The Point is designated as the only Forbes Five Star property in Upstate New York as well as the first Relais & Châteaux member of North America 35 years ago. Built by William Avery Rockefeller II a century ago, the fanciful log mansions, crafted of native timber and stone, personified the 19th Century romantic notion of “roughing it” in great comfort, style and luxury.

Today, The Point pays tribute to this tradition by honoring guests with its unique combination of warm, gracious hospitality, privacy and thoughtful services in each detail of one’s visit. Enjoy an unforgettable stay at The Point, the only Adirondack Great Camp from the Gilded Age open to the public.

As an honored guest of The Point, this secluded, 75-acre estate becomes home very soon upon arrival. The days gently unfold at your leisure, while a dedicated staff anticipate your every desire and discreetly make their magic behind the scene.

“Each meal is an event, each day an adventure, each night a celebration”. It is simply stunning, majestic in its breathtaking setting, gracious in its delivery and so very original…a place like no other.

From the superb cuisine to the thoughtful world-class service, The Point has been described as “utterly magical.” It is an ideal place for a romantic weekend, a celebration, perhaps an intimate wedding, family reunion or executive retreat.

With a deserving reputation for hosting the most wonderful holidays and exclusive bookings, rest assured the guest experience will be priceless. It is the perfect assemblage of sophistication, rustic elegance, creature comforts in the ultimate Adirondack setting….an adult playground for the most discriminating of guests.

Black tie traditions on Wednesday and Saturday nights in the style of Great Camp dining, encourage insightful conversations with each course and pairing of premium wines. It’s no surprise that our clientele has returned for decades and request their special accommodation well in advance. It quickly becomes part of their playbook.

Realizing that one needs to run away on occasion to relax, refresh, re-examine and replenish the body and spirit, our policy is to appeal to persons 21 years of age and older, unless of course, an exclusive booking is secured. In this case, children of all ages are welcome.

Without the distraction of television, limited wi-fi in the office and cell phone coverage in certain areas, guests become “unplugged” and unite with nature, enjoying the sounds of silence in a protected wilderness …harking back to an “old school” lifestyle before the daunting 24 hour news cycle.

ROOMS & SUITES
Guest accommodations are encompassed in four specific original log buildings. Eleven distinctive guest rooms, each with its own personality, boast a broad lake view, a luxurious hand-crafted bed, a stone wood-burning fireplace, a sumptuous private bath and outdoor sitting areas.

No detail has been overlooked to ensure a truly relaxing, comfortable stay for our guests. The property is thoughtfully replete with furniture and original art from the early 19th Century Great Camp Era. The residential ambience provides a true sense of place.

THE BOATHOUSE
The Boathouse, our signature and most requested accommodation, is always in high demand and revered. For those who desire the ultimate quintessential lakeside guest experience, its open, airy, loft-like beamed ceiling beautifully frames the storybook canopied king bed in the center of the room.

An immense wood-burning fireplace of native stone anchors the open space at one end, while panoramic views over Upper Saranac Lake to the mountains beyond fill the wide windows. Alcoves hold a fully stocked bar, table for two and various sitting areas.

Recently winterized, inclusive of heated floors, some say an overnight stay at The Boathouse is heaven on earth. The spectacular bathroom with a soaking tub-for-two and a rock-walled shower exemplify camping out in Great Camp style. A double vanity with windows above provide yet another lake view.

TRAPPERS
Trappers, located in Eagle’s Nest, is tucked into the hillside and adjacent to The Pub. It feels like a private cabin in the woods—an inviting, rustic yet delightfully comfortable bedroom. Rough cut pine lines the walls as does a charming mural.

There is a recently added mudroom at the entrance and wood-burning fireplace of river stone opposite the sofa and armchairs. This room was originally the caretaker’s residence. Birch trees form a four-poster king bed.

From the wide mullioned windows, guests can see woods and water from indoors or enjoy the views from the private deck. A dressing room leads to the spacious bathroom, where a double soaking tub with a lake view is next to the shower and long slate vanity with double sinks.

WEATHERWATCH
Sumptuous and spacious, Weatherwatch is one of The Point’s most luxurious bedrooms. It was the former living room in the Guest House. A gigantic, chiseled stone wood-burning fireplace faces a wall of windows framing the glittering lake.

A beamed cathedral ceiling soars over the curtained king bed. Weatherwatch is replete with a sense of peace and quiet. Cushioned armchairs, a sofa and handcrafted burl slab coffee table form a cozy sitting area between windows and fireplace.

A marble vanity with double sinks is designed in traditional black and white tile to reflect the original style. A deep soaking clawfoot tub and walk-in shower with rain and steam shower heads complete this pampering bathroom.

DINING
We are proud to offer our guests a truly world-class culinary program prepared by our Executive Chef and his incredibly talented team. In addition to every creatively prepared meal of the day, a wide selection of fine wines and spirits from our private cellars are carefully paired to perfectly match each menu course for the ultimate tasting.

Each meal is an exciting occasion. Menus are carefully planned well in advance, taking into account seasonal offerings, dietary restrictions and preferences of each guest, specialty food items from local farms or rarities flown in from places afar.

Many life-long friendships are forged around the dining tables in the Great Hall. Especially in the evening, the room lit with candlelight rings with laughter and lively conversations as each course arrives with an enticing description by the chef.

Guests graciously share stories of their world travels and memories of previous visits to The Point. As with any house party, guests dine together, most often in the Great Hall.

Other options include snow barbecues at the Lean-to, breakfast in your guest room, luncheon on the terrace or perhaps an island picnic. Cocktails at 7pm may be enjoyed on the vintage Elco boat ride around the lake or other special venues.

Fun gatherings are a mainstay at The Point and very often the social feature guests love the most about their visit. If you prefer, dine in your room, perhaps a casual meal with other guests in The Pub or secure another location on property. Whatever you wish!

Enjoy breakfast in bed or tableside overlooking the lake or in front of a morning fire on a chilly winter day. You may wish to join other guests in the Great Hall.

One of our favorite suggestions is to order coffee and pastries delivered to your bedroom to begin your day, then wander over to the Great Hall at leisure to enjoy a full breakfast with enticing omelets, venison sausage or mounds of raspberry pancakes.

Enjoy a Bloody Mary or a Mimosa as your day and activity plans take shape. Staff discreetly ask your preferred time for coffee delivery the evening before so then this thoughtful service can magically appear at just the right moment along with a choice of the New York Times or Wall Street Journal.

The host and staff are available each morning to offer suggestions, secure reservations for activities off-property, coordinate recreational gear and thermoses of hot coffee. As with everything at The Point, services and amenities seamlessly unfold and are customized specifically for each guest.

Enjoy a delicious 3-course mid-day meal paired with wine as you gaze out on the beautiful lake and vast wilderness. Menus vary depending on season and chef’s daily specials Venture out for a gourmet picnic on an island set with table & chairs or a classic blanket on the ground. Ride out by boat or canoe yourself to shore

Enjoy a scenic hike on a blue trail through 75 acres of natural beauty. The road ends at our rustic “Camp David” cabin where luncheon awaits. A barbecue at the Lean-To is at the tip of our peninsula offering water views, a well stocked bar, Adirondack chairs and fire pit. Enjoy the beautiful lake and one of our electric Budsin boats. We can pack a delicious, healthy picnic

The evening hour is when The Point is at its very best. Guests gather for cocktails at 7pm either in the Great Hall, in The Pub, or perhaps on our Elco electric lake launch as they enjoy a leisurely boat ride around the majestic lake.

Easy conversations commence as daylight wanes and guests anticipate yet another signature event – Dinner at 8 pm – beautifully served and hosted in the Great Hall at round tables set with fine linens, china, glassware and fresh flowers.

After coffee or cognac, guests gradually move to the flagged stone terrace or Great Hall’s sofas. Evenings end with a spirited game of pool, an impromptu sing-along around the player piano, dancing or perhaps a moonlit stroll to the bonfire setting on the lake under a star-studded sky.

Each day the chefs prepare a wonderful 4-course menu with locally sourced product. Wednesday and Saturdays, our formal evenings, an elegant 7-course meal unfolds in front of you.

FINE WINES
All our mouth-watering dishes are accompanied by generous amounts of fine wines from our private cellars that include selections from around the globe. Our sommeliers work with our chefs to pair each wine perfectly with each course. The chefs believe in making any necessary tweaks to the dishes to ensure that the entire dish is in harmony with the wine.

DESSERT, COFFEE & COGNAC
After enjoying our pastry chefs’ irresistible finale, guests gradually move to the flagged stone terrace or the Great Hall’s sofas for coffee, tea or after dinner drinks. Treat yourself with a glass of our special Cognac or Calvados.

The evening may end with a spirited game of pool, an impromptu sing-along around the piano, a little dancing or a moonlit stroll. A camp fire at the Lean-To for s’mores and truffled popcorn is a favorite any time of year.

In keeping with the historic perspective of the Gilded Age, gentlemen are expected to wear jacket and tie as traditionally worn throughout the week. Ladies are encouraged to wear cocktail attire to complement the formal setting.

Wednesday and Saturday evenings, The Point specifically requests black tie dress up to continue the tradition of elegant dining when the Rockefellers where in residence as they graciously hosted family, friends and other captains of industry from neighboring Great Camps. A 7- course meal with paired wines pays tribute to this bygone, refined era.

CHEF LOIC LEPERLIER
For the past 15+ years, Chef Loic Leperlier had the opportunity to explore his love for the culinary arts personally and professionally through travel, hard work and dedication. His professional tenure has included Michelin Star restaurants and Five-Star resorts in Europe and French Polynesia, followed by Relais & Châteaux properties in the US.

His impressive experience led him to his appointment as Executive Chef of The Point. Born in Réunion, a French island off the coast of Madagascar, his culinary career began by apprenticing at his family-owned Creole restaurant.

After receiving his degree from the Lycée Hôtelier La Rénuion, Chef Loic ventured to Paris to hone his French cooking skills as Demi Chef de Partie, a renowned 3-Michelin star restaurant Lucas Carton. Thereafter, Chef Loic moved to Ireland to work as Chef Garde-Manager at the Five* Dromoland Castle Hotel.

His first Relais & Châteaux endeavor came with relocation to the US as Sous Chef de Cuisine for the Inn at Dos Brisas in Texas. He served under Chef Jason Robinson who held Les Grand Chef recognition, wherein he honed his farm-to-table philosophy and nurtured an organic garden.

Following his Texas venture, he served as Junior Sous Chef for the Four Seasons Resort in Bora Bora, managing a team of 15 cooks. He returned to the states and the Relais family, becoming Chef de Cuisine for Hotel Fauchère in Pennsylvania.

For Chef Loic, life in the Adirondacks began a new adventure with The Point. His style of cooking combines French cuisine with his Réunion roots accented by Indian, African and Chinese influences.

He strives toward achieving the highest of culinary standards, but also trains his dedicated staff to appreciate the fortunate work environment at such a prestigious property.

With such a sophisticated, discerning clientele who dine in the world’s finest restaurants and hotels, they expect The Point to live up to such standards with each meal created during their stay. Chef Loic has risen to the occasion!

GUEST AMENITIES
Common areas, terraces, warming cabins, outdoor seating, fireplace lounges, The Pub, boats, lookout points and numerous complimentary bars along with a staff on 24-hour call are what make The Point experience so hospitable, gracious and totally unique.

The Point is a genuine welcoming place to unplug, relax and be uninterrupted. Nature is the back drop and sets the tone for the seasonal activities. The limited wi-fi (with the exception in our main office) makes the clear statement that life can once again be beautiful, fun, laid back and cherished.

With less every day distractions, the body and mind can take well deserved time to reflect and refresh in a forested environment totally conducive to enjoying life’s pleasures. Our tradition is to cater to guests 21 years & older on an inclusive basis with a unique combination of warm hospitality, blessed surroundings, special amenities, ultimate privacy and utter comfort.

From the moment of arrival at Reindeer Hall with a welcoming glass of champagne, until the final gesture when writing a personal note in the guest book, guests will enjoy the party and surely be enticed to return. Many guests reserve their next stay before departing the property.

EXCLUSIVE BOOKINGS
Imagine the opportunity to reserve a sacred compound for the purpose of joining together like-minded individuals in a private, enriching venue for a few days of memorable collaboration.

By reserving the property on an exclusive basis, you will play host to colleagues, family or friends who will surely appreciate the exquisite accommodations, creative dining options along with a myriad of recreational ­activities in an idyllic shore of Upper Saranac Lake. When making an exclusive booking, children are welcome and we can make special arrangements to accommodate family gatherings.

By securing the entire property to host a social, business or special occasion for your gathering, a customized agenda will be perfectly executed to ensure that our stylish, comfortable accommodations and superb cuisine in our magnificent Great Hall will encourage the very best results.

Our personal liaison will provide full event coordination well in advance of your arrival and throughout a seamless on-site experience. Leadership development itineraries and team building exercises also bode well in this natural bonding environment.

The secluded wooded serenity in any season can be an ideal location for a board of directors meeting, partner retreat, a strategy think-tank session, etc. Family reunions and intimate weddings are favorite encompassing celebrations.

EXECUTIVE RETREATS 
Perfect for board of director meetings, family office gatherings, partner retreats or think tank sessions, attendees benefit from the private, secluded surroundings which are devoted to your guests.

The Point is not open to the general public at any time of year. Only guests with advance reservations are allowed on property so you can be assured of a seamless, dynamic gathering for all. Your customized agenda and detailed scheduled itinerary will be meticulously orchestrated by our dedicated staff.

No matter the season or the reason for your retreat, rest assured all will benefit from the restorative effect of being in a quiet, peaceful and natural setting -while still enjoying life’s creature comforts in style.

SPECIAL OCCASIONS
Each event at The Point is exceptional from start to finish. Our “house party” atmosphere is all the richer when guests gather to celebrate a wedding, milestone birthday, anniversary, retirement or perhaps a family reunion in grand style.

Our eager staff will assist you to fully customize your special occasion by suggesting recommendations to take advantage of our environment, aesthetic and recreational activities that may best harmonize with your expectations.

We can personalize your culinary, wine and spirits selections utilizing Chef Loic’s world-class talents, coupled with seasonal menus and décor to delight. We specialize in the details that ensure a memorable event.

INTIMATE WEDDINGS
Weddings are always magical… but intimate weddings celebrated at The Point among close friends and family are what dreams are made of. Couples may choose a candlelit fête in the Great Hall or a ceremony on a wooded island, sanctified by dappled mountain sunlight and balsam air.

The tree-lined drive carpeted in golden pine needles serves as a grand aisle, leading to lakeside chairs garlanded with wildflowers. When you reserve the estate for your wedding, it becomes your private oasis to enjoy. Let your imagination be your guide.

THE ADIRONDACKS 
The great Adirondack Park, a 6-million-acre wilderness wonderland blanketing upstate New York, reaches all the way to the Canadian border. It is the largest natural forested area in the eastern US.

With over 3,000 lakes, hiking trails, canoe routes, Olympic venues and museums, it is home to the historic Great Camps. The legendary High Peaks consists of 46 mountains that soar higher than 4,000 feet. It is a natural paradise composed of numerous lakes, streams, alpine meadows and untold miles of land.

There is a magical quiet here as one glides on cross-country skis through snowy woods; waits for trout to jump to a fly; enjoys the warmth and light of a campfire reflecting on the lake, or simply enjoys breathtaking sunsets.

Clapboard villages and quaint historic towns are scattered throughout the Adirondacks. There is art, culture and world-class recreation, but it is the magical, undisturbed nature of these “Great North Woods” which have drawn people from around the world for centuries to enjoy the picturesque rusticity.

THE GREAT CAMP ERA
The Adirondack Great Camps are grand and fanciful log mansions, built by Gilded Age magnates along the rugged lakeshores of upstate New York. It was a time when cities were expanding and the natural world seemed too far away.

The foremost families of the era — Vanderbilts and Astors, Guggenheims and Rockefellers — needed an escape and suddenly found they had a yearning for wooded retreats of great but rustic comfort.

Using native timber, Adirondack granite hauled by dray horse from the fields, stripped twigs and round stones pulled from the rushing rivers, they created pastoral estates of astounding beauty and charm, places where nature could be encountered in its ideal form.

These Great Camps embodied the romantic, 19th century notion of “roughing it ” in the highest of luxury — a dream that continues to this day to call the wealthy and adventurous to the Adirondacks.

Some Great Camps were lavish, some simple — but none expressed better the collage of mountain charm than William Avery Rockefeller II’s creation — “The Point” (originally known as Camp Wonundra).

THE POINT ART COLLECTION
In 1850, American landscape painting was a powerful medium for conveying national, cultural and religious ideas.

During the first half of the nineteenth-century, transcendentalist thinkers led by Ralph Waldo Emerson and Hudson River School artists inspired by Thomas Cole and Asher Durand vested the American landscape with spiritual and regenerative powers through verbal and painted images of idealized wilderness scenery.

An unending procession of painters found in the splendor of nature a respite from the growing materialism of the nation’s new urban and industrial landscapes and, in a variety of ways, helped soften those landscapes, making change more palatable for generations of Americans.

Nature became the subject of nineteenth-century art, literature, and science. America’s wilderness regions fueled the artistic and scientific imagination and were laboratories for evolving ideas about the land and its role in American culture.

Americans believed that wild nature embodied their country’s deepest spiritual and democratic values. The American paintings in the art collection at The Point epitomize the creation of this visual record and its contribution to the culture of the region and the nation.

Many works are by major American artists such as Arthur Fitzwilliam Tait, Winslow Homer, Alexander Wyant, John Henry Hill, and Alexander Lawrie; some are by artists who deserve to be better known; and others are by artists who are known only by the survival of their works.

Caroline Mastin Welsh is an art historian, curator of art, and Director Emerita of the Adirondack Museum. She is an honors graduate of the Kent School and Wellesley College (Art History). She was awarded a fellowship in museum studies at the Smithsonian Institution and a fellowship in museum leadership at the Getty Leadership Institute.

Her work in the museum profession includes positions at the Smithsonian Institution, the New York State Historical Association, and the Albany Institute of History and Art in addition to the Adirondack Museum.

Mrs. Welsh has extensive experience in all aspects of museum planning, operations and management specializing in art exhibitions and collections management.

She has curated history and art exhibitions as well as organized collections projects from assessments to building a 25,000 SF Collections Storage and Study Center. She has organized and hosted scholarly national art symposia in addition to being published widely on the subject of Adirondack art and artists.

Mrs. Welsh is currently a consultant to museums for exhibit development and collections management, an independent curator for art exhibits, as well as a national peer reviewer for the American Alliance of Museums. She serves or has served as a trustee or advisor for arts organizations and museums in Pennsylvania and New York State throughout her career.

Saint Lawrence University gave her the North Country Citation in 2017 for her contributions as a leader, professional and volunteer to enhance appreciation for our artistic and cultural heritage. Mrs. Welsh was a member of The Century Association in New York City, is listed in Who’s Who in America, and has been or is a member of many professional organizations.

ACTIVITIES
At The Point, your we make certain your entire stay is relaxing, enjoyable and totally customized to your desires. Rest assured there is nothing you must do, many things you can easily do and a great deal you will probably do…perhaps for the very first time.

Each season of the year in the gorgeous Adirondacks holds special reasons to return. Indoor and outdoor activities change with each new month, menus also change accordingly as will your wardrobe.

While many guests have their favorite time of year to celebrate a special occasion or holiday, we have also noticed their strong desire to return in all seasons as the guest experience is quite unique. New house guests will also always add to the enjoyment of each stay.

You may take an active part in the myriad of outdoor activities, or if you wish, stay indoors, relax, catch up on your reading, try your skill at the numerous board games or The Pub’s pool table. There is also a large screen television in The Pub for your pleasure.

Additionally, we can easily arrange an in-room fireside massage from a certified therapist with advance notice for either 60 or 90 minutes. A personal yoga session can also place you safely in a zen mood to better enjoy your surroundings.

SPRING & SUMMER
When the snow has disappeared, the Adirondacks are a landscape of shimmering lakes and cascading streams, vast timberlands and soaring mountains. The air is sweet and views breathtakingly expansive.

Days at The Point unfold with boating, fishing, tennis, waterskiing, croquet, badminton, swimming, wakesurfing, kayaking, paddle boarding and hiking. A Hackercraft tour of the lake to discover other Great Camps along with their stories and history is another popular excursion.

We can even arrange complimentary fishing licenses and a round of golf at the Saranac Inn golf course or rock climbing in the majestic High Peaks. New this summer, our guests can also enjoy a scenic seaplane tour offering spectacular aerial views of the Adirondacks.

AUTUMN & WINTER
It’s hard to imagine a more beautiful place in autumn than the Adirondacks. The incredible fall foliage colors reflecting on the shimmering lake is breathtaking. Hiking, boating and cozy bon fires all over the property are so enticing.

An invigorating walk through the woods along the shoreline followed by a warm-up stop in Camp David by a fireside with refreshments and snacks is truly memorable. Enjoy hot toddies by a roaring fire or champagne from the fully stocked ice-bar on the lake while gathered around a crackling bon fire.

A winter wonderland quilted in snow turns the wooded forest and historic buildings into a magical quiet of natural beauty. Cross-country skis and snowshoes help guests take a path into a world of white, while on the frozen lake, ice skating, curling and ice fishing are iconic pleasures.

Once inside, winter remains outdoors while the welcoming, blazing fires, classic movies, mulled or red wines, darts, cards, or pool are thoroughly enjoyed. Winter days may be short, but the longer nights allow ample time for great food, wine, music, laughter and camaraderie.

PET FRIENDLY
Dogs of all sizes can expect the same nurturing treatment as their owners while in residence. Your pet will receive a warm welcome with treats, “Bowser Beer” and toys. We supply dog beds and bowls and even offer pet life jackets for boating trips.

It is important to advise us at the time of bookings if you are bringing your pet so we can accommodate your furry friends accordingly. It is our pleasure to host your pets at no additional charge.

Your best friend will feel right at home and love the wide open spaces at the property. Treats including snacks, “Bowser Beer” and toys along with dog beds and bowls are placed in your guest room.

Even pet life jackets are provided for boating trips so they can enjoy lake rides as well. Please provide details when you establish your reservation. They will be accommodated at no additional charge.

Rooms: 11

Price: from 1.615 EUR per night

Source: www.thepointresort.com