The driver proceeded to welcome us with “I’m not supposed to name names, but I just dropped off a McCarthy in the city. We are the exclusive car company for Glenmere, and a lot of people secretly come here on weekends just to get away- you will love it”. To be honest, I heard about Glenmere from a friend of a friend’s wife; She took it a step higher and proceeded to dish out details of her arrival and return by a chartered helicopter. I just put it away in the back of my mind and added it to the list…..that is until I remembered it when looking to have a special weekend getaway to escape the city that never sleeps.
That one day came; Less than 50 miles from New York City situated in the lower Hudson, a 150-acre estate that once entertained royalty, aristocrats, celebrities, heads of state, is now reborn into a Relais and 5-star Chateaux and Spa. It boasts amazing views of the river, two restaurants, and a spa – my favorite highlight (You’ll see why- keep scrolling). Oozing class and comfort, you will want to check out Glenmere Mansion for yourself. Warning: Spoilers ahead.
Helicopter on Glenmere’s Grounds
Upon arrival, you’ll notice the pink mansion with sky blue shutters (The originals were green until the new owner painted them). The staff is extremely hospitable, attentive, and courteous from the moment you walk in. You might even meet the owner, Alan Stenberg, a charm of delight, who goes out of his way to ask you how you are enjoying the mansion. It was quiet as I would imagine because there are only 18 guest accommodations.
It’s all in the details at the Mansion: You will be welcomed with bellinis and Italian biscotti to kick off a great start to a relaxing weekend.
Glenmere Mansion Peach Bellinis
I say relaxing because, this is not the kind of destination where you will go on excursions to explore the area (Chester). This is also not an area where there are plenty of restaurants to choose from either. You will have to be completely satisfied with never leaving the hotel (why would you want to anyway?)
Red Velvet Cookies at Glenmere Mansion
See what I mean? Fresh baked red velvet cookies are laid out in the common areas for your snacking pleasure.
The common areas have a very soothing palette, and it includes a beautiful quaint library with a zillion A-Z magazines from the current month, and beautiful coffee table books to garner inspiration.
Glenmere Mansion Common Area in New York
Glenmere Mansion Common Area in New York
Cozy and beautiful are the interiors inside and outside your room. There are fireplaces in the room as well as the bathroom, which is such an architectural delight. The white marble and Portuguese blue accents are stunning.
Glenmere Mansion Porcelain Sink
Glenmere Mansion Porcelain Vanity
Glenmere Mansion Bathrooms
While there is a TV and Fireplace, you will find yourself rather staring at the fireplace.
Glenmere Mansion Porcelain Vanity
Vanity (above) is so immaculate that I feel guilty for laying makeup on it.
Time to go exploring again:
Glenmere Mansion in New York
The Glenmere vast grounds are beautifully kept year-round.
Glenmere Mansion in New York
The back of the Mansion, which overlooks the lake
Glenmere Mansion in New York
Glenmere Mansion outdoor Courtyard
Courtyard, Glenmere Mansion
Glenmere Mansion in New York
Beautiful little inner courtyard, which is filled with seating in the spring and summer.
Glenmere Mansion in New York
Glenmere Mansion Spa in New York
Entrance to the Glenmere Spa (above), Guests are in their robe relaxing over a game of chess. The grounds also include tennis courts, a bocce court, and of course, a beautiful outdoor swimming pool.
Glenmere Mansion Courtyard in New York
Window view from one of the suites
Glenmere Mansion in New York
Before you grab your book to head to the fireplace, you must step outside to view the sunset to start of your relaxing weekend.
Glenmere Mansion Sunset in New York
Glenmere Mansion Sunset in New York
Glenmere Mansion Sunset in New York
Glenmere Mansion Sunset in New York
Glenmere Mansion Sunset in New York
Need I say more? Dinner and Breakfast are served in a beautiful area just next to the common area. The staff and housekeeping know when you checked in for dinner so that they can do a beautiful room turndown service (brilliant).
Glenmere Mansion Restaurant
Dessert at Glenmere Mansion
Pumpkin Mousse, Candies Walnuts, Butternut Squash, Carrot Cake, and Apple Puree (Dessert above). Truly a culinary delight that screams Fall.
It’s time to rise and shine. Make sure to book your breakfast appointment the day before, as locals come here for the famous brunch till 4:00pm on Sundays. You will enjoy the homemade scones and jams.
You MUST squeeze in one more delight when visiting here, and that is the Spa:
Glenmere Mansion Spa Room
The Hammam treatment is the one I recommend. The room is enormous and all to yourself (and a plus one as the ritual is catered for couples). It includes an herbal steam and sauna, a special dip pool with a waterfall, and a heated marble stone where you lay to get the royal Turkish treatment.
Glenmere Mansion Spa Treatment
Glenmere Mansion Hammam Spa
Glenmere Mansion Spa (above). Prepare to be in heaven.
During the Hammam rituals, you will warm yourself upon a heated belly stone while the spa therapist use traditional mitts to scrub and slough away winter skin. A luxurious and bubbly scrub using a moisturizing castile soap and a traditional Kessa mitt incorporates gentle massage strokes. Before your treatment, you will go into the fragrant steam room within the hamman room to soften the skin.
For those of you who do not want a Hammam treatment, you can visit the mixology bar which lets you custom create an aromatherapy massage oil or body butter that you can take home after your treatment. Select the type of massage, such as the ‘Chardonnay Body Drench’, and let the spa therapist do the rest. Guests post-spa, head to the spa library where they can snack and relax.
Definitely a gem to check out before starting a killer work week:
Glenmere Mansion
634 Pine Hill Road, Chester, NY 10918 | +1.845.496.1900
-CP
