Floating Glass Cabin Hotel: Wellness Retreat with Mountain Views, Pool, Spa, and Hiking Trails

For those seeking a tranquil retreat far from the hustle and bustle of city life, Piaule Catskill offers an unparalleled experience. Nestled in upstate New York, this boutique hotel is designed to immerse guests in the natural beauty of the Catskill Mountains. For city dwellers, the floor-to-ceiling windows of the private cabins provide a view that feels like being in a glass bubble on the moon, with vast, uninhabited landscapes stretching out before you. The town of Catskill is just a two to three-hour drive from New York City, making it an accessible escape without the need for a rocket ship.

Piaule Catskill was built on the site of an old bluestone quarry and features a modern design that pays homage to the region’s natural materials. The main house, with its sloped steel roof resembling a bird’s wings, is constructed using untreated wood, bluestone, and metal, all adorned in earthy tones. The Swedish-inspired furniture, with its rounded edges, and soft-textured accents like smooth leather, woven cords, and feathery dried flowers, add warmth and balance to the otherwise geometric structure.

Recently refreshed in collaboration with DWR (Design Within Reach), the interiors of Piaule have been further integrated with the surrounding wilderness. A wall of windows in the main house offers panoramic views of the upstate landscape, while organic mood lighting changes throughout the day, casting different hues across the scenery. Tiny bud vases, each unique, dot the tables, creating a sense of cohesion without uniformity. This space serves as both a restaurant and a communal area where guests can relax, play games, or read by the fire.

Descending a gravel footpath from the main building, guests will find 24 cabins nestled in the forest. From the outside, they resemble high-end storage units, but their modern interiors—featuring spacious showers and cloud-like beds—offer a pleasant surprise. Each cabin has a towering glass wall that can be slid open to let in fresh air and offer immersive views of the oak-dotted landscape overlooking the Catskill mountains. According to Garrison Architects, the goal was to “present visitors with the sensory atmosphere of outdoor camping from the comfort of an indoor cabin.”

The cabins provide a level of privacy and seclusion that makes Piaule an ideal destination for couples or adults looking for a peaceful getaway. Children between the ages of 2 and 18 are not allowed, and the spa is also child-free. Nightly quiet hours help maintain the serene environment, though most guests seem to respect the unspoken rule of preserving the calm.

With a baby in tow, we found the walking trails on the property to be a delightful way to explore. They led us across wooden bridges, over babbling streams, and around boulders, offering a chance to connect with nature. While the town of Catskill is small, it is close to other popular towns in the region, providing numerous dining and activity options off-property. We enjoyed lunch in Hudson and dinner in Woodstock during our stay, which made returning to our cabin even more enjoyable.

The Rooms

Piaule Catskill’s cabins are elevated on 4-foot-tall stilts, giving the illusion that they float above the ground. They come in various configurations, including single cabins, single cabins with decks, and double cabins with living rooms connecting two bedrooms. We stayed in a double cabin, which proved useful as a quiet space for our baby to nap. Blackout shades ensure a good night’s sleep, with only the sound of wind breaking the silence.

On a 20-acre plot across the street from the main campus is the Oak House, the hotel’s newest offering. This three-bedroom private residence features natural materials, especially oak, and warm lighting that creates a cozy, home-like atmosphere. It’s a grounded experience that allows guests to feel at ease.

Food and Drink

The hotel’s commitment to local ingredients is evident in its three-course, prix fixe dinner menu, which uses seasonal, locally-sourced produce. The dishes are both delicious and visually appealing, catering to both vegans and carnivores. Reservations are required, and the restaurant is open to the public, so booking in advance is recommended.

In the morning, guests can enjoy a continental breakfast featuring pastries, fruit, and yogurt, with optional à la carte items like omelettes. The lunch menu is short but varied, offering options such as jerk chicken, avgolemono, and salads. The staff, mostly composed of locals, can provide excellent recommendations for dining in the surrounding towns. We were directed to Kitty’s in Hudson for a casual lunch.

Accessibility

Two guest rooms and all common spaces are ADA accessible, adhering to both ADA and NYS law. However, the paths between structures are made of gravel and are not brightly lit at night, which may pose challenges for some guests.

The Spa

The spa at Piaule Catskill is a serene space that combines minimalism with comfort. Large windows allow guests to enjoy sweeping views from almost any angle, whether sitting in a quiet nook or lounging by the heated outdoor pool. Services include massages, yoga, reiki, and sound baths, along with a steam room, sauna, hot pool, and mineral cold plunge. Everyone speaks in hushed tones, adding to the tranquil ambiance.

I visited on the winter solstice, a day I typically associate with gloom. But as I stepped into the heated pool, light snow began to fall on the pool’s ledge. Watching the delicate flakes dance above the rising steam while staying comfortably warm in the crisp air was a magical experience. In spring and summer, I imagine this setting would be equally inviting for groups and couples looking to enjoy the scenic views in peace.

How to Book

You can book a stay at Piaule Catskill directly through the hotel’s website. The Oak House, a private 2,200-square-foot residence, offers great value for groups traveling together. Nightly rates start at $469 for cabins and $1,199 for the Oak House. The minimum length of stay varies by season, ranging from two to three nights.

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