July 11, 2025

Where to Stay for a Western Getaway Without Leaving New York

Hotel Snapshot

When Steve Dubrovsky purchased 7,000 acres of overgrown land in White Lake, New York, most people thought he had lost his mind—including himself. The land, which borders one of his previous projects and former home (now the Chatwal Lodge, owned by Hyatt), was filled with brush, dotted with crumbling buildings, and did not have a single sign of polished hospitality.

Design & Character

But Dubrovsky, an award-winning designer, builder, and three-time Professional Rodeo Cowboy Association circuit champion, saw something others didn’t. “I felt like a geologist as I uncovered all of this,” he told me one night by the fire. What he unearthed has become Driftwood Ranch Resort: one-of-a-kind West-meets-East escape in the Sullivan Catskills.

The Rooms

In terms of accommodations, Driftwood has a less-is-more mentality. With just four suites, the property is intimate by design. Each one is different in layout, style, and story. The Longhorn Suite, named for the cattle that can be seen just outside its window, features a king bed made of white birch with wild branches for a headboard.

The Museum Suite is filled with artifacts from the Rochester Museum of Science and Nature (plus personal photos of Dubrovsky’s rodeo days), while the Western Barn Suite is wrapped in wood salvaged from real barn stalls. The Cattle Drive Suite, which spans two levels, includes a full kitchen, dining room, and enough space to settle in for a long stay.

Across all suites, expect oversized bathrooms stocked with luxe shower products, cozy fireplaces, and thoughtful touches like Pete’s Coffee, a bottle of wine, and Starbucks cold drinks in the fridge. There are even chairs outside each suite for sipping that first cup of coffee or last glass of wine with views of the fields.

Food & Drink

Speaking of food and drinks, breakfast and dinner are included as well. Made daily by a private chef, every meal is both personalized and delicious. Eggs, pancakes, and sides (think bacon, sausage, and fresh fruit) are available for breakfast, which can be enjoyed in the main dining room by the office. Dinner is curated by the chef and ranges from classic favorites and fun creations to seasonally themed bites. Depending on the weather, dinner can be hosted outside on a deck that has views of the longhorns.

Amenities

Of the 7,000 acres, more than 200 are now dedicated to the ranch experience itself. That’s due in part to the fact that Driftwood is much more than just a luxury stay. It’s a fully operational horse and cattle ranch. Longhorns roam just steps from the suites, while horses can be found in the meadows and barns. Guests are able to mingle with the animals as much (or as little) as they’d like.

For those who want to feed longhorns their favorite snack (Dunkin’ doughnuts and muffins, of course), they can do that. They can also try their hand at roping or take a riding lesson with seasoned cowboys. For those who prefer something different, they can kayak and fish, and even snowshoe in the winter. The best part? Every activity is included in the nightly rate.

Location & Neighborhood

Beyond the ranch gates, the Sullivan Catskills are great to explore. Head to nearby Bethel for a quick bite at the beloved Bethel Market Café, or dive into music history at the site of the original Woodstock Festival, now the Bethel Woods Center for the Arts. A short drive in the other direction leads to Narrowsburg, a tiny but cool town right on the Delaware River, where indie galleries, vintage shops, and farm-to-table restaurants make it easy to spend an afternoon. For those who love the outdoors, lakes and reservoirs can be found just about everywhere, making it the ideal place to boat, fish, and sunbathe.

Whether on property or enjoying its surroundings, Driftwood Ranch Resort makes any getaway one to remember. The resort strikes a rare balance between rugged and refined, immersive yet relaxed. Guests can spend mornings feeding longhorns, afternoons exploring trails on horseback, and evenings by the fire with a glass of wine. It may be hundreds of miles from the West, but Driftwood holds its own, offering an East Coast alternative to the classic ranch experience.