, Instagram and X with #ILoveNY and #iSpyNY, and tag us on Facebook!

Luxury Experiences for Summer in New York State

High-end Tours, Tastes, and Treatment (NYC)

Indulge in The Hamptons (Long Island)

Live Like Royalty at Singer Castle (Thousand Islands)

Credit: @rbbramlett on Instagram

Sip and Stay in the Finger Lakes (Finger Lakes)

Saratoga Summer Splendor (Capital-Saratoga)

Photo credit: Michael Gallitelli

Soar into Wildflower Farms (Hudson Valley)

Magnificent Mountain Escape (Catskills)

Hit a Grandslam in Cooperstown (Central New York)

Live on Island Time (Adirondacks)

Alluring Arts and Culture in Chautauqua (Chautauqua-Allegheny)

Grandiose Getaway in Buffalo (Greater Niagara)

Credit: @getawaymavens on Instagram

Author: I LOVE NY Staff

Categories

Archives

Authors

Search

eNewsletter Sign Up

Download a Travel Guide

Get the next piece from Molly