Naturluxe & Stars Resort in Watkins Glen formally opens

WATKINS GLEN, N.Y. — Empire State Development (ESD) has announced the completion and formal opening of the $1.9 million Naturluxe & Stars, an outdoor resort in Watkins Glen in Schuyler County.

Located on 48 acres of land adjacent to Watkins Glen International Speedway, Naturluxe & Stars is designed to provide guests with “an opportunity to relax, disconnect and embrace the natural surroundings without sacrificing the amenities and comforts of everyday life,” ESD said.

A $385,000 Market New York capital grant from ESD through I LOVE NY — New York State’s Division of Tourism — supported the project. The Southern Tier Regional Economic Development Council (REDC) recommended the grant as part of the REDC initiative.

“Naturluxe & Stars allows our guests the ability to experience that magical moment of calm that occurs when you suddenly connect with nature. Our completely furnished outdoor accommodations and luxurious bathhouse on 48 acres of beautiful woods allow busy individuals to get away from the hustle and bustle and relax,” Dawn Aprile, Naturluxe & Stars owner, said. “I’m grateful to New York State, the Regional Council, Schuyler County, our local government leaders, and I LOVE NY, as partners that helped bring this vision for an effortless outdoor resort to fruition.”

Naturluxe & Stars offers guests three different sized tent-style accommodations, including bell tents, platform tents, and safari-style platform tents with in-tent bathrooms. The resort offers a modern bathhouse located near tent groupings, equipped with seven individual bathrooms with private showers and an outdoor shower “for the under the stars experience.”

Concierge-style services are available on-site, including luggage, reservations, and building campfires at any of the campfire pits located throughout the resort.

Guests are provided complimentary individually packaged breakfast baskets and campfire s’mores, ESD said.

Naturluxe & Stars offers an accessible parking lot and bathroom facilities that are compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, ESD said.

In addition, outdoor games like Bocce and horseshoes are available, along with more than 42 acres of private woods for on-site hiking. “Working in tandem with local tourism partners to capitalize on the region’s attractions,” guided hiking tours, boating excursions, and fishing charters are part of bundled packages available for visitors, ESD said.