With the start of summer underway, we hope this letter finds you and your loved ones well. We are pleased to share that Grand Cascades Lodge at Crystal Springs Resort has had an extraordinary year so far, thanks to strong leisure and group occupancy. This success is a true testament to our dedication of providing a first-rate visitor experience, always with our guests as our top priority.
Grand Cascades Lodge continues to offer a wonderful selection of appealing overnight seasonal packages designed for all ages. There’s truly never been a better time to book an incredible stay at our AAA 4-diamond luxury oasis, just an hour outside of New York City.
We are pleased to report that recent guest feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. Our visitors consistently highlight the hotel’s welcoming atmosphere, attentive service and the overall experience of staying at Grand Cascades Lodge. Additionally, event organizers have expressed high satisfaction with our venues and amenities, particularly noting the beauty and functionality of our upgraded spaces.
This positive feedback not only affirms our efforts but also directly contributes to the overall performance of the business — boosting reputation, increasing bookings and elevating the value of your investment.
As always, thank you for being a part of our journey to create an unparalleled resort experience. We truly appreciate your continued support. Please read on to discover more about Grand Cascades Lodge’s key updates and world-class offerings.
NOTEWORTHY PROJECTS + ENHANCEMENTS
Crystal Springs Resort continually enhances its offerings through new projects and refurbishments. Both the interior and exterior of Grand Cascades Lodge and the Crystal Springs Clubhouse are consistently maintained and upgraded to uphold our standard of excellence. Specific undertakings by property location are detailed below:
GRAND CASCADES LODGE
Guest Rooms
• For all lock-out rooms, the bathroom vanity tops, sinks and faucets have been upgraded to provide a sleeker overall appearance.
• Three units have joined the hotel rental program, and we are working to have three more units on board in the near future.
Owners’ Lounge
• Room 238 will be the site of an inviting Owners’ Lounge, replicating design elements of the lobby. Target date for opening is July 4th weekend.
Hallways
• Attractive replacement ceiling tiles were installed in the hallways on every floor of the lodge.
Fire + Water Terrace
• The floating stones and pedestals that hold them have been replaced on both sides of the lower deck.
• The roof’s outer membrane has been cleaned and recoated to extend its longevity.
• Attractive custom-made furniture cushions and pillows as well as new game tables have been added.
Springs Bistro
• The Resort has secured a permit for the renovation and expansion of Springs Bistro, with a projected grand reopening later this year.
• The restaurant will remain in its current location; however, it will be enhanced by a striking design featuring an enclosure with glass walls.
• The interior will be broadened to allow for 54 additional seats, which will prove beneficial particularly in high demand on weekends, summer months and periods with school breaks.
• A kitchen expansion will allow for the creation of a broader menu, improved efficiency and greater offerings including capacity for takeout to serve owners, members and area residents.
Chef’s Garden
• The ceiling bee mural has been fully completed by renowned artist Matt Willey of The Good of the Hive.
• Electric radiant heat will enhance our guests’ overall comfort.
• Low voltage lighting now provides a radiant soft glow, creating an exquisite evening ambiance.
• The upgraded kitchen includes a new concrete poured floor plus new dishwashing capabilities.
The Amphitheater
• Low voltage lighting elevates the evening atmosphere of this versatile gathering space.
CRYSTAL SPRINGS CLUBHOUSE
Restaurant Latour
• The dining room carpet has been replaced and the kitchen floor has been updated.
• Construction of a brand new employee bathroom has been completed.
Chestnut Room + Cigar Bar
• Replaced venue carpet gives the banquet space a more sophisticated look.
• The Cigar Bar has been fully refreshed with a speakeasy-inspired design, with tastefully enhanced walls, flooring and lighting.
Main Lobby
• A replaced grand staircase carpet enhances the overall entrance experience.
Meeting Rooms
• New classroom tables, rolling leather chairs, two stages and misc. banquet equipment have elevated the experience for our group guests.
Wine Cellar
• New framed photography by artist Bob Holmes was added throughout the wine cellar rooms, creating a more welcoming ambiance.
• The bathrooms were totally refreshed, including a new ceiling treatment, wall covering and exquisite lighting.
Porte-Cochère
• This outdoor entrance area was refurbished with replaced pillars and an extra gutter system.
SWIMMING POOL COMPLEXES
• With a fresh sandblasting and repaint, the upper section of the Vista 180° now boasts a beautifully enhanced appearance.
• Lifeguard chairs were replaced, and a new protocol for pool lounge chair use {Chairing is Caring] will ensure equitable availability for all guests.
• The pool pump rooms have been decluttered, organized and painted, ensuring they are now in top shape for operations staff to maintain our pools.
BIG SKY PAVILION
• The structure adjacent to the Big Sky Pavilion was renovated to include a convenient full plating area plus much needed dishwashing capabilities.
ROAD PAVEMENT
• Wild Turkey Way has been repaved from the Route 94 entrance to the bridge, making for a smooth approach up to the property.
LEISURE STAYS + ALL-INCLUDED ACTIVITIES
Crystal Springs Resort continues to increase demand and occupancy at both hotels by marketing to a variety of audiences for family vacations, couples escapes, girlfriend getaways, golf trips and social celebrations. Our communication plan focuses on digital initiatives featuring captivating photography and video showcasing our offerings. Additionally, we have heightened our partnerships with influencers and content creators, as these relationships have proven to be an effective way to increase brand reach and grow our following.
Feedback on the All-Included-Activities program that we launched in 2024 has been very positive. The inclusion of all Resort guest activities {other than workshops} such as fishing, axe throwing, stargazing and rock wall climbing, has resulted in improved guest satisfaction and higher leisure demand and we are continuing to expand this program with new included activities such as hoverball archery and glow in the dark bingo.
Currently, the Resort is aiming to capture more midweek leisure reservations – Sunday through Thursday stays – from the valuable New York DMA, leveraging diverse offerings in golf, spa and dining. Our messaging strategy is to persuade those seeking leisure travel that Crystal Springs Resort offers a convenient and premium alternative to destinations requiring air travel. The campaign will highlight the Resort’s diverse highquality offerings and the ease of access from the New York DMA, reinforcing the message that a luxurious and fulfilling escape is within closer reach than they might think. The core message will be centered around the time-saving and stress-free nature of choosing Crystal Springs without compromising on experience.
SUMMER 2025: ACTIVITY HIGHLIGHTS
Fee required for certain offerings. {GCL} Grand Cascades Lodge {MH} Minerals Hotel*
Goat Races {GCL}: Every Friday evening
Story Time with Goats {GCL}: Every Friday — ages 7 and under
Glow Parties {GCL}: Every Thursday evening
Bin-Glow {MH}: Glow in the dark bingo
Pollinator Education {GCL}: Every Wednesday in August
HoverBall Archery {GCL}: Daily during Summer; ongoing weekends year round
Sound Meditation {MH}: Lead by 2-Time Grammy Nominee DALIEN aka 13HANDS: Monthly — June 20, July 24 and August 15
*Please Note: Guests at either property are welcome to attend activities at their sister hotel.
SUMMER 2025: SPECIALS + PACKAGES
We have successfully launched our seasonal packages, which are a mix of new offerings designed to stimulate the aforementioned midweek demand plus existing summer promotions which have previously performed well.
Midweek Mini-cation
• 20% savings on accommodations at either hotel plus complimentary room upgrade, breakfast credit and more.
Springs Fling Savings
• Up to 30% savings on hotel stay plus all-included activities, breakfast credit and more.
Fun in the Sun
• Up to $300 in Resort credit toward Spa, Dining, Workshops or Shopping with hotel stay.
Sweet Summertime Escape
• Includes a beach bag bundle — 2 plush beach towels, 2 pairs of sunglasses, 1 tote bag and 2 gelato servings.
Culinary Garden Getaway
• Niche offer with a Chef’s Garden Tour conducted by expert Resort gardener, pot of planted herbs and a $100 dining credit.
SUSTAINABILITY — BEE INITIATIVES
Crystal Springs Resort has increasingly become involved in a number of bee-related initiatives with the goal of creating awareness regarding issues that are plaguing bees. Below are some of the projects we have undertaken:
Bee Mural in the Chef’s Garden
Grand Cascades Lodge concluded its collaborative project with The Good of the Hive, a global art organization founded by Matt Willey. The artist’s undertaking is based on his personal commitment to hand-paint 50,000 honey bees – the number in a healthy, thriving hive – in murals around the world to bring attention to the plight of bees. Matt had selected the Chef’s Garden for one of his creations, and painted a stunning ceiling mural at our outdoor restaurant. With the Chef’s Garden open for the season, we invite you to admire his extraordinary work.
Landscape Design
The Resort’s has select landscapes which were created to provide bees with the nectar and pollen they need to thrive. The parking lot at the Crystal Springs Clubhouse was purposely laid out to be filled with wild flowers plus other flowers that bees love including Monarda, Babtisia, Coneflower, Joe Pye Weed, Goldenrod and Marsh Blazing Star. Native trees such as Willows, Red Buds, Basswood, Tulip Popular and Black Locus were selected as excellent sources of food for bees.
On Site Hives + Bee Nesting Boxes
The Resort has installed on-site hives throughout the property and bee nesting boxes along our Wild Turkey Nature Trail to support enhancing the local bee population.
Bee Box Teambuilding
Corporate group guests can participate in a bee box building team development offering. Groups work with a local beekeeper to build a bee box with supplied materials. The beekeeper shares fun facts about how a bee colony develops, how honey is made, as well as how bees are critical to local agriculture and the food chain. The completed bee boxes will be donated to a local farm and become the new home of a bee colony.
Meet the Beekeeper
The Resort has a regularly scheduled beekeeper, JC from Bees, Birds & Bears Apiary, who discusses fun facts about how a bee colony develops, how it makes honey and why bees are so important to the food chain. This activity is complimentary for guests staying at the Resort.
Honey: Retail
The Resort sells local honey in its Pro Shops and markets throughout the property, and also uses it as an ingredient in various menu items at our restaurants. Profits from all honey sales will be donated to Project Apis m., which funds and directs honey bee research to enhance honey bee health and vitality while improving crop production.
WEDDINGS
Wedding events continue to perform very well, with a near full schedule for the balance of this year and strong 2026 business projected for the hotel’s Emerald Ballroom and Big Sky Pavilion, which can accommodate larger wedding groups that we previously could not service.
Overall, Crystal Springs Resort offers an array of both indoor and outdoor venue selections at various price points, as well as several customization options across four distinct wedding spaces. The Resort has heavily invested in marketing programs with the top media vendors {The Knot, Wedding Wire, Zola, Here Comes the Guide and others} in order to generate qualified leads and booked business.
For more information on planning events, please find the appropriate contacts below.
Sarah Mugavero — Director of Weddings 973.864.8948 • smugavero@csresort.com
Jean Van De Ree, Wedding Sales Manager — Crystal Springs Country Club at Grand Cascades Lodge 973.864.8946 • jvanderee@csresort.com
Rebecca Nelson, Wedding Sales Manager — Diamond Ballroom + Sweetgrass Pavillion at Minerals Hotel 973.864.8883 • rnelson@csresort.com
The Resort is seeing a significant surge in demand from groups who recognize the unparalleled benefits of in-person events over hybrid models. Our clients increasingly value face-to-face meetings, understanding that they foster superior communication quality. Participants can easily read body language, minimize distractions from sidebar conversations, and maintain a stronger team focus.
A crucial element of in-person gatherings that was largely absent during the hybrid/Zoom era of COVID is teambuilding. Impressively, 90% of groups visiting The Resort incorporate some type of activity, which significantly contributes to the overall success of their meeting. Many of these activities are focused on wellness, as planners are actively seeking team time that is inspirational, energizing, and rejuvenating within a calming environment. Teams can engage in hands-on experiences like guided nature walks, life/health coaching, cooking with locally foraged ingredients, restorative yoga, sound bowl healing, meditation and rock climbing — all set against our beautiful, bucolic mountain backdrop. Further, the Resort has heavily invested in marketing programs with the top vendors {CVENT, Teneo, DMI Hotels and others} in order to amplify our message, generate qualified leads and yield booked business.
For more information on planning corporate meetings and events, please find the appropriate contacts below.
Linda Alloco — Regional Director of Sales 862.755.6747 • lalloco@csresort.com
Kevin Haggerty — Assistant Director of Sales
973.864.8035 • khaggerty@csresort.com
Nicole Lynch — Senior Sales Manager
973.864.8036 • nlynch@csresort.com
Brad Van Treuren — Sales Manager
973.864.8964 • bvantreuren@csresort.com
Brittany Christian — Sales Manager
973.864.8137 • bchristian@csresort.com
INSPIRATION SERIES TEAMBUILDING HIGHLIGHTS
The Resort offers the most comprehensive teambuilding and group activities program in the Northeast. With our curated Inspiration Series, staff can participate in tactile experiences within the categories of nature, wellness, sustainability, culinary and local agriculture. Popular offerings include guided nature walks, cooking with locally foraged ingredients, restorative yoga, sound bowl healing and meditation in a beautiful bucolic mountain setting.
In addition to the Inspiration Series, the Resort offers an array of additional team building activities with themes focused on culinary, wine and mixology, charity builds, group games, outdoor adventures, golf clinics, creative endeavors, team training + development and more.
GOLF OUTING SALES
As the Northeast’s largest golf resort, Crystal Springs Resort is the ideal place to host a golf outing for businesses, non-profits or leisure groups looking to hit the fairways. Our experienced team hosts over 500 golf events every year and can make an outing event a success in achieving fundraising, celebration and team building goals. For the second year in a row, we have been selected as the site for the Tunnel to Towers Foundation first responder outing, the largest of its kind in the United States.
We have recently introduced our Summer Outing Special available at all 18-hole courses, midweek in July and August. Additionally, we have an array of unique golf outing packages which differentiate us from our competition.
Ballyowen Bagpiper & Scotch Experience, Highlands Golf & Hand-Rolled Cigars and the Triple Shotgun Outing have been popular choices for groups looking for a one-of-a-kind event.
For more information on planning an outing, please find the appropriate contacts below.
Louise O’Hare — Group Golf Sales Director 973.864.8038 • lohare@csresort.com
Ryan Delaney — Golf Sales Manager 973.864.8030 • rdelaney@csresort.com
HOLIDAYS + EVENTS
The Resort continues to offer a mix of compelling events and holiday gatherings which guests return to year after year.
IN 2025, OUR Q1 + Q2 MAIN EVENTS INCLUDED:
Yacht Rock
The Resort hosted its inaugural Yacht Rock weekend in late January this year. Designed for those with post holiday blues and an aversion to winter, this successful event offered a Friday night welcome reception in the tropical Biosphere pool complex, and featured a steel drum band and island-inspired cocktails. The Saturday night event featured yacht rock cover band Boat House Row, playing easy-listening music while guests enjoyed first-class dining and drinks.
NJ Wine and Food Festival
During May 2 - 4, Crystal Springs held its annual New Jersey Wine & Food Festival featuring legendary Chef Francis Mallmann, famous for his wood-fired cooking technique. In addition, the event featured three Top Chefs preparing an amazing dinner, a cocktail competition with top New Jersey bartenders, and the popular Grand Tasting which covers the expanse of the Crystal Springs Clubhouse. We hosted approximately 1,500 guests over the course of the weekend and the overall event was managed flawlessly by Resort staff.
NJ Beer and Food Festival
On June 14, the New Jersey Beer & Food Festival will be held on our Festival Field adjacent to Route 94. Guests will enjoy an over the top barbecue feast with tastings of over two hundred beers, ciders and hard seltzers, live music, fun-filled activities, lawn games and more.
Black Bear Bourbon + BBQ
Held monthly from May to August, this popular event at held at Black Bear Golf Course features specialty BBQ, bourbon tastings, draft specials, darts, pool tables, goat yoga photo booths and a 9 & Dine component for golfers.
OUR SUCCESSFUL HOLIDAY OFFERINGS IN Q1 + Q2 FEATURED:
Valentine’s Day
Guests were invited to celebrate the day of love with exquisite dining, spa specials at Reflections and Elements, spa gift cards and romantic getaways for the holiday and beyond.
Easter
This springtime holiday offered multiple dining opportunities including 3 buffets, an Easter egg hunt, visits with the Easter Bunny and live entertainment at select venues.
Mother’s Day
Families were treated to their choice of brunch or sit-down dining, highlighted by a professional family photo booth and a build your own bouquet activity at The Canyon.
SIP + SAVOR
The Curator Wine + Spirits Bar Room
Discover an extraordinary and ever-evolving collection at our stylish retail venue, nestled within our Wine Spectator Grand Award-winning Wine Cellar. We offer a curated selection of fine wines, spirits and wine merchandise wine merchandise and artisan chocolates. Explore our recent additions of rare Tequila, Scotch, Bourbon and Cognac. This summer, The Curator Wine + Spirits Bar room proudly highlights exceptional white, red and liqueur wines from the esteemed house of Trimbach in Alsace. And every Friday, we invite you to join us for a truly special start to your Restaurant Latour dining experience: Exquisite sparkling wine and caviar in our welcoming venue.
The Chef’s Table at Restaurant Latour
Make your reservations now for The Chef’s Table at Restaurant Latour, an exclusive and immersive dining experience offered each Friday evening. The evening begins with a welcome gathering in The Curator, followed by an elevator ride direct to the kitchen of Restaurant Latour where guests are greeted by our chefs. Utilizing an array of foraged and meticulously sourced ingredients, Chef Aishling Stevens and her team prepare five exceptional courses of seasonal and locally sourced ingredients, delighting guests at the renowned Restaurant Latour. The menu is refreshed each week and also features surprise offerings from the kitchen.
Local Craft Beer Collaboration
The Resort has partnered with nearby craft brewery Alias Brew Works to create Pollinator, a new and refreshing honey wheat beer now being sold at our restaurants.
CRYSTAL CABARET
In the spirit of the cabarets of yesteryear, Crystal Springs Resort has continued the Crystal Cabaret offering in the attractively decorated and furnished Napa Room. Guests can enjoy extraordinary weekend entertainment featuring gifted singers and talented comedians. Grammy Award winner Hernan Romero will perform during each show’s opening and intermission.
Located in the Napa Room at Crystal Springs Country Club every Saturday night, Crystal Cabaret will resume September 6, 2025 {Blackout dates may apply}. Includes signature cocktails and wine, plus sweet or savory fondue. Book now by calling 844.845.9697 or emailing info@csresort.com
Call 844.205.1857 for dining reservations or book online.
GOLF
Crystal Springs Resort, the Northeast’s premier golf destination, is raising the bar again for the 2025 season with bold new enhancements designed to welcome first-time players, families, and young adults—while continuing to impress returning guests and seasoned golfers alike.
The Resort anticipates record-breaking participation this season, fueled by the national resurgence in golf’s popularity — particularly among 18- to 34-year-olds who value the sport’s blend of physical activity, mental wellness and outdoor social connection. Crystal Springs is responding to this momentum with exciting new upgrades across its courses and facilities.
NEW Black Bear Trackman Range: Launching late June 2025
Among the most anticipated additions this season is the new Black Bear Trackman Range, set to open during the 2025 golf season. The Resort has signed an agreement with Trackman, an elite tracking solution trusted by PGA professionals, Major League Baseball and NASA.
• The Black Bear Trackman Range will include 14 fully equipped Trackman Launch Pads, featuring German-designed radar tracking technology, a fully lighted driving range, natural grass tee, and a dedicated short-game practice complex.
• The facility will also offer complimentary instructional events, 24-hour re-gripping services and the industry’s most advanced virtual golf, practice, and entertainment software.
• This new range represents a major step forward in game improvement, making high-tech golf accessible to players of all skill levels.
Expanded Dining + Social Amenities
In tandem with the golf enhancements, Black Bear Golf Club is also expanding its dining facilities. New features include:.
• An expansive outdoor BBQ dining area
• A new patio space outfitted with fun social activities like pool, darts and foosball. These additions are designed to appeal to younger players and families looking for a full day of recreation and relaxation.
More Demand, More Lessons
As the game grows, so does interest in lessons and clinics. The Leadbetter Golf Academy at Crystal Springs continues to see strong demand, thanks to its reputation for excellence and a staff of certified instructors who work with golfers of all ages and experience levels.
Golf’s Next Generation is Here
Golf industry trends continue to point upward, with Gen Z and Millennials embracing the sport in record numbers. In fact, participation among 18- to 34-year-olds hit a near decade-high in 2023.
REFLECTIONS SPA
Monday — Saturday: 9:00am – 9:00pm
Sunday: 10:00am - 7:00pm
Reflections Spa continues to delight guests with its pampering services, expansive retail and dazzling ambiance. The spa’s menu features lavish massages, skin therapies and beauty treatments that incorporate innovative techniques and products. The luxurious facilities and glamorous atmosphere are sleek and seductive, inviting guests to release their stresses and find elevated heights of relaxation.
The spa boutique offers an attractive collection of apparel, jewelry and top product lines such as Caudalie, NuFace and Tara. This year, Reflections Spa was awarded the honor of #2 Luxury Spa in NJ by Spas of America Top 100
We are delighted about the continued extraordinary feedback for Minerals Sports Club facilities, which include:
The Foundry: An expansive cardio and weight training floor, located in the former basketball court space.
Fit Works Studio: A sophisticated studio space with a robust fitness and yoga class schedule.
The High Wall: A sleek basketball court and high energy rock climbing wall space.
The Gristmill Spin Room: A space for indoor cycling which increase cardiovascular endurance & muscular strength.
Expansive Pool Complex: Indoor/outdoor pools, steam, sauna, hot tubs, cold plunge
Pickleball Courts: 3 regulation courts for use by our members and guests
Personal Training — Get Fit for Life!
Our personal trainers will guide you through a fitness routine that meets and succeeds your individual goals. Instruction includes proper warm-up exercises, form and technique to stay injury free, a healthy diet to improve your lifestyle, plus how to remain motivated. For membership and pesonal training information, contact the MSC sales team:
Jake Cougle — MSC Membership Sales Manager + Personal Trainer
In addition to our dedicated frontline team members, the following managers are critical to the continued success of the Crystal Springs Resort lodging program and are always at your service for any questions or requests:
MINERALS HOTEL
Sherif Ayoub, General Manager
973.864.8047 • sayoub@csresort.com
Caroline Little, Owner Relations
973.864.8980 • clittle@csresort.com
Betty Decker-Verkon, Accounts Receivable Manager
973.864.8901 • bdecker@csresort.com
Gail Sanson, Director of Resort Revenue and Reservations
973.864.8084 • gsanson@csresort.com
GRAND CASCADES LODGE
Bill Polchinski, General Manager
973.864.8059 • bpolchinski@csresort.com
Caroline Little, Owner Relations Coordinator
973.864.8980 • clittle@csresort.com
Gemmy Dimitry, Assistant General Manager
973.864.8955 • gdimitry@csresort.com
Nicole Sisco, Director of Front Office 973.864.8703 • nsisco@csresort.com
Betty Decker-Verkon, Accounts Receivable Manager
973.864.8901 • bdecker@csresort.com
Gail Sanson, Director of Resort Revenue and Reservations
973.864.8084 • gsanson@csresort.com
Call the Crystal Springs Resort Reservations Sales Center at 888.239.1016 to book your stay. Visit our Resort website for all the latest happenings. TheCrystalSpringsResort.com
We are committed to improving as a partner to our Homeowners & making Grand Cascades Lodge at Crystal Springs Resort the premier staycation in the New York metro area.
Wishing you all the best!
Sincerely,
Robby Younes Chief Operating Officer
Bill Polchinski General Manager — Grand Cascades Lodge
