Go off-the-grid glamping at the Catskills’ Eastwind Hotel
Off-the-grid, A-frame huts are all the rage in the Catskills. Last week, we wrote about Bjarke Ingels’ triangular prefab “inspired by the Catskills.” Now, another appearance makes the news as the Eastwind Hotel reopens June 1st. Just two hours north of New York City, Eastwind was originally built in the 1920s as a bunkhouse for hunters, fly fishermen, and outdoor enthusiasts. The hotel reopens in a few weeks with 19 rooms and three A-frame, glamping huts nestled in the woods.
Sounding like the perfect beginning to an independent movie, the hotel was founded by four friends- Bjorn Boyer, Julija Stoliarova, Daniel Cipriani and John Burnett. The group were inspired by the property’s past and their own travel experiences. Bjorn Boyer says, “We are a group of friends who grew up all over the world, but we all share a love for the outdoors; The Catskills take us back to each our childhoods. We wanted to create a year-round experience for travelers to enjoy the destination in an upscale way.”
John Burnett further explained, “Two of us were flying back from a business trip and it was on the plane we decided we would open unique hotel properties in amazing destinations with good people. This is where Eastwind was born. We each bring various skill sets and professional hospitality experience to the table, creating the perfect partnership.”
“We knew we wanted to have unique accommodations for guests to enjoy nature. Growing up in Europe we often went camping, so it was important for us to offer this type of experience to our own guests. I read about the Lushna cabins and immediately decided we needed them at Eastwind – they were exactly what we were looking for,” said Boyer. “We contacted the Lushna team, met with them and the rest is history. We’re really excited about these cabins – they have been getting a ton of interest and bookings already and we haven’t even opened yet!”
The entire property was designed with the Nordic lagom concept, meaning not too much, not too little. Rooms have custom beds with Frette linens, chairs, and ottomans by Masaya & Co., and closets wallpapered by House of Hackney. There are two writer’s studio suites and public spaces featuring warm faded Turkish rugs and a Malm fireplace.
There are four room types at the hotel. The Bunk House, which is home to the main lobby and check-in area, has 11 guest rooms including two “writer’s studio” suites, the Salon, and an outdoor deck with a fire pit. The Hill House has five ground-level rooms with double queen beds or king beds with sofas.
The Lushna Cabins, which are located further up the hill, offer guests a “glamping” experience in wooden A-frame huts with a window spanning one wall with views over the Windham Mountain. The 220-square-foot cabins are designed with a simple aesthetic to return guests to nature. They’re insulated to withstand the seasons and each structure has a single window that offers abundant light and views. The huts have guests queen beds, wood chests, Faribault wool blankets, Zenology bath products and wildlife journals. Guests also have access to their own private bathroom called the Rain Room, and a camping kit with grilling equipment to use at the fire pits.
The hotel offers movie screenings in the summer, game nights in the winter, concerts, and art classes. There is also an onsite farmer’s markets and very cool excursions guided by visiting chefs.
There’s also complimentary rain boots for fall foraging, snowshoes for winter expeditions, backpacks for summer hikes or bikes to venture into town where the village’s Main Street is filled with restaurants, breweries, art galleries, boutiques, and a local theatre.
Daniel Cipriani says, “We are thrilled with how our hotel vision has come to life. It’s been a wonderful – and of course, sometimes challenging – experience to open this hotel with great friends in such a beautiful setting. We are looking forward to welcoming guests to escape the bustle of the city and their busy lives, and enjoy quality time together at Eastwind.”
The hotel reopens June 1st and the rates start at $150 per night. Find out more here >>
RELATED:
- Go off the grid in a Catskills shipping container for $165 per night
- Bjarke Ingels reveals off-grid tiny house in the Catskills
- A glamping retreat will open on Governors Island this summer
All photos courtesy of the Eastwind Hotel
