The Emerson Inn and Spa,
which has been featured in a number of leading travel publications, has
been selected for one of the tourism industry’s most prestigious honors,
establishing its presence among the world’s finest luxury inns. Named the “Most Outstanding Inn” in North America, Bermuda, the Caribbean,
Mexico and the Pacific by Conde Nast Johansens, The Emerson received the
honor during a recent ceremony at the Dorchester Hotel in London.

Conde Nast Johansens, the world-renowned guide to independently-owned
hotels, inns and resorts worldwide, observed: “Built as an inn in 1874,
this elegant country hideaway is an ideal place to retreat and
rejuvenate.” The publication’s demanding selection process includes an
international team of “hotel inspectors” as well as feedback from guests.

The Emerson Inn & Spa (http://www.theemerson.com/) is a spectacular,
24-bed luxury hotel surrounded by the natural beauty of the Catskill
Forest Preserve, “America’s first wilderness”. A refuge for discerning
guests seeking an elegant, rejuvenating getaway, it is located minutes
from the famed art colony of Woodstock, New York, adjacent to the historic
Hudson Valley about two hours north of NYC.

Dean and Lynn Gitter and Emily Fisher, proprietors of the Emerson and
developers of the proposed Belleayre Resort at Catskill Park, expressed
their deep appreciation for the award: “This is not only a triumph for the
management and staff of the Emerson, it’s a clear recognition of the
world-class tourism appeal of the Catskill region. The quality and care we
have built into the Emerson will permeate everything we are planning for
the Belleayre Resort,” said Gitter.

The historic Emerson property, re-opened after a total restoration in
June, 2000, has been beautifully transformed into an oasis for
connoisseurs of fine living. From the Waterford crystal, Sheffield silver
and bone china to the Hermes toiletries and featherbeds wrapped in
triple-sheeted Frette linen, the Emerson is a showplace of refined
elegance and exceptional style, featuring “rich, exotic decor, top-notch
staff and outstanding cuisine…,” according to Spas Guide.

The Emerson Inn is the first small luxury hotel in the Catskill Forest
Preserve, one of the most significant eco-tourism destinations in the
Northeast. This high peaks region has gained particular recognition of
late as the getaway of many prominent actors, writers, musicians, dancers,
filmmakers, fashion luminaries, movers and shakers.

The nearby Belleayre Resort, when completed, will be the only upscale
four-season resort directly serving the metropolitan New York City area
and Upstate New York. It is located on a private land of almost 2,000
acres adjacent to the existing Belleayre Ski Center, and will include two
hotels and two 18-hole championship golf course designed by David Love
III. One hotel, the Wildacres, designed by renowned resort architect
Robert Lamb Hart, will include a family vacation and convention center.
The second, The Big Indian Resort and Spa, is planned as a five-start
amenity equal in quality to the Emerson Inn and Spa.
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