We Are Upstate with Naomi Umhey CEO of Emerson Resort and Spa

Named after the renowned poet Ralph Waldo Emerson, whose influential essay “Nature” inspired the development of the Catskill Forest Preserve, Emerson Resort & Spa has been a premier Hudson Valley destination for over two centuries. Located amidst the scenic Mount Tremper countryside and the clear waters of the trout-rich Esopus Creek, the distinctive Emerson Resort & Spa proudly reconnects her guests with the Valley’s bountiful natural wonders.

Emerson Resort & Spa offers both contemporary luxury and rustic log-cabin accommodations. Guests can unwind in one of 26 spacious luxury rooms at the Inn or “rough it” in one of the 27 log cabin style rooms in the Lodge. They can also luxuriate in the sumptuous Emerson Spa, dine on locally-sourced and classically-crafted cuisine at the iconic Catamount restaurant, peruse The Shops at Emerson and marvel at their World’s Largest Kaleidoscope – all onsite. There’s always something to do at the Emerson!

Join our conversation with Naomi Umhey, Emerson’s CEO, as she shares her deep affection for the Hudson Valley, her immense pride in everything her Emerson Resort & Spa represents and her insights into “a day in the life” of a modern luxury resort CEO.

INSIDE+OUT: Where are you originally from, and how did you wind up in the Hudson Valley?

Naomi Umhey: Originally from Rockland County, in the Town of Sloatsburg. We moved here when I was about eight years old and never left.

Tell us about your role as CEO of Emerson Resort & Spa and what a typical day looks like.

As CEO, I don’t have a typical day. Some days, I’m working on budgets and projections. Other days, I’m sitting in on a buying meeting for our retail, and some days, I’m planning a garden. But, most days, I meet with my managers to keep in touch with what they are doing. I speak with our owner, Emily Fisher, weekly to keep her in the loop with everything. I have an open-door policy with all staff. I like to listen to their ideas and suggestions and, of course, we listen to some grievances, too. Recently, another coworker and I have been helping one of our long-term employees through a very lengthy illness. My objective is never to have the focus be on me but on my team; I need them to be able to do all the things that I do.

What makes Emerson Resort one of the top travel destinations in the area?

The Emerson Resort & Spa reconnects our guests with nature and each other. Guests enjoy the Emerson Spa, Catamount Restaurant, the Shops at Emerson, and, of course, The World’s Largest Kaleidoscope, all while surrounded by the stunning beauty of the Catskills. Emerson Workshops and special events are fun-filled activities for all ages. We also take great pride in using these activities to provide an educational and historical context to this beautiful region we call home.

One of your key attractions is your Spa. Tell us about the Spa, its services, and how it stands out. Is it open to the public as well as guests?

The Emerson Spa’s thoughtful treatment menu is inspired by the Earth’s elements and the tranquility of the Catskills. I believe what makes our Spa stand out is our therapists’ personalized attention to each guest – therapies are tailored to their individual needs. Yoga classes and a fitness center are also part of our Spa’s offerings, which provide a balanced oasis for the mind, body and soul. You don’t have to be an overnight guest to enjoy the Emerson. All of our venues are open to the public, and we invite you to spend a day at the Spa, shopping at The Shops at Emerson, or enjoying a great meal at the Catamount Restaurant.

What does wellness mean to you?

Stillness benefits the mind, and movement benefits the body. Self-care benefits both and, when combined, create a state of wellness. We incorporate these aspects into many of our Emerson offerings, not only at the Emerson Spa but also in our workshops, events, and the overall design of our property.

Can you share more about the Emerson shops?

The Shops at Emerson are a haven for “retail enthusiasts” like myself! Modern farmhouse décor and furnishings, women’s and men’s contemporary clothing, hand-crafted artisan kaleidoscopes, nostalgic toys, local food products, and Catskills books and souvenirs are just a few of the many delightful gifts you’ll find for others and, more importantly, yourself! The Shops are housed in a restored 19th-century barn, making it a truly unique shopping experience.

Of course, we must talk about the World’s Largest Kaleidoscope at Emerson Resort & Spa. How did this come to be, and how do people find out about this local treasure? How many people see this each year?

The Emerson property was originally farmlands purchased by our co-founders, Dean Gitter and Emily Fisher. Dean and Emily decided to convert the original barn structure into an attraction and tourist destination to help boost the local economy and provide a much-needed source of jobs for the area. The barn silo fueled Dean with the idea of building a kaleidoscope. The “Catskill Corners” complex and the Guinness Book of World Records certified World’s Largest Kaleidoscope (WLK) opened on the Fourth of July weekend in 1996. Measuring 60 feet tall and 37.5 feet in diameter, the World’s Largest Kaleidoscope is capable of reflecting over 254 images, creating an illusion of more than 3,000 images on a 50-foot virtual sphere.

The Emerson is home to the World’s Largest Kaleidoscope, standing more than 60-feet tall and featuring three 38-foot mirrors.  Its “Kaleidoshow” is a mesmerizing experience of sight and sound.

The original Kaleidoshow, “America, The House We Live In”, was described by Gitter as an “11-minute roller coaster ride for the senses, a rocket ride through the imagery of American history.” Our newest show, “The Earth Laughs in Flowers”, is a colorful, vibrant tour of the flowers and plant life native to the Emerson Resort & Spa grounds. It debuted in 2023, and is a tribute to Emerson’s legendary namesake, Ralph Waldo Emerson, whose famous essay “Nature” was the incentive for the development of the Catskill Forest Preserve. Each year, thousands of visitors from across the country and abroad enjoy watching the Kaleidoshow and perusing the wide variety of kaleidoscopes available for purchase in the Kaleidostore.

Is there anything in the works or news you’d like to share with our readers?

There’s always something in the works at the Emerson, especially during the summer season!

> Music at the Emerson is always anticipated and this summer we’re welcoming the Zydeco Revelators (a fun fusion of Louisiana dance music) to the Emerson Pavilion on Saturday, July 27, from 7–9 pm.

> The Annual Emerson Car Show, scheduled for Sunday, August 4, is a beloved showcase of classic cars, food, and music, with proceeds benefiting The Heart of the Catskills Humane Society.

> Dining: In addition to our delicious breakfast and dinner menus, the Catamount now serves brunch from 11 am to 1:30 pm on Saturdays and Sundays.

> The Emerson Spa recently debuted new specialty lines of products and treatments including the Intraceuticals Oxygen Facial, and an intensive Lip Treatment by Sara Happ.

The best way to stay informed is to go to our website: emersonresort.com or follow us at Emerson Resort on Facebook and Instagram @emersonresort.

What about the Hudson Valley makes it unique to live + work here?

I think the easy accessibility of so many things to do along with the beauty of the area. Many people only think of New York City when New York comes to mind. The Hudson Valley and Catskills are home to a myriad of trails, waterfalls, mountain ranges, and other natural wonders. Unique shops, antiquing, and restaurants can also be found in the many eclectic towns of the region. The Emerson Resort & Spa is proud to be a tourism and hospitality industry member, providing much-needed jobs and helping support the local economy.

What impact does your business strive to have on your community?

Simply put, to give back. Our owner, Emily Fisher, and the Emerson, have a long-standing history of philanthropy, including donations and sponsorships for local events and non-profits.

What local businesses do you rely on to be successful?

We try to use as many local vendors as possible, from food for our restaurant to local vendors for our retail and local growers/sellers for our gardens.

What is missing in the area that you wish we had?

The lack of cell service is a double-edged sword. Although we encourage our guests to enjoy “disconnecting,” it would be helpful if the community could rely on consistent cell service, especially in case of emergencies.

Who or what inspires you personally?

I’m inspired by the natural beauty that surrounds us, my gardens and the people that I hold dearly, like my grandsons and many others.

What is your current state of mind?

Excited! The summer season is a busy one at the Emerson, and we enjoy welcoming new guests and seeing old friends return year after year to relax and take advantage of all the Catskills have to offer!

Photos courtesy of Emerson Resort & Spa

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