The Vanderbilt
The Vanderbilt, Auberge Collection Reveals Design- Forward Property-wide Reimaginationand Introduces New Culinary Advisor April Bloomfield And Chief Cocktail Curator Maxwell Britten - The Vanderbilt
Newport’s Most Celebrated Historic Resort Welcomes Guests and Locals with Colonial Cool Spaces, Revived Culinary Delights and New Experiences With A Sense of Discovery
NEWPORT, R.I. (July 19th, 2021) – The Vanderbilt, Auberge Collection, a former Newport, R.I. mansion turned storied 33-room luxury resort by the sea, today unveils the first phase of a striking top-to-bottom transformation inspired by the property’s illustrious history. Under the guidance of Dallas-based design collective SWOON, the iconic downtown mansion’s new chapter delivered revived glamour to all public spaces, including the lobby area and restaurants. The Vanderbilt, Auberge Collection unveiled a new eatery, The Conservatory, along with a reconceptualized restaurant, The Dining Room at the Vanderbilt previously referred to as The Gwynne, and refreshed menus and eye-catching designs at The Library, The Garden and popular Roof Deck. With culinary at the forefront of the property, acclaimed chef April Bloomfield will join New England’s most stylish luxury getaway as the culinary advisor, overseeing all on-site dining venues and in-room offerings, while renowned chief cocktail curator Maxwell Britten heads up the entire cocktail program at the resort.
“This summer will welcome a new, gracious yet bold experience at The Vanderbilt, Auberge Collection in the heart of Newport,” said Jordi Vallѐs Blistin, general manager, The Vanderbilt, Auberge Collection. “We are delighted for guests far and wide to discover the perfect harmony between SWOON’s inspired vision, chef April Bloomfield’s seasonal and contemporarydiningconcepts, andAubergeResortCollection’ssignatureluxuryinourbeloved and historic mansion.”
Gilded Age Glamour with A Twist
Poised as an unconventional Georgian-style home in downtown Newport, The Vanderbilt, Auberge Collection’s transformation pays homage to its fascinating history and taste of the original builder, owner and namesake, Alfred Vanderbilt. Expertly blending rich Colonial-era layers with a colorful and playful spin, the revived aesthetic embraces the theatrical tone of the mansion and provides unexpected discovery at every turn. Surprise-and-delight memorabilia and other elements of curiosity are found throughout as a nod to Alfred’s passion for traveling. SWOON propels the mansion into this new era by creating custom hand-drawn wallpaper and commissioned artworks, introducing new and vintage furnishings, and mixing woods, dramatic fabrics and a rich, saturated color palette. From the cinematic lobby area, which purposefully replicates a foyer in a home, to the library lounge that showcases a spectacular gallery wall featuring vintage portraits, travelers and Newport locals alike will feel inspired by the hotel’s cool yet elegant sensibility. Work on the guest rooms begins this winter, and will conclude in Spring 2020. Refreshed accommodations will feature deep hues of blue, custom silk lantern shades, vintage rugs and a curated art collection, providing a cozy and unique accommodation concept, unlike anything else found in Newport.
“In crafting the interiors for the reimagined Vanderbilt Hotel, we viewed the rich history of the mansion and the iconic characters who inhabited its walls through a witty, modern lens to create a property that’s truly unique to Newport,” said Samantha Sano, founder, SWOON. “The resulting vibe is one of warmth, wit, and approachable elegance, with the Vanderbilt staking its claim as the Newport’s downtown mansion, buzzing, convivial, and full of life.”
Coastal Culinary Revamp
The property’s beloved signature restaurant is reemerging in the form of a brand-new culinary experience, The Dining Room at the Vanderbilt, formally The Gwynne, which introduced acclaimed chef April Bloomfield as the new culinary advisor. Leaning into Alfred Vanderbilt’s love of outdoor pursuits, the area was transformed into a 1920’s sportsman-inspired epicurean concept with an elevated tavern design and fare. A native of Birmingham, England, chef Bloomfield has curated a culinary program for the idyllic coastal retreat that taps into her former urban-pub days while still paying tribute to the fresh, local ingredients of Newport. Her forward-thinking menu of approachable, New England classics includes signature dishes such as the smoked salmon with duck fat potatoes, rabbit braised with vermouth, and Bloomfield’s take on the Rhode Island clam chowder. Visitors will also delight in uncovering The Dining Room’s hidden electric-blue Vermouth bar, which will provide another whimsical moment at the mansion. James Beard Award-winning beverage professional and entrepreneur Maxwell Britten will manage this space as the property’s chief cocktail curator, while also looking over the entire cocktail program. A Manhattan mainstay with a long history in the beverage industry, Britten brings his widely-ranging capabilities to Newport, curating a roaring 20’s-inspired cocktail menu and serving classics that have been influenced by the property’s notable lineage and seaside locale.
Bloomfield will also oversee The Library, a revamped dining outlet located near the lobby area that will serve light bites and refreshments from the bar, as well as The Conservatory, which will play host to breakfast, lunch and afternoon tea in a stylish new setting. The Conservatory’s interiors are verdant and feminine, featuring reclaimed European marble checkered floors, ample foliage, sculptural rattan furnishings, and graphic textiles. In the warmer months, the restaurant’s beautiful Garden will be open to al fresco dining. Surrounded by lush planting, the seasonal terrace offers a new fire pit seating area, with signature cocktails and boozy popsicles infused with juices and botanicals, exclusively created by the resident mixologists. Finally, the acclaimed Roof Deck, Newport’s best-kept secret, was also refreshed with new deck furniture that promises the best viewing spot for year-round sunsets over the harbor.
Unexpected Guest Experiences
Just in time for the summer months, The Vanderbilt, Auberge Collection celebrates the property’s new look with enhanced guest experiences inspired by modern-day life in Newport. From tea leaf and tarot card readings held in the resort’s mezzanine to bespoke hot ale flips, a popular American libation, by the new fire pits in the Garden Terrace, the mansion provides endless ways to reconnect and indulge in life’s simple pleasures.
For those looking to immerse themselves in the local culture, the property has established exclusive partnerships with nearby artisan Jonathan Glatt, renowned for his classic American furniture with a modern twist, and neighboring shipbuilder’s workshop to provide guests with a glimpse into the craft and art of furniture making and authentic antique boat restoration. The resort has also forged a collaboration with local purveyor Matunuck Oyster Farm to provide guests with a private tour to learn about the aquaculture and fisheries on both a global and local scale, while enjoying champagne and cooked oysters.
Experiential opportunities abound on property. From a Newport-based antique and fine jewelry collector pop-up in the resort’s meeting room space to a ‘Shuck Yea,’ oyster shucking experience in the Conservatory, The Vanderbilt, Auberge Collection invites guests to rediscover the iconic coastal property through the newly launched programming alongside its new look this summer.
To learn more or book a stay, visit https://auberge.com/vanderbilt/.
About The Vanderbilt, Auberge Collection
Where Gilded Age glamour and modern-day luxury meld together, The Vanderbilt, Auberge Collection is a 33-room historic hotel just minutes from the charming waterfront of Newport. Originally built in 1908, the property is a vintage Newport mansion meticulously restored to its former glory boasting elegant fireplaces and museum-quality artwork in the welcoming lobby entrance, Mezzanine and Parlor Room. Dining options include The Dining Room at the Vanderbilt, providing a forward thinking menu of coastal New England classics, The Living Room, offering light bites and bar favorites, and The Conservatory, where guests can dine indoors as well as outdoors on the Garden Terrace. Guests can also enjoy evening drinks at the popular rooftop bar, The Roof Deck, with sweeping views of Newport Harbor, as well as in the timeless Vermouth Bar. The Vanderbilt offers a sumptuous spa and fitness center with indoor and outdoor pools, as well as a variety of local experiences, such as sailing journeys on the Newport coast, private culinary classes, and more.
For more information: auberge.com/vanderbilt/.
Follow The Vanderbilt on Facebook and Instagram @VanderbiltAuberge
About Auberge Collection
Auberge Collection is a portfolio of extraordinary hotels, resorts, residences and private clubs. While each property is unique, all share a crafted approach to luxury and bring the soul of the locale to life through captivating design, exceptional cuisine, innovative spas and gracious yet unobtrusive service. With 19 hotels and resorts across three continents and eight new hotels under development, Auberge invites guests to create unforgettable stories in some of the world’s most desirable destinations.
For more information: auberge.com
Connect with Auberge Collection on Facebook Twitter and Instagram @Auberge and #AlwaysAuberge
About The Friedkin Group
The Friedkin Group is a privately-held consortium of automotive, hospitality, entertainment, sports and adventure companies. These organizations include: Gulf States Toyota, GSFSGroup, US AutoLogistics, Ascent Automotive Group, Auberge Collection, AS Roma, Imperative Entertainment, 30WEST, NEON, Diamond Creek Golf Club, Congaree and Legendary Expeditions. The Friedkin Group is led by Chairman and CEO Dan Friedkin. For more information, visit www.friedkin.com.
About SWOON, The Studio
Founded in 2009, SWOON, the studio is a multi-disciplinary design studio focusing on residential and commercial interior design, branding and identity, graphic design, and experiential design. The studio, led by founder Samantha Sano and partner Joslyn Taylor, is comprised of interior designers, graphic designers, art directors, writers, editors, and artists who are all passionate about creating memorable, compelling, thoughtful design experiences. Clients of SWOON span from hospitality, retail, and private individuals to art and culture institutions. For more information, visit www.swoonthestudio.com
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Jessie Rothschild / Michelle Noski
Murphy O’Brien Public Relations
