Mirbeau Inn & Spa Beacon

Mirbeau – a place of gracious hospitality, classic comforts, and total relaxation. And a place close to home. This was the goal of Linda and Gary Dower, founders and owners of Mirbeau Inn & Spas. And now the Dower family has expanded its Mirbeau vision to the Hudson Valley community of Beacon, NY – less than a two-hour drive from Manhattan and less if you take the Metro North train from Grand Central.

MONET INSPIRED
The Mirbeau concept, loosely translated as “reflected beauty,” is inspired in part by the soft light, warm colors and introspective character found in the paintings of renowned French Impressionist, Claude Monet. The Monet motif is evident in each of the Mirbeau properties, and Beacon Mirbeau is no exception.

Mirbeau Beacon is reminiscent of a Loire Valley country estate. The Mansion blends French-inspired residential elegance with the Gothic Revival grandeur of the historic Howland mansion built in 1859. The Mansion, which includes seven guest rooms and luxury suites, is meticulously decorated in a French country style highlighted by numerous Monet reproductions throughout. Each Mansion Suite is uniquely designed, as original rooms were intricately combined during renovations.

A HISTORIC MANSION
The Mansion also houses some exquisite common rooms. The Music Room, an addition constructed in 1872, showcases an impressive, hand-painted 1873 Johnson Pipe Organ. Adjoining the Music Room, The Library boasts all its original walnut and mahogany woodwork.

An additional 65 luxury rooms are located in the Spa Chateau building, which houses Mirbeau’s outstanding 25,000-square foot Spa (the brand’s largest). The property’s Monet-inspired theme is further enhanced in its wonderfully designed Pond and Gardens fashioned after the artist’s home in Giverny, France.

All Chateau and Mansion rooms and suites feature fireplaces and luxurious bathrooms with walk-in showers, French-style clawfoot soaking tubs, and double sinks. Rooms also feature the Mirbeau Estate Mattress, exclusively made for Mirbeau, with a gel-infused memory foam topper. Plush, custom sheets and terry towels from Italian-based Frette create a perfect finishing touch for the luxurious accommodations.

Mirbeau Beacon is situated on 64 acres of the original 350-acre Howland Family Estate named Tioronda. In addition to the Monet Pond Gardens, the Resort includes hiking trails, waterfalls, ponds, and meadows, offering guests plenty of opportunity to enjoy quiet, reflective strolls in lush natural settings.

A COMPLETE SPA EXPERIENCE
Whether it’s for rejuvenation or relaxation, the world-class Spa Mirbeau will indulge your every wish. With 21 treatment rooms, Spa Mirbeau offers an extensive menu of massage, skin, facial, and hand & foot treatments. Guests can experience a traditional spa experience of Kurs – a centuries-old renewal ritual of exercise, proper nutrition and care of face and body. Treatments involve a soak in a mineral bath, an exfoliation, and full body massage.

Prior to and following treatments, guests can enjoy Mirbeau’s luxurious Resting Area with cozy fireplace and soothing Meditation Pool, the tranquil Reflection Room, the bright Solarium, or the large outdoor Aqua Terrace with a soothing, oversized hot pool, cabanas, and bar. Women’s and Men’s locker rooms are finely appointed with eucalyptus-infused Steam Rooms and dry Saunas. A Yoga and Motion Studio offer a wide assortment of complimentary classes including yoga, Pilates, Barre, and strength and conditioning. A fully-equipped gym is also available.

BALANCED CULINARY OFFERINGS
Mirbeau’s French inspiration continues with its culinary offerings. The Bistro & Wine Bar, located in the historic mansion, offers cuisine typically found in French bistros and anchored in locally sourced products from the Hudson Valley. Diners need not fear a menu laden with unfulfilling spa cuisine. Nor is the chef’s French-inspired gastronomy overly indulgent. Rather the fare is a perfect balance of richness and delicacy.

Two perfect appetizer examples of this delicate balance are the Crispy Artichoke Hearts with Honeyed Labneh, Shaved Parmesan, Meyer Lemon Zest, and Chili Oil and the Chilled Crab and Tomato – chunks of sweet crab sit in a clear tomato consommé dotted with basil seeds.

Two entrées also perfectly balanced between restraint and indulgent are the Wild Striped Bass with Blistered Cherry Tomato Raisins, Melted Spring Leeks, and Brown Butter Banyuls Broth, and the Honey-Glazed Duck Breast with Sweet Corn Silk, English Peas, Charred Spring Onion, Catskill Raw Honey, Puffed Farro, and Tarragon Jus.

If you want a little decadence, there is always the award-winning Banana Cheesecake with Salted Caramel and Vanilla Bean Gelato. The guilt is worth it.

Open daily in the historic mansion, The Bistro & Wine Bar’s main dining area and bar reflects a classically-styled bistro design in a sun-lit, all-glass casual space. Two other dining areas include the Sapphire Room and the Gold Room – both of which are more formal with dark wood hues, rich wall coverings and jewel tones.

The outdoor Bistro Terrace overlooks the estate property with the Monet Gardens front and center – a perfect spot to enjoy a glass of one Mirbeau’s own wines. A special collaboration between the Mauritson and Mirbeau families has resulted in the Mirbeau Mélange Red Wine and Mirbeau Monet Rosé, both an excellent choice for casual sip or with dinner. In addition to dinner, breakfast, lunch, Sunday Brunch, and a Mid Day Nosh are also served.

AREA ATTRACTIONS
If the scenic hiking trails available on property, the complimentary fitness classes, and the gym are not enough activity for you, Mount Beacon is easily accessible across the street for those looking for further challenges.

Renowned art destinations, including DIA Beacon and Storm King Art Center are nearby. Some great boutique shopping and dining in the charming City of Beacon are just a short drive - or ride on a complimentary Mirbeau bicycle.

The historic Howland mansion was, for a good part of the 20th century, a wellness retreat and rehabilitation center, primarily for wealthy New Yorkers. After closing in 1999, the property sat vacant until the Mirbeau family had a vision that would continue its mission - providing guests the opportunity to experience “Life. Perfectly Balanced.”

For more information on Mirbeau Inn & Spa Beacon visit www.beacon.mirbeau.com