On July 16, Emerson Resort & Spa in the Catskill Mountains is reopening their doors to welcome guests back to the 20-acre luxury boutique property, which is located two hours north of New York City. They have also announced several new changes to their operations, including the launch of “Stay Safe Pledge,” which outlines new operational details of their new health and safety protocol.

“For nearly 25 years, we have been honored to host family vacations, weekend getaways, girlfriend retreats, reunions, weddings and special events at the Emerson Resort & Spa,” says Naomi Umhey, CEO of the Emerson Resort & Spa. “It has always been our mission from the start, and our pleasure, to provide our guests with exceptional customer service and clean, safe accommodations. During our temporary closure since mid-March due to COVID-19, we have been continuously monitoring guidelines in real time from the CDC and health and elected officials in order to plan and implement a detailed system of protocol designed to keep our staff, guests and local community safe upon reopening, while simultaneously providing our warm and welcoming hospitality.”

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The “Stay Safe Pledge” will include the following:

• Emerson Spa will be open Thur-Mon with a limited massage treatment menu, as well as the nail and hair salon with reduced occupancy to adhere to social distancing

• The Fitness Center will be open Thur-Mon with reduced occupancy

• Woodnotes Grille will be open for outdoor table service starting this week, as well as takeout and delivery of orders to guest rooms

• Ralph’s Cafe will be available for takeaway items

• The Shops at Emerson will be open Thur-Mon

• At this time, the World’s Largest Kaleidoscope, steam room, sauna, hot tub, and pool will remain closed until further notice

Following the recommendations and guidelines from health and elected officials, Emerson’s thorough social distancing and health safety protocol for employees and guests will include but are not limited to: 

• Temperature points of entry for staff, vendors, and guests using no-touch thermometers, as well as one entrance for guests checking in via the main lobby of the Inn.  

• All guests will be given a mask and hand sanitizer for use prior to checking in.

• Hand sanitizer stations will be placed at key locations throughout the property.

• Hand washing protocol for all staff using Theraworx, a cutting-edge hand sanitizer product used in hospitals that provides a protective coating on the skin and kills any virus for up to four hours after applied.

• Frequent cleaning and sanitizing in all public spaces and individual guest rooms with an increased focus on all high touch-points.

• Guests will be advised to practice social distancing by standing at least six feet away from other groups of people not traveling with them while standing in lines or moving around the property.  Physical layouts have been arranged to ensure appropriate distancing. All property venues/departments will comply with, or exceed, local or state mandated occupancy limits.

• Health, hygiene, and social distancing reminders will be placed throughout the property, including the proper way to wear, handle, and dispose of masks.

• Personal Protective Equipment including face masks worn by all employees and in adherence to state or local regulations and guidance. Gloves will be provided to employees whose responsibilities require them as determined by medical experts including housekeeping, food, and beverage staff, and public area attendants in direct contact with guests.

• Ongoing guidance on COVID-19 safety and sanitation protocols and training for all staff and staggered employee arrival times.

For more information and to make a reservation, visit Emerson Resort & Spa’s website and follow them on Instagram: @emersonresort

[Images courtesy of Emerson Resort & Spa]

Kamala Kirk is a University of Southern California graduate and has been an editor/writer for more than a decade. She has written for E! Online, Total Beauty, TravelAge West, Malibu Times Magazine, and many more. She resides in Los Angeles and is a proud pug mom. Follow her on Instagram: @kamalakirk