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Orenda Catskill Retreat; Private Heated Pool, Hot Tub, Sauna, Skiing & Views

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A spacious living area with a wooden ceiling, a stone fireplace, and a sign reading "Orenda."
A large, two-story building with a sloped roof, surrounded by a well-maintained lawn and outdoor seating area with wooden furniture.
Welcome to Orenda!
Poolside (1)
A covered outdoor seating area with wooden furniture and a view of a green landscape.

Reviews

8.6 out of 10
Excellent

Highlights

  • Outdoor pool
    The outdoor pool is a refreshing retreat under the open sky - a rare gem in this area.
  • Discover nearby landmarks
    Near Catskill State Park
10 bedrooms6+ bathroomsSleeps 25

Popular amenities

  • Private pool
  • Hot tub on site
  • Garage parking available
  • Kitchen
  • Washing machine
  • Air-conditioning

Explore the area

View in a map
Big Indian, NY
  • Place, Catskill State Park
    ‪1 min walk‬
  • Place, Belleayre Mountain Ski Center
    ‪8 min drive‬
  • Place, Hunter Mountain
    ‪44 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

10 bedrooms (sleeps 25)

7 Twin Beds

+3
7 Single Beds

Corner Suite

1 Queen Bed

Corner Suite - Lower Level

1 Queen Bed

Loft

2 Single Beds

Middle Suite

1 Queen Bed

Murphy Room

1 Queen Bed

Murphy Twins

2 Single Beds

Primary Suite 1

1 Queen Bed

Primary Suite 2

1 Queen Bed

Twin Beds - Lower Level

2 Single Beds

6 bathrooms, 1 half bathroom

Bathroom Corner & Middle Suite

Soap · Towels provided · Bathtub or shower · Shower only

Bathroom Lower Level Corner & Twin Suite

Soap · Towels provided · Bathtub or shower · Bathtub · Toilet

Bathroom Main Floor Kitchen Area

Soap · Towels provided · Bathtub or shower · Toilet · Shower only

Bathroom Main Floor Murphy Room Room

Soap · Towels provided · Toilet

Bathroom Main Floor Murphy Room Twin Room

Soap · Towels provided · Bathtub or shower · Bathtub · Toilet

Bathroom Primary Suite 1

Soap · Towels provided · Bathtub or shower · Toilet · Shower only

Bathroom Primary Suite 2 & Loft

Soap · Towels provided · Bathtub or shower · Bathtub · Toilet

Spaces

Deck or patio
Kitchen
Separate dining area
Garden
Dining area

About this property

Orenda Catskill Retreat; Private Heated Pool, Hot Tub, Sauna, Skiing & Views

Welcome to Orenda Retreat

A Luxury Catskills Estate for Gatherings, Retreats & Unforgettable Experiences

Welcome to Orenda, where luxury, nature, and meaningful connection come together in the heart of New York's breathtaking Catskill Mountains.

The word Orenda means "the human ability to become its greatest self."* Every detail of this extraordinary property was intentionally designed to inspire rest, renewal, creativity, and connection. Whether you're gathering with family, friends, colleagues, or your community, Orenda offers a peaceful sanctuary unlike anywhere else.

Created by Maria Assunta Parrella, founder of several impact-driven organizations and a lifelong yoga and meditation teacher, Orenda reflects her vision of creating spaces that help people reconnect with themselves, with one another, and with nature. Every guest leaves a piece of their story behind, adding to the unique energy that makes Orenda so special.

The Estate

Situated on over 11 private mountain acres, this luxurious estate features:

• 9.5 beautifully appointed bedrooms
• 6.5 bathrooms
• Private heated swimming pool (seasonal)
• Hot tub
• Cedar sauna
• Outdoor kitchen with pizza oven and grill
• Multiple indoor and outdoor gathering spaces
• Fire pit
• Panoramic Catskill Mountain views
• High-speed Wi-Fi
• Spacious dining areas perfect for groups
• Plenty of parking

Whether you're enjoying your morning coffee while watching the sunrise over the mountains or ending your evening beneath a sky full of stars, Orenda offers an experience you'll remember long after your stay.

Perfect For

• Family reunions
• Friends' getaways
• Corporate retreats
• Leadership retreats
• Wellness retreats
• Yoga retreats
• Creative workshops
• Birthday celebrations
• Holiday gatherings
• Small group events

Please note that Orenda is not a wedding or large event venue.
*Maximum occupancy on the property at any time is 25 people, including overnight guests and visitors. Weddings, large parties, bachelor/bachelorette parties, and events exceeding this limit are not permitted. Orenda is a pet free home. We value our peaceful mountain setting and appreciate your help in preserving it.

Create Your Own Retreat Experience

Want to elevate your stay?

We can help arrange private wellness experiences during your visit, including:

• Yoga classes
• Guided meditation
• Sound bath experiences
• Breathwork
• Reiki
• Wellness workshops

Guests who book one of these experiences also receive access to Orenda's dedicated yoga and meditation rooms (additional small fee), creating an unforgettable retreat experience for your group.

Whether you're planning a wellness weekend or simply want a memorable activity for family or friends, we're happy to help customize your stay.

We can also help arrrange a private chef, wellness workshops and more...

Winter

Belleayre Ski Resort is only minutes away, making Orenda the perfect winter escape.

Spend your days skiing, snowboarding, tubing, or snowshoeing before returning home to relax in the hot tub, warm up in the cedar sauna, and gather around the fireplace.

Summer

Summer at Orenda is magical.

Spend the day:

• Swimming in the private heated pool
• Cooking in the outdoor kitchen
• Making homemade pizzas
• Hiking directly from the property
• Enjoying mountain sunsets
• Relaxing by the fire pit
• Stargazing from the hot tub

Spring & Fall

The Catskills are spectacular year-round.

Experience waterfalls, mountain hikes, vibrant fall foliage, wildflowers, local festivals, farm markets, and some of New York's most beautiful scenic drives.

Explore the Catskills

Orenda is perfectly located near many of the region's best destinations.

Belleayre Mountain

Just minutes away for:

• Skiing
• Snowboarding
• Scenic gondola rides
• Mountain biking
• Belleayre Beach during the summer
• Concerts and seasonal events

Margaretville

A charming mountain town filled with:

• Boutique shopping
• Antique stores
• Local cafés
• Excellent restaurants
• Farmers markets

Don't miss the beloved Nana's Attic, one of the area's favorite antique and vintage shops.

Woodstock

Only a scenic drive away, Woodstock offers:

• Art galleries
• Live music
• Unique shopping
• World-class dining
• Wellness experiences
• Festivals throughout the year

Studio Upstate

Fitness? Studio Upstate, one of the Catskills' premier fitness and wellness destinations offering classes and community events.

Honeybee Herbs

A favorite local destination known for herbal products, teas, wellness goods, and unique gifts.

Local Distilleries, Breweries & Dining

The Catskills are home to exceptional farm-to-table restaurants, breweries, cideries, wineries, and craft distilleries. We'd be happy to recommend our favorite local spots before your arrival.

Outdoor Adventures

Nature lovers will never run out of things to do.

Enjoy nearby:

• Hiking
• Waterfalls
• Fly fishing
• Kayaking
• Mountain biking
• Scenic drives
• Wildlife viewing
• Snowshoeing
• Cross-country skiing
• River adventures

We're happy to provide recommendations based on your group's interests and experience level.

A Stay That Gives Back

When you stay at Orenda, you're doing more than booking a beautiful vacation home.

Rental proceeds help support the mission of the Honor Yoga Foundation, providing transformational nonprofit retreats for individuals facing cancer, trauma, PTSD, addiction, grief, abuse, and other life challenges. Every reservation helps make healing experiences accessible to those who otherwise couldn't afford them.

Thank you for being part of something bigger.

We look forward to welcoming you to Orenda, where every season feels like home, every gathering creates lasting memories, and every stay helps make a positive impact in the lives of others.

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House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 24
Check out before 11:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

No pets allowed
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

Important information

You need to know

Property # 4739804
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated that there is no carbon monoxide detector on the property, but there are gas appliances; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit and a deadlock
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios and terraces, which may not be suitable for children; if you have any concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm that they can accommodate you in a suitable room

About the area

Arkville

Located in Arkville, this holiday home is in a rural area and in the mountains. Belleayre Mountain Ski Center and Copperhood Retreat & Spa are worth checking out if an activity is on the agenda, while those wishing to experience the area's natural beauty can explore Catskill State Park and Plattekill State Forest. Travelling with kids? Consider Pine Hill Community Center and Delaware & Ulster Railroad. Take in the nearby slopes with cross-country skiing, snowboarding and skiing, or try out other outdoor activities such as sledging.
View more Holiday homes in ArkvilleOpens in a new window
Map
Big Indian, NY

What's nearby

  • Catskill State Park - 1 min walk - 0.0 km
  • Belleayre Mountain Ski Center - 8 min drive - 6.4 km
  • Hunter Mountain - 44 min drive - 63.1 km
  • Windham Mountain Resort - 54 min drive - 70.5 km
  • Kaaterskill Falls - 59 min drive - 73.8 km

Restaurants

  • ‪Waffle Cabin - ‬6 min drive
  • Sunset Lodge
  • ‪Cafe Mornings - ‬13 min drive
  • ‪Oda Wine Garden - ‬15 min drive
  • ‪Folsom Point Provisions - ‬17 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Does Orenda Catskill Retreat; Private Heated Pool, Hot Tub, Sauna, Skiing & Views have a pool?

Yes, this property has an outdoor pool. Pool types include heated pools.

How much does it cost to stay at Orenda Catskill Retreat; Private Heated Pool, Hot Tub, Sauna, Skiing & Views?

As of 19 Jul, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Orenda Catskill Retreat; Private Heated Pool, Hot Tub, Sauna, Skiing & Views on 3 Nov, 2026 start from S$3,684, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

Is Orenda Catskill Retreat; Private Heated Pool, Hot Tub, Sauna, Skiing & Views pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

How much is parking at Orenda Catskill Retreat; Private Heated Pool, Hot Tub, Sauna, Skiing & Views?

On-site parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at Orenda Catskill Retreat; Private Heated Pool, Hot Tub, Sauna, Skiing & Views?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Orenda Catskill Retreat; Private Heated Pool, Hot Tub, Sauna, Skiing & Views?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Orenda Catskill Retreat; Private Heated Pool, Hot Tub, Sauna, Skiing & Views located?

This family-friendly Arkville holiday home is located in the mountains, steps from Catskill State Park and within 6 mi (10 km) of Pine Hill Community Center and Belleayre Beach. Delaware & Ulster Railroad and Esopus Creek are also within 9 miles (15 km).

Reviews

8.6

Excellent

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 5 out of 7 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 1 out of 7 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 7 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 7 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 1 out of 7 reviews

8.8/10

Cleanliness

9.4/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

9.4/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

Verified

10/10 Excellent

doug h.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Family Reunion

18 of us, ages 3 to 88 stayed here for a week with plenty of space, even when it came to daytime naps. It was a treat to all fit around the dining table, and to have several places, inside and out, to congregate.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 31 Aug, 2023
Thank you, Doug! We love hosting groups that bring positive and loving energy to the home, and your group did just that. We hope to host you again in the near future. You are always welcome at Orenda.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

george h.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Wonderful family vacation!

A group of 11 of us came together for a family vacation with family members from France, Italy, Idaho and New York City. The house could have accommodated some 20 of us so everyone had their own rooms. The layout worked perfectly with the pool and hot tub getting a lot of use. The outdoor space is comfortable and is perfect for meals, reading, visiting and game playing. The nearby towns provided us with good shopping, restaurants and ice cream when we ventured out. The rolling hills and views reminded us of Tuscany. In all a perfect vacation!
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2024
Verified

2/10 Terrible

Yagmur P.

I got called nasty..

I rented this home in May 2018 for my husband's birthday. I thought the HEATED pool would be open because it is clearly stated on the website that the pool is open in Spring, Summer and Fall (You can check and verify). A few weeks after renting, I messaged owner to make sure about it. He said pool wont be in use because the property is under snow, "in May". He even sent me a photo of the home under snow however, very obviously, photo was from winter as it was around 60 degrees at the time the messages were exchanged and over 80 degrees during our stay in Big Indian. (You can check weather forecast websites and verify). I told the owner that he should fulfill his responsibilities as promised: The pool is heated and the weather is perfectly fine for a heated pool. He replied with an angry "email" and CALLED ME NASTY just because told him to open the pool for us. He emailed me instead of messaging because he did not want vrbo to see his uncivil messages.(I just forwarded that email to vrbo so they can see it) Irresponsible, arrogant and extremely rude owner. DO NOT RENT THIS HOME. (He advised us to use a nearby public pool... If I wanted to go to a public pool I would not rent this home in the first place.) More importantly, I am pregnant and getting called nasty was the last thing I wanted to hear from a person.I had an exceptionally unpleasant experience and I do not want you to have the same. There are plenty of homes on vrbo with reasonable owners, just go with them. Owner never accepted a cancellation. I never asked for any refund because I did not wanted to get called nasty again. It would not worth any money. Lastly, I already have a big home. The only reason of renting this home was the heated pool. All the money I spent on this home and the pool accessories/decorations I bought for the birthday were gone to waste.(I myself paid for everything, did not get a dime from my guests) Also, the cushions of the outdoor furniture set was missing so we could not use it as well. EXTREMELY DISSATISFIED. STAY AWAY.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2018
Response from VrboOwner on 31 Aug, 2023
Unfortunately this renter was not understanding of the fact that we had a late snow season on the mountain where our house resides and there was no possible way to open the pool when there was still snow on the ground. More so, we have a pool company that will not open the pool until the frost has cleared for the season, and this didn't happen until the end of May. I, the owner, was never in direct contact with this renter, she dealt directly with my property manager, and I read the communications between the 2 of them and she could not accept any answers that were given and she called my manager a liar based on a picture that was sent to her during his stay the week prior to her arrival. I have the picture which was taken on 4/30/2018, in the meta data of the picture, which clearly shows a few inches of snow on the ground. If you visit the history section on weather underground, pull up the history for zip code 12406 and use the date of 4/29/2018, it shows the weather in the upper 30’s to low 40’s. It was unfortunate that the pool wasn't available for her stay but mother nature cannot be controlled. However, nothing that was said was acceptable and her aggressive attitude just got worse in the communication. We try our best to be as accommodating as possible with all of our guests, but we cannot control the weather, and we do not keep the pool open all year round. Lastly, I called this renter twice and left a message wanted to provide some type of credit for the inconvenience of the pool not being open and she never returned my call.
Verified

8/10 Good

Donna R.

Liked: Check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great Summer Get- Away from the summer heat!

There were 17 people in our party ranging in age from 8-76. There was plenty of room for us all. There was no air conditioning except the master bedroom, so you need to be aware of that. The bunk room is where the young kids slept and it was quite warm. We couldn't open the windows in that room because there were no screens on the windows and lots of flies. The swimming pool, hot tub, and firepit were enjoyed by all. We had to drive about 15 minutes to a grocery store, and very little other retail, so shopping should not be a priority when planning a trip to this location. We hung out on the deck most of the time and had lots of family bonding time. We've been renting from VRBO for many years and this location was enjoyed by everyone. The high temperature each day was high 70's, we all had come from much hotter climates, so that was probably what we liked best.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2022
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Christine C.

Beautiful and Well Maintained Home!

We spent MLK weekend at this beautiful and spacious home. We could not have been happier - it is very close to Bellyayre Ski, which was a huge plus! We had a bit of snow while we were there and a few of the cars were not able to pull out, but the homeowner (Adam) was kind enough to send someone over to re-plow the driveway. Adam was very responsive and we enjoyed our stay, making great memories with friends!
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2019
Verified

10/10 Excellent

DEA L.

Very beautiful and wonderful place

.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2018
Verified

10/10 Excellent

David W.

Fantastic family reunion at Orenda Belleayre Mountain Retreat

My family and I were looking for the perfect getaway to celebrate with our family. We were looking for a place that has something for everyone. There was a pool and hot tub, beautiful home, lots of hiking and beautiful waterfalls to explore. Shopping and great towns to visit plus good eateries! We would highly recommend staying at Orenda and will have years of happy memories! Thank you! David C. Westwater and The Kurtzner Family Reunion
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2018

About the host

Hosted by Maria Turco

Host profile image
The name Orenda comes from an Indigenous concept meaning the human ability to harness both the power of nature and one's own inner spirit to create positive change. It reflects the belief that when people gather with intention, healing, creativity, and connection naturally unfold.

Originally, this property was a small apple orchard and farmhouse owned by the Tortuga family in the 1950s. In 1981, Phyllis and Mel Litoff purchased the property as their family retreat and gradually expanded it over many years. Rather than building one large home, they added beautiful gathering spaces as their family and circle of friends grew. The result is the distinctive architecture and warm character that make Orenda unlike any other home in the Catskills.

Mel and Phyllis owned the legendary Sweet Basil Jazz Club in New York City and later helped lead the Belleayre Music Festival. Their home welcomed countless musicians, artists, family members, and friends. Ray Charles, Branford Marsalis, Wynton Marsalis, Lyle Lovett, Rosanne Cash, Frankie Valli, Linda Eder, James Blunt, and many others became part of the property's rich history.

In 2002, Phyllis passed away at the home after a courageous battle with brain cancer, adding another chapter of love and resilience to this special place.

During the COVID pandemic, the neighboring guest house was sold to a wonderful couple who continue to be treasured neighbors. That decision helped preserve Orenda and support the continued mission of the Honor Yoga Foundation.

Today, Orenda continues its legacy as a place where people gather to celebrate, reconnect, create memories, and heal.

Why they chose this property

When I began searching for a retreat center in 2017, I wasn't looking for another investment property. I was looking for a place that could change lives.

As the founder of Honor Yoga and the Honor Yoga Foundation, I envisioned creating a sanctuary where people could disconnect from the busyness of everyday life and reconnect with themselves, each other, and nature.

I searched throughout the Northeast, but nothing felt right.

The first time I drove onto this property, I hadn't even reached the front door before I knew. There was an energy here unlike anything I had ever experienced. The silence wasn't empty—it was peaceful. The mountains felt protective. I could immediately picture families gathered around the table, retreat guests practicing yoga on the lawn, friends laughing around the fire pit, and people leaving feeling better than when they arrived.

That vision has become reality.

Today, Orenda is home to family reunions, wellness retreats, corporate gatherings, celebrations, and nonprofit healing retreats. Every group adds another chapter to the story of this property.

I truly believe places carry energy. Every act of kindness, every meaningful conversation, every celebration, every moment of healing leaves something behind. My hope is that you'll feel that the moment you arrive and that you'll leave carrying a little piece of Orenda home with you.

What makes this property unique

There are many beautiful homes in the Catskills. Orenda offers something more.

Unlike a typical vacation rental, Orenda was intentionally designed as a gathering place. Every room, every outdoor space, and every addition to the property was created to bring people together.

Whether you're preparing meals in the outdoor kitchen, sharing stories around the fire pit, relaxing in the heated pool or hot tub, enjoying the cedar sauna, or watching the sunrise over the mountains, Orenda invites you to slow down and simply be present.

Guests often tell us they sleep more deeply here, spend less time on their phones, laugh more, and reconnect with the people they came with. That is exactly what this place was designed to inspire.

For groups looking for an even more memorable experience, we can arrange private yoga classes, guided meditation, sound baths, breathwork, Reiki, and other wellness experiences led by experienced instructors. Booking one of these experiences also includes access to our dedicated yoga and meditation spaces, allowing your group to create its own private retreat.

Perhaps what makes Orenda most unique is its purpose. When the property is not hosting guests, it becomes home to Honor Yoga Foundation retreats for individuals facing cancer, trauma, addiction, abuse, grief, PTSD, and other life challenges. Every reservation helps make those retreats possible.

When you stay at Orenda, you're not simply renting a home. You're becoming part of a place whose purpose is to bring people together, restore the human spirit, and create lasting memories for generations to come.

Languages:

English, Italian
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