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Hospitality

Bedford’s Stamp on Eco-Luxury Hospitality: The Bedford Post Inn

Dark green pastures as far as the eye can see, stunning thoroughbreds cantering within white fenced borders, conservatively elegant colonials and the relaxing stillness of an old New England town is what you’ll find as you drive on Route 22 in Bedford, New York. An unexpected tranquil setting, Bedford is only 45 minutes from the bustling streets of Manhattan and the home of many celebrities such as Martha Stewart, Ralph Lauren, Richard Gere and his wife Carey Lowell.

It was in Bedford that I was welcomed by a home away from home, The Bedford Post Inn. The Bedford Post Inn is a historic property circa the 1860s. With the use of reclaimed materials, geothermal cooling, low VOC paints and finishes, soy and other natural insulation, this eco-friendly establishment opened spring 2009. Owned by Richard Gere, Carey Lowell, Russell Hernandez and his wife, Alesandra, The Bedford Post Inn is a place I will never forget and will always want to return.

Arriving in time for Sunday Brunch, I was greeted by the warm smile of the gentleman whom runs the valet. It was his smile that set the tone for a wonderful experience.

The Owners Of The Bedford Post Inn
Photo courtesy of www.bedfordpostinn.com

As my photographer Rob and I perused the area for shooting opportunities, we were very impressed with the grounds. With garden borders filled with white Echinacea, pink and blue Hydrangeas and towering purple Verbena, I was amazed by how established, full and lush everything looked, considering the Inn’s opening this spring. The Inn that looks like a beautiful old farmhouse seems just at home in this setting. With gardens like this and architectural details, such as the gorgeous copper gutters with an aged patina that contrast beautifully with the creamy ecru shade of the traditional clapboard siding, you feel as though this Inn has been here forever. And YOU didn’t think gutters could be gorgeous! But as with the gutters, the attention to detail on the exterior of the Inn was just a hint of what awaited me inside!

After our exterior shoot, Rob and I had brunch in The Barn, one of the two restaurants on site. Of the two, The Barn is more informal in comparison to the more formal restaurant, The Farmhouse. The use of organic and farm fresh produce is the backbone of their menu selection and local gourmet chef Brian Lewis brings it to life. I could not wait to get a taste! I ordered the banana pancake, two eggs scrambled with cheese, hash browns and a side of bacon. I was hungry…OK! The food was amazing! The Banana Pancake was a dark golden brown on the outside and with a soft, fluffy cake like texture on the inside. It reminded me of the traditional pancakes cooked in a cast iron skillet. If you have not noticed already, food is one of my passions as well, not forgetting a balanced diet and regular exercise. How else can I eat the gorgeous decadent options out there, I have to be at the gym five days a week. But it is all worth it in order to enjoy a meal like this without guilt!

After eating brunch at The Barn, we visited The Yoga Loft, a portal where East meets West. As I remove my shoes to enter the space, I am transported to a place where yoga and mediation are a way of life. It felt as if I moved through space and time from 19th century New England to a present day meditative space for Tibetan monks. The flow is seamless from the loft lit by delicate Asian lanterns with hardwood afoot through another gateway made of reclaimed wooden beams that lead you to a peaceful meditation garden filled with Japanese Maples, flowers, small shrubs and a lush soft carpet of dark green grass.

It was there where we met Jacki, the Innkeeper. Greeted with her fresh faced smile and welcoming demeanor, Jacki started us on our tour of the interior of the inn. Jacki’s enthusiasm and youthful sophistication made the energy of the Inn seem current, open- minded and forward thinking. Jacki’s comforting eloquence proved that she knew the Inn inside and out. Although she was not the typical innkeeper I expected, I must be honest it was refreshing.

However, let us move back to the tour! As you approach the entrance to the Inn, you walk down a path bordered with bowing hydrangeas acknowledging your arrival. You then enter into reception through a door so beautifully heavy, you might as well be walking through the gates of heaven. Here, heaven is what you find. Inside reception looks like the foyer of a stately colonial. An antique desk with scroll arm chairs is where you sign in. Located just off of reception, you will find a cozy seating room with comfy chairs, a large flat screen television and video games to keep the kids and adults young of heart occupied. It feels so much more like a home than an Inn.

Now there are eight rooms for occupancy, most serving as large doubles with queen or king size beds. However there is a King Size room with a convenient sleeping nook for a small child. Adjacent to this room is another large quest room. Both can be closed off to form a large double room suite. Such as this room, a number of the rooms provide outside seating on a beautiful deck. Picture this, as you breathe in the view from the deck off of your beautifully tailored room, you see within the same visual plane a copper trimmed chimney that exudes traditional New England charm and Asian influenced bamboo rod roofing. Wow, I love the unexpected juxtapose of both the Asian and 19th Century traditional influences. In the rooms, you find luxurious

FRETTE sheets and robes to keep you warm at night. Each unique room has exquisitely relaxing clean design with recurring theme of juxtapose echoing throughout. Some rooms have dark four poster beds that contrast beautifully with the stark crisp white linens. While others have contemporary beds with linen tufted headboards and exposed beams from the original structure providing a canopy of history. These rooms are designed with such simple elegance that you are allowed the space to customize your room with your own added touch, i.e. a travel candle, cashmere throw or framed picture. Do away with your thoughts of dizzying chintz and overwhelming toile! Here, you can make it your home away from home. But let me stop here, because now I will detail what I was impressed with most.

THE BATHROOMS! Yes, the BATHROOMS! First I am taken in by the floors and countertops of clean gray and white marble. Then I am moved by the stark white cool curves of the claw foot bathtub for two. There is also a comparable marble shower large enough for the same. All I could potentially envision were the soft glow of Diptyque candles in lavender, the sparkle of L’Occitane lavender perfumed bubble bath, the refreshing chill of a glass of Sabon Estate Viognier 2000 and the soothing sounds of Enya playing on my iPod. It is a dream come true. This Inn is a dream come true. My dream continues after my bath, when I enjoy a decadent gourmet dinner in The Farmhouse restaurant. Or even better, we retreat to the private dining area off of the well stocked wine cellar. How indulgent and romantic!

According to Gere, there are hopes for this Inn to provide a micro-climate for Global Change, where visionaries can gather to share their ideas. To me, this Inn is not just a place to lay your head; it’s an experience, an eco-friendly, global and spiritually relaxing experience.

To all those at the Bedford Post Inn…until next time and THANK YOU!

For more information on the Bedford Post Inn, please visit www.bedfordpostinn.com !

Photos courtesy of Robert Goldberg Photography

Kimpton Hotels and Restaurants

222 Kearny St., Ste. 200
San Francisco, CA 94108
www.kimptonhotels.com

Photo of Epic Hotel Miami courtesy of www.travelpost.com

Kimpton Hotels and Restaurants have made a life-long commitment to environmental responsibility. Being environmentally responsible is not a one day job. It is a commitment and one that Kimpton is dedicated to for life. Every three months, new products and practices are introduced to Kimpton EarthCare, furthering our vision to reduce our impact on the environment. Of course, all the while, we protect the high quality hotel experience our guests expect.

Luxurious Eco-Getaways

As we all glance through travel magazines and watch travel shows, we ask ourselves…. “Where can I go to getaway from it all while still being eco-conscience?” Well here you go, a list of destinations where the Green and Glamorous play! Places where luxury and eco-friendly surroundings are at every turn. Eco-chic destinations, here we come!

Photo courtesy of www.ecoluxury.com

The Green House at Soneva Kiri, Thailand

Run on alternative energy sources such as wind, solar and hydro power, these A-list accommodations provide sumptuous organic food and low environmental impact activities such as sailing, windsurfing and kayaking. After a day of earth friendly food and activities, you can return to your luxurious villa and relax with the soundtrack of palm trees rustling in the balmy breeze and a view of a sunset that beckons with the promise of more relaxing days and nights yet to come. Go to www.ecoluxury.com for further details!

Ras Mbisi Lodge, Tanzania

If seclusion is what you are looking for on your eco-holiday! Than Ras Mbisi Lodge is one of the best places you can find it, while no one is finding you! As you arrive on this five mile island with only nine exclusive thatched huts, you are greeted with turquoise waters, white sandy beaches and sigh filled ocean breezes. Your beautiful hut, made of local coconut wood by local craftsmen, provides you with your own personal panoramic view of the African coast. Ras Mbisi Lodge also provides amenities such as solar heated water and a restaurant a menu that includes fresh caught fish and vegetables from the organic garden on site. Eco-Paradise Found! Go to www.africatravelresource.com for further details!

Sal Salis Ningaloo Reef, Australia

Calling all DIVERS! If eco-luxe diving seems tempting, how does eco-luxe diving in the NORTHERN TERRITORY OF AUSTRALIA sound? Yes, the beautiful setting for the epic movie AUSTRALIA, but you won’t find dust storms and dingoes here! Beautifully balmy tents furnished with four-poster beds, organic bed linens and eco-friendly products galore! With views of Kangaroos to the glorious western Australian coast from your platform perched tent, northwestern Australia is you oyster! Speaking of oyster, with delectable cuisine and stupendous array of local wines, your distinguished palate will not find anything lacking. Guided walks in the gorges by day and starlit strolls on the beach at night. You may even need a bit more Australian wine as you recall your swim with sharks just hours before. By providing you with the best in eco-amenities, Sal Salis is able to support the Australian Wildlife Conservancy that protects the best the earth has to offer. Go to www.salslais.com.au for further details!

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