About

Wellness:té (pronounced “wellness stay”) literally means "Wellness Onto You" and comes from our belief that wellness, happiness and the quality of life for all living creatures in directly tied to nature & the outdoors.

The more interesting version:  Wellnesste was conceived by Christophe Marin (a French immigrant, former Army Green Beret, biologist, entrepreneur and avid conservationist) and Karen Gerlach (a Norwegian-American botanist).  Our family's philosophy is that the power of nature can help to heal all wounds both spiritual and physical and thus aid in our individual wellness and Joie de vivre. We also believe in the gesture “Namaste” which represents the belief that there is a divine spark within each of us that is located in the heart chakra. The Namaste gesture is an acknowledgment of the soul in one by the soul in another. “Nama” means bow, “as” means I, and “te” means you. Therefore, Namaste literally means “bow me you” or “I bow to you.”

On a clear and crisp March day, following a silent meditation on the meaning of Namaste and the healing powers of nature (adjacent the spring melt waters of the mighty river that borders our 60 acre paradise) , the name Wellness:té was born... brought to Christophe like a gift in the spring winds.

Our hope is that all  of our visitors (cabin rentals, weddings and events) will be touched by the healing power of nature in this special river valley and thus come away with a sense of wellness and tranquility that they can bring back home with them.

A bit about how we got here & why:
Wellness:té Lodge was born out of a lifetime of exploring the outdoors and searching the Earth for kindred spirits. Our vision was to find a peaceful setting where like-minded people from all walks of life could come together and enjoy the healing powers of nature & introspection. That vision has taken hold in the form of a unique sanctuary where friends & family have traveled near (Syracuse, Utica, Albany), far (Boston, Chicago, Denver, Phoenix) and really far (France, China, Brazil, New Zealand, Norway) to this quiet little river valley.

Over the years, we have worked hard, laughed often, shared stories around the campfire, reflected and sometimes cried in building what is a very special place. Friends, family and volunteers have helped with trails, habitat restoration, gardens and building projects. Guests have enjoyed the solitude of winter whiteness, as well as the melodic tunes of thrushes in the hardwoods during warm summer months. All have come in search of peace and their authentic selves.

We believe in respect for all living creatures which is in line with the Native Americans who inhabited this valley long before us. Our resources are chosen wisely and Mother Earth provides in bountiful reciprocity. Gardens are natural & lush. Woodlands are bio-diverse. Fields dance with wildflowers. We try our best to embody and share a balanced lifestyle with everyone who visits.
Historically, the humble beginning of what is now Wellness:té Lodge was originally a seasonal cabin with a few acres. Over the years, through strategic investment in natural areas the estate has grown to nearly 60 acres. Visitors will find virtually every habitat type represented here from open fields, hardwood forests, pine forests, wetlands, river, ponds and springs. Home to a bounty of wild critters and plants, these lands exist to remind us of all things natural in the Northeastern United States.

We’ve been touched by the loving transformation that we’ve seen in all who visit and stay at Wellness:té  Lodge. It’s our hope that for generations to come all creatures great and small will continue to live in harmony here and touch the lives of all who venture this way.

We hope that you’ll be our guest and experience the beauty of Wellness:té Lodge for yourself by enjoying your next vacation or special event here amidst a healing natural landscape.

In peace and love- Christophe