Super Charge Your Team Meetings in 2026!

The research is clear... team meetings produce dramatically better results after a 60-Minute walk in the woods.

Valley Rock Inn Offers One Day or Overnight Team Meetings.

We are located 30 minutes from Manhattan and just minutes away from 70,000 acres of forever wild parkland.

View Amenities

Sample Itineraries

One day
Overnight
Contact Us

The research is clear, team meetings produce dramatically better results after a 60-Minute walk in the woods.

Team Meeting & Conference Hall

Why Teams Perform Dramatically Better After a 60-Minute Nature Walk (With Added Benefits From a Brook Along the Trail)

Backed by leading research from Stanford, the University of Michigan, UNC Chapel Hill, Exeter, and multiple peer-reviewed journals.

Teams that begin meetings with a one-hour nature walk consistently show measurable improvements in cognition, emotional state, group dynamics, and collaboration. These effects are well-documented in over two decades of research in psychology, neuroscience, and environmental health.

Valley Rock Inn is ideally located for both day trips and overnight stays to supercharge your team meeting or retreat. We are just 30 minutes from the George Washington Bridge and surrounded by 70,000 acres of forever-wild parkland. A train station is a short walk away, and a regularly scheduled bus stops nearby, making arrival easy whether your team travels by car or public transportation.

VRI-Market-Entrance-tmg (2)
03
vr-pool-aug-1-5 (2)
DSC00168

Why a 60 Minute Walk in the Woods
Is the Scientifically Optimal Duration

Research across multiple disciplines points to a 45–90 minute sweet spot for peak cognitive and emotional benefits.

20 minutes → cortisol drops begin

30–40 minutes → creativity and focus climb

45–60 minutes → attention restoration, stress reduction, and synchrony peak

Up to 90 minutes → reduction in rumination and emotional reset

(Stanford, 2015)

A 60-minute walk sits exactly at the center of the optimal range, maximizing:

Stress reduction, Cognitive recovery, Idea generation, Group bonding, Emotional openness

Added Benefits When the Trail Includes
a Brook or Flowing Water

Water isn’t just scenic — researchers call it a “super-restorative stimulus.”
Environments that include water (“blue spaces”) offer benefits above and beyond forests alone.
  • 20 minutes in nature significantly lowers cortisol and activates the parasympathetic nervous system. Hunter et al., Frontiers in Psychology, 2019.
  • Time in natural environments elevates dopamine and endorphins, enhancing emotional well-being. Pretty et al., Environmental Science & Technology, 2005.
  • Positive emotions broaden cognitive capacity, improving problem-solving and social connection. Fredrickson, UNC Chapel Hill — Broaden-and-Build Theory.
  • Nature decreases subgenual PFC activity, reducing anxiety and self-criticism. Stanford University, 2015.

Cognitive Performance
Better Focus, Greater Clarity, More Creative Ideas

Impact:
Teams arrive mentally fresh, able to think strategically, generate new ideas, and solve problems more effectively.
  • Creativity increases by an average of 60% after walking, especially outside.
    Oppezzo & Schwartz, Stanford University, 2014.
  • Cognitive fatigue decreases and working memory improves after 50–60 minutes in nature.
    Berman et al., University of Michigan, 2008; Journal of Environmental Psychology.
  • Attention is restored when the prefrontal cortex rests during nature immersion.
    Kaplan & Kaplan, University of Michigan — Attention Restoration Theory.
  • Rumination (negative repetitive thinking) decreases after a 90-minute nature walk.
    Bratman et al., Stanford University, 2015.

Emotional State
Lower Stress, Better Mood, Greater Openness

Impact:
Participants feel calmer, more positive, and more emotionally available — ideal conditions for high-quality collaboration.
  • 20 minutes in nature significantly lowers cortisol and activates the parasympathetic nervous system.
    Hunter et al., Frontiers in Psychology, 2019.
  • Time in natural environments elevates dopamine and endorphins, enhancing emotional well-being.
    Pretty et al., Environmental Science & Technology, 2005.
  • Positive emotions broaden cognitive capacity, improving problem-solving and social connection.
    Fredrickson, UNC Chapel Hill — Broaden-and-Build Theory.
  • Nature decreases subgenual PFC activity, reducing anxiety and self-criticism.
    Stanford University, 2015.

Group Dynamics
Stronger Trust, Better Communication, More Cooperative Energy

Impact:
Teams communicate more openly, resolve conflict faster, and align more easily.
  • Walking in synchrony increases trust, rapport, and cooperation.
    University of Connecticut; Stanford social coordination studies.
  • Shared movement boosts oxytocin, the “bonding hormone.”
    Zak et al., Claremont Graduate University.
  • Natural settings reduce territorial behavior and perceived hierarchy, increasing psychological safety.
    Journal of Environmental Psychology.
  • Nature exposure increases generosity and pro-social behavior.
    Weinstein et al., Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 2009.

Business Outcomes
Faster Answers, Higher-Quality Ideas, More Productive Meeting

Impact:
Teams deliver stronger insights, more innovative ideas, and more decisive action plans.
  • Positive emotional states and cognitive clarity lead to more accurate decision-making.
    Harvard Business Review summaries of emotional intelligence research.
  • Enhanced divergent thinking after walking leads to higher-quality creative output.
    Stanford Graduate School of Education, 2014.
  • Reduced stress and restored attention improve strategic depth and follow-through.
    American Psychological Association.
  • Teams exposed to nature show significant performance improvements in group tasks.
    Journal of Organizational Behavior, 2017.

Join Us This Winter

Property Amenities

01
02
Valley Rock-95

Dinning at Valley Rock Inn

We offer three distinct dining options, each with its own atmosphere and character.

The Lodge

The Lodge offers fine dining and features three fireplaces, vaulted ceilings, and a full bar. Located adjacent to the pool, its sun terrace is an ideal spot for breakfast and lunch.

  • • The main dining room seats up to 70 for dinner and can also be used for meetings and presentations.
  • • A secondary dining room is perfect for more intimate private lunches or dinners.
  • • During retreats, lunch is often served buffet-style in the bar, creating a relaxed and social atmosphere.
Layer-0 (8)
DSC02316 (6)
1278020 (4)

The Cantina

The Cantina is a unique, heated dining space overlooking the gardens and is open year-round. It features a wood-burning oven and can seat up to 120 guests at two long communal tables. Adjacent outdoor lounge areas with fire pits make it an especially memorable gathering space.

Valley Rock-62 (1)
Valley Rock-58
DSC02540

Organic Market & Cafe

The Valley Rock Organic Market & Café offers the healthiest food available for miles. The café serves wild-caught salmon, grass-fed beef, pasture-raised chicken, and organic vegetables, along with freshly baked goods and excellent espresso drinks.

The vibe is casual and cozy, with a wood-burning stove for warmth. Located adjacent to the meeting spaces, it’s easy for guests to grab coffee and snacks throughout the day.

Meetings Spaces

Our primary meeting space includes a conversation pit seating 20 and a conference area that accommodates up to 50 guests. The space is chic, comfortable, and equipped with an impressive sound system and large screen TV for presentations.

Located adjacent to the Organic Market & Café, the space allows for easy access to coffee, espresso drinks, snacks and organic green juice on top throughout your meetings.

large_TFH_DSC_0602-1
hotoCredit_Luxproductions
Sloatsburg
Rock_Photo_Credit

Guest Houses

Valley Rock Inn offers 21 guest rooms, including 20 with en-suite baths, spread across five historic guest houses. Each house has been thoughtfully restored and furnished with a blend of antiques, vintage pieces, and modern design, offering comfort with character.

vr-pool-aug
Valley Rock-71 (1)
Screen-Shot-2019-09-16-at-5.42.06-PM
IMG_1854 (13)

Fitness & Wellness

Guests enjoy access to a 75-foot lap pool, cold plunge, sauna, and a 7,000-square-foot fitness center equipped for resistance training, yoga and two ping pong tables.

We are located just one mile from 70,000 acres of forever-wild parkland and offer guided hikes as well as a fleet of bikes for the spectacular riding directly outside our doors. Additional wellness offerings include sound baths, yoga classes, and massage therapy.

The Perfect Ending to a Productive Day

As the workday winds down, Happy Time Hall transitions seamlessly from meeting space to after-hours disco and gathering place—giving teams an intentional way to release the day and shift into integration and connection.

For a more restorative close to the day, teams can choose a sound bath, allowing the insights from the day’s meetings to settle, integrate, and bring the group into deeper alignment.

Valley Rock Inn Offers One Day or Overnight Team Meetings.

We are located 30 minutes from Manhattan and just minutes away from 70,000 acres of forever wild parkland.

View Amenities

Sample Itineraries

One day
Overnight
Contact Us

Contact us for more information

One Day Sample Itinerary

8:00 Arrive at Valley Rock Inn

Coffee and a light bite pre hike

8:30 -10:00 Hike

10:00 Meetings start at Happy Time Hall, Valleys Rocks meetings space with room for break outs, conference table for 20- 40 and lounge area.

Coffee and snacks served meeting side

1:00 Buffet Lunch at The Lodge, either pool side or in the bar

2:00 Meetings

4:00 -30 minute break: with ping pong, stretch class, sound bath or Bio charger

4:30 meeting resume

6:30 Fireside seated dinner at The Lodge in the Antler room

8:30 Departure

Or

8:30 10:00 Dancing/ karaoke in the Disco

Overnight Sample Itinerary

Day One | Arrival, Connection & Flow

8:00 AM | Arrival at Valley Rock Inn
Welcome coffee and a light bite served prior to the morning hike.

8:30–10:00 AM | Guided Morning Hike
A grounding, energizing hike through the Valley Rock trails.

10:00 AM | Meetings Begin
Sessions held in Happy Time Hall, Valley Rock’s dedicated meeting space featuring:

Breakout areas

Conference table seating for 20–40 guests

Comfortable lounge seating

Coffee and light snacks available throughout the session.

1:00–2:00 PM | Buffet Lunch at The Lodge
Seasonal buffet served poolside (weather permitting) or inside the Lodge bar.

2:00–4:00 PM | Afternoon Meetings

4:00–4:30 PM | Wellness & Reset Break
Guests may choose from:

Ping pong & casual play

Guided stretch class

Sound bath

BioCharger session

4:30–6:30 PM | Meetings Resume

6:30 PM | Fireside Seated Dinner
Curated dinner in the Antler Room at The Lodge.

8:30 PM | Evening Options

Evening at leisure & overnight accommodations
or

8:30–10:00 PM | Dancing & Karaoke in the Disco

 

Overnight Accommodations

Guests retreat to Valley Rock’s thoughtfully designed guest rooms across the property, offering comfort, privacy, and restorative rest. Evening is yours to unwind, connect, or enjoy the grounds at your own pace.

 

Day Two | Clarity & Momentum

8:00–9:00 AM | Guided Morning Hike
A grounding and energizing hike through the Valley Rock trails.

9:00–10:00 AM | Breakfast & Check-Out
Nourishing breakfast followed by check-out.
Luggage storage available; meeting spaces remain accessible.

10:30 AM–12:30 PM | Morning Session
Facilitated workshop, keynote, or strategic working session.

1:00–2:00 PM | Lunch
Seasonal, chef-curated lunch.

2:00–5:00 PM | Afternoon Sessions
Breakout groups, collaborative work, and closing facilitation.
(Wellness or movement breaks incorporated as desired.)

Valley Rock Cantina

Covered & Heated Outdoor Dining & Bar

Friday 5:00 pm – 9:30 pm

Saturday 12:00 pm – 9:30 pm

Sunday 11:00 am – 4:00 pm

Desserts Menu‣
Brunch Menu‣

Dinner Menu‣

Reserve a table ‣
For up to 8 people‣ For larger parties‣
Driving directions ‣

Valley Rock Lodge

Bar & Fine Dining

Steak Night at The Lodge

Join us for a Special Thursday Night Steak Dinner.
The Lodge at Valley Rock Inn.

Thursday, March 20th

Steak Night Dinner Menu ‣
Book now ‣

Thursday 5:00 pm – 9:30 pm

Friday 5:00 pm – 9:30 pm

Saturday 4:00 pm – 9:30 pm

Bar Menu‣

Dinner Menu‣

Desserts Menu‣
Reserve a table ‣
Driving directions ‣

Contact us ‣

Valley Rock

Valley Rock Inn

For Last Minute Reservations:

Call or text 845-500-5549

Online Dining Reservations:

The Cantina • reserve

The Lodge • reserve

Valley Rock Organic Market:

Call or text 845 320 6357

Tuesday – Sunday: 9am-5pm

Valley Rock Events:

Weddings & Private Parties ▸

Corporate Events ▸

Valley Rock Guest Houses:

Book Online▸

(845) 618-9123

General Inquiries:

contact@valleyrockinn.com

(845) 618-9123

Driving Directions:

The Lodge and Guest Houses
66 Orange Turnpike, Sloatsburg, New York 10974, USA

The Cantina & The Market
27 Mill Street, Sloatsburg, New York 10974, USA
(Park in the village parking lot)

The benefits of activating your whole brain state

A synchronized dual-brain hemisphere state—where the left and right hemispheres of the brain are in harmony—can provide numerous benefits for mental, emotional, and even physical functioning. Here’s how it helps

1. Enhanced Creativity and Problem-Solving

  • The left hemisphere excels in logic, language, and analytical thinking, while the right hemisphere specializes in creativity, intuition, and holistic processing.
  • Synchronization enables both hemispheres to work together, combining logic and intuition for more effective problem-solving and innovative thinking.

2. Improved Emotional Balance

  • The right hemisphere is more connected to emotions and the subconscious, while the left often applies reason and interpretation.
  • When synchronized, emotional reactions can be better understood and regulated, reducing stress and increasing emotional resilience.

3. Heightened Focus and Clarity

  • A balanced brain state reduces internal conflict, allowing for clear and focused thinking.
  • Tasks requiring both detailed analysis and creative vision are performed more effectively.

4. Enhanced Learning and Memory

  • Synchronization facilitates communication between the hemispheres through the corpus callosum, improving the brain’s ability to integrate and retain information.
  • It can accelerate learning processes and aid in memory recall by combining logical sequencing with visual and spatial memory.

5. Improved Physical Coordination

  • Motor skills and physical coordination benefit from hemispheric synchronization, as the left hemisphere controls the right side of the body and vice versa.
  • Athletes and performers often train to achieve this balance for optimal performance.

6. Increased Mindfulness and Meditative States

  • Practices like meditation, yoga, or sound therapy often aim to synchronize hemispheres, creating a state of flow or heightened awareness.
  • This can reduce overthinking and promote a sense of unity and peace.

7. Boosted Intuition and Spiritual Insight

  • Synchronization allows the intuitive insights of the right hemisphere to be more effectively processed and expressed by the left.
  • This can lead to deeper spiritual awareness or a sense of connection to oneself and the universe.

8. Reduced Stress and Anxiety

  • A balanced brain state can calm the overactive left hemisphere (often linked to worry and rumination) and allow the right hemisphere’s calming influence to take hold.
  • This balance fosters relaxation and reduces the physiological effects of stress.

The benefits of activating your heart-brain coherence

Achieving a heart-brain coherence state—a state where the heart and brain operate in harmonious synchronization—offers a wide range of benefits across physical, mental, emotional, and even spiritual dimensions. Here are the key benefits:

 

1. Physical Health Benefits

  • Improved Cardiovascular Health: Heart-brain coherence reduces blood pressure, regulates heart rate variability, and improves overall heart function.
  • Boosted Immune System: The calming effects of coherence enhance immune function and reduce inflammation in the body.
  • Increased Energy Levels: Coherence optimizes the body’s energy use by reducing stress-related energy drains.

 

2. Mental and Cognitive Benefits

  • Enhanced Focus and Clarity: Coherence improves the ability to concentrate and think clearly by reducing mental noise and distractions.
  • Better Decision-Making: With emotional balance and reduced stress, individuals can make decisions with greater clarity and wisdom.
  • Improved Memory and Learning: The harmonized state supports better brain functioning, aiding memory retention and learning capacity.

 

3. Emotional and Psychological Benefits

  • Reduced Stress and Anxiety: Coherence calms the autonomic nervous system, lowering cortisol levels and reducing stress.
  • Greater Emotional Balance: It helps regulate emotions, making it easier to stay calm and composed in challenging situations.
  • Increased Resilience: Individuals in this state recover more quickly from emotional upsets and challenges.

 

4. Spiritual and Intuitive Benefits

  • Enhanced Intuition: Coherence strengthens the heart’s neural network, which some researchers suggest contributes to intuitive decision-making and insights.
  • Deeper Spiritual Connection: Many people experience a sense of alignment with their values, purpose, and the universe in this state.
  • Expanded Awareness: Coherence promotes a sense of interconnectedness, allowing for a deeper understanding of oneself and one’s place in the world.

 

5. Relationship and Social Benefits

  • Improved Communication: A coherent state enhances empathy, active listening, and the ability to express oneself clearly.
  • Greater Empathy and Compassion: It fosters emotional understanding and connection with others, improving relationships.
  • Reduced Conflict: By promoting emotional balance, coherence makes it easier to navigate interpersonal challenges peacefully.

 

6. Performance and Productivity Benefits

  • Peak Performance: Coherence enhances the ability to enter flow states, optimizing performance in sports, work, and creative activities.
  • Increased Creativity: The alignment of emotional and cognitive processes opens pathways for innovative thinking and problem-solving.
  • Heightened Efficiency: Coherence enables the mind and body to work together seamlessly, leading to more effective and focused effort.

 

7. Long-Term Benefits

  • Sustained Well-Being: Regularly achieving coherence can lead to lasting improvements in health, happiness, and overall quality of life.
  • Neuroplasticity and Brain Health: The repeated practice of coherence supports the development of healthier neural pathways, improving long-term brain function.
  • Reduction in Chronic Conditions: By managing stress and promoting systemic harmony, coherence may reduce the risk of stress-related illnesses.

 

Conclusion

Heart-brain coherence is a powerful state that enhances physical health, mental clarity, emotional resilience, and spiritual connection. It is both a tool for immediate stress relief and a practice with profound long-term benefits, empowering individuals to live with greater harmony, effectiveness, and joy.

VALLEY ROCK LODGE

Lucky in Love @ VRI!

Join us for Valentine’s dinner with your lucky partner. Bring your husband, wife, girlfriend, boyfriend, brother, sister or best friend and be entered to win a 2-night stay valued at over $5,000
at Valley Rock Inn.

Wednesday February 14th, 2024
5:00pm–9:00pm

RESERVE

One lucky couple will win a $5,000 getaway at
Valley Rock Inn!

Win a 2-night stay for up to 6 people.

Your stay includes one of our private guest houses with 3-5 bedrooms, use of our 6,000 sq ft gym, 75ft lap pool (in season), a choice of a guided hike, bike ride, spin class, sound meditation or yoga class for your group.

You will also have access to our media and games rooms to watch selected movies, documentaries and lectures. Play ping pong and relax in our massage chairs and dance the night away with our studio quality sound system and disco lights.

Starting this spring we will have hot and cold water treatments poolside. Sauna, jacuzzi and cold dips.

Historic house lovers will also be offered a tour of historic Tuxedo Park by Michael Bruno and art lovers will be provided tickets to Storm King Art Center.

Date of stay is based on availability in 2024.

Each party of two will be given one entry ticket upon being seated for dinner. Winner will be drawn, February 14th and announced during dinner.

We would love to see you.
Wednesday February 14th, 2024
5:00pm–9:00pm

$125 per person

(Price includes tax & gratuity.)

RESERVE

Valentine's Dinner Menu

First Course
(For the Table)

Little Gem Caesar
Parmesan cheese, sourdough crouton

Oysters Rockefeller

Second Course
(Choice of)

Burrata
Prosciutto, roasted tomato, country bread

Grilled Lamb Chops
Toasted orzo, kale, garbanzo, pomegranate

Tuna Tataki
Sesame tuna, avocado, crispy wonton, slaw, tahini ranch

Third Course
(Choice of)

Surf and Turf (gf) +$25
Butter poached lobster tail, romanesco, rustic mash, bernaise

Grilled 8oz Filet (gf)
Romanesco, rustic mash, bernaise

Braised Mushroom Pasta (v)
Paccherri, creamy mushrooms, roasted maitake

Miso Chilean Sea Bass (gf, df)
Chinese broccoli, seafood broth

Roasted Chicken (gf, df)
Roasted carrot, parsnip puree, pan sauce

Dessert
(Choice of)

Chocolate Pot De Creme
Espresso whipped cream

Coconut Creme Brulee (gf)

Basque Cheescake
Luxardo cherries

$125 per person

(Price includes tax & gratuity.)

RESERVE

Valet Parking

66 Orange Turnpike, Sloatburg, NY

Valley Rock Inn

Events

Mother's Day Brunch

Treat Mom to a beautiful 3-course brunch with fresh seasonal flavors, a warm ambiance, and heartfelt moments. Let’s make this Mother’s Day as special as she is!

Sunday, May 11th

Easter Brunch Menu ‣
Reserve ‣

Dining at Valley Rock Cantina

Outdoor heated bar and dining open year-round. Dinner Thursday – Saturday, Sunday brunch.

Reserve a table ‣

Valley Rock

Organic Market & Cafe

Tuesday – Thursday: 9am – 4pm
Friday – Saturday: 9am – 5pm
Sunday: 9am – 4pm
Coffee, latte, espresso and house baked goods.
Prepared foods to go!

Market menu
Driving directions

Valley Rock Cantina

Outdoor Dining & Bar

Wednesday-Sunday

Wed / Thu Dinner

Fri / Sat Dinner

Brunch

Drinks

Wed–Fri 5:00pm-11:00pm

Sat 12:00pm-11:00pm

Sun 11:00am-5:00pm
Reserve a table ‣
For up to 6 people ‣

For larger parties ‣

Walk-ins welcome ‣
Skip to content