Landscape Design
Landscape Design of a Wellness Retreat in Catskills, New York
Location
Fallsburg, New York, USA
About the Project
A private outdoor wellness retreat nestled in the scenic Catskills region — where dense forests and rolling terrain set the stage for an intimate open-air spa experience. The goal was to seamlessly integrate a sauna, fire pit lounge, and relaxation elements into the existing natural landscape while preserving the site’s raw, organic character.
Dreaming of your own nature retreat?
Contact us for consultation about your project.
Solution
We designed a compact yet richly programmed landscape built around dynamic geometry — a curved retaining wall (wall curve) creates a semi-enclosed fire pit area, clearly separating it from the sauna deck zone. White pea gravel serves as the primary surface treatment for leisure areas, while bands of concrete pavers (24″×8″) define clear movement axes. Plant selection prioritizes four-season interest suited to Northeastern USA climate conditions.
Key Features
Functional zoning
The project includes six interconnected zones: a sauna with deck access, an outdoor cooling shower, a fire pit lounge with woven chairs arranged around a built-in fire feature, a hammock relaxation zone, a decorative 5×5 planter, and a site drainage system aligned with natural topography.
Native-inspired planting
Species selected for New York State climate: Creeping Phlox as ground cover, Common Boxwood for structural definition, Eastern Arborvitae 'Rheingold' as vertical accents, Jackman's Clematis climbing the sauna facade, English Lavender, Plantain Lily, and Wintercreeper Euonymus for textural variety.
Materials and surfaces
Authentic natural materials throughout: timber deck planking, white pea gravel (170 sq.ft.), concrete pavers combined with three mulch types, decorative boulders, and a flush-mounted fire pit — composing an image of curated wilderness.
Spa-inspired sequence
The progression from sauna → outdoor shower → fire pit → hammock creates a complete ritual of relaxation and restoration in the open air, amplified by the surrounding Catskills forest.
Result
A retreat that transforms a private backyard into a secluded forest sanctuary. A restrained design language, natural materials, and thoughtful planting ensure year-round usability and complete immersion in the regional landscape.
Dreaming of your own nature retreat?
Contact us for consultation about your project.
