A far cry from Sandals: My debut all-inclusive getaway to a lavish resort in upstate New York

I’ve never been one to dive into the all-inclusive resort scene. It's not that I think I'm above it—though, okay, maybe I am a bit of a travel elitist.

While I’m a fan of Chili's more than most, I’ve always drawn the line at wristbands for poolside Jell-O shots blasting through loud music at a massive Caribbean resort. But thanks to the in-depth insights from my colleague Tanner Saunders, I’ve started reconsidering the appeal of all-inclusive resorts.

Though I’ve yet to visit a classic all-inclusive resort, I eagerly accepted an invitation to experience an extravagant, Gilded Age-inspired all-inclusive retreat in Saranac Lake, New York, this past summer. My husband and dog came along too, turning it into a full-family affair at a property with deep historical ties to the Rockefeller era.

Here’s my experience staying at The Point, a hidden gem in upstate New York.

Getting to The Point

Flying to The Point isn’t the most straightforward route, especially if you’re accustomed to major airlines. However, Cape Air offers daily flights from Boston Logan International (BOS) and New York City's John F. Kennedy International (JFK) into Adirondack Regional Airport (SLK). From there, it’s just a short 20-minute drive to The Point.

The closest major airport is Albany International (ALB), about a 2.5-hour drive to The Point. If you're coming from New York City or Boston, expect about 5.5 hours by car, traveling through various interstate routes and scenic back roads.

What it’s like to stay at The Point

The Point was once one of the legendary Great Camps in the Adirondacks—grand estates built by some of the wealthiest families of the 19th and early 20th centuries. Imagine the likes of the Astors, Roosevelts, Guggenheims, and Vanderbilts spending their country weekends in this idyllic region. These so-called "wilderness retreats" weren’t about roughing it back then—and they certainly aren’t about roughing it now.

The current day The Point sits on 75 acres of scenic Saranac Lake waterfront, originally developed by William Avery Rockefeller Jr., John D. Rockefeller’s grandnephew. The Rockefeller family built several log and stone mansions here, giving them all the space they needed for a true retreat. Today, the property has been transformed into an intimate, luxurious resort with just 11 guest rooms. It was also the first North American member of the prestigious Relais & Châteaux collection. Once you drive through The Point's gates, nestled deep in the Adirondack woods, you immediately feel a sense of detachment from the outside world—partly due to the limited cellphone and Wi-Fi reception, which is a very intentional touch.

The property beautifully blends its natural, wooded surroundings with expertly designed landscaping. Guest rooms are scattered across the log mansions and the boathouse, and the décor—furnishings and artwork from the Rockefeller era—creates an ambiance that fuses Gilded Age elegance with lakeside retreat charm. The stone wood-burning fireplaces only add to the rustic luxury. Personally, I did my best to channel Christine Baranski from 'The Gilded Age' when enjoying my morning coffee each day.

Even in August, one day was so perfectly chilly that it was ideal for curling up with a book by the crackling fire. But don't worry—by the next day, the weather had warmed up enough for a refreshing swim in Saranac Lake, followed by some time soaking in the elegant atmosphere. Still, despite all the outdoor activities, an evening at The Point brings with it a certain level of glamour once the sun sets.

Checking in

About a week before our arrival, I received a call from the resort manager, asking about any meal preferences, special occasions, or activity requests for our stay. I mentioned that our Australian shepherd, Pimento Cheese (or Pimm), would be celebrating his seventh birthday, and that we were hoping to get out on a boat to explore Saranac Lake. It was during this conversation that I learned the resort encourages guests to dress up for dinner—especially for the black-tie events on Wednesdays and Saturdays—and not to be shy about going all-in, from late-night meals to outdoor adventures.

The manager also suggested I arrive early for Friday lunch, a few hours before the usual check-in time, to make the most of the experience. While I'm no expert on all-inclusive resorts, this level of attention exceeded even what I’ve experienced at other ultra-luxury resorts. I was already excited about The Point, but after this call, my curiosity was really piqued.

A week later, after more than an hour and a half of winding through rural roads off Interstate 87, we finally reached the gates of The Point. A staff member greeted us and guided us toward the main building, where several more team members were waiting with Champagne flutes, ready to take our bags and car. We wouldn't touch our car again all weekend, as there were so many activities and events on property to keep us occupied.

During the check-in tour, the staff pointed out the main dining area, self-serve bars, and the impressive chef’s kitchen, where guests are free to pop in for coffee or a quick snack anytime. They then led us to our room for the weekend—Mohawk.

Our room, Mohawk, used to be the private master bedroom of the Rockefellers themselves, located in the Main Lodge just off the dining area. Before leaving us to settle in, a staff member emphasized how far they were willing to go to make our stay extraordinary—from cooking special meals for Pimm, to late-night snacks for my husband and me. Challenge accepted.

The cost of staying at The Point and how to make a reservation

Our stay at The Point was graciously complimentary, but the resort's rates are steep. For example, our Mohawk room goes for $3,300 per night on select fall dates. This price covers all meals—including wine-paired lunches and seven-course dinners on Wednesdays and Saturdays—afternoon tea, and unlimited access to sports equipment and activities.

The best way to book your stay is directly through The Point’s website, as the resort isn't listed on any premium credit card booking platforms. Hotel policy requires a $500 deposit at the time of booking, with the remaining balance due 60 days before arrival (or immediately if your stay is within 60 days). Cancellations or no-shows within that 60-day window are subject to a 100% penalty.

The rooms at The Point

Even though The Point was once a sprawling Rockefeller estate, it never felt overcrowded or like we were sharing close quarters with other guests. The property is spacious enough to allow for a high level of privacy, and you can choose to interact with others as much or as little as you prefer outside of mealtimes.

Our guest room, Mohawk, located just off the main Great Hall, was spacious with vaulted ceilings and exposed beams, with a plaid, canopied king-size bed taking center stage.

The room featured several cozy seating areas, our favorite being two upholstered chairs with a shared ottoman positioned in front of the stone fireplace—perfect for enjoying midnight room service or a pre-breakfast coffee. There was also a desk with—wait for it—a Wi-Fi connection, in case you needed to go online. Though, the general consensus was to disconnect for the weekend, which I mostly did, except when I couldn’t resist sharing adorable photos of Pimm enjoying his time at The Point. And yes, I occasionally did the same for my husband Parker, but let’s be honest—it was Pimm’s moment to shine, being his first trip like this!

Speaking of making our furry friend feel at home, The Point surprised us with a thoughtful birthday basket for Pimm, complete with homemade treats and a few dog toys. They even provided a dog bed, food, and water bowls for him to use throughout the weekend. Of course, Pimm preferred lounging in the very comfortable king-size bed with us for most of the time—have I mentioned he’s a bit spoiled? As for us humans, the team also surprised us with a chilled bottle of Pol Roger Champagne and hazelnut-berry lunettes as a decadent Friday afternoon treat.

The bathroom, with its black-and-white tile design, boasted a claw-foot tub and a walk-in rainfall shower stocked with Le Labo Santal 33 bath products. Plush robes were provided, hanging on the bathroom door, for ultimate relaxation around the room. The Mohawk room had a charming log-cabin vibe, with wood-paneled walls and floors, complemented by lighting that ranged from an elegant chandelier to a minimalist wall-mounted exposed bulb.

The guest room was lavishly appointed with luxurious fabrics, making one wonder just how high the upholstery budget must have been for this single room, let alone the entire property. With windows on three sides, including in the bathroom, the room remained bright and airy. Thankfully, the blackout shades were a lifesaver for blocking the early morning sun (a point the team warned us about). The room also featured a door that opened onto a private patio, where we could enjoy a book during the day or gaze up at the stars (or even surprise meteor showers) at night while warming ourselves by the fire pit.

Housekeeping attended to our room twice a day, always timed perfectly around meal times so we were never disturbed. There were also thoughtful touches, like one staff member who stopped by before turndown service to prepare the bed for a relaxing Friday afternoon nap. The hotel even offered complimentary pressing for our dinner attire. Small delights, like keeping the ice bucket full all day and providing a bottle of complimentary port for an evening nightcap, only added to the experience.

Throughout our stay, we were reminded that the kitchen staff was happy to prepare a special meal for Pimm, but we felt that was a bit much. However, we did take the team’s suggestion to indulge in some late-night truffle fries and grilled cheese, which were delivered right to our room for a truly decadent midnight snack.

After all, who’s going to enjoy port on an empty stomach?

What to dine on at The Point

All meals and drinks are included in your nightly rate at The Point, and you'll want to work up an appetite for these indulgent meals. Our welcome lunch kicked off with a Caesar salad, followed by a New York strip steak paired with fingerling potatoes, and wrapped up with a decadent ice cream sandwich.

After lunch, we were reminded of the numerous self-serve bars scattered around the property, stocked with much more than just the basics. A friend who’d stayed here before had warned me about the temptation of all that top-shelf liquor, so I stuck to one glass of Blanton's on the rocks each night.

In true Rockefeller fashion, guests are encouraged to arrive an hour before dinner for cocktail hour, a time to socialize and mingle. Each evening, the cocktail hour takes place in a different location, and the staff delivers a daily printed invitation to your room with details on where it will be held. During our stay, cocktail hour was hosted in the Great Hall one evening (thanks to a rainstorm), then moved to The Pub, a charming bar in another log mansion. On our first night, one of The Point’s boat captains also played the piano, while magic tricks provided the entertainment on the second night. This is the kind of place where even my martini order from night one was remembered for the rest of the stay, much like my coffee preferences in the mornings — a level of attention to detail that charmed me as much as the card tricks.

Dinner is served at two formal dining tables in the Great Hall, a rustic yet stylish space with stone fireplaces, comfortable seating, and a blend of eclectic decor, from Thai sculptures to mounted animal heads, all while enjoying stunning lake views. While the dress code and occasional black tie evenings may feel a bit formal in 2024, there’s a certain charm in dressing up and socializing with fellow guests — a mix of affluent retirees and parents escaping for a kid-free weekend. The Point clearly has its regulars, one of whom, on their 12th visit, remarked during dinner that the resort had become a little *too* connected, recalling the days when there was only a single phone in the kitchen to reach the outside world.

On the Saturday night of our stay, we were treated to a seven-course meal featuring creative dishes like a sweet corn 'cappuccino' paired with Billecart-Salmon Brut Rosé, followed by tuna tartare, lobster, and spring chicken courses, each paired with exquisite Italian and French wines. A refreshing Aperol Spritz sorbet acted as a palate cleanser, and a decadent chocolate cheesecake rounded off the meal. As a surprise, The Point team presented us with a special anniversary sorbet ahead of our fifth wedding anniversary. For those still craving more, the night ended with a cheese platter and nightcaps at The Pub.

Throughout our stay, we were treated to indulgent meals, from a Saturday afternoon barbecue to a delightful farewell lunch on the resort's glass-enclosed boat. Breakfast was a multi-course affair, starting with a basket of fresh baked goods and coffee delivered to our room each morning. Afterward, we enjoyed a hearty breakfast in the Great Hall, with standout dishes like crispy fried chicken on a buttermilk biscuit and avocado toast. Between meals, the kitchen was always open for guests to pop in and grab a drink or snack, ensuring you were never hungry while waiting for the next meal.

Although The Point is pet-friendly, they do have a policy that prohibits non-service animals from dining with guests. However, based on the variety of cozy spots Pimm found to nap in when we returned to our room, he certainly didn't seem bothered by missing out on meals with us.

Amenities and activities at The Point

To balance out my indulgence, I made a point to hike or swim a few laps in the lake. It was a challenge to resist whenever a menu appeared or we happened upon one of the many fully stocked bars scattered across the property. My favorite was the bar perched on an overlook — who wouldn't want to enjoy a Negroni while soaking in the Saranac Lake views?

The Point caters to all types of energy levels, whether you're up for a relaxed boat ride, a hike through the woods, or simply unwinding with a book in a hammock or by a fire pit. For the more adventurous, you can arrange for waterskiing, tubing, or paddleboarding on Saranac Lake, or even embark on a guided tour aboard a vintage Hacker-Craft boat to learn about the history of the Great Camps. If you're feeling extra laid-back, you can take a dog-friendly electric Elco launch around the lake's hidden coves.

On land, The Point offers plenty of activities, including bocce ball, tennis, croquet, and badminton. During a hike, we spotted thoughtful touches like water bottles and snack boxes along the trail (because, honestly, it's hard to stay hungry here). Guests often debate whether The Point is better in the summer or winter. While I’ve only experienced it in the warmer months, I’ve heard that in winter, they set up tubing slides on the frozen lake, where you can zip across the ice before warming up at a fully stocked ice bar. There’s also ice fishing, curling, and skating to enjoy.

The Point staff is always ready to go the extra mile, so if there's an activity you'd like to do — as long as it's within reason — they're more than capable of arranging it for you.

Insider insights for your stay at The Point

Here are some essential tips and things to keep in mind before booking your getaway at The Point:

• If you're planning a weekend getaway, consider extending it to a long weekend to fully embrace the drive to The Point. It's quite remote, and you'll want to explore charming towns along the way. Plus, the Lake Placid Olympic Center is only 40 minutes up the road.
• Don't forget the importance of disconnecting. Finish up any last emails, then stash away your phone and laptop until Monday. This is your chance to relax and recharge — leave the doom scrolling for another time.
• While it's definitely encouraged to join the group for dinner, I noticed some guests preferred to dine in their rooms. Do try to make it to the Great Hall for the full experience, but don't feel pressured if you prefer solitude.

• Group dinners create opportunities for lively discussions, even with people who don't share your opinions. A team member is typically at the table to steer the conversation away from politics or anything controversial, so save the latest election talk for another time.
• If you're after some privacy, ask the staff to point you toward The Point's hidden swimming dock. A short, rocky descent followed by a winding trail leads you there from the Great Hall — a perfect spot for afternoon swims or quiet reading sessions with Pimm.
• Despite its steep price, rooms at The Point fill up quickly, often far in advance — and guests can get quite attached to their preferred rooms. Be flexible with your dates if you have a particular room in mind. I've already started saving up for a future stay in the Boat House.

Accessibility

The Point is designed with accessibility in mind, offering 32-inch-wide doorways to common areas, accessible routes to emergency exits, and specially designed guest rooms. These rooms include features like lower shelving, easy-to-reach power outlets, and spacious paths around the bed. The bathrooms are equipped with handheld showerheads, low towel hooks, lower mirrors, shower seats, and grab bars by the toilet.

Both the Great Hall dining area and The Pub are located on the ground floor, but some areas of the property are not wheelchair accessible. However, the staff is happy to provide transportation via car or golf cart to these less accessible areas. Certain activities, like boating and hiking, are also not accessible.

Bottom line

Calling The Point 'just' an all-inclusive resort feels like an understatement. I was thrilled that this was my first dive into the all-inclusive world, and it didn’t disappoint. The resort and its staff turned this getaway into an unforgettable escape from the summer heat of Boston. Sure, there are cheaper all-inclusive resorts out there, but I can’t imagine any of them offer the rich Gilded Age history, impeccable service, lavish feasts, and endless activities that I experienced on Saranac Lake.

And let's not forget about my dog, who got to experience his first taste of ultra-luxury hotel life. There's no going back to his usual Holiday Inn Express stays after this!

Consider saving your points for other redemptions so you can indulge in a stay at The Point for a truly memorable occasion. This is exactly the strategy I'm using myself.