Living Well in Rhinebeck, NY
This week my friend (and retreat co-host) and I spent some time where we’ll be hosting our spring retreat, and it affirmed for me why the Hudson Valley is the perfect place for a retreat. The moment you arrive, your body just settles a little more. The pace is slower and the vibes are cozy, everywhere you go.
I wanted to put together a guide of some of our favorite eats, where we stayed, and what we would totally go back for!
Checking in
We started our day with an early check-in at the Mirbeau Inn and Spa, and luckily our room was ready so we could freshen up before hitting the town.
As soon as we entered our room, I felt like we were transported to France. Monet on the walls, a soaking tub in the bathroom, and luxurious bed straight out of a Parisian hotel.
Let’s Eat
We were due for lunch and wanted to check out a few cafes before deciding. We stopped at Bread Alone which is known for their organic sourdough and pastries, but only grabbed a citrus olive oil muffin before landing on Gigi’s for skizzas— super crispy flatbread pizzas! I had the Bianca— Rosemary Fig Jam, Pear, Arugula, Goat Cheese, and Truffle Oil, while Lauren opted for a gluten free Giardino full of fresh veggies. They even serve my favorite probiotic soda culture pop IYKYK.
Now that we were fueled up, we hit the town and all the unique boutiques.
A Few Favorite Shops
The Paper Trail- a very beautifully curated gift shop selling stationary, art supplies, home goods and more. We are so appreciative to this woman-owned business for sponsoring our journals for the retreat. All of our retreat guests will also receive a special discount to shop their store!
Shoe Shed- This small boutique carries some really special pieces that I have not seen anywhere else. If you’re in your personal style era, this store has something for everyone. Shoes, accessories, pajamas and more. It’s worth a stop if only to converse with the owner about her vintage jewelry collection. There were 2 pairs of sneakers I considered, but passed on them as I wasn’t sold on the colors for spring.
Westerlind- With stores in The Berkshires, NYC, CT, and The Hudson Valley, this high-end outdoor clothing store has such a cool collection and there’s always something special that catches my eye here. This time it was a Barbour X Farm Rio jacket that was not in my budget, but I could appreciate for it’s beautiful pattern and quality. It’s definitely worth a stop for some inspiration or if you’re looking to splurge on unique outerwear.
Now We Spa
After a day on the town, we headed back to Mirbeau for some relaxation. We enjoyed the spa amenities such as the eucalyptus steam room, sauna and relaxation room before heading to dinner. We booked services for the next morning to make sure we would recommend them to our guests. And happy to say that we would!
Make sure to book your fitness classes in advance and if you’re looking to do your own workout, the gym is equipped with cardio machines, free weights and other workout machines.
Dinner at The Culinary Institute
Prior to our stay, Lauren sent me a bunch of recommendations for dinner, but I couldn’t get past the first one before I’d already made up my mind. A 3-course French meal at Bocuse, a student-run culinary experience on the CIA campus. The open kitchen concept, the service and the meal felt like being transported to Paris, yet again, on this trip.
You can’t go wrong with anything on the menu, but the standouts were the Truffle soup, Slow Roasted Salmon Vichyssoise, Aged Hudson Valley Duck Breast, and Crème Brûlée, bien sûr. I also want to mention that their pricing was VERY reasonable for 3 courses and they don’t accept gratuity, but you can contribute to the student scholarship fund when you pay your bill. It felt really good to be able to give back in that way for such an enjoyable dinner experience.
Day 2
I was way too tired to indulge in our soaking tub that night, so I decided to do my morning pages in the bath the next morning. It reminded me the how the simple act of a slow morning sets the tone for the entire day. This followed by a green juice in the dining room and a morning facial at the spa reminded me that I need to do this kind of getaway more often!
I couldn’t leave the spa without some time at the aqua terrace and the hot spa pool, complete with outdoor fireplace, private cabanas and a bar.
We went back to Bread Alone for lunch and I had the best tuna ever and Lauren and I shared the Spelt Berry salad (and now I need the recipe for their sumac yogurt dressing).
Then it was off to do some work at our new favorite coffee and smoothie shop— SOL! We popped in for coffee and chatted with the owner who was whipping up a new protein cookie recipe that was the perfect complement to his house roasted coffee. I’m going to try to make it and see if it comes out as good (doubtful). When you enter the coffee shop, you feel like you’re walking into a friend’s living room with its bohemian decor and comfy chairs, a welcoming couch and real wood tables. Quintessential Hudson Valley vibes.
We’re so happy to be partnering with SOL as our coffee and tea provider for The Spark Retreat. Working with the local community where we’ll be hosting our retreat means so much to us, especially when we get to meet people like John at SOL.
Living Well, Wherever You Are
Travel has a way of reminding us how good life can feel when we slow down and savor it.
Living Well is a choice. When you get clear on what you want, you start creating a life that feels full and true on your terms. Sometimes that looks like discovering a beautiful place in a new city. Other times it’s something simple — the first sip of a great cup of coffee or writing in a journal you love.
When you slow down enough to appreciate these things, you start to notice more of them. Maybe there’s a version of life you’re calling into existence — one your soul already knows is possible. And maybe you’re already living pieces of it.
Experiences like this remind me how much beauty exists in the simple things, when we’re present enough to notice them.
Creating experiences like this for others, whether through a travel guide, a retreat, or a coaching container, is a big part of what I feel called here to do. I’m so happy you’re here for the ride.
Thank you for reading and let me know if you have any other Rhinebeck recommendations!