Few wellness experiences rival the simple pleasure of warming up in a sauna while gazing across a mountainside vista. At Scribner’s Catskill Lodge in Hunter, New York, guests can now enjoy that exact combination thanks to a new collaboration with Harbor Saunas.
“We’re always looking for ways to deepen the experience of being in the Catskills, and this partnership with Harbor Saunas felt like a natural extension of that,” said Jade Sinskul, director of Marketing at Escape Hospitality. “It brings together thoughtful design, wellness and a real connection to the outdoors in a way that feels both intentional and effortless for our guests. Together, we’ve created something that encourages people to slow down, stay present and fully take in their surroundings.”
© Moriah Wolfe
The new outdoor sauna seats up to 10 guests and was custom-built as a compact, refined version of the lodge itself. This installation represents Harbor Saunas’ first hospitality partnership. The Northeast-based design and build studio draws heavily on Scandinavian influences and a minimalist ethos, producing saunas that emphasize clean lines, natural materials and thoughtful details.
“The Catskills have always been a special place for our team, and we couldn’t be more excited to bring one of our saunas to Scribner’s for their guests to experience,” said HB Mertz, principal of Harbor Saunas. “The intentionality in design and material choices found throughout the lodge and surrounding property reflects the same ethos behind our saunas at Harbor, making Scribner’s a natural choice for our first hospitality partnership.”
© Moriah Wolfe
Beyond the sauna itself, visitors to the 38-room mountain lodge can choose from an array of curated activities designed to enhance relaxation, adventure and personal growth. Offerings include guided fly fishing along nearby streams, private yoga sessions that tailor breathwork and movement to individual needs, and “Glice” skating for a seasonal twist on an outdoor pastime. For guests seeking introspection or creative inspiration, the lodge arranges tarot and astrological readings, while those wanting to build physical skills can book one-on-one Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu coaching.
The property also supports more intimate or bespoke experiences such as private photoshoots, allowing visitors to capture their stay against the dramatic Catskills backdrop. This blend of wellness, recreation and design-forward amenities reflects the lodge’s effort to provide meaningful, restorative escapes rather than merely transactional stays.
Designed to encourage guests to linger and engage with the landscape, the sauna addition complements the lodge’s existing architecture and programming. Materials and finishes were selected to harmonize with the surrounding forest and mountain views, creating a seamless transition between indoor comforts and the raw beauty of the outdoors. In this way, the sauna serves not only as a place for warmth and relaxation but also as an extension of the lodge’s commitment to place-based hospitality.
For travelers seeking a more mindful approach to time away, the combined offerings at Scribner’s Catskill Lodge and the Harbor Saunas installation make it easy to slow down, reconnect with nature and enjoy thoughtfully designed amenities. Whether guests come for active pursuits, restorative practices, or simply to take in the scenery, the new sauna provides a cozy, contemplative setting that enhances the overall stay.