This is the kind of post that I’ve been looking forward to all weekend- and it’s a long one since one thing lead to another, and then to another and so on. It’s so lovely to find something so inspiring that creates pathways to even MORE inspiration, don’t you think?
As you know, I am a semi-devoted yogi. I try to go 2-3 times a week as I’ve found it not only really helps clear my mind, but makes my body feel awesome (and look better than it has in a while too!) I dream of someday being able to treat myself to a luxurious yoga retreat somewhere fabulous, and I’ve found the perfect place. Charym is a mind/body spa in Litchfield, CT that truly stands up to what it’s name means-“beauty and health” in Bhutanese. It was developed and founded by the world renowned interior designer Alexandra Champalimaud. The spaces are so organic looking yet so luxurious you can’t help but believe the design alone would assist in putting your mind and body at ease. An impressive selection of various types of yoga are available, in conjunction with luxurious spa treatments, ayurvedic health consulting, hiking and even psychotherapy! Is there anything more fully cleansing than a yoga class, a massage and then a therapy session? I think not…

Charym is located down the road from two amazing resorts- the Winvian Resort, which is an incredible place where you can stay in cottages that each have their own theme (a treehouse, a stable, a lodge, a helicopter -yep- and so on…) and the Mayflower Inn & Spa, which is indulgent traditional luxury (I blogged about here a long time ago!)

Winvian

Mayflower Inn & Spa

As for Ms. Champalimaud, I could pontificate for HOURS on her genius. Her list of projects include two of my favorite hospitality spaces- the residences at the White Elephant in Nantucket (she’s currently working on a spa for them as well) and The Liberty Hotel in Boston. I’ve already blogged about the Liberty here, so I’ll only add some jaw droppingly lovely images of The White Elephant residences (to which weekend stays are going to be on super sale on Rue La La TOMORROW- join here for access!)

..and here is one of a Martha’s Vineyard residence she did that I love- for good measure.

The last link is this design chain is that I found out the branding, website, art direction and visual identity was design by Korn Design, of Boston. I’ve been admiring Denise Korn and her work for years now (and actually wanted to apply to work there before I started my own business). What she and her team do is pure genius and I appreciate all aspects of design – be it rooms, clothes, websites or print!