New York State doesn’t have the same glitzy, fast-paced reputation as Manhattan—but that’s the beauty of it.
When you travel north of the city, you enter a world of pristine lakes, dense forests, rolling vineyards, and rugged mountains. Fresh air is plentiful, relaxation is paramount, and travelers come from the Big Apple and beyond to experience it.
Thankfully, the area has some fabulous resorts that match its idyllic appeal—including three of which Travel + Leisure readers have named their favorites in this year’s World’s Best Awards.
How Voting Works
Every year for our World’s Best Awards survey, T+L asks readers to weigh in on travel experiences around the globe—to share their opinions on the top hotels, resorts, cities, islands, cruise ships, spas, airlines, and more. Nearly 180,000 T+L readers completed the 2025 survey. A total of more than 657,000 votes were cast across over 8,700 properties (hotels, cities, cruise lines, etc.).
Hotels were classified as either resort hotel, city hotel, inn, or safari lodge based on their location and amenities, and they were specifically rated on the criteria below:
For each characteristic, respondents could choose a rating of excellent, above average, average, below average, or poor. The final scores are averages of these responses.
What Readers Loved
This year’s winning resorts aren’t new to the scene—they’ve all been featured in the World’s Best Awards before—proving our readers have a penchant for properties they can confidently return to year after year.
Mohonk Mountain House, which took the No. 2 spot this year, is the perfect example. Climbing its way up from third place in 2024, this storied property, described by a reader as a “truly magical and unique place,” has been welcoming guests since the late 1800s. In its modern era, the all-inclusive Hudson Valley retreat provides s little bit of something for everyone, from rock climbing and hiking to snow tubing and cross-country skiing. “I love Mohonk,” said one reader, who described themselves as a “fan for life.” “It’s the perfect getaway for my family, but also a friends’ getaway. The food is out of this world! The spa has to be the best part, with amazing treatments. Not to mention, the welcoming and warm staff.”
And the long-standing Sagamore Resort (No. 3) is known for charming guests with its inimitable position on Lake George. “The views of the lake and the Adirondacks are spectacular,” wrote one person, who added that the staff is “top notch.” Several readers said the historic hotel is a favorite among their families, specifically calling out the pool, the boat ride around the lake, the spa, and the restaurant on the golf course as some of the resort’s best amenities.
Read on to find out the best resort in New York State.
The Winner
Wildflower Farms, Auberge Resorts Collection
Tara Donne
The Ridge Suite at Wildflower Farms, New York.
Following its opening in the fall of 2022, Wildflower Farms, Auberge Resorts Collection, immediately grabbed the attention of travelers around the world—and it even snagged a coveted spot on T+L’s It List in 2023. The slice of paradise is under two hours from Manhattan, but city life feels worlds away the second you check in. “This place is like the most Zen place I’ve ever seen in my life,” wrote one reader. Another said it was “one of the nicest hotels [they’ve] ever stayed at,” and made special note of its “amazing” setting, the “spectacular” service, and the “perfect” roster of amenities—which includes things like mat Pilates classes, an indoor salt pool, and an open-air lounge with stunning views of the Shawangunk Ridge.
“This place is like the most Zen place I’ve ever seen in my life.”
T+L Reader
The Full List
1. Wildflower Farms, Auberge Resorts Collection: Gardiner, New York
Reader Score: 97.94
2. Mohonk Mountain House: New Paltz, New York
Reader Score: 90.00
3. The Sagamore Resort: Bolton Landing, New York
Reader Score: 89.25
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