Hudson Valley has cast a spell on artists, writers, and creatives since the 1800s when The Hudson River School saw the likes of pastoral painters such as Thomas Cole, Frederic Edwin Church, and Asher Brown Durand rise to stardom.
It’s not hard to see why, given its bucolic landscape and tapestry of idyllic hamlets. One doesn’t have to look far to be floored by the natural beauty found in these parts, especially in the town of Gardiner where the Auberge Resorts Collection debuted their first upstate New York sanctuary: Wildflower Farms.
Of course, certain prerequisites are to be expected with an Always Auberge stay: impeccable accommodations, self-care treatments rooted in nature, and a never-ending roster of activities allowing you to do the most—or the least—during your visit. The choice is yours.
After spending the majority of your check-in process next to what seems like Hudson’s Valley’s largest fire pit, you’ll eventually meander across the grounds, over to your room and this is where it gets good.
Whether you opt for a cabin, cottage, or suite, you’ll find your surroundings quite inspiring, thanks to unparalleled views of the Shawangunk Ridge Mountains in the background and stunning interiors designed by Ward + Gray. Think sumptuous, jewel-toned fabrics, warm woods, and cozy window seats.
The indoor-outdoor motif continues throughout all spaces, especially in the suites: living rooms with floor-to-ceiling fireplaces give way to chaises and private patios, that flow past cedar soaking tubs and al fresco showers, before winding back into expansive marble bathrooms, and eventually, the dreamiest bedroom with another fireplace because you can never have too many.
If you do decide to ever leave your quarters, you’re most likely to find yourself feeding the chickens, donkeys, and sheep (you can even choose your eggs for a morning omelet), or hiking the property’s numerous trails.
There’s no shortage of experiences to partake in either—everything from a botanical mixology hour and floral focaccia class to healing reiki rituals and grounding sound baths is offered, along with seasonal itineraries.
Once you work up an appetite, visit their restaurant aptly named Clay. This sensorial dining experience offers just-plucked roasted carrots and beets from their clay-rich soil. Martinis studded w fragrant lavender sprigs from nearby fields are also quite tempting.
All-day dining includes several breakfast, lunch, and dinner options so you never grow bored (or hungry). It’s also worth mentioning their A+ beverage program: Many cocktails are infused with a tincture blended with garden-fresh herbs, in addition to a naturally-inspired wine list.
Top Takeaways
Location: Gardiner, New York
Rating: Four-Star
The Vibe: A sprawling refuge nestled in-between wildflowers and woodlands that are built for nature lovers and city escapists in upstate New York.
Food + Drink: Clay for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, along with The Great Porch for fireside sips and snacks and Dew Bar for light bites and cocktails in the summer.
Amenities: Two indoor and outdoor pools; a state-of-the-art fitness center and Thistle spa; complimentary yoga and meditation classes; mini-bar nibbles selected by Rachel Krupa’s The Goods Mart; in-room libraries curated in partnership with Phaidon; plus binoculars and lanterns for use on the grounds.
Our Favorite Thing About the Hotel: From afar, the complex of cabins may seem rather close together, but when you’re in the privacy of your cedar hot tub with nothing but steam swirls and mountain views for miles, you feel as though you have the whole place to yourself.
What’s Nearby? Mohonk Preserve; Minnewaska State Park; Arrowood Farms; Accord Market; Brooklyn Cider House; Antiques Barn at Water Street Market; The Disgruntled Chef; Mountain Brauhaus; Cronin Gallery; and Wright’s Farm.
Any Personal Neighborhood Recs? A whiskey tasting and tour of Tuthilltown Distillery—where Hudson Whiskey was born. The concierge team will even arrange your hands-on opportunity to “thieve whiskey” from a working alembic still that dates back to 1867 and the best part is, it’s only a 10-minute walk down the lane.
Rooms: 65 (28 Cabins, 32 Cottages, and 5 Suites)
Pricing: Rates start at $1,131/night
Closest Airport: New York Stewart International Airport
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