A Magnificent Getaway : Crystal Springs Resort

Michelle speaks with Michelle Abate, head of marketing at Crystal Springs Resort.  Crystal Springs Resorts' two properties are the Grand Cascades Lodge and Minerals Hotel.  Along the Appalachian Mountain Range and set among three world-class golf courses, Crystal Springs Resort is a destination for families, couples, weddings and girlfriend getaways.   Enjoy the Reflections Spa, the incredible wine cellar and the biosphere pool.   There are activities all day long for the entire family, including rock climbing, axe throwing, building your own stuffed animal and so much more!  The cuisine is outstanding.  Listen to the entire show to hear all you can expect at this one of a kind resort conveniently located in northern New Jersey.  

Episode Transcript

(00:01):
Welcome to Passport Mommy. I'm yourhost, Michelle Jerson. This show is
for anyone raising little humans. Wefeature experts with tips and advice to enrich
the lives of our children. Momand dad. Entrepreneurs tell us their inspiring
stories, learn about products that couldmake both you and your child's life easier
and more fun, and of course, fellow parents discuss and laugh about what's

(00:23):
happening in their child's world. Motherhoodis a journey. Thanks for joining me
onmine. Welcome to Passport Mommy.I'm Michelle Jerson, and I'm so happy
to have our guests on the showwith me today. Her name is Michelle
Abate. She is the director ofMarketing at Crystal Springs Resort. She started
with the property over twenty years ago. Not many of us can say we've

(00:45):
been in a career that long,and it clearly is reflected in just how
wonderful the resort is and on allthat it has to offer both families couples.
Maybe if you're headed there on businessand we're going to talk all of
about that. She reports to theCMO and is an integral part of the
marketing team with regards to promotion ofthe resorts varied business groups, which includes

(01:08):
hotel, golf, spa, wedding, corporate celebrations, and dining. Michelle,
thank you so much for joining me. Thank you for having me,
Michelle, appreciate it. Sure.So let's talk about group business corporate weddings.
I know when we were there forthe weekend, but we saw people
just enjoying themselves and getting ready forthe wedding. And really the property just

(01:32):
offers everything for both the couple andits guests. Yes, it does.
So our wedding business is very robust. We have eight distinct wedding properties across
four different locations. So you know, people always think that brides are interested

(01:53):
in June weddings for full weddings,but it's really amazing. We have brides
coming to the resort and couples gettingmarried at all times of the year,
and we just have so much tooffer. Brides can really have a custom
experience for their wedding. Yes,and it was really neat one day,

(02:13):
I snuck away and I was inthis honor by myself for a few minutes
and I met someone who said hewas the first person to get married at
Crystal Springs Resort. Oh, mygoodness, that must have been quite some
time ago. So, as Isaid, we have four distinct locations,
the Grand Cascades Lodge, which Ibelieve you're familiar with, Minerals Hotel,

(02:37):
Black Bear, Golf Club, andBallio and Golf Club. So the wonderful
thing about getting married at Crystal Springsis that you could have a destination wedding
without getting on a plane. SoFriday night can be a rehearsal dinner.
Saturday we have full services for thebride and her party at the spa,

(02:59):
her hair and makeup. Then youknow, we have so many options for
ceremony locations, followed by the cocktailhour reception, and then the following day
you can have your farewell bunch forthe guests. So the beauty is you
can do it all in one location. And as you're aware, Michelle,

(03:19):
because you've been on property, wehave so many amenities to accommodate the guests
of the couple, yes exactly,and whether like you said, the spa,
they can have a spa day beforethere's the pool. There are so
many different activities. If you're comingwith your family, we're going to talk
about that later, but just sucha robust itinerary of fun things to do.

(03:43):
Absolutely, and even ahead of theactual wedding. Brides love to come
for bachelorette parties, Guys and theirgroomsmen like to be there for golf getaway.
So it's it's just a perfect,all encompassing wedding destiny nation. Yes,
absolutely, And so what types ofweddings are predominantly held at Crystal Springs.

(04:09):
So we really, I would saythematically, we have so many different
choices given our venues. Some bridesreally prefer that rustic theme that's very popular
right now. Some want a moremodern feel. So we have different venues
with different themes that we can offerthe brides. But also from an ethnicity

(04:31):
standpoint, we're very popular for Kosherand Jewish weddings. Indian weddings have become
very very prominent at the resort.And what's wonderful for us is that we
just opened New Jersey's newest and largestresort ballroom Northern New Jersey. I should

(04:53):
say it's called the Canyon Ballroom andwe can now accommodate up to five hundred
guests. Wow. Perty. Soin the past we had to turn down
these larger weddings because we didn't haveenough space, we didn't have the room
to accommodate such a big group,and now we can do that. So
it's it's wonderful. It's worked outreally well for us. Yes, absolutely,

(05:16):
so in addition to weddings, Iknow that you have a lot of
corporate business that don't visit the property. So why is Crystal Springs resort and
ideal destination for corporate business? Sowe we are again it's it's you know,
in the words of realtors, it'sall about location, location, location,

(05:40):
So when you think about that,we are the closest and largest resort
to the New York metro area,it's such a perfect destination for all of
the types of businesses that are inNew York City and the surrounding areas.
Yes, exactly, and it isa great place to whether it's a business

(06:00):
meeting for the day or like anovernight. I think it's great and really
a good place to go. Alsoif businesses want to have maybe I know
once a year sometimes they have theirholiday parties or their getaways and they take
their colleagues and staff to different locationsexactly. So we have very different types

(06:20):
of group gathering so companies sometimes willhold their off site. We have incentive
getaways for those who have had youknow, they've performed well, and it's
a reward for employees. So it'sreally quite a variety that we get at

(06:42):
the resource and from a segment standpoint, different businesses. As you know,
New Jersey is the pharmacy capital ofthe country. We get law firms,
finance tech so these are some ofthe key groups who are coming having their
off set and gatherings with us.It's so smart, it's such a great

(07:02):
place. I mean, I wouldlove if my company at that, and
it's terrific. And so have youseen a shift in group behavior post COVID,
You know, Michelle, we actuallyhave. And what's really interesting is
we have this current hybrid employment scenarionow, and I think companies have really

(07:25):
prioritized the importance of re engaging theirteams, especially since they're not in the
office all the time. So whatwe've noticed about the retreats and meetings we're
having is that now they're maybe aday or two longer than they were before
COVID, and this allows the guestsand the participants to have more free time.

(07:46):
So it's a balance, right it'sa balance of re engaging with your
team and it's also allowing each individualand guests to really have some time to
relax and distress, really have moreof an all encompassing experience versus go go
go with meetings and dinners as maybeit was in the past. Yes,

(08:09):
and that's really nice, And Ithink that it's terrific to hear because I
feel like, you know, alot of times they talk to people and
they say, yeah, I'm headingtoo, and it's this really great destination
and then they say, but I'llbe in meetings all day and exactly exactly.
So to be able to have thatbalance is really nice. So what
are some of the other key offeringsand features of Crystal Springs Resort? So

(08:33):
when we have these corporate groups come, we truly have a collection of world
class amenities that is unparalleled in theNew York metro areas. So we offer
ten seasonally inspired dining venues and that'shighlighted by our four star restaurant Latour.

(08:54):
We have amazing swimming pools, whichI believe you mentioned, and six championship
golf courses, two spas. Eachof our hotels offers a spa and One
of the main focal points for thegroups that are coming is that we have
a very comprehensive team building program andour guests just love it. I mean,

(09:18):
we are in a beautiful mountain setting, as you know, and to
be able to come and experience goatyoga or cooking with locally forged ingredients,
restorative yoga, sound bowl healing.Imagine having these kinds of experiences in a
beautiful mountain setting. There's nothing better. No, there's really not. And

(09:41):
also I have to add the gymthat's at the Minerals Hotel. That is
a really nice gym, and whata great treat for those who are getting
away and they want to keep upwith their workouts. Absolutely, and it's
interesting you brought up the Mineral SportsClub, so we totally renovated that property.
I would say it was last fall, so less than a year ago.

(10:03):
And if you saw an amazing cardioand weight training floor, a dedicated
fitness studio, spin cycle room,indoor run outdoor pools, rock climbing wall,
basketball court, indoor running track,and the list goes on and on
and in our area there's really nota fitness and health facility like it.

(10:28):
So nice and that's wonderful for bothlocals and those who are staying on property.
Is it can locals come with themembership absolutely, so it is a
local sports club with annual membership,but we do offer the facility completely included
in the reservation fee that they cancome and use it without an additional charge.

(10:54):
Terrific. How nice. And we'lltalk more about the rock climbing later
because we all had a blast thereand I know said it's part of that
gym, which was great. We'respeaking with Michelle Abaichi's the director of marketing
at Crystal Springs Resort in northern NewJersey, and next up we're going to
talk about the two spas that shehad just mentioned. I'm Michelle Jerson.
More coming up in a few you'relistening to Passport Mommy. I'm Michelle Jerson

(11:20):
and we're speaking with Michelle Abaichi isthe director of marketing at Crystal Springs Resort.
They're located in Hamburg and Vernon,New Jersey, which is a very
quick drive if you're coming from NewYork City or anywhere else in New Jersey
the Tri state area, very easyto get to. Michelle, Thank you
so much for being here. Wewere talking about corporate and weddings before,
and now let's talk about the spasbecause they really are wonderful. They really

(11:45):
are. Michelle and we are sofortunate at Crystal Springs Resort to have not
one, but two spas, andeach spa has a very distinctive personality.
So first I'll talk to you aboutReflection Spa, which is at the Grand
Cascades Lodge. That's our TRIPLEA fordiamond property and Reflections has such a blamorous

(12:11):
and luxurious personality. The decor ofthe spot is this red fire art glass
and when you walk in there areactually eight thousand quartz crystals hanging from the
ceiling, so you can imagine theimpact of the red glass and the quartz
crystals. It's a very arresting image. Yes, and you see it as

(12:35):
you walk past the spot. It'sjust beautiful and it's nothing I've ever seen
before. Yes, it's certainly veryunique. So the spa opened when the
Grand Cascades Lodge opened, which wasback in two thousand and seven. The
other SPA we have at sister property, Minerals Hotel, which is three miles
away, is Element Spa, andwhen you walk into that property. It's

(13:00):
the complete antithesis of Reflections. Ithas a stunning copper color palette, beautiful
beaded beaded walls, and guests walkin and they have this feeling of soothing
and calmness. So it's a verydistinct personality. And the beauty of both

(13:22):
of these spas is that you don'tjust come and have a spot experience.
Each one offers up a footstoake.There's different offerings for guests, So at
Reflections you're offered pink champagne and truffles. At Elements you're offered handmade granola and
teas. So they each have wonderfulexperiences apart from the actual treatments that a

(13:46):
guest can receive terrific. And let'stalk about just spat getaways in general.
Why do you think they're so popular. Well, let's face it, Michelle,
we live in a very stressful time. We also live in the New
York metro area, which is ahigh speed and active environment, and I

(14:11):
think that residents of this area areoften looking for a getaway where they can
genuinely escape. Yes, so ifyou you know, and even if you're
in a more suburban area, let'sface it, your daily routine, if
you have kids, if you havea stressful job. People want to get
away and they want to be pampered, and they want to feel that they're

(14:35):
being in a soothing environment and ableto relax and just breathe without the commotion
of the day to day, andthat's what spa getaways offer people. Yes,
I agree with you, And youknow, I wish you could talk
to my mom because when a wrightteller, I am going to traveling,
I have a visit coming up toa health resort, a wellness resort.

(14:56):
I never get away. I ama mom, I am a full time
onto my kids, I work fulltime. I need a few days to
myself. And I feel like wasthat you sure do? Yes? Yes,
And I feel like we should notbe guilted for needing a few days
or taking a few days to ourselves. So I think it is so important

(15:16):
and why it's such a great placefor our girlfriend get away, and like
you said, you are so closeto so many regions in the Tri State
area. It's just such an easygetaway and so nice and not just necessarily
for women. Are you seeing moremen using spa and salon services. Absolutely,
it's It's interesting that you ask that, because, let's face it,

(15:39):
people think of spas and that thecore target is female, and women love
these getaways as we were just talkingabout. But I think what's happening now
is that men are truly better understandingthe benefits of being distressed relaxing, because,
let's face it, regardless of whenyou're in a less stressful and more

(16:03):
relaxing state of mind, that's goingto benefit you in your home environment,
in your work environment. And peopleare realizing that there's a definitive benefit to
having these massages and spa getaways reallyfor their frame of mind. Absolutely,
And I think the same way thatwomen want their men to give them a
few days to get away, Ithink women should gift men spa getaways so

(16:26):
that they can go relax and comeback and more calme, husband and father.
Absolutely. And I'll just tell you, Michelle, one of our really
popular offerings right now, and it'soffered year round apart from the summer months,
is the Spa and Pool vacation.So at each hotel, this package

(16:47):
that we offer and it's just forthe day, you get to have a
spa treatment, utilize the pools ateach of the hotel properties, and then
you have a credit where you canhave a dining experience at one at the
property restaurant, or you can gointo the spa boutique and purchase any of

(17:07):
the accessories or products that we have. So that offering has been really really
popular with our guests because it's anopportunity to have a day getaway without investing
the time of staying overnight, havingto think about where your kids are going
for the day. You can comeover while your kids are in school and

(17:29):
then come home and you've had thatlittle getaway and little stress relief. I
love that. That is wonderful,and we're going to talk more about how
incredible the dining is and everything elsethat you do offer in that day getaway.
We're speaking with Michelle Abate, thedirector of marketing at Crystal Springs Resort.
More coming up in a few you'relistening to Passport Mommy. I'm Michelle

(17:52):
Jerson. We're talking with Michelle Abchiis the director of marketing at Crystal Springs
Resort. This is an incredible propertycomprised of two hotels. They also offer
golf and spa. Their perfect venuefor weddings. Corporate celebrations, dining really
fabulous, and we had an incrediblestay, a wonderful family vacation. We

(18:14):
were there for two nights, threedays and just had an amazing time.
There's so many activities and so manythings to do for both the kids and
for us parents. And so we'respeaking with Michelle and we're going to talk
this segment just about what there isfor families, couples. Girlfriend Ghettoway's Hi,
Michelle, Hi, Michelle, thanksfor having me. Sure, so

(18:36):
tell me again about the different hotelproperties at Crystal Springs Resort, Okay.
So the resort is comprised of twovery distinct hotel properties. One is the
TRIPAA for Diamond Grand Cascage Lodge,which opened in two thousand and seven,
and sister property, Minerals Hotel,which is three miles away, is more

(19:03):
of a recreation rich, family orientedproperty and that has been opened since two
thousand and three. Great, andso where would you recommend because we stayed
at the Grand Cascades Lodge, butwe also went over to Mineral's Hotel where
there was the arcade and another wonderfulinside and outdoor pool, the fabulous gym,

(19:26):
the rock climbing wall, so Ireally love that you could stay at
one property and go to either onefor the activities. That's right. So
the way it works at the resort, and before I get into the details,
we are considered New York City's closestresort, and I just want to
bring up that both properties are surroundedby stunning mountain vista's wooded lands, lakes

(19:55):
and the lake, and people comeon property and they're just blown away by
what a feeling of calmness they getwhen they arrive. So I thought it
was important to set the tone ofjust what kind of mindset people are in
once they arrive at the resort.But what I find, what I find
wonderful, especially for the guests ofGrand Cascades Lodge, is that they are

(20:19):
allowed to use all the amenities onproperty at Grand Cascades, and they also
can go over to Mineral's Hotel touse the gym and to use the indoor
and outdoor pool. Minerals Hotel guestscan do some of the activities which are
over at the Grand Cascades Lodge,but they can only use their own pools,

(20:41):
the indoor and outdoor pools. Sothe Cascades guests gets a bit more
of an expensive experience, and there'sa higher room rate for that which would
accommodate that extra extra activities that theycan offer that they can have. Got
it, and I do love Imean we checked out the pools at both

(21:03):
properties and they're both great. Ireally love the setting of the one at
the Grand Cascades. I mean,my kids got to kick out of the
fish that are you know, integratedinto the pool and just yes, lush
greenery. The biosphere you must betalking about, ye, yes, so
the biosphere. I'll tell you aninteresting story about that. So when the

(21:26):
hotel was being built back in youknow, we broke ground I think back
in two thousand and five. Andwhat was interesting was the pool behind the
hotel was supposed to be your typicalhotel outdoor pool. And our owner was

(21:47):
a true visionary and he said,you know, we really needed to do
something distinct here. I want todo something different and something that's really going
to be a wow factor. Solong and short, he spoke with some
different vendors and they came up withthis biosphere. And the beauty of it
is that the roofing material is avery special material from Europe and it allows

(22:11):
ultraviolet rays to penetrate through, soyou could be in the middle of winter,
you could get a sun tan andthe ability for the UV race to
penetrate keeps those plants that you talkedabout very lush and green all year round.
Oh wow, that is so interesting. And I love how you have

(22:32):
the swim of all area where yougo from the inside pool with a water
slide by the way, which mykids loved. Yes, to the out
area. Yes, that that indooroutdoor pool is really popular, and it's
especially popular in the winter because it'sheated. So if you know you're in
the if you're in the indoor pool, and again it could be the middle

(22:56):
of winter and you swim outdoors,it'll be a heated pool, so you
could be in ten degree weather andstill have the comfort of a warm and
relaxing pool. Yes, Yes,that was so nice, and both of
the pools outside, the more ofthe hot tub and then the pool.
It was really a treat. Itwas. It was wonderful. So what
other amenities and activities are at eachhotel? All right, So at the

(23:22):
Grand Cascades Lodge, there are thepools that we spoke about, but in
the summertime, there's an additional poolcomplex called the Vista one eighty and that
is two separate pools. One isan Infinity the other pool has a big
water slide for the kids, andthat's super popular. In the summer.

(23:42):
We have the Reflection Spa. Wehave three on site restaurant and one in
particular opened in the summer. TheChef's Garden is a very popular. It's
an open air kitchen and guests caneat outdoors and watch their meal be prepared
right in front of them. Wealso have three golf courses at the Grand

(24:07):
Cast Skates Lodge and that's three outof six total to eighteen's and a nine.
And then we have many retail opportunitieswhich I don't know about you,
Michelle, but when I go away, I love to shop, so not
the only time I shot. Wehave Yeah, so it's you know,
our pro shop has become more ofa resort and pro shop, so there's

(24:30):
a lot of great apparel for bothwomen and men, gifts that you might
want to bring back. And thenwe have a spa boutique and that's very
popular. But our newest retail outletin the Grand Cast Skates Lodge is called
the Curator and that is within ourfifty five thousand bottle wine cellar, which

(24:52):
I meant to ask, did youhave an opportunity to visit the wine cellar?
You know, we didn't do anofficial tour, but we went down
there for the cabaret show Saturday nightand just to peek into the wine cellar,
and even to have the cabaret inthat setting was really special. And
I was looking through your wine cellarWineless at dinner and it's quite impressive.

(25:18):
It really is. And I'll tellyou a little bit more about that property.
But the wine cellar is one ofour most popular amenities at the resort,
and we do have daily tours.You can do a self guided tour
or between Wednesday and Sunday you canhave a guided tour with one of our
so maliers. So that pretty muchis the setup of the Grand Cascades Lodge.

(25:42):
But then we cannot neglect our wonderfulsister property, Minerals Hotel. So
that is one hundred and seventy fiveroom hotel and it's nestled in the base
of a mountain. It's right adjacentto the Mountain Creek Ski Resort. So
Mineral's Hotel. One of the biggestfeatures there is the Mineral Sports Club,

(26:06):
which we spoke about, beautiful renovatedproperty with the full gym, the fitness
studio, the swimming pools, andthen there's the Kites restaurant for dining and
the Element spot for guests who wishto enjoy a spot experience. So it's
it's a wonderful property. And it'sa more moderate price point than the Grand

(26:27):
Cascades Lodge, so uh, it'sit's perfect if you're on a bit of
a budget. Yes, absolutely,And still there's so many activities at both
properties, like we talked about,we really enjoyed the stuffed animal workshop where
the kids and I and we madeour own stuffed animals. We did anome

(26:48):
making, which you know, myhusband was laughing. He's like, where
else have I ever made a gnome? So how funny? Very funny.
Yes, we have. We haveso many activities. You know, those
are for the little kids, rightthe stuffed animals and the no making and
kite kite making, many workshops forthe young kids. But then for the

(27:11):
older kids we have or the olderwomen, shall I say, we have
a paint and ship and we havewine tastings and just different activities for all
different age groups, because we dohave a wide variety of guest types that
we attract. Yes, exactly.And I got away and I did the
ax throwing, which was quite therapeuticand fun. Yes, absolutely, Yeah,

(27:37):
the instructor was great and it wasreally neat and great. You know,
it was myself into other girls,and so it was really it was
a great time, and it wasa way for me to also meet other
people who were visiting. And youknow, it gets you out of just
your family and you get to makenew friends and meet new people. Absolutely
that the camaraderie factor amongst our guestsis very high. But I'm glad you

(28:02):
brought up the ax throwing because rightnow we're at a time of year where
most of our activities are indoors,but once summer comes we offer fishing,
archery, laser clay shooting, differentactivities on our great lawn. So the
warmer the weather gets, the moreexpansive the activity offerings become. They're afi.

(28:26):
Yeah, there is just so muchto do. What type of guests
would you say you are attracted theproperty? I know we talked about those
coming for weddings, for business meetings, families, girlfriend getaways. Yeah,
so we really, I must say, we really run the gamut on guest

(28:47):
types who come. So you cameMichelle with your family, right, yes
about it. You could just aswell have come with your husband alone for
a romantic getaway. Or you couldhave come for a girl friends get away
and had spa treatments and drink champagneand enjoy the cabaret just with your girlfriends.
So we offer many, many differenttypes of specials and packages that are

(29:14):
designated for these specific targets of families, couples, girlfriends. And again let's
not forget the guys. They lovecoming up to the resort for golf outings.
And as I said, the GrandCascades has three golf courses. Mineral's
hotel has one nine hole golf course, but then off property we have two

(29:37):
other golf courses in two adjacent towns, so six golf courses total. And
the guys just love coming for golfand stays. Yeah. Absolutely. And
so is there a specific time ofyear that guests like to come. I
know you mentioned there's more activities inthe summer, but we were just there
and had a fabulous time. Yeah, so it's really interesting. Summer remains

(30:03):
the peak season, primarily because thekids are out of school for the months
of July and August, but wehave really become a bonafide four season,
year round resort. In the wintertime, we have a lot of activities indoors.
We have neighboring Mountain Creek, whichwe offer skiing, snowboarding, snow

(30:23):
tubing. Springtime, the golf coursesare opening. We're starting to have more
outdoor activity. We have farm animalvisits where the animals come on property,
pony rides summer. Of course,the highlight is the swimming pools, and
what we've tried to do is offermore activity still because truth be told,

(30:45):
the pools can get a little bitcrowded in the summer because they're gorgeous and
everybody wants to be there, Yesexactly, well, yes, I mean,
and definitely, you know, somethingfor everyone, because of course the
kids love the pool. I lovethe pool, but there are so many
other activities and so many other thingsto do as well, right, And

(31:07):
I just want to mention the fallas well. So fall is an interesting
time for us because it's kind ofback to routine. The kids are back
in school, Mom and dad areback to their regular routine at the job,
and we have one particular package inthe fall that's become such a hit.
It's called the Harvest Trail. Andone of the very interesting things about

(31:30):
that offering is that it allows ourpartnership with local farms, pumpkin patches,
wineries, distilleries. It allows usto partner with these local entities and really
showcase their product, and we alsosend our guests to visit them, so

(31:52):
it's more of a community oriented packageand we really value those partnerships. Was
a great time to experience the surroundingarea absolutely, I mean, between the
wine cellar and pumpkin picking and applepicking, what a great place. And
next up we're going to talk aboutyour restaurants and the wine cellar, because

(32:15):
I have to say, you know, I visited Crystal Springs Resort probably fifteen
years ago with my parents. Itook them and I remember the one thing
I remembered about it was how outstandingthe food was. And again it did
not disappoint, just really amazing cuisine. So we're going to talk about that
coming up next. Excellent, Thankyou my pleasure. I'm Michelle Jerson more

(32:36):
coming up in a few You're listeningto Passport Mommy and we're speaking with Michelle
Abates. She's the director of Marketingat Crystal Springs Resort, and we've talked
about just what an incredible property isfor families, Girlfriend Getaway's Weddings Corporate,
and one thing that really stood outto me was the cuisine and the wine.

(32:59):
And you know, you go toresorts and you know, sometimes the
food is okay, sometimes it's good. I would say it is outstanding here.
So Michelle, thank you for joiningme today and talk to me a
little bit about the restaurants at theresort. Well, Michelle, I appreciate
you having me, and it reallymakes me very happy that you recognize just

(33:22):
how outstanding our culinary offerings are.So we have ten seasonal restaurant across four
properties, so quite a number ofdifferent options for guests to enjoy while they're
at the resort. So at theGrand Cascades Lodge, which is where you
stayed, we have the Crystal Tavern, which is a contemporary American restaurant,

(33:46):
the Springs bystro which guests love it'sItalian and who doesn't love Italian? Yes,
our Biosphere Pool has a tacorea thathas different Mexican dishes and drinks.
And then in the summer time wehave the Chef's Garden, which is a
wonderful farm to table experience outdoors,and the Vista one eighty cafe adjacent to

(34:08):
one of our pools. Incredible andwe ate. We tried most of those,
and I loved, you know,the convenience of being at the Biosphere
Pool and having the tagorea and greatgelato, and the cuisine at Crystal Tavern
was second to none. It wasso good, from the raw bar to
the fish dishes to everything on themenu. You have such a wide variety

(34:30):
of cuisine, and both the kidsand the adults loved it. And the
desserts, let's not forget it.Yeah, yeah, don't forget the desserts.
But the last restaurant that I haveyet to mention at Grand Cascades Lodge
is the crown jewel of Crystal SpringsResort, and that is Restaurant Poor So

(34:52):
restaurant Latour is really quite an exceptionalvenue. It's been a Wine spect Grand
Award winner every year since two thousandand six, and it's really quite exquisite.
Our resort executive chef Ashling Stevens andthe Chef de Cuisine Matt Lowrich.

(35:12):
They really approach seasonal cooking in avery modern and stylish way, and a
lot of their input into the kitchenutilizes fermentation, preservation, foraging, and
again these locally sourced ingredients from differentfarms in the area. So it's really
a treat when a guest comes toexperience restaurant. LeTour. Yes, and

(35:37):
then in addition to that being theculinary jewel, I understand that your wine
cellar is one of the best inNorth America. It absolutely is, and
I must say the wine cellar isa must visit for any adult when they
come to the resort. So atone point we had one hundred thirty five

(36:00):
thousand bottles. We paired down.We're down to about fifty five thousand bottles,
but we offer six thousand verticals fromall over the world in nine distinct,
interconnected chambers. So the way thewine cellar is laid out, it's
kind of a labyrinth, and guestslove going on tours through the venue.

(36:22):
And within this labyrinth of interconnected chambers, there's various windows of wines from different
countries, different wine makers that we'vehad on property, different brands and labels
of wine, so it's really quitea very interesting experience. And we're so
blessed to have our wine director who'sbeen on property for over twenty years,

(36:45):
Suzanne Wagner, and we have amazingsemliers who have really very high level certification
Certification three for Semlier, which isreally at the pinnacle of that discipline,
and we're we're very very fortunate tohave this kind of staff on property for
the wine cellar. Absolutely, andwhat a unique experience again when coming to

(37:09):
visit Crystal Springs Resort. So muchto offer really for everyone. Where can
we go for more information, toread about maybe your upcoming events and activities
as we get into spring and summer, and to book our stay? So
you can go to Crystal Golfresort dotcom and you'll see full information on all

(37:32):
of our offerings our two properties,and there's also a reservation line so you
can call or it's very easy tobook a stay online as well. Terrific.
Well, Michelle Abe, thank youso much for joining me today on
Passport mommy director of Marketing at CrystalSprings Resort, Thank you for the incredible

(37:52):
stay. We look forward to comingback soon, maybe over the summer and
try all the different summer activities.Thank you for everything. Thank you,
Michelle. It was a pleasure tohost you and we look forward to welcoming
you back. Thanks for having memy pleasure. I'm Michelle Jerson. Thank
you so much for listening this week. I'll talk to you next time.