I have written extensively about The Point in the past (which you can refer to here) so this article will serve as an update. After last visiting the property in early 2020 the time was right to return; in fact we brought some friends with us who had never been so we had the pleasure of experiencing it through their eyes. The Point has consistently held a spot in my list of favorite destinations so there is always a little trepidation before a visit, with hopes that it remains as idyllic in real life as it does in my memory.
One thing that was different about this visit was that we flew up rather than drove. We had booked just for two nights rather than the usual three so it was amazing to have the extra time on property instead of on the road. We flew privately but there is a daily option on Cape Air from both Logan and JFK to Saranac Lake Airport, just 15 minutes away from the Point. I knew the weekend was off to a stellar start when we were met with hugs on the tarmac by Hollie, a fixture at the Point for the last 25+ years. Upon arrival to the main house we were handed champagne and all was right with the world.
The seasonal decor still featured autumnal glory although it will soon switch over to Christmas cheer, with the weather too leaning more towards winter with nighttime temps in the 20s. Upon initial inspection everything looked terrific and just as it was supposed to be. One of my favorite things about the Point is the reassuring predictability and timeless perfection (with any changes in keeping with the original aesthetic).
Champagne in hand we accompanied our friends on a quick tour of the property. If you read my original review there are plenty of photos of the Boathouse which has been our go-to room choice on our last few visits, but for this trip we let our friends take that room and we “settled” for our second favorite Weatherwatch. Mohawk in the main house rounds out our top three choices of accommodations, but truth be told it is all fabulous.
First stop on the tour: the Pub which was well stocked and ready for cocktails, puzzling (Stave is the official puzzle provider at the Point) as well as pool and darts.
Ultimately we made our way to Weatherwatch which has been updated since our last visit, with the new bathroom being an especially welcome addition.
Aside from cuddling up in bed with a roaring fire there is plenty to keep oneself busy on property with the highlight for me being hiking, but new additions to the line-up this year include ax throwing (!!), bocce, archery and riflery (air gun). Needless to say my husband was all-in not only with the friends we came with, but a whole complement of new friends we made during our stay.
One thing there is no shortage of at the Point is delectable food and drink overseen by uber-talented and versatile executive chef D’Anthony and the many other talented chefs in the vast kitchen (newly redone but with the original 1933s GE fridge still in place).
The offerings being produced by the talented chefs range from Thai inspired to expertly smoked BBQ to classical French and there was not a misstep in the bunch. The gluten-free baked goods that were prepared for me were some of the best I have ever had, and that is saying a lot! I even got my own basket of gluten-free onion rings during the BBQ which was a real treat. There are several venues on property where one could choose to dine, but we opted to eat communally for every meal as the other guests in residence over the weekend were a terrific group.
One of the highlights (at least for me) is the formal dinner which is on the schedule both Wednesdays and Saturday nights. Some opt out and choose to have dinner in the pub, or even in their rooms, but if you want to go back in time to the Gilded Age then by all means get decked for a fabulous dinner with loads of champagne and wine flowing and have fun.
As mentioned, we lucked out with a fun-loving group and enjoyed a meal filled with lively discussion and lots of laughter. I was so preoccupied during dinner that I only captured the starter and dessert, but trust me, all the dishes in between were excellent. A side note on wine: the Point pours excellent pairings throughout both lunch and dinner (as well as providing a list of rarer wines to be purchased if you so desire from a very fairly priced list). We opted to bring a selection of some of our own wines and the staff was incredibly cooperative in serving them discretely throughout the weekend.
After dinner we all changed out of our formal wear for a huge bonfire on the actual Point, complete with s’mores, lots more to drink, and ultimately a choice of freshly made pizzas.
Back to activities, aside from drinking in the Pub (which we took over en masse Friday night) puzzling was a highlight, as was reading by the fire.
An important highlight: pre-breakfast delivered before venturing out to the dining room.
To answer the question “is the Point still the ultimate stay?” I would say absolutely! The current owners have been thoughtful in any improvements and additions they have made to the property while managing to keep an incredible staff running things seamlessly. It is one of the only places that in 48 hours makes you feel completely relaxed and well rested, as well as hitting the perfect note between splendor and rusticity. If there was ever a moment to retreat back to simpler times, it is right now, and to do so with over the top luxury, all the better!
The Point is an all-exlusive resort, and it is expensive, but if you are celebrating something (anything at all!!) it is well worth a visit.
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