Mohonk Mountain House: The Real Hogwartz

When J.K. Rowling published the first Harry Potter back in 1997, the world went mad for wizards, magical duels and of course, Hogwartz, the super-impressive sorcery school led by the coolest fictional dude ever. There is something incredibly alluring about it; perhaps it’s the massive size of it, or the hidden secrets within its walls, or the sweeping wave of childhood nostalgia that hits us when we think about it. Regardless of the reasons, we want to go there.In the real world, fantasy must know its place, which is why we’re telling you about the Mohonk Mountain House located in New Paltz, New York. The massive Victorian Castle standing over the royal-blue waters of Lake Mohonk, probably the closest thing to a real Hogwartz as we’re going to get. Built in 1869, the seven-story, 259-room, National Historic Landmark hotel is amazing!Surrounded by 40-thousand acres of pristine forest and scenic trails that you can hike at your leisure, Mohonk offers a vast selection of impressive activities. On premises you’ll find incredible, award-winning botanical gardens, elaborate labyrinths (for your Goblet of Fire fantasies), seasonal sports and activities (they have a private ice skating rink for god sake!), a museum, and iconic restaurants.If all of this hasn’t impressed you yet, let us speak of the spa for just a minute! The steam rooms, saunas, the indoor swimming pool and the outdoor mineral pool, solarium, signature full-service spa services, fitness and meditation classes, should be upgrading Mohonk to one of your top 5 U.S. destinations. The unique theme programs designed for your entertainment just add to the overall appeal of the resort.Bluntly speaking, whatever you like, they have you covered. Did we mention that it was just named the #1 Resort Spa in America by Conde Nast Traveler Magazine 2013, or that originally, Mohonk was a real boarding school for boys? Yeah, it’s that authentic! We told you it's like Hogwartz.

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