Best US retreats an Hours drive from NYC
- Julia Labedz
- 1 day ago
- 2 min read
You don’t have to go far. Just outside New York City, there are quiet cabins, design-forward stays, and nature escapes that feel like a total reset, without the long drive. Here are 4 standout retreats within 1 hour and 15 minutes of NYC that feel worlds away but won’t eat your weekend with traffic or logistics.
This is something far better than glamping, and we don't say this lightly! Located in the Shawangunk Ridge, Wildflower Farms has minimalist modern cabins with a working organic farm and spa, with floor-to-ceiling windows, outdoor rain showers, and trails that start at your doorstep. There’s also Clay, the on-site restaurant, which turns truly local produce into dishes that actually feel comforting.
Drive time: About 1 hr 15 mins.
Shou Sugi Ban House is a wellness retreat done right with Japanese-inspired architecture, open-air baths, meditation pavilions, and nutritionist-designed meals. You can book full-on wellness programs, but even a one-night stay gives you a chance to relax.
Drive time: Around 1 hr 10 mins (Hampton traffic pending, go off-peak).
These tiny cabins are located in quiet woods with no WiFi, lockboxes for your phone, and huge picture windows made for stargazing from bed, all designed for ‘luxury disconnection’. Each cabin has a fire pit, comfy bed, and just enough room for you, your thoughts, and a good book.
Drive time: Right around 1 hr 15 mins.
Overlooking a creek and a waterfall (I mean, what more could you want?) The Roundhouse is a former industrial space turned into a boutique hotel. Beacon itself is a bonus, with art galleries, a riverfront trail, and DIA Beacon making it a culture-rich but very low-key escape. Plus, there’s a fireplace lounge and bar with perfect cocktails.
Drive time: Just over an hour.
Getting There
If you’re flying in from Ireland, Aer Lingus makes the journey easy with direct daily flights from Dublin to New York’s JFK and Newark airports. Both are well-connected to the city and major car rental services, making it simple to land, grab a car, and see a totally different side to the US than the typical NYC getaway within a couple of hours.