Plan A Getaway to #NJsFavoriteResort

Nestled in the Kittatinny Mountains of scenic northwestern New Jersey, Crystal Springs Resort is the closest luxury resort to New York City. Just 47 miles from Manhattan, the luxurious Grand Cascades Lodge and stylish Minerals Hotel provide extraordinary accommodations, an abundance of world-class amenities, activities from dawn until dusk, and so much more. Check out our top 10 reasons to book your Girlfriends Getaway this winter!

1. A Spa Oasis  - Spa goers will delight in a pampering treatment at the award-winning Elements Spa or Reflections Spa. Winter is the perfect season to relax with a Chocolate Peppermint Massage, or rejuvenate with a Brightening Facial.
2. Glice Skating – You’re invited to come out for winter fun and enjoy a toasty seasonal beverage to keep the chill away. Come out and glide on the high-performance Glice rink, offering an alternative experience to traditional ice skating.
3. Indoor & Outdoor Heated Pools – No need to fly to the tropics this winter when you can enjoy warm and relaxing waters – either indoors or outside. Our pool complexes also offer steam rooms, sauna, hot tubs and the best tropical drinks.
4. Extraordinary Dining - The Resort boasts impressive dining options in all four seasons, including Restaurant Latour – voted Best Expensive Restaurant in NJ. Enjoy the new winter menus, showcasing delectable ingredients expertly prepared by our Resort staff.
5. Axe Throwing - This competitive sport involves throwing an axe at a target attempting to hit the bullseye as close as possible. Challenge your friends and have fun while participating in this outdoor activity.
6. The Wine Cellar – The Wine Spectator Grand Award-winning Wine Cellar offers guests the opportunity to enjoy fun and education wine tasting classes, as well as tours throughout the majestic cellar chambers. Don’t miss a visit to The Curator, our new boutique featuring extraordinary vintages, wine-related merchandise and more.
7. Paint & Sip – Discover your inner artist and join one of our talented local art instructors for acrylic painting on canvas. Novice or expert painters can enjoy a glass of wine while creating a take home work of art.  
8. Live Entertainment – From the singers and comedians of the Crystal Cabaret to the musicians at Frosty’s Cantina, the Resort provides first-rate entertainment during most weekends.
9. Fitness & Yoga Classes – Our on-site sports club offers a variety of popular fitness and yoga classes for all levels. Work up a sweat with Zumba, Cardio Blast, Body Pump, Spin, Booty Barre and more.
10. Winter Sports at Mountain Creek –Winter excitement awaits at nearby Mountain Creek, just down the road from our Resort. This first-class playground offers skiing for all levels, snowboarding and snow tubing.

Originally posted on 1/3/22. 

Crystal Springs Resort is excited to kick off the summer season at its two stylish hotels - the AAA four-diamond Grand Cascades Lodge following and the recreation rich Minerals Hotel. If there was ever a time to grab your significant other and kids – or your best friends -- and take the car for a summer road trip, this is it.

This perfect drivable destination is the ideal spot where you can splash and sun the day away, challenge yourself on the links and indulge in sumptuous meals and spa treatments before heading back to your day-to-day reality.

Nestled in the Northwest New Jersey’s rolling mountains just an hour from the George Washington Bridge, this luxury resort features six golf courses, two spas, a Biosphere pool complex complete with a slide and waterfall, plus 10 dining options, including four-star Restaurant Latour with its world-renowned wine cellar. 

The lush fairways and pristine greens at Crystal Springs Resort are one of its star attractions. Designed by Robert von Hagge, Robert Trent Jones, George Fazio, Roger Rulewich and others, the six championship-caliber courses wind through the picturesque Appalachian scenery offering just the right blend of challenge and variety. The modern Cascades, Zagat-rated Black Bear and award winning, Celtic-style Ballyowen — rated the #1 public golf course in New Jersey – welcome both beginners and experienced players alike.

After a long day on the links, come and relax at one of two award-winning spas for a tension-taming treat. Elements Spa at Minerals Hotel features a serene retreat for wellness services channeling the healing power of earth and nature. Here you will find everything from the revitalizing pumpkin enzyme facial and “Shared Tranquility” massage for two to the new HydraFacial or a kid-friendly coconut cream pop pedicure. 

Alternately, the dazzling Reflections Spa offers lavish massages, skin therapies including the new JetPeel and rejuvenating beauty treatments at Grand Cascades Lodge, a hip hotel with a biophilic design that features luxury suites and spectacular mountain and valley views. 

The lodge is also home to the aforementioned Restaurant Latour, one of New Jersey’s most highly rated dining meccas. Showcasing the best of the Garden State’s bountiful farms and artisan producers, the restaurant offers three- and seven-course seasonal menus featuring Miyazaki beef, Mangalitsa lardo, caviar and more. Make time to explore the highlights of the resort wine cellar, which has won the Wine Spectator Grand Award every year since 2006.

And for the little ones, Crystal Springs Resort offers a collection of refreshing pools including the  tropical Biosphere complex with indoor and outdoor pools, an underground aquarium and a 140-foot waterslide – all surrounded by lush foliage and mountain views and a custom roof allowing year-round tanning. 

Special offers include unlimited an array of family oriented package, golf getaways, foodie escapes, girlfriends weekends and more.

To learn more or book a reservation, call 866.717.9310 or visit CSResort.com.

Originally posted 5/15/2024.

New Jersey is full of towering trees, vibrant fall foliage, and, more importantly, fall activities for families. Autumn is the best time of year for outdoor crafts and tours because the scenery is ablaze with color and the temperatures are pleasant all day long. Due in part to our proximity to the best family activities and festivals in NJ, Crystal Springs Resort is one of the best family resorts in NJ, and we think everyone should experience fall in our beautiful part of the world. Many of the top fall things to do in NJ are easily accessible from our luxurious hotels.

Best Fall Things to Do in NJ for Families

From festivals to crafts to tours, there is no shortage of fall things to do in New Jersey. Here at Crystal Springs Resort, we look forward to fall all year long. These are our top picks this year:

1. Good Ole Fashioned Marshmallow Roast

We host marshmallow roasting around our cozy fire pits. Some of the most classic family activities happen around the fire: ghost stories, sing-alongs, and more. It’s a free event, and we provide the marshmallows and roasting sticks. If you forget to pack graham crackers, s’mores kits are available for a small fee.

2. Hiking along a Nature Trail

Set out for a calming walk on our three mile wooded Nature Trail adjacent to Grand Cascades Lodge. You’ll enjoy the forested setting and scenic views along the way. Wear sturdy walking shoes and bring a camera for shots of flora and fauna.

3. Animal Fall Activities for Preschoolers

Some of the best fall things to do in NJ are educational. Although adults are certainly welcome to attend our animal educators events, they are especially well suited for little ones. Bring your kids to learn about animals. This event is complimentary and no reservation required!

4. Fall Harvest Festivals in NJ

The nearby Heaven Hill Farm has unbeatable events for every season of the year, but we’re especially fond of their Great Pumpkin Festival. The 110-acre farm offers more than 40 of the best fall things to do in NJ, all of which are perfect for families. Explore the corn maze, feed farm animals, and take home the biggest pumpkin you can find for the best jack-o’-lantern in history!

5. Apple Orchard Fall Activities for Families

In addition to all the family activities offered on-site, Crystal Springs Resort is conveniently close to several Orchards and Farms. Opt for Pennings Orchard for a more traditional apple orchard experience, or check out Pochuck Valley Farms for a wider variety of fruit.

Family Resorts in NJ with Fall Festivities

Spend this fall enjoying quality time with your family. Whatever the age and size of your household, Crystal Springs Resort has something for you. From preschoolers to retirees, the fall things to do in NJ are endless. Call 855-977-6473 to book your stay.

Family vacations are an extraordinary way to create lasting memories with your children. They’ll grow up to fondly recall the childhood trips they took with mom and dad, and perhaps they’ll return with their own families one day. Sometimes, it can be difficult to keep the whole family entertained while on vacation. Kids of different ages have varying interests, and so do their parents. Luckily, there are tons of things to do with kids in New Jersey, especially here at Crystal Springs Resort. From outdoor sports to a variety of activities, there is no end to the NJ family fun. Here are five of our favorite family activities in NJ.

1. Gain Knowledge from Animal Educators

All the nearby farms mean there are tons of things to do with kids in NJ that involve cute, furry creatures. Adults love animals almost as much as children do, so gather the family and attend our animal educators series. You might even get to pet some baby animals! NJ family fun can be full of learning and excitement at the same time.

2. Swim and Lounge Pool-Side

For many kids, the pool is the best part of family getaways in NJ. Crystal Springs Resort has three breathtaking pool complexes with heated outdoor and indoor options, so you can still get your splash on while it snows. The Minerals Pool features the exciting cliff jump and spray ground, while the Biosphere Pool has an exciting indoor waterslide.

3. Try Glice Skating 

Crystal Springs Resort is proud to offer its eco-friendly skating activity. Its new high performance rink is manufactured by Glice, one of the world's leading producers of Swiss-engineered synthetic rinks. The Glice skating experience is a fun alternative experience to traditional ice skating. 

4. Enjoy a Round of Axe Throwing 

This modern sport involves throwing an axe at a target attempting to hit the bullseye as close as possible. Get in the competitive spirit and have fun while participating in this outdoor activity in all four seasons. 

5. Toast Marshmallows

Adults and kids alike enjoy the pastime of roasting marshmallows. Gather around our toasty fire pits for this communal experience. Both marshmallows and sticks are provided, and s'mores kits are available for purchase. 

Places to Stay and Things to Do with Kids in NJ

When traveling with family, everyone prefers something different. Crystal Springs Resort has plenty of accommodation options for you. Choose from traditional hotel rooms, two-bedroom suites, or even a full villa. Whatever you choose, your New Jersey family vacation will be full of bonding. Call 855-977-6473 to start making memories.

There are countless reasons to visit a spa in NJ. Whether you’re a spa retreat regular or you’re just looking to try something new, taking a vacation and spending a day at the spa can have profound, long-lasting effects on your overall wellbeing. Spa getaways in NJ are good for both your physical and mental health; however, not all spas are created equal. Crystal Springs Resort has not one but two award-winning spas that check all of the right boxes. These are our five favorite reasons why you should book an appointment today.

1. Reward Yourself

If you’ve just finished a big project or have been working hard all year, you deserve a reward. A spa retreat in NJ is the perfect way to treat yourself after months of your best effort. There’s nothing like sitting back and relaxing as you’re pampered by a professional.

2. Address Health Concerns

Our two award-winning spas in NJ are about more than massages and manicures - they’re focused on wellness. We incorporate natural elements to harness the healing power of the earth, and you can select from traditional essential oils and massages or more unique options like a detoxifying sensory body ritual.

3. Destress and Reconnect

This is perhaps the most obvious reason to visit a spa in NJ. Nothing helps you relax more than spa retreats in NJ, and the quiet time will also help you reconnect with yourself. The stressors of everyday life can make your head swim, and taking a break is an effective way to stay grounded.

4. Prepare for a Special Event

When you’re getting ready for a special event, such as a wedding or gala, our spa packages in NJ are just what you need. We have packages designed for brides, bridal parties, honeymoons, anniversaries and babymoons. We even have bachelorette party spa packages in NJ! Whatever you have on the calendar, Crystal Springs Resort will help make it a memorable occasion. 

5. Quality Time with a Loved One

Many people want to visit a spa, but they don’t want to go alone. A spa getaway in NJ can be an excellent gift for that friend or family member you want to spoil. Our spa in NJ has group packages, too, so all your siblings or friends could spend a weekend here destressing together and catching up.

Luxury Resort and Spa in NJ

Whatever your reasons for taking a NJ spa retreat, Crystal Springs Resort has the right spa option for you. Our full menu of spa services and expertly designed spa packages in NJ make us one of the best spa resorts in NJ. Call 855-503-0968 to book your pampering getaway today. 

Originally posted 5/14/2025.

With this year's return of New Year’s Eve crowds to Manhattan’s Times Square, the festivities are sure to be incredible yet somewhat overwhelming. While New York City is an obvious New Year’s destination, that doesn’t mean it’s the best!  Instead of freezing in a crowd and paying exorbitant prices for lodging, transportation and more, ring in the new year at Crystal Springs Resort. By spending New Year’s Eve in New Jersey, you’ll have the best of both worlds – fantastic food & entertainment coupled with some rest, and relaxation. Plus, our New Year’s Eve packages are fantastic.

Best NJ New Year’s Eve Restaurants

It’s essential to start the new year with a full belly and a happy heart. In addition to being New Jersey’s most luxurious resort, Crystal Springs offers an extraordinary culinary experience. We have more than five restaurant options on-site, all of which offer explosive flavors and stylish atmospheres. 

Many of our New Year’s Eve Packages include dinner and a New Year’s Eve party in NJ. Some of the events are for adults over 21 only, while others are family-friendly and open to children. The thing they all have in common? Delectable food, exceptional drink and gracious service.   

A New Year’s Eve Party in NJ for Everyone

There are so many options for what you can do, but the hottest New Year’s Eve party in NJ is our Biosphere Party, where you’ll enjoy gourmet treats, cocktails, and a midnight champagne toast. For a more typical bar experience, head to Kites Restaurants and dance the night away with the DJ on New Year’s Eve in NJ.

Post New Year’s Eve Events in NJ

Stay the night in one of our stylish hotels, and wake up on New Year’s Day to a lavish brunch buffet.  The hot and cold buffet, carving stations, dessert assortment, and more will leave you fueled up and ready to start 2025 feeling energized and fortified. Keep the celebration going with Champagne, Mimosas and Bloody Mary's.

Spending New Year’s Eve in NJ

When you spend New Year’s Eve in NJ, you can enjoy the same luxury, comfort and first-rate amenities as you’d find in NYC without the stifling crowds. Our extraordinary lodging, world-renowned spas and amazing pools will leave you feeling refreshed and ready to take on a new year. For more information on the best New York area New Year’s Eve packages, call 855-977-6473.

Whether you’re hoping to escape New York City for a romantic getaway, family vacation, or friends get together, Crystal Springs Resort has the best weekend getaways from New York City. There are many reasons for a wintertime weekend getaway. A fresh year and season is underway, and our onsite amenities are world-class. We have two of the best spas near Manhattan, a world-renowned wine cellar, and daily onsite activities. There’s something for everyone at Crystal Springs Resort, with indoor and outdoor selections galore. You can unwind in a spa, participate in a creative workshop or tour a world-renowned Wine Cellar. This area of New Jersey is unquestionably beautiful in the wintertime, especially after a fresh snowfall. Here are three reasons many believe Crystal Springs Resort is one of the best weekend getaways from NYC.

Winter Activities and Events

Each month, the Resort offers its guests group an abundance of activities and events that range from relaxing in an outdoor heated snow pool to pony rides. Some may think that activities are limited in the wintertime, but they would be wrong!  All of our onsite offerings may be enjoyed on the weekends, which is usually when New Yorkers come to visit. Arguably, our most popular activity is the daily Wine Cellar tour. You’ll be able to taste award-winning wine, learn about the history of the cellar, and observe the genuinely magnificent architecture. Despite a little snow and cool temperatures, we still host marshmallow roasts, pony rides, and laser clay shooting. Visit our website for a complete list of winter activities.

Best Spa Resorts near NYC

It’s no surprise that many New Yorkers who make the easy one-hour drive from the city come to rejuvenate in our world-class spas. Elements and Reflections are two of the country’s premier luxury spas. Guests are wowed by the breathtaking design, serene allure, and first-rate masseuses. Our spas provide massages, facials, body treatments, hair services and more.

Best Restaurants in Northern NJ

After a full day of spa treatments, wine tours, and winter activity, embark on a culinary journey at one of our many award-winning restaurants. One of the secrets to providing one of the best weekend getaways from NYC is our fine cuisine. Choosing amongst our restaurants is challenging, but you truly cannot go wrong.  Recent winner of best fine dining experience in NJ, Restaurant Latour offers a four-star dining experience, gorgeously plated entrees, and excellent wine. You’ll handpick a 3 or 7 course meal that will by truly unforgettable. Pair your meal with a wine selected from the cellar. For a more laid-back atmosphere, visit Crystal Tavern for grilled hanger steak, pasta or beer-battered fish and chips. As NYC’s closest luxury resort, don’t miss the opportunity to experience an amazing getaway just a short drive away.

In today’s overly connected world, sometimes all you need it to get away. If you find yourself scrolling endlessly through Instagram every evening or refreshing your email on your days off from work, visiting a luxury resort in NJ will help you recharge—yourself, not your phone. Crystal Springs Resort is full of resources to help you unplug from technology and live in the moment. It’s the perfect place for the self-care retreat you deserve. Here’s how to nail your social media detox.

Fully Customizable Digital Detox Camp

When you visit our New Jersey resort and spa, you’ll have countless events and activities to try. Our two award-winning spas will help you relax and clear your mind. Our fitness and wellness center will feed your body and your mind, while our restaurants will feed your taste buds. You can customize your digital detox itinerary based on your personal interests and needs.

Self-Care Retreat Wellness

If your dream digital escape involves a yoga retreat, our NJ resort has you covered! Crystal Springs Resort has a variety of yoga classes at our Mineral Sports Club. However, if cardio, HIIT, or weight lifting are more your style, our fitness center in NJ has all of those too, with an amazing selection of fitness classes.

New Jersey Resort and Spa Retreat

During a social media detox, it’s the perfect time to practice mindfulness. Our two award-winning spas, Reflections and Elements, will ease your stress and release any tension in your muscles. After all, your body and mind are inextricably connected, so when your body relaxes, your mind does too.

Get Outdoors and Offline for your Social Media Detox

There are plenty of ways to enjoy the fresh air at our New Jersey resort and spa. While you’re unplugging from technology, get outside and find an adventure. We have kayaking, archery, horseback riding in warmer months, with Glice skating, hiking, snowshoeing and more in the colder weather. We even have six world-class golf courses. Whatever you like to do, it’s available at our retreat center in New Jersey. For most of these outdoor activities, you don’t even have to leave our property. 

How to Succeed at your Social Media Detox

Although we do have internet at Crystal Springs Resort, try not to use it while you’re here. Instead, relax in our heated pools or read a good book while you're here. Off the grid vacations are becoming more and more  attractive as social media continues to rise in popularity. If you need to set your phone down and live in the moment, give us a call at 855-503-0968. We’ll help you plan the perfect getaway. 

Stop waiting on someone else’s schedule and treat yourself to an enjoyable escape. Getaways are scientifically proven to be healthy, and you deserve to spend some time being good to yourself. That said, traveling alone for the first time can be a bit intimidating. Most people aren’t used to spending extended periods on their own, and trying it out in a new place is even more uncommon. But there are countless positive adventures for solo travelers. That’s why Crystal Springs Resort is sharing our top five tips for how to travel alone - and like it - for the first time.

1. Start Small

You don’t have to tackle a 10-hour flight and an unfamiliar language by yourself to reap the benefits of solo adventures. In fact, some of the best places to travel solo are right in your comfort zone. Despite being only an hour away from NYC, our hotel and spa in NJ will make you feel like you’ve stepped into another world. And who knows—if you like traveling alone for the first time, you might start taking solo adventures around the world. 

2. Talk to Other Travelers

Although the purpose of traveling alone for the first time is to give yourself some undivided attention, you don’t have to spend the days completely isolated. At our NJ resort, you’ll never be lonely. Crystal Springs Resort’s activities are perfect for keeping solo travelers entertained. If you like yoga, you’ll meet new people with similar interests in these classes. Or, if you like more active sports, you can meet people during a round of axe throwing or while swinging from a trapeze.

3. Try Something New

When traveling alone for the first time, it’s best to go somewhere you feel comfortable, but that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy some exciting solo adventures. With dozens of activities to choose from at Crystal Springs Resort, you’ll have the opportunity to push your limits in a safe environment. That’s what makes us one of the best places for traveling on your own.

4. Don’t Tell Strangers Where to Find You

This is a safety measure, but it’s also because your room should be where you go for peace, quiet, and alone time. Our two luxurious hotels are the perfect places to retreat at the end of an exciting day. Conversely, let someone you trust know where you’re going. If you leave the resort to explore off-site attractions, be sure someone knows when to expect your return—even if that just means shooting a text to a friend or family member back home or leaving a note with one of our staff members.

5. Leave Space in Your Schedule

If everything is planned down to the minute, there is no room left for reflection or spontaneity. Give yourself room to breathe and to try that activity which someone may have recommended. Feel free to change your plans on a whim and practice living in the moment. You can always come back to Crystal Springs Resort to experience more of the best adventures for solo travelers in New Jersey.

The most important rule of traveling alone for the first time is to focus on yourself. Go where you want when you want, and be sure to try all the things that interest you. It’s not often that you get to put your own wishes first, so take advantage of all the experiences which Crystal Springs Resort has to offer. Call 855-503-0968 today to reconnect with yourself at the best resort in NJ.