Photos by Kevin Hardman Photography
Revival Hotels, a hospitality firm, is positioning the hotel, spa, and restaurant as a true escape destination in the Hudson Valley.
Already a repeat Best of Westchester Winner (Best Hotel, 2022; Best New Restaurant, 2021) and revered as the third best new hotel in America by USA Today, The Abbey Inn & Spa is under new management and poised to become your go-to “destination” for a luxurious, experiential escape from the everyday.
Rockville Centre-based hospitality firm Revival Hotels has assumed management of the award-winning hotel, spa, and Apropos Restaurant & Bar — all of which opened in 2020 in the former Episcopal Sisters of St. Mary’s convent, which dates back to the late 1800s. The property occupies a lofty perch on historic Fort Hill, a key lookout post for George Washington during the Revolutionary War — and it boasts spectacular, sweeping views of the Hudson River Highlands.
Revival Hotels is a management partner for small, independent hotels (under 125 rooms) that include a strong food and beverage component. It was founded two years ago by self-described “hotel nerd” Saxton Sharad. “We are all about a holistic approach,” says Sharad. “We know it’s all about the service and the story of the property and what makes it unique.”
Sharad envisions The Abbey Inn & Spa (42 rooms, 17 with liquid vistas) as a regional destination for a mini-vacation — an authentic escape from normal life. “We know what luxury is and we are implementing actions to give guests a high-end immersive experience.” That could include yoga on the lawn or wine dinners in the wine cellar.
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Much of the elevated experience Sharad seeks will begin in the kitchen at Apropos, where Danielle Ceruzzi serves as executive chef.
“Danielle is a Culinary Institute of America graduate who has experiences across the country. She has been at The Abbey since pre-opening,” serving as sous chef, before this promotion to executive chef, crows Sharad. Ceruzzi has been an “outstanding leader at Apropos,” he says, and she “owns” the house-made pastas on the menu. Sharad says as executive chef, Ceruzzi will harness the ingredients of the Hudson Valley and pair them with Mediterranean flair.
“Apropos will showcase for travelers what the Hudson Valley tastes like,” says Sharad. “For locals, it will be a taste of home with local ingredients and Mediterranean influences.”
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The beverage program will be headed by Nikita Zeyfman, who previously worked with the Charlie Palmer Collective. “I have worked with Nikita and know that he will bring a level of sophistication to our service and beverage program,” says Sharad.
Local wines will be featured on the wine list, along with seasonally focused cocktails. “What’s better than sitting in an Adirondack chair, enjoying the view, listening to live music, with a small plate and a cocktail to toast at sunset,” poses Sharad.
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Sharad acknowledges that The Abbey Inn & Spa is a “gem” that his Revival Hotels will introduce (in some cases, re-introduce) in a truly experiential manner to those who embark on a three-hour drive for a weekend getaway, or a Manhattan or Hudson Valley resident who simply craves an hour removed from the stresses of everyday life. “We feel blessed to be the steward of this asset, this amazing property. And we are so excited to share it with the world.”
The Abbey Inn & Spa
900 Fort Hill Rd, Peekskill; 914.736.1200
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