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Honeymoons Close to Home

Searching and selecting a honeymoon destination can be both exciting and stressful. So many factors go into the final decision, including cost, location, on-site amenities, convenience, luxury, and surrounding natural beauty. There are several top-rated honeymoon options within driving distance of New York, but none can top Crystal Springs Resort. The Resort is truly the perfect honeymoon setting for newlyweds looking to indulge in the finer things once the wedding is behind them. Imagine lounging in stylish accommodations, indulging in four star locally-sourced cuisine, relaxing with pampering spa treatments, savoring fine wine, and enjoying an extraordinary tropical pool complex. Plus, the Resort is a convenient drive from the area, so no flight or passport is required.  Here are five unique reasons to choose Crystal Springs Resort for a Spa honeymoon:

  1. Luxurious Accommodations  - Set amongst three world-class golf courses, this spectacular hotel combines world-class amenities with unparalleled hospitality. Featuring all new luxury suites designed by Manhattan’s award-winning INC Architecture & Design firm, the Lodge is one of the few AAA Four-Diamond hotels in New Jersey, inviting you to enjoy the finer things in life.
  2. Two Top NJ Spas (Spas of America) – Crystal Springs Resort home to not one but two world-class spas: Elements Spa (ranked #1 in NJ) and Reflections Spa (ranked #3 in NJ). We recommend visiting both award-winning locales during your East Coast honeymoon. The Couples Rendezvous, offered at Reflections Spa, features soothing massage and melts tension away while gentle music takes the couple’s senses to a special place.
  3. The Culinary Experience – Foodies will quickly fall in love with the on-site culinary scene at Crystal Springs Resort. Savor a seven-course, locally-influenced menu at Restaurant Latour, the crown jewel of the Resort’s culinary offerings. Take a stroll down to the world-renowned Wine Cellar to savor some of the best labels in the world.
  4. The Tropical Biosphere Pool – The NJ Skylands may not be a tropical destination, but our massive, lavish biosphere pool complex will satisfy your desire of palm trees, waterfalls, and clear aqua. This beautiful, heated indoor and outdoor freeform pool has a 140-foot water slide, underground aquarium, grotto-like Jacuzzi, cave-themed steam room, and talented mixologists mixing up delicious cocktails.
  5. Natural Beauty at Every Turn – Nestled in the Kittatinny Mountain Range, Crystal Springs Resort offers guests stunning panoramas of mountain vistas, and breathtaking landscapes dotted with farms, forest and lakes. Natural beauty abounds at this luxury resort.

Originally posted on 10/1/21. 

The culinary crown jewel of Crystal Springs Resort showcases the best of New Jersey’s bountiful farms and artisan producers. One of the most celebrated restaurants in NJ, the ever-evolving Restaurant Latour reflects a unique connection to our pristine natural surroundings, bringing the woods indoors in a stunning dining room featuring natural finishings and panoramic mountain views.

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Winter Family Reunions at Crystal Springs Resort

You might think that summer is the best time of the year for a family reunion, but Crystal Springs Resort actually sees an influx of these gatherings during the colder winter season. The reason is simple: families, big and small, usually gather around the holiday season which is often the only opportunity to see distant relatives. So, many New York City residents plan a family trip into northern New Jersey for an overdue get together. Crystal Springs Resort is perfect for families of all sizes, especially in the wintertime, because of our onsite events, catering services, luxurious suites, and ample banquet space. Here are four reasons why families choose Crystal Springs for their annual reunion.

Lavish Banquet Rooms

Crystal Springs Resort has dozens of banquet rooms of all shapes, styles, and sizes. Many of our most popular rooms are located at the luxurious Grand Cascades Lodge, and include Bordeaux, Napa, and Garden. The Bordeaux Room is an exquisitely-designed space inside The Wine Cellar and can hold up to 50 guests. This beautiful room features stone walls, hand-crafted chairs, and stunning Persian rugs. The well-lit Napa Room can fit anywhere from 60 to 100 people. You’ll be attracted by the wine-themed art mural, unique ceilings, and charming architecture. The Garden Room, meanwhile, has forest views, tall ceilings, designer carpet, and large beams.

Extensive Catering Menus

One of the focal points for any family reunion is lunch and dinner. Your family is in great culinary hands, and our superb catering team at Crystal Springs Resort can craft any meal you can imagine.  Our sample menus will help you envision perfect reunion meals. Select from Italian feasts, Mexican fiestas, tastes of Provence, and much more! Whether your family loves braised chicken, grilled salmon, various pasta dishes, barbeque beef, or al pastor tacos, our team can make it happen with ease. 

Onsite Activities and Events

Our onsite activities and events make us one of the best weekend getaways from NYC. You might not believe it, but we provide dozens of wintertime activities. Enjoy a wine tasting followed by a Wine Cellar tour, hop aboard a horse-drawn carriage, join a mixology course, and witness an amazing magician. You can always soak in a hot tub, splash in a heated pool, and relax in a world-class spa. Crystal Springs Resort is proudly one of the best spa resorts near NYC. Although golf tee times are not a given in the winter, there's so many activities to enjoy including Glice skating, the all new curling lane, visits with goats, plus nearby skiing, snowboarding and snow tubing.

Luxurious Suites

Finish each evening inside a luxurious two-bedroom suite equipped with a Jacuzzi tub, gourmet kitchen, and fireplace deck.  Dial  right now to start planning a wintertime family reunion at NYC's closest luxury resort. 

Originally posted on 11/22/21. 

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Time for a Girlfriends Winter Escape

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. 

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Crystal Springs Resort Offers Extraordinary Summer Staycations For New York Metro Area Residents

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.

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Top Five Fall Things to Do in New Jersey with Your Family

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.

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TOP THINGS TO DO WITH KIDS IN NJ

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.

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5 REASONS TO VISIT A SPA IN NJ

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.

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Where to Celebrate New Year's Eve

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.

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Winter Getaways at NYC's Closest Resort

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.

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