Spring has arrived, and with it, a sense of renewed energy here at Crystal Springs Resort. We hope this season finds you well. We are pleased to report that the year is off to a strong start, with high occupancy rates reflecting the exceptional appeal of the Minerals Hotel experience.
Our success is built on a simple promise: putting our guests first. By offering diverse seasonal packages and maintaining our status as a desirable mountain retreat, we remain an attractive destination for those seeking a first-rate getaway.
The testimonials we receive from our leisure and group guests are a source of great pride. They speak to the heart of what we do — providing a welcoming atmosphere and attentive service in well maintained spaces. This efficiency translates directly into business growth and increased asset value, ensuring the continued strength of your investment.
Thank you for being such an important part of our story. We invite you to explore the following updates regarding our world-class offerings.
NOTEWORTHY PROJECTS + ENHANCEMENTS
At Minerals Hotel, our recent improvements were thoughtfully planned to elevate the overall guest experience while continuing to strengthen the infrastructure and operational systems that support our resort.
Enhancements to the Sweetgrass Pavillion and Wedding Garden focused on enriching the wedding experience for our couples and their guests. The garden fencing surrounding the pavillion was refurbished to better complement the architecture of the space, creating a more cohesive and welcoming entrance. In the Wedding Garden, the fencing was expanded to screen the parking area from view, ensuring that ceremonies and celebrations take place in a seamless and private setting. These improvements provide a pristine and elegant backdrop, allowing couples and their guests to fully enjoy the beauty and intimacy of the venue.
Improvements were also made to the Minerals Pool area to enhance the overall pool and spa experience for our guests. New access doors were installed between Elements Spa, the locker rooms and the pool area as part of our ongoing continuous improvement plan, improving convenience, circulation and connectivity between these amenities. Alongside these guest-facing enhancements, we continued our commitment to the ongoing improvement of our mechanical systems, which are essential to the smooth operation of the Resort. Several Back of House {BOH} areas were refreshed, including repainting the electrical, pump and laundry rooms. In addition, key mechanical upgrades were completed, including the replacement of pool water heaters and the installation of a new steam generator for the steam room. These improvements ensure that critical operational systems remain reliable, efficient and well maintained to support the overall guest experience.
Through these improvements, Minerals Hotel continues to invest in both the guest experience and the operational foundation that allows our team to deliver exceptional service every day.
COLLABORATION WITH THE HOA AND OUR STRONG PARTNERSHIP
Our strong collaboration with the Home Owners Association, under the leadership of HOA President Mr. Noel Albert, continues to deliver tangible results. This partnership ensures that both owners and hotel guests enjoy a high-quality, comfortable experience.
STAFF ANNOUNCEMENTS
Heidi Nowak
Last month, Crystal Springs Resort welcomed industry veteran Heidi Nowak as Chief Sales Officer, a strategic hire to strengthen and advance the resort’s commercial success as the premier luxury resort destination in the Northeast, while positioning it for expanded growth across broader markets.
Heidi brings extensive international and domestic experience transforming luxury hospitality brands and portfolios into highperforming assets, including InterContinental Hotels & Resorts, Six Senses, Kiawah Island Golf Resort, Salamander Hotels & Resorts, The Ritz-Carlton and Timbers. She has led major commercial turnarounds, repositioned flagship destinations and guided teams responsible for more than $200 million in annual revenue.
Recognized for her dynamic leadership integrating sales, marketing, revenue management and distribution into unified, performance-driven strategies, Heidi pairs strategic insight with operational discipline.
Chef Florian Wehrli
Earlier this year, Grand Cascades Lodge welcomed back culinary icon Florian Wehrli as Executive Chef. A celebrated international talent, Wehrli returns to New Jersey’s premier luxury destination bringing his signature farm-to-table mastery and global expertise. His career began in his native Switzerland, training under the legendary Georges Wenger at his two-Michelin-star restaurant.
After refining his craft across Europe, Florian’s career took him to major culinary hubs in New York City, Colorado and Las Vegas. Most recently, he served as Executive Chef for the Metropolitan Opera at Lincoln Center, overseeing high-profile galas, black-tie events, and the iconic Grand Tier restaurant. Guests at Crystal Springs Resort can once again experience Chef Florian’s masterful culinary direction firsthand.
LEISURE STAYS + ALL-INCLUDED ACTIVITIES
Crystal Springs Resort continues to increase demand and occupancy at both hotels by marketing to a variety of audiences for family vacations, couples escapes, girlfriend getaways, golf trips and social celebrations. Our communication plan focuses on digital initiatives featuring captivating photography and video showcasing our offerings. Additionally, we have heightened our partnerships with influencers and content creators, as these relationships have proven to be an effective way to increase brand reach and grow our following.
Feedback on the All-Included-Activities program that we launched two years ago has been very positive. The inclusion of all Resort guest activities {other than workshops} such as fishing, axe throwing and rock wall climbing, has resulted in improved guest satisfaction and higher leisure demand.
Currently, the Resort is aiming to capture more midweek leisure reservations – Sunday through Thursday stays – from the valuable New York DMA, leveraging diverse offerings in golf, spa and dining. Our messaging strategy is to persuade those seeking leisure travel that Crystal Springs Resort offers a convenient and premium alternative to destinations requiring air travel. The campaign will highlight the Resort’s diverse high-quality offerings and the ease of access from the New York DMA, reinforcing the message that a luxurious and fulfilling escape is within closer reach than they might think. The core message will be centered around the time-saving and stress-free nature of choosing Crystal Springs without compromising on experience.
SPRING/SUMMER 2026: ACTIVITY HIGHLIGHTS
Minerals Hotel is dedicated to continuous innovation, regularly upgrading our guest activities and investing in comprehensive staff training. Our guests frequently praise our team members by name, noting the perfect balance of expertise and hospitality. These personal connections are more than just service—they are a core part of our value. Recent and upcoming enhancements include:
Glass Kiln
We are looking into the addition of a glass kiln in the Minerals Hotel art room to offer a niche activity that people can’t enjoy elsewhere. These classes would be paid workshops.
Rock Climbing Wall
The wall will get a reset in May with additional holds, providing more options to our frequent climbers and offering additional options for beginners.
Game Room
The recent addition of the card system in the Game Room has more than doubled the traffic to the arcade month-over-month.
We’re proud to continue offering our signature guest favorites, including archery, axe throwing and laser clay shooting. For those seeking a creative or cozy pace, our arts and crafts, glow-in-the-dark bingo, and interactive animal experiences — like our petting zoo and educator sessions — remain staples of the Minerals experience.
SPRING/SUMMER 2026: SPECIALS + PACKAGES
We have successfully launched our seasonal packages, which are a mix of new offerings designed to stimulate the aforementioned midweek demand plus existing summer promotions which have previously performed well.
Spring Fling Savings + Spring Break Getaway
Up to 30% savings {with a 3 night stay} on hotel stay plus all-included activities, breakfast credit and more.
Minerals Midweek Minication
Springtime hotel stay available Sunday – Thursday plus a $20 blend bar credit, access to wellness & fitness classes and complimentary late check out.
Sweet Summertime Escape
A summer package which includes a beach bag bundle consisting of 2 plush beach towels, 2 pairs of sunglasses, 1 tote bag and ice cream for 2. World Cup Packages
With the 2026 FIFA World Cup arriving in North America, Crystal Springs Resort is uniquely positioned to serve the influx of fans traveling to MetLife Stadium. As local lodging reaches capacity and rates soar, the Resort offers a premium alternative for those seeking world-class accommodations within reach of the tournament’s East Rutherford hub.
SUSTAINABILITY — BEE INITIATIVES
Crystal Springs Resort continues to be supportive of bee-related initiatives with the goal of creating awareness regarding issues that are plaguing bees. Below are some of the projects we have undertaken:
Honey-Infused Cocktails in the Chef’s Garden
The past season saw the introduction of a collection of innovative honey infused cocktails including Pleased Bees, Honeyed Breeze and the alcohol-free Bumblebee
Bee Mural in the Chef’s Garden
Grand Cascades Lodge concluded its collaborative project with The Good of the Hive, a global art organization founded by Matt Willey. The artist’s undertaking is based on his personal commitment to hand-paint 50,000 honey bees – the number in a healthy, thriving hive – in murals around the world to bring attention to the plight of bees. Matt had selected the Chef’s Garden for one of his creations, and painted a stunning ceiling mural at our outdoor restaurant. Guests have been intrigued by Willey’s work, and we are proud to have his artwork be an ongoing source of interest for our visitors.
Landscape Design
The Resort’s has select landscapes which were created to provide bees with the nectar and pollen they need to thrive. The parking lot at the Crystal Springs Clubhouse was purposely laid out to be filled with wild flowers plus other flowers that bees love including Monarda, Babtisia, Coneflower, Joe Pye Weed, Goldenrod and Marsh Blazing Star. Native trees such as Willows, Red Buds, Basswood, Tulip Popular and Black Locus were selected as excellent sources of food for bees.
On Site Hives + Bee Nesting
Boxes
The Resort has installed on-site hives throughout the property and bee nesting boxes along our Wild Turkey Nature Trail to support enhancing the local bee population.
Bee Box Teambuilding
Corporate group guests can participate in a bee box building team development offering. Groups work with a local beekeeper to build a bee box with supplied materials. The beekeeper shares fun facts about how a bee colony develops, how honey is made, as well as how bees are critical to local agriculture and the food chain. The completed bee boxes will be donated to a local farm and become the new home of a bee colony.
Meet the Beekeeper
The Resort has a regularly scheduled beekeeper, JC from Bees, Birds & Bears Apiary, who discusses fun facts about how a bee colony develops, how it makes honey and why bees are so important to the food chain. This activity is complimentary for guests staying at the Resort.
Honey: Retail
The Resort sells local honey in its Pro Shops and markets throughout the property, and also uses it as an ingredient in various menu items at our restaurants. Profits from all honey sales will be donated to Project Apis m., which funds and directs honey bee research to enhance honey bee health and vitality while improving crop production.
WEDDINGS
Wedding events continue to perform very well, with a near full schedule for the balance of this year and strong 2027 business projected for The Canyon and Sweetgrass Pavilion. The enhancement of The Canyon design and the expanded capacity of its kitchen has seen the introduction of larger wedding groups that we previously could not accommodate.
Overall, Crystal Springs Resort offers an array of both indoor and outdoor venue selections at various price points, as well as several customization options across five stunning spaces. The Resort has heavily invested in marketing programs with the top media vendors {The Knot, Wedding Wire, Zola, Here Comes the Guide and others} in order to generate qualified leads and booked business.
For more information on planning events, please scan the qr code to fill out an RFP.
CORPORATE + GROUP EVENTS
The Resort is seeing a significant surge in demand from groups who recognize the unparalleled benefits of in-person events. Our clients increasingly value face-to-face meetings, understanding that they foster superior communication quality. Participants can easily read body language, minimize distractions from sidebar conversations, and maintain a stronger team focus.
A crucial element of in-person gatherings that was largely absent during the hybrid/Zoom era of COVID is teambuilding. Impressively, 90% of groups visiting the Resort incorporate some type of activity, which significantly contributes to the overall success of their meeting. Many of these activities are focused on wellness, as planners are actively seeking team time that is inspirational, energizing, and rejuvenating within a calming environment. Teams can engage in hands-on experiences like guided nature walks, life/health coaching, cooking with locally foraged ingredients, restorative yoga, sound bowl healing, meditation and rock climbing — all set against our beautiful, bucolic mountain backdrop. Further, the Resort has heavily invested in marketing programs including paid search, CTV campaigns and promotion via industry platforms and partners {Cvent, Teneo and others} in order to amplify our message, generate qualified leads and yield booked business.
Building on the success of our recent large-scale events, we are pleased to announce the return of our dance competitions. We have five competitions officially scheduled for the upcoming year.
For more information on planning meetings and events, please scan the qr code to fill out an RFP.
INSPIRATION SERIES TEAMBUILDING HIGHLIGHTS
The Resort offers the most comprehensive teambuilding and group activities program in the Northeast. With our curated Inspiration Series, staff can participate in tactile experiences within the categories of nature, wellness, sustainability, culinary and local agriculture. Popular offerings include guided nature walks, cooking with locally foraged ingredients, restorative yoga, sound bowl healing and meditation in a beautiful bucolic mountain setting.
In addition to the Inspiration Series, the Resort offers an array of additional team building activities with themes focused on culinary, wine and mixology, charity builds, group games, outdoor adventures, golf clinics, creative endeavors, team training + development and more.
GOLF OUTING SALES
As the Northeast’s largest golf resort, Crystal Springs Resort is the ideal place to host a golf outing for businesses, non-profits or leisure groups looking to hit the fairways. Our experienced team hosts over 500 golf events every year and can make an outing event a success in achieving fundraising, celebration and team building goals. For the third year in a row, we have been selected as the site for the Tunnel to Towers Foundation first responder outing, the largest of its kind in the United States.
We have recently introduced our Summer Outing Special available at all 18-hole courses, midweek in July and August. Additionally, we have an array of unique golf outing packages which differentiate us from our competition. Ballyowen Bagpiper & Scotch Experience, Highlands Golf & Hand-Rolled Cigars and the Triple Shotgun Outing have been popular choices for groups looking for a one-of-a-kind event.
For more information on planning an outing, please scan the qr code to fill out an RFP.
HOLIDAYS + EVENTS
Building on the success of previous years, Minerals Hotel once again hosted its Halloween Howl and Holiday Spectacular Christmas concert in Q4 2025 to high guest acclaim. Given their popularity, we are pleased to confirm both events will return to the calendar this year.
The Resort continues to offer a mix of compelling events and holiday gatherings which guests return to year after year.
THIS SPRING/SUMMER, OUR MAIN EVENTS WILL BE:
NJ Wine and Food Festival
During May 1 -3, Crystal Springs will hold its annual New Jersey Wine & Food Festival featuring legendary Chef Marco Pierre White. Dubbed the godfather of modern English cooking, the first rock-star chef is a renowned chef, restaurateur and TV personality. He has led the UK restaurant scene for over 40 years and is regarded by many to have single-handedly brought it to being at the forefront of modern gastronomy. In addition, the event will feature three Top Chefs preparing an amazing dining experience, a cocktail competition with top New Jersey bartenders, and the popular Grand Tasting which covers the expanse of the Crystal Springs Clubhouse. We host approximately 1,500 guests over the course of the weekend and the overall event is always managed flawlessly by Resort staff.
NJ Beer and Food Festival
On June 20, the New Jersey Beer & Food Festival will be held on our Festival Field adjacent to Route 94. Guests will enjoy an over the top barbecue feast with tastings of over two hundred beers, ciders and hard seltzers, live music, fun-filled activities, lawn games and more.
Black Bear Bourbon + BBQ
Held monthly from May to August, this popular event at Black Bear Golf Course will feature specialty BBQ, bourbon tastings, draft specials, darts, pool tables, goat yoga photo booths and a 9 & Dine component for golfers.
Hickory + Scotch
The Hickory & Scotch tournament at Ballyowen Golf Club is an annual, popular event featuring vintage 1929-era hickory stick clubs, on-course fine scotch tastings and a four-player team scramble format.
OUR SUCCESSFUL HOLIDAY OFFERINGS IN Q1 + Q2 INCLUDE:
Valentine’s Day
Guests were invited to celebrate the day of love with exquisite dining, spa specials at Reflections and Elements, spa gift cards and romantic getaways for the holiday and beyond.
Easter
This springtime holiday will offer multiple dining opportunities including 3 buffets, an Easter egg hunt, visits with the Easter Bunny and live entertainment at our brunch venues.
Mother’s Day
Families will be treated to their choice of brunch or sit-down dining, highlighted by a professional family photo booth and a build your own bouquet activity at The Canyon {Minerals Hotel}.
SIP + SAVOR
The Curator Wine + Spirits Bar Room
Guests can discover an extraordinary and ever-evolving collection at our stylish retail venue, nestled within our Wine Spectator Grand Awardwinning Wine Cellar. We offer a curated selection of fine wines, spirits and wine merchandise, plus artisan chocolates. Explore our recent additions of rare Tequila, Scotch, Bourbon and Cognac.
The Chef’s Table at Restaurant Latour
Make your reservations now for The Chef’s Table at Restaurant Latour, an exclusive and immersive dining experience offered each Friday evening. The evening begins with a welcome gathering in The Curator, followed by an elevator ride direct to the kitchen of Restaurant Latour where guests are greeted by our chefs. Utilizing an array of foraged and meticulously sourced ingredients, Chef Florian Wehrli and his team prepare five exceptional courses of seasonal and locally sourced ingredients, delighting guests at the renowned Restaurant Latour. The menu is refreshed each week and also features surprise offerings from the kitchen.
Local Distillery Collaboration
The Resort has partnered with Claremont Distillery, next door to the Resort’s administrative building. We are using a selection of their spirits at our resort dining outlets and have collaborated with them for various leisure offers.
CRYSTAL CABARET
In the spirit of the cabarets of yesteryear, Crystal Springs Resort has continued the Crystal Cabaret offering in the attractively decorated and furnished Napa Room. Guests can enjoy extraordinary weekend entertainment featuring gifted singers and talented comedians. Grammy Award winner Hernan Romero will perform during each show’s opening and intermission.
Located in at Crystal Springs Country Club every Saturday night through May and will resume again in September.
Includes signature cocktails and wine, plus sweet or savory fondue.
Book now by calling 844.845.9697 or emailing info@csresort.com
DINING
Our dining venues have seen a significant increase in visits from guests, locals and Minerals Sports Club members, all drawn by our inspired menus, gracious service and inviting atmosphere.
Elements Spa Celebrates Continued Excellence and Exciting New Experiences
Elements Spa is proud to announce another milestone year of excellence. For the fifth consecutive year, Elements Spa has been awarded the #1 Spa in New Jersey and Google has recognized us with a #1 Business Spa Award. We are also honored to be ranked #9 Spa in North America, a reflection of our team’s dedication to exceptional guest experiences.
Our success is made possible by the incredible professionals who make up the Elements Spa family. Several team members have dedicated many years to the company, including three staff members who have been with us for more than 20 years. Their passion, experience, and commitment to service continue to shape the welcoming environment our guests know and love.
We are also excited to share new spa experiences designed to elevate relaxation and wellness, as well as our core programming:
Halo Scalp Treatment
In November, we launched the Elements Halo Scalp Treatment, a deeply relaxing head-to-toe service that includes a soothing halo waterfall scalp therapy, mini facial, pressure-point massage therapy, and a calming overall wellness experience.
Ladies Spa Day
Community and connection remain a core part of the Elements Spa experience. Our Ladies Spa days, held on the last Wednesday of each month, continue to grow in popularity, bringing together loyal guests for evenings of relaxation, wellness and social connection.
Men’s Spa Day
We have also introduced a quarterly Men’s Spa Event, featuring whiskey tastings, classic barber hot shaves and haircuts, mini facials, massage treatments and a social gathering where guests can learn about premium spirits from our resort liquor partners.
Evening Rejuvenation
Guests are invited to escape the everyday with the perfect pairing: spa serenity + exceptional dining. The best way to end {or start!} your week includes a $150 Elements Spa credit toward a pampering treatment or service, $70 credit toward dinner at Kites Restaurant plus a glass of Champagne.
Looking ahead, our team of professional massage therapists is expanding their expertise by learning new techniques aligned with the latest wellness and spa industry trends. These new massage treatments will soon be introduced, continuing our mission to bring innovative and rejuvenating experiences to our guests.
At Elements Spa, we remain committed to delivering exceptional service, creating meaningful experiences and helping every guest relax, recharge and feel their best.
We are delighted about the continued extraordinary feedback for Minerals Sports Club facilities, which include:
The Foundry: An expansive cardio and weight training floor, located in the former basketball court space. The MSC gym floor recently received 14 new pieces of equipment, which has enhanced the member experience as part of our plan to gradually renew all gym equipment.
Fit Works Studio: A sophisticated studio space with a robust fitness and yoga class schedule.
The High Wall: A sleek basketball court and high energy rock climbing wall space.
The Gristmill Spin Room: A space for indoor cycling which increase cardiovascular endurance & muscular strength.
Pool Complex: Indoor/outdoor pools, steam, sauna, hot tubs, cold plunge.
Pickleball Courts: 3 regulation courts for use by our members and guests.
Personal Training — Get Fit for Life!
Our personal trainers will guide you through a fitness routine that meets and succeeds your individual goals. Instruction includes proper warm-up exercises, form and technique to stay injury free, a healthy diet to improve your lifestyle, plus how to remain motivated.
For membership and pesonal training information, please email jcougle@csresort.com
GOLF
Crystal Springs Resort, the Northeast’s premier golf destination, is raising the bar for the 2026 season with enhancements designed to welcome first-time players, families, and young adults — while continuing to impress returning guests and seasoned golfers alike.
The Resort anticipates record-breaking participation this season, fueled by the national resurgence in golf’s popularity — particularly among 18- to 34-year-olds who value the sport’s blend of physical activity, mental wellness and outdoor social connection. Crystal Springs is responding to this momentum with exciting upgrades across its courses and facilities including:
Black Bear Trackman Range
Guests enjoyed the inaugural season of this vibrant & lively facility last year and we intend to heavily promote its benefits, including:
Exciting Challenges: Contest Nights {most Friday evenings during spring and summer}.
Games for Everyone: Interactive golf games suitable for all ages and skill levels.
Swing Improvement: Cutting-edge Trackman technology to fine-tune your swing.
Practice Areas: Improved skills via the natural grass range tee and practice area.
Expert Tips: Complimentary instructional events to improve your golf game.
Bites + Sips: Handcrafted food and drinks compliment the Trackman experience.
Night Golf: 100% lighted driving range allows the fun to continue after dark.
New for 2026! The Black Bear Trackman Range Membership gives golfers access to cutting-edge practice technology and flexible membership options. This premium-level membership is designed to deliver enhanced value through added playing privileges and exclusive perks.
Premier Limited Membership
The resort has introduced this membership type which includes lower pricing & some weekend restrictions in order to attract higher membership.
Golf Course Renovations
The resort continues to renovate its championship-caliber courses, including work on the irrigation systems, bunker renovations & tee leveling.
The Leadbetter Golf Academy
As the game grows, so does interest in lessons and clinics for all ages and experience levels. The Leadbetter Golf Academy at Crystal Springs continues to see strong demand, thanks to its reputation for excellence and a staff of certified instructors including Golf Magazine Top 100 instructor Sean Hogan.
OUR LODGING TEAMS
In addition to our dedicated frontline team members, the following managers are critical to the continued success of the Crystal Springs Resort lodging program and are always at your service for any questions or requests:
MINERALS HOTEL
Sherif Ayoub, General Manager
973.864.8047 • sayoub@csresort.com
Caroline Little, Owner Relations
973.864.8980 • clittle@csresort.com
Betty Decker-Verkon, Accounts Receivable Manager
973.864.8901 • bdecker@csresort.com
Gail Sanson, Director of Resort Revenue and Reservations
973.864.8084 • gsanson@csresort.com
GRAND CASCADES LODGE
Bill Polchinski, General Manager
973.864.8059 • bpolchinski@csresort.com
Caroline Little, Owner Relations Coordinator
973.864.8980 • clittle@csresort.com
Gemmy Dimitry, Assistant General Manager
973.864.8955 • gdimitry@csresort.com
Nicole Sisco, Director of Front Office 973.864.8703 • nsisco@csresort.com
Gail Sanson, Director of Resort Revenue and Reservations
973.864.8084 • gsanson@csresort.com
Call the Crystal Springs Resort Reservations Center at 888.239.1016 to book your stay. Visit our Resort website for all the latest happenings. TheCrystalSpringsResort.com
We are committed to improving as a partner to our Homeowners and making Minerals Hotel at Crystal Springs Resort the premier staycation in the New York metro area.
