Forget the Hamptons, New Yorkers are flocking to the Catskills to book a stay at Piaule

Heading for the Hamptons is a summer rite of passage for many New Yorkers, however, the new hotel Piaule Catskill is luring city-dwellers away to the beautiful Hudson Valley instead. 

The modern retreat that overlooks the Catskill Mountain has become one of the most talked-about hotel openings of the summer. The roots of this new best New York design hotel lie in Nolan McHugh and Trevor Briggs hunt for the perfect towel. 

The two NYC-based creatives started the cult Piaule homeware brand eight years ago, making Japanese cotton waffle weave towels (which you can now buy at the hotel). The homeware brand has grown since its start in 2016 to include ceramics, bedding, and other items. However, inspired by the pair's experience of renting out their own New York apartment on Airbnb, the idea for the Piaule hotel was born.

Piaule Catskill boutique hotel and spa is set out over 50-acres. Nestled amongst wooded land and abundant wildlife, the space is a peaceful meeting of modern home ideas and nature. To ensure the retreat is kept as peaceful as possible cars aren't allowed beyond the entrance lot.

The property is filled with homeware and details crafted by Nolan and Trevor in partnership with experts. However, the duo insists that the hotel is far from a 'liveable showroom'.

'The idea was never to create a “shoppable hotel” or “liveable showroom”, but it was paramount to us that no detail of the experience was overlooked. So every time we felt like we couldn’t find the perfect thing, we tried to make it ourselves or collaborate with an expert,’ The duo told Wallpaper.

‘Some of those things, like linens, glassware and ceramics were already Piaule products, but other things provided new opportunities to work with local makers and craftspeople [like the] bath products [and] furniture. If guests want to purchase those items, it’s a win-win for everyone.’

The retreat is made up of 24 cabins and a main house that is home to a restaurant and wellness centre. The interior color palette echoes the setting with walls clad in untreated white oak and floors made out of local bluestone.

Each guest cabin has been built as a standalone fixture. The cabins were designed and built in partnership with sustainable prefab pioneers Garrison Architects.

They all feature floor-to-ceiling, wall-to-wall glass doors to immerse you in the settings. However, each have been strategically positioned on piers to allow for both privacy and stunning views.

The aesthetic running through the cabins and main building is in keeping with Piaule's restrained minimalist style. Rooms are devoid of frills and fuss, just beautifully crafted furniture and soft-furnishings, such as the solid oak beds and organic Piaule bed and bath linens.

Technology has been an afterthought across the hotel. The only addition you will find in each room is one of the best smart speakers a Sonos Raom portable waterproof speaker.

You can book a cabin at the Piaule Catskill via the website. The pool, sauna, and yoga studios are available to overnight guests with a nightly $35 fee.