The just-opened Wildflower Farms, an Auberge Resort Collection, is set on a former tree nursery in pastoral Gardiner, NY. It will likely attract affluent urbanites with its luxurious rustic delights. Wildflower Farms is the Hudson Valley’s First Ultra-luxury, Nature-inspired Retreat in Upstate New York
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Overlooking the mighty Shawangunk Ridge on 140 acres, Wildflower Farms, Auberge Resorts Collection recently opened as the newest escape in the foothills of the Catskill Mountains,
Wildflower Farms bills itself as an environmentally conscious, luxury retreat, fringed by fiery fall forests and a slow-rippling river. Its expansive grounds encompass orchards, woodlands, a namesake farm, heirloom gardens and fields of native wildflowers.
Nestled within are 65 bespoke cabins, cottages and suites; Thistle, an Auberge Spa; Maplehouse cooking school; and exceptional dining destinations, including the resort’s signature restaurant Clay—all inspired by the region’s wild beauty.
“Fifteen years ago, my wife, Kristin, and I came to the Hudson Valley for the first time and immediately fell in love with Gardiner,” said Phillip Rapoport, owner and managing partner, Wildflower Farms, Auberge Resorts Collection, “We wanted to create an antidote to urban life that honored and respected the beautiful nature of the area. We built this resort to offer the type of guest experience we were looking for ourselves—design that is rooted in nature."
"We are elated to finally welcome friends, family and travelers from around the world to this extraordinary destination.”
Nature-embracing design for effortless reconnection
Designed to facilitate meaningful encounters with nature, Wildflower Farms, Auberge Resorts Collection rests where rolling farmland meets pristine wilderness in the Lower Hudson Valley. Renowned for its luminous skies and the dramatic allure of each new season, it is here that the esteemed 19th-century Hudson River School painters found their inspiration and where those seeking an escape from urban life still find it today.
Architects Electric Bowery and interior specialists Ward and Gray were tasked with designing Wildflower Farms, Auberge Resorts Collection on the site of a fallow tree nursery. They successfully achieved the founding vision of celebrating the land and its breathtaking scenery by drawing on the theme of connection. Every light-filled architectural element eloquently frames and reflects the natural beauty around it to impart an effortless sense of wonder and peacefulness to those within.
Interiors feature warm woods and handblown glass fixtures, complemented by quilted fabrics and storied fabric-house prints in colors reflecting the seasons—sage and goldenrod, burnt umber and aubergine. Honoring the land, sustainable design measures and materials, including the careful sourcing of vintage pieces, have been incorporated throughout.
Soundtracked by the soft flow of the Shawangunk Kill river, the 28 sun-dappled Bower Cabinsreside beneath the tree canopy, while the 32 Meadow and Ridge Cottages seemingly float within a sea of wildflowers and grasses, the latter with views of Shawangunk Ridge. Enjoying prime positions in the wildflower meadows, the five expansive Ridge Suites offer unparalleled views of The Gunks and an abundance of indoor and outdoor space. Leading onto the main terrace, the lounge and dining areas are both arranged around a circular central fireplace, while the bedroom opens onto its own private terrace with a cedar hot tub and outdoor shower.
Harvest-led, farm-to-fork dining
Bringing a new dimension to the Hudson Valley’s storied history of culinary influence, Wildflower Farms, Auberge Resorts Collection introduces unique dining destinations, an on-site cooking school and farm education center, and a diverse calendar of weekly events. Celebrating the seasons and the land’s innate ability to nourish and heal, the chef-led kitchens offer diners a true taste of the local terroir, paying homage to the region’s back-to-the-land ethos. Pasture-raised meats, free-range chicken and eggs, aromatic herbs and heritage fruits and vegetables come directly from the onsite farm or hand-picked farm partners and are prepared to perfection, each new dish a love letter to the Hudson Valley.
Also within the main building is The Great Porch, framing unparalleled views of Shawangunk Ridge. This open-air venue’s morning coffee and pastry energy segue into golden afternoon bites and post-adventure refreshments, before evolving into a destination for pre-dinner cocktails and late-night fireside gatherings.
The lively Dew Bar is situated alongside the property’s outdoor swimming pool, amidst rustling grasses. Spotlighting culinary talent in a relaxed, sun-drenched setting, poolside dining is offered seasonally from May through September with a curated list of visiting chefs. Seasonal dining is kept experiential across the property, with orchard wood-fired pop-ups, farm dinners beneath the stars and interactive Miele kitchen tasting experiences.
Exploring the joy of living well
The property’s 9,000-square-foot wellness facility is named for the wild, health-supporting blooms that blanket summer’s fields in purple and blue. Thistle, an Auberge Spa harnesses the power of nature and its cycles to offer personalized seasonal treatment menus, combining age-old natural remedies and therapeutic bodywork with the life-enhancing principles of slow wellness.
As serene as the mountains it overlooks, the spa features six treatment rooms, outdoor hot tubs and an indoor saltwater pool. Beyond the spa, the property’s expansive grounds are home to a 3,500-square-foot open-air fitness center, a movement studio offering daily classes, and three miles of hiking trails.
Now is the time to start planning for future travel.
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