Sometimes, getting away from it all doesn’t mean having to fly halfway around the world. There are some incredible places right here in New York that will make anyone feel like they escaped to an amazing adventure or into a world of fantasy. Why settle for the ordinary when there are so many extraordinary options available? We recently updated our list of amazing overnight destinations and have found 35 of the most epic and exotic accommodations, such as island getaways, castles, lighthouses, treehouses, train cars, geo domes, and tipis, which are the stuff that dream vacations are made of.
Islands Getaways
Nothing says get away from it all quite like an island. These incredible destinations around New York State offer guests the chance to enjoy the beauty of being cut off from the rest of the world in some of the most idyllic settings in the state.
Paddle Inn on Heron Hideaway Island ~ Cassadaga, NY
Guests will love having this small private Island all to themselves while enjoying the perks of fishing and swimming in the crystal clear waters of Cassadaga Lake. While this isn’t a huge lake it is great for canoeing and kayaking, which incidentally, come with the rental. The island is small but it is equipped with everything you need to unwind and lazy about in sweet repose. While you are staying in the area, you can visit the psychic community of Lily Dale, which is just down the road.
Island Boat House ~ Clayton, NY
This private 2-acre Island is located smack dab in the middle of the St. Lawrence River. Bring your boat or rent one at a nearby marina. The dock can accommodate boats up to 26 feet. This is the perfect destination for those looking to escape the fast pace of everyday life and relax in the heart of the Thousand Islands.
This rental is a dog friendly
Singer Castle on Dark Island ~ Chippewa Bay, NY
You can spend the night at this beautiful castle on Dark Island in the St. Lawerence River. Your deluxe accomodations will make you feel like royalty, because you will have an entire wing of the Castle all to yourself. The Island is open to the public but if you are staying the night, you can enjoy it privately after the last tour has left for the day.
Tipis
When I was a kid, I used to make my own blanket tipis in my room, never dreaming that one day I could actually stay in one. Tipis are really as close as you can get to truly roughing it without literally sleeping under the star. Tipis are not closed up like tents are and have a large hole in the top to let the smoke from the fires escape. If you aren’t a fan of bugs, which can occasionally sneak in, this might not be the adventure for you.
Magic Forest Farm Garden Tipi ~ Coeymans Hollow, NY
Stay in a furnished tipi with a stone floor and fire pit located in the foothills of the Catskills on 225 acres of land. The Tipi has nestled away in a secluded part of an organic farm. Guests can enjoy miles of hiking and biking trails. Visitors can meet all sorts of friendly farm animals such as cows, horses, chickens, goats, and peacocks.
Bellfire Tipi ~ Roxbury, NY
Stargazers will love this rustic, back-to-nature Catskills adventure where the night sky is not obscured by light pollution. The 18 ft. tipi has a cedar floor and comes equipped with wool blankets and custom-made furnishing. This really is a real off-the-grid experience, complete with solar showers and an outhouse with composting toilet. The tipi has beautiful little touches that create a tranquil and harmonious environment and guests can enjoy gathering around a fire in the woodstove within the tipi or sit out under the star around the firepit.
Sioux Tipi at Chloe’s Lake ~ Saugerties, NY
Located approximately 8 miles from Woodstock, NY this tipi sits on a small 2-acre Lake and is surrounded by 20 acres of woods. In 2014 this destination was listed by Yahoo Travel as “One of the 6 Best Tipis in the USA to Stay in.” The tipi comes furnished with just about everything you might need, but this like most of the tipis on this list is very primitive and visitors should be prepared to rough it.
The Tipi at June Farm
As tipis go, this is probably the most “luxurious” one on our list. As well as being fully furnished with a king-size bed, several lounge chairs, a kitchen table with chairs, and a fire pit, this site comes with an ATV to help you get to and from the restroom faster and easier. Visitors can roam the farm and say hello to all the animals who live there.
Treehouses
Staying in a treehouse might be on every kid’s bucket list and possibly every adult who is a kid at heart. While these might be a step up from actual camping, their rustic charm makes a stay in one of the amazing treehouses an epic adventure.
Tree House on Wellesley Island ~ Wellesley Island, NY
Get away to a modern two-story cottage suspended among trees on certified organic Cross Island Farms. Located on an interstate-accessed island in the 1000 Island Region of the St. Lawrence River in upstate New York, this unique solar-powered tree house is close to many local amenities: Wellesley Island State Park, Minna Anthony Common Nature Center, Boldt Castle, museums, boating, world-class fishing, swimming, hiking and just a few miles from Canada.
North Tree House Retreat~ Lake George, NY
Lake George is one of the most popular Adirondack destinations and a place for family fun and adventure. Now imagine making your stay even more magical by staying in a gorgeous tree house that consists of three buildings all connected by rope bridges.
Mariaville Goat Farm Tree House ~ Patterson, NY
Get back to nature at this working farm. Enjoy spending the night in a Japanese-inspired treehouse with all the right touches to make this rustic treehouse an elegant getaway. Animal lovers will love all of the friendly animals that they can watch from their deck or wander around and meet. This destination will also provide dinner for an extra fee.
This rental can be a dog-friendly destination depending on your dog’s size and temperament. Speak to the host prior to making your reservation to see if your dog will be welcome.
Adirondack Tree House Retreat
This small treehouse with a winding staircase tucked away in the foothills of the Adirondacks is the perfect place for couples to get away from the chaos of the world and reconnect in the heart of nature. Visitors will enjoy an outdoor kitchen, covered deck, and fire pit in a very private wooded setting.
Ash Hill Treehouse ~ Port Leyden, NY
Enjoy your stay up in the trees in this amazingly accommodated treehouse that comes with a full kitchen and bath. The 100-foot winding bridge really sets this idyllic treehouse apart from the others. If you are looking to explore, visitors have access to 15 acres of woods. Unlike many of the other treehouses on this list, this treehouse has everything you need for a comfortable stay within the treehouse.
This rental is a dog friendly
Rustic Adirondack Tree House Getaway ~ Wilmington, NY
Escape to the Adirondacks for an off-the-grid adventure in a rustic treehouse. Located in the Lake Placid area, guests can take advantage of the multitude of hiking trails. This is the quintessential Adirondack experience where the guests are surrounded by woods and wildlife. If the weather decides not to cooperate, have no fear, the treehouse is equipped for every eventuality.
Magical Treehouse ~ Paul Smiths, NY
A charming respite from the real world, this treehouse welcomes visitors to the heart of the Adirondacks. Guests can visit the nearby Adirondack Park Visitor Interpretive Center or hike the many trails in the area. If you are looking for a paddling adventure, there is a nearby river, and accommodations can be made for drop-off and pick-up. This beautiful oasis in the woods is the perfect escape into the mystical mountains.
Yurts
When people imagine glamping, yurts are usually what they picture. These luxurious tents allow people to get out into some of the most spectacular destinations without truly having to rough it.
Firefly Upstate glamping at Gatherwild Ranch ~ Germantown, NY
This is an excellent place to try the whole “getting off the grid thing” without having to commit to seriously roughing it, plus the stargazing here is incredible. While this place may not have electricity, it does have all the amenities that you need to make your stay more than comfortable. Set on a 15-acre farm with other rentals, most of the amenities are communal.
This rental is a dog friendly – w/ $20 non-refundable pet deposit
Golden Hill State Park ~ Barker, NY
Golden Hill State Park is considered one of the best places to camp in New York State and with good reason, it is fantastic. Waterfront sites that sit along the cliffs above Lake Ontario make for an excellent camping experience. There are several yurts available to guests that have great views of the Lake and easy access to the hiking trails. Golden Hill State Park has lots to offer visitors in the way of hiking, boating and camping, not to mention a spectacular shoreline to walk.
This rental is a dog friendly
Evangola State Park ~ Irving, NY
Evangola State Park is one of the most unbelievably beautiful places on Lake Erie. Full disclosure, the beach here is one of my favorite places on earth. We come here just to walk along the extraordinary beach with the cliffsides have been carved by the lake in the most artistic way possible. Added bonus: the sunsets here are nothing short of spectacular.
This rental is a dog friendly
Moon Lodge Yurt ~ Lagrangeville, NY
Take a break from the hectic world and enjoy some clear skies for stargazing at this eco-friendly yurt destination. Solar power is used to provide lighting and device charging. Biodegradable soap and shampoos are provided for guests. Guests will have a field and forest all to themselves to hike and explore.
This rental is a dog friendly
Harmony Hill Retreat Center ~ East Meredith, NY
Spend the night in a fully equipped yurt that has a king-size bed, full kitchen (with table & chairs), bathroom (with flush toilets – which turns out, after doing all my research, is a real luxury item.), wifi, and heat. Visitors will enjoy the freedom to hike 70 wooded acres surrounded by beautiful mountains.
Contact Information:
Address: 694 McKee Hill Rd, East Meredith, NY 13757
Phone Number: (607)278-6609
Lighthouses
Thirty Mile Point Lighthouse ~ Barker, NY
Golden Hill State Park was already mentioned on this list for their awesome yurts and beautiful park. What I didn’t mention was the beautiful lighthouse that resides in this park. Even more astounding is that you can stay in this gorgeous piece of history. Keep in mind that the first floor is open for tours. The second floor is available for rent and comes fully equipped with no less than 3 bedrooms.
Selkirk Lighthouse ~ Pulaski, NY
This is a unique place to stay even for a lighthouse and that is because of the birdcage lantern design. There are only 4 of these particular lighthouses in the United States and of those, only 2 (Selkirk Lighthouse is one of them) are still active today.
Saugerties Lighthouse ~ Saugerties, NY
Saugerties Lighthouse was built in 1835 on the Hudson River. Guests can either arrive by their own personal boat or trek a 1/2 mile down a trail. Enjoy a complimentary breakfast during your stay. There is an abundance of nature that surrounds the lighthouse. This is a birdwatcher’s paradise.
Unique Buildings
St Michael’s Mission ~ Conesus, NY
Imagine spending the night in this vast and historic mission. The mission can accommodate large parties as well as lone travelers. While you’re there don’t miss the opportunity to see magnificent old grottos that are on the grounds of the Mission.
This rental is a dog friendly
Highlands Castle ~Bolton Landing, NY
Spend the night in this fairy tale castle in the Adirondacks overlooking Lake George. Highlands Castles has numerous authentically decorated suites available for large family gatherings, such as weddings, or for couples just looking for a romantic getaway.
Roxbury Waterfall House
While the building isn’t unique, the magnificent waterfall in the backyard is and is what really sets this place apart. Having your own private waterfall all to yourself is everyone’s fantasy and here you can make it come true. This house is equipped for a fantastic family getaway with a pool table, a full kitchen, and a living room made for gathering.
Geo Dome ~Woodridge, NY
Experience state-of-the-art luxury meets rural comfort at this farm in the Catskills. This destination is geared towards creativity and artful expression with facilities such as a recording studio on premises. Interact with all sorts of affectionate farm animals. Don’t miss the Sunday yoga class.
“Mannat” Sacred Temple
This is a carefully decorate escape from it all is designed to transport guests to the far east. This destination focuses on the small touches that add up to big impressions. Those looking for private tranquility will love this destination especially if they are searching for a spiritual retreat.
This rental is a dog friendly
Dome Home ~ New Paltz, NY
This unique home is set on 28 acres of private forest that guests are welcome to hike and explore. Included with the rental are a hot tub and a baby grand piano. The outdoor tent with a heater means you can eat outside all year round.
This rental is a dog friendly – must get permission for your dog’s prior to booking.
Hudson Valley Bali House Retreat ~ Rosendale, NY
You don’t need to leave the country to escape to exotic places. This is an elegant getaway that will make guests feel like they have been transported to Indonesia. This little piece of heaven was built in the 4 pods in traditional Bali style and sits on 7.5 acres of woodlands, with a spring-fed private pond, and grassy pasture.
This rental is dog friendly – must get permission for your dog prior to booking.
Fieldstone Suite ~ Ithaca, NY
Spend the night in this one-of-a-kind Earth House. This unique home is more than just beautiful, it is environmentally friendly and energy efficient. The house faces South facing and is filled with natural light, cool in summer and warm in winter. Enjoy a bonfire under the stars.
This rental is a dog friendly
Historic Railcar ~ Homer, NY
Train lovers will just adore this rental on Skaneateles Lake. The train car is 83ft long and recently refurbished. Separated into 3 bedrooms, two full bathrooms, a kitchen, a dining area, and a large 20 ft. dock that stretches out into the Lake perfect for fishing and boating.
This rental is a dog friendly
Wine Trail Covered Wagon ~ Penn Yan
Bringing a little old west to the Finger Lakes, you can spend the night in a covered wagon. The wagon is a lot bigger than it looks, with a queen size bed and a pull out sofa, and it even has a full bathroom with a shower. This is a fun place to stay while exploring wine country.
Wings Castle ~Millbrook, NY
Step back in time at this is a medieval dream come true. There are a number of different suites available that make each guest’s experience authentic and incredible. They even have their own stone henge that guests can visit. Head over to the adjacent winery for some wine tasting.
Millbrook Castle ~ New Paltz, NY
This gorgeous castle is hidden in the Shawangunk Mountains of the Hudson Valley. Nestled on over 10 private acres with panoramic views of legendary Millbrook Mountain, is a romantic getaway that will fulfill your wildest fairy tale dream.
The Roxbury ~ Roxbury, NY
This might just be the coolest place on this entire list. The Roxbury has two properties and amazing over-the-top designed accommodations. While the accommodations are mostly rooms, The Roxbury at Stratton Falls has cottages if you require more space. Every single room or cottage is uniquely decorated with an artist’s eye, and I’m not saying that the curtain and bedspread match; these rooms and cottages are fully immersive. Like the Faerie Forest, where the entire cottage looks like you’ve stepped into an enchanted forest. Cinderella’s gown, where you literally step into the story of Cinderella, complete with giant walk-through pumpkins. Enter Arthurian legend by staying in the Crown of the Pendragons (if you like medieval dragons, you’ll want to stay here.) Honestly, there are too many great themed rooms and cottages to list here. The Roxbury is next level; think Disney-level dedication to decor and immersion.
Do you know of an epic and exotic accommodation that we missed? Let us know about it! Did you find an intriguing place to visit on our list? Please leave us a comment below.