I went to VATRA to jump start my weight loss and exercise routine. I left with alot more. I lost 10 pounds in 10 days and I could walk for hours without being totally drained. All the staff were very friendly and helpful. I didn't feel like I was on the weight loss journey alone. I had help from everyone to include the other guests. I would highly recommend VATRA to anyone who is serious about losing weight or beginning an exercise program. The accomodations are more than adequate for what you come to VATRA for. The management is excellent.

Beautiful Setting and accomodation, although everything does not always work smoothly.
Good food - high controls
Good exercises, but not all that are advertised (ex.no t'ai chi, very little "real" Yoga
Sometimes a bit "hit or miss"

I'm going back...For weight loss and good exercise it works...no miracle but it works...good food...neurotic staff... many nosey, self absorbed visitors...who complain, sneak food in, and keep going back...I had a great time with other women, many like myself who had never been,... we sort of snickered about the miserable returnees and the soap opera atmosphere of the place. The food was excellent, some instructors excellent, others were just fine too, other staff...staff...hmmmmm... some quite nice and accomidating...some treat "first timers" rather poorly...and the visitors...well there are MANY return clients who gossip... and complain constantly. and some darling returnees too. However...if weight loss is what you are looking for...and as long as the weather is nice and the outdoor pool is working...you can bear the rest...along with the plenty of other nice people who are there just to rejuvenate and lose some weight.We hung out at the pool together at the end of every afternoon, just floating around..after a day of exercise...it was really nice. The accomidations are just like a run down summer camp...so be prepared...NO HOT TUB either.

I stayed here for 2 nights because of its close proximity to Hunter Mountain, not to lose weight. If you visited their website and then booked a room expecting a 'canyon ranch in the catskills'...boy, are you in for a surprise! What a dump! Even Morgan would be disappointed. The breakfast buffet was lousy...did you ever have watery watered down scrambled eggs that tasted like cardboard? The pool was cold and clammy on the outside and you had to remind the staff to remove the tarpolin that served as a cover. The dressing room doors (2 of them) didn't lock and there was no life guard on duty. But enough of the amenities. What about the rooms? Well, they WERE clean. My sisters room down the hall was nice and warm. My room was cold. In order to raise or lower the temperature you have to call the front desk and tell them make the room warmer or colder. You have no control over the thermostat. Do you like your room to be quiet? Better book a room on the second floor. If you stay on the first floor you're at the mercy of the people above you. You can hear a pin drop, and I ain't exaggerating. I thought the 3rd Russian Army was encamped above me. We managed to get switched to a quieter room after a lengthy game of brinksmanship with the front desk but they got the last laugh. The televison didn't work! And they couldn't fix it. Our tough luck again, though we did get a rather generous $10 phone allowance. Charity begins at home.

A final bit of advice. If all you care about is being close to Hunter Mountain and having a clean bathroom and adequate bed, then this place is ok. If you stay for any other reason you're an idiot.