Escape to NewVida Preserve in Jay, New York
An Adirondack getaway with a story to tell.
NewVida Preserve in Jay. All photos courtesy NewVida.
In the not-so-distant past, I was living in Manhattan, working for a major global financial services firm, and living what I’d call a Dilbert existence. If you’re not Gen X or a Baby Boomer, “Dilbert” is a satirical office humor cartoon about a white-collar, micromanaged office that is scarily similar to real life.
I often commiserated with my colleague and business partner, Kim, and we would brainstorm ways to escape stultifying corporate life. Perhaps it was watching too many episodes of “Newhart” in the 80s, but I always thought I would make a great innkeeper.
While I had big ideas about creating a new business outside Gotham, Kim brought technical know-how. This woman built a hot tub out of a 500-gallon stock tank (aka, cow bathtub) at her vacation home in the Hudson Valley.
A diamond in the rough.
One day, I came across the listing for the former Paleface Ski Resort in Jay, NY. Once upon a time, in a land not so far away, Paleface Ski Mountain was the place to be for winter enthusiasts. Its charming slopes and cozy atmosphere made it a beloved destination for decades. However, as the years rolled by, the mountain took a little nap, waiting for someone to rekindle its former glory.
NewVida’s original A-Frame.
The property listing included the original enormous A-Frame lodge and motel, a beautiful mountain-top executive retreat, and the original ski lifts intact. I immediately forwarded the listing to Kim.
Despite a price tag that would max out our 401(k) savings, we spent a lot of time (all off the corporate time clock, I assure you, major global bank) discussing plans for how we would revive the property and launch new careers as ski resort owner/operators. I even went so far as to do a deep Google search on the costs of repairing an out-of-date chairlift. Two words: not cheap.
Real life intervened, including the pandemic and significant career shifts, and we never acted on our dream of becoming Adirondack ski resort owners. However, the good news is that an enterprising couple shared an incredible vision for the property and transformed it into the NewVida Preserve.
NewVida Preserve: Breathing new life into an Adirondack destination.
Located between Lake Placid and Lake Champlain, NewVida Preserve is in beautiful Essex County in Jay, NY. The new owners have ingeniously combined history, unbeatable natural beauty, wellness, fine cuisine, and adventure, creating a stunning getaway that promises a unique and unforgettable experience.
The accolades belong to the Vidal family, a dynamic couple with a vision as grand as the Adirondacks. They saw potential where others saw nostalgia (except for Kim and me; we always saw the possibilities) and embarked on a mission to breathe new life into this historic site.
After an extensive makeover that would cause even the most dramatic reality TV real estate transformations to be jealous, Paleface Ski Mountain was reborn as NewVida Preserve.
NewVida Preserve isn't just a place to rest your head; it's an experience waiting to unfold. Spanning 2,000 acres of mountainous terrain, the preserve offers a smorgasbord of activities that excite adventurers of all abilities.
Private pond at NewVida.
For the outdoor enthusiast, there are over 35 miles of trails perfect for hiking, biking, and alpine touring. Imagine traversing paths once graced by skiers of yesteryear, with remnants of the old ski runs whispering tales of snowy escapades.
If wellness is more your speed, the holistic wellness center has you covered. From yoga sessions that stretch both body and mind to massages that melt away the stresses of modern life, you'll leave feeling rejuvenated and perhaps a tad more enlightened.
Let's not forget the culinary delights. The farm-to-table restaurant serves dishes as delightful to the palate as the surrounding views are to the eyes. Pair your meal with a craft cocktail from the bar, and you've got a recipe for a memorable evening.
Experiencing NewVida.
We’ve visited on several occasions, enjoyed a fantastic brunch in their magnificent dining room, which offers unobstructed views of Whiteface Mountain and stayed at the resort for several nights last summer.
NewVida offers single-room and two-room private suites, accommodating up to 32 guests in the main lodge. The owners furnished each room in the Adirondack style with modern mountain decor.
Guests can enjoy stunning woodwork and vibrant tile designs that evoke the charm of a vintage ski resort. Each suite has smart air conditioning and heating units, modern privacy blinds, sound machines, and high-quality linens, including duvets, throws, towels, and rain showers.
NewVida guest room.
In addition, there is a shared and always-accessible "guest coffee nook" with two small refrigerators, an espresso and coffee machine, a tea kettle and an assortment of pods, teas, sugars and honey for guests’ enjoyment.
Exceptional farm-to-table dining.
Dining at NewVida is a real treat. The main dining room in NewVida’s Great Room has 50-foot A-frame ceilings. It features beautifully restored woodwork, exceptional sunsets and views of Whiteface Mountain.
Delicious cuisine at NewVida.
The menu features a delightful fusion of global flavors, with dishes that are refreshed with each season. You can relax in the billiards and game lounge before or after your meal or take a leisurely walk around the property, which includes a beautifully illuminated dock, a sparkling pond, and a quaint island.
Meet the visionaries.
The Vidals are not your typical resort owners. With a background in creating experiential retreats, they've mastered the art of blending luxury with authenticity.
Their first venture, Cascada Farm in the Hudson Valley, became a haven for those seeking a unique escape.
Riding on this success, they set their sights on the Adirondacks, aiming to create a space that honors the past while embracing the future.
Kim and I agree that we can’t be salty about the Vidals beating us to the punch and purchasing and making over NewVida. They’ve done a spectacular job.
A community affair.
One of the standout features of NewVida Preserve is its unwavering commitment to the community. The Vidals have envisioned a space for travelers and a vibrant gathering spot for locals, fostering a sense of inclusivity and shared experiences.
Yoga at NewVida.
With events ranging from live music to art workshops, there's always something happening to bring people together. And with exciting plans for future expansion, NewVida Preserve is a place where visitors and residents alike can look forward to new experiences and adventures.
While NewVida Preserve has already made a splash in the Adirondack hospitality scene, the Vidals have even grander plans. They've put the property on the market to fund their vision of expanding and enhancing the resort.
But fear not, dear traveler; this move is strategic. By attracting investors, they aim to build the resort and introduce new amenities that will elevate the guest experience to new heights.
Make plans to visit NewVida Preserve.
In a world where cookie-cutter vacations are a dime a dozen, NewVida Preserve offers something refreshingly different. It's a place where history and modernity dance together, where every visit feels like coming home, and where the only thing more abundant than the scenic views is the warmth of the community.
So, dust off those hiking boots, roll up your yoga mat and prepare your taste buds for a culinary adventure. NewVida Preserve is waiting to write the next chapter of your travel story. And trust us, it's going to be a bestseller.
For more information, visit their website.
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