While living and working in the bigger cities, surrounded by concrete, asphalt and computer chips, there is a tendency to forget life’s simple pleasures that stimulate and soothe our inner barbarian. Since the invention of the road trip, hard-working city dwellers hopped in their mass-produced vehicle and headed to rough terrain of rural America for both adventure and physical indulgence. Today, the journeys are much easier and the experiences much more indulgent.
One such escape, only 150 miles from New York City, is The Preserve Sporting Club & Residences in Richmond, Rhode Island. At 3,800 acres, The Preserve in Richmond, Rhode Island (with iconic sister property, Ocean House, less than 30 minutes away) is like an adult and family summer camp: a take on an outdoor-centric but fully contained luxury experience. It’s also New England’s only four-season sporting retreat and arguably the finest sporting club in America.
Sporting Amenities
If clay-shooting is your thing, or even if you are a newbie, the thrill and challenge of this sporting activity gives guests the chance at shooting without any of the mortality at the 25-station sporting clay courses. For those with thicker skin, there are live pheasants available for hunting, and in the spirit of sustainability, the pheasants make their way onto the dinner menu. For the gun range enthusiast, The Preserve offers the longest indoor underground automated firing range in the world. The Preserve Academy is available to teach firearm safety, defense and other tactics. Lovers of the bow and arrow can enjoy both indoor and outdoor archery ranges. For hunters of the aquatic nature, fly-fishing with instruction is available with four sites from which to choose to lure any angler to a relaxing and challenging time. Rock-climbing, hiking trails, an equestrian program, and an 18-hole executive golf course round out most of the sporting activities available. Ask as well about the 1765-foot zip line, the 40-foot outdoor rock-climbing wall, the 100 miles of walking trails, and the bocce and pickleball courts.
Food & Beverage
Visitors to The Preserve can enjoy the culinary offerings at Double Barrel Kitchen in the Main Lodge, a 55-seat restaurant renowned for its award-winning chef, who skillfully serves the signature Himalayan Salt Aged Beef. Of course, as a nod to Rhode Island’s Ocean State moniker, the menu also features a good deal of fish dishes. The Maker’s Mark Hobbit House, a Tolkien-inspired cabin serving up wild game alongside Maker’s Mark bourbon. The Hobbit House is accessible via winding paths amidst the grounds of the resort and tucked away from plain sight in the true spirit of The Shire. Hungry Hobbits can begin the meal with an Artisanal Cheese and Charcuterie Board, then move onto the pheasant, mentioned earlier, with dried cranberries, shaved Brussel sprouts and topped with candied bacon and walnuts
Wellness
Indulgence begins with the self, and the staff and management of the Preserve know that all too well. Thus, a robust assortment of services and treatments are available at Oh! Spa, the on-site wellness spa, from massage to manicure. Nearly all points of epidermal real estate are covered, including facial and skin care, body treatments, nail treatments and massage. One unique treatment is the IV infusion, which is administered by trained and licensed nurses, and nourishes the body with essential vitamins and nutrients. The manicures and pedicures are accompanied by affable and interesting attendants, not to mention the snacks and infused waters awaiting the guests in the relaxation room.
There is a steamy, hot whirlpool in the lobby area of Oh! Spa, juxtaposed by a cold-water treatment to accelerate blood flow. For more private folk, through the men’s and women’s locker rooms, steam rooms, saunas, and whirlpools are available for the ultimate escape from the tension of the day. Precede these experiences with a massage, and rejuvenation will be yours. The fitness center, yoga classes, and personal trainers on site round out a complete healthy body experience.
The Residences
For a place to stay, and not just play, The Preserve has homes—a variety of configurations including the Signature Residences, Townhomes on The Green, and the new Hilltop Condominiums. The property, which has $24 million under contract as well, is now beginning another phase of development of a village of twenty-six of its Cozy Cabin units. The Cozy Cabins suit those guests that really want the outdoor adult summer camp experience, offering a charmingly rustic community within a community. Ranging from petite 450 square foot tiny homes to 1,500 square foot cottages, half of the Cozy Cabin properties have been sold to date, highlighting the increasing desire seen for tiny living. Prices range from $649,000 to $1.2 million.
Overview: If the above did not convince you to make Preserve the destination for the upcoming travel season, the seasonal fire pit and S’mores will seal the deal. Combine that with the rustic mood of the Rhode Island countryside, and you have a memorable vacation and/or a personal retreat to return to year after year.
Source: New York Lifestyles Magazinez – By Michael Alpiner
