ROBBINSVILLE, NC – (July 31, 2023) – Introducing the Enthusiast Hotel Collection, six unique properties that are inspired by the extraordinary places they inhabit and ready to usher guests into their next adventure. Reaching across the country and all the way to the Caribbean, each hotel offers a distinctive and wonderful experience.
Presenting each property from west to east: Brewery Gulch Inn and Spa, overlooking the ruggedly beautiful Mendocino Coast of Northern California, is an arts and crafts masterpiece; Historic Tapoco Lodge is a jewel of a hideaway nestled in North Carolina’s scenic Great Smoky Mountains; the architecturally splendid Hartstone Inn anchors the picture-perfect New England village of Camden, Maine; the adults-only retreat Casa Morada is a sub-tropical paradise along the prestigious and scenic Islamorada coastline in the Florida Keys; in the Bahamas, A Stone’s Throw Away in Nassau reigns regally over the crystalline blue Caribbean with breathtaking views of the beach and town from its traditional wraparound porches; and finally, family-friendly Cap Cove in St. Lucia, home to crescent-shaped coves and balmy rainforests, touts the tranquil poolside lifestyle, complete with its own Tiki Bar.
“The common thread across our collection is the combined passion of our guests and staff for soft adventure and the excitement of discovering ourselves and our world,” states Enthusiast Hotel Collection CEO Oneil Khosa, a longtime maritime & cruise industry veteran. “We believe in travel-inspired hospitality that transports you away from the mundane life and present-day social media frenzy. Our locations provide the atmosphere to rest and rejuvenate, reignite relationships, foster new friendships, and reconnect with ourselves and nature. In addition, apart from growing the collection of hotels under EHC, we are excited to expand into the commercial management of private estates and cottages in the vicinity of our hotel properties.”
BREWERY GULCH INN – California
The collection’s Northern California outpost in Mendocino County, Brewery Gulch Inn and Spa, exemplifies that welcoming spirit by offering the ultimate “rustic chic” experience. Situated on verdant acres of old growth forest and meadows and adjacent to the 48,000 redwood studded acres of Jackson Demonstration State Forest, this remarkable cathedral of eco-salvaged redwood rises from the land on a dramatic bluff top overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Inside, a clean and contemporary style rules the day and every detail is attended to by the thoughtful staff. The New York Times calls the Inn one of the “11 Hotels to Visit in Your Dreams,” and they consistently show up on Travel & Leisure’s lists of the world’s best hotels. The Spa Pavilion is a temple of relaxation and rejuvenation where guests can go to be pampered and refreshed as an indulgent addition to a stay at the Inn. A full-time executive chef who cooks only for guests tempts the taste buds with an extensive array of culinary offerings, from a complimentary cooked-to-order breakfast to an innovative Wine & Appetizer Hour highlighting locally-sourced, organic ingredients.
9401 North Highway 1, Mendocino, CA 95460 | https://www.brewerygulchinn.com/ | 707.937.4752
HISTORIC TAPOCO LODGE – North Carolina
Across the country, near Robbinsville, North Carolina and right in the center of the lush mountain region of the Nantahala National Forest in North Carolina’s Great Smoky Mountains, Historic Tapoco Lodge sits perched on the banks of the cascading Cheoah River. This picturesque property on the National Register of Historic Places has been a North Carolina mainstay for outdoor adventurers, gear heads, and nature enthusiasts since 1930. Comprising 120 glorious acres, it is situated at the end of US 129, the famous Tail of the Dragon, considered to be America’s number one motorcycle and sports car road. Aficionados admire the cars that are often parked onsite – hot rods, exotics, and pro-touring luxury machines abound. Nature lovers rave about their 11 private hiking trails, and activities during the summer months include tennis, pickle-ball, canoeing, rafting, kayaking, fishing, and mountain biking. As the folks at Tapoco have coined it, an “Adventuary” (a combination of the words “adventure” and “sanctuary”). Overlooking the rushing Cheoah River, onsite visitors will find Tapoco Tavern equipped with a full-service bar and offering everything from superb brick-oven pizzas to all-American favorites such as steaks, burgers, salads, and of course, fresh Carolina Mountain trout. 14981 Tapoco Road, Robbinsville, NC 28771-6885 | https://tapoco.com/ | 828.498.2800
HARTSTONE INN – Maine
At the United States’ northeastern tip, Hartstone Inn is ideally situated in the heart of charming Camden, on the Midcoast of Maine, where the sea meets the mountains. A historical gem that was built in 1835, Hartstone Inn offers European-style hospitality with an elegant New England twist. The nearby harbor on Penobscot Bay, with its fleet of windjammers and bustle of activity, sets the tone for this cozy coastal retreat and sailing excursions can be arranged by the hotel. All rooms feature writing desks, flat screen TVs, fine linens, robes, original art, complimentary WiFi, and more. When not enjoying the intimate touches in the rooms, guests can relax by the fire pit or read a book tucked away on one of the garden patios. Named a “Top Foodie Destination” by Yankee Magazine, their Electric Daisy restaurant is a culinary delight with an award-winning wine list and a celebrated chef. Locals and guests rave about nightly Happy Hour at their bar, which features the most extensive selection of “Sober Curious” mocktails in Midcoast Maine (in addition to inventive cocktails), and the complimentary daily breakfast is beloved by guests.
41 Elm Street, Camden, ME 04843 | https://www.hartstoneinn.com/ | 207.236.4259
CASA MORADA – Florida Keys
Florida’s famous Keys are the setting for Casa Morada, the collection’s adults-only resort. Located in Islamorada, one of the most stunning spots along the Sunshine State’s legendarily scenic Overseas Highway, Casa Morada is an oasis of pleasure. The luxuriant gardens, designed by renowned landscape architect Raymond Jungles, create a subtropical paradise with a varied and extensive collection of Florida native and tropical plants, trees, and grasses. When it’s time for cocktails, drinks are served poolside on the resort’s own private island. Their skipjack sailboat, Sol Sister, and gleaming historic yacht, 105-year-old Blue Mist, can be booked for private tours, nautical adventures, or an extraordinary vantage point for the spectacular sunsets that the area is justly famous for. There are courtesy kayaks, paddle boards, and bicycles available for guests’ use. Spa services are on offer and complimentary yoga can be enjoyed by guests every Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday at 9 a.m. Breakfast is included each morning and lunch can be ordered to enjoy in the suites or poolside from 12 to 5 p.m.
136 Madeira Road, Islamorada, FL 33036 | https://casamorada.com/ |305.664.0044
A STONE’S THROW AWAY – Bahamas
Perched on one of the highest elevations by the coast in Nassau, Bahamas, tranquil A Stone’s Throw Away is closer than one might imagine. Guests can indulge in the rare panoramic view of Nassau’s land and sea, including views of the island’s natural wonders, from the native pine forest by Lake Killarney to the rim of the coral reefs that protect the glimmering beaches of west Nassau. Built to echo the traditions of an old Bahamian home with wood floors and wood ceilings, louvered shutters and a large wrap-around porch, this hotel hearkens back to the days when the music of the islands could be heard in the whispers of the trade winds. Serene Love Beach, with its epic snorkeling, is only a two-minute walk away. Suites and rooms with wood or parquet floors feature either breathtaking vistas of the ocean or views of the alluring tropical gardens. All rooms have private balconies, flat-screen TVs with cable, and several rooms have walk-in showers with luxurious separate tubs. The outdoor swimming pool is open year-round for a refreshing dip and massage services are available on request. Their vegan Indian restaurant regularly receives rave reviews and a complimentary Continental Breakfast is served each morning in the dining room or on the porch overlooking the ocean.
Tropical Gardens Road & Gambier Heights off West Bay Street 00000, Nassau, Nassau, Bahamas | https://www.astonesthrowaway.com/ 242.327.7030
CAP COVE – St Lucia
Cap Cove is the second of the collection’s Caribbean charmers. On the northeast coast of the glorious little island of St. Lucia, Cap Cove is nestled between the Atlantic Ocean and the championship St. Lucia Golf Club. This family-friendly retreat sits on an untouched bay with a secluded half-mile stretch of beach surrounded by deeply green tropical landscapes. There are 74 individually-decorated beachfront suites and townhomes – all with fully equipped kitchens and many with amenities such as outdoor dining areas and bespoke lounge spaces for ultimate relaxation. The 4-bedroom family-style villas are complete with personal pools and terraces, while perfectly furnished condos surround the shimmering aqua-blue lagoon pool. This serene bayside village boasts its own poolside Tiki Bar serving exotic, island cocktails while the well-equipped onsite fitness center allows guests to stay in shape. Suitable for the whole family, their Cap Cove restaurant features fresh local ingredients and modern presentations. The restaurant’s ambiance reflects the laid-back local St. Lucian style so guests can relax while enjoying delicious island-style cuisine.
Cas en Bas Beach, Cap Estate, St Lucia | https://www.capcovestlucia.com/ |758.572.0417
All of the properties are pet-friendly, with the exception of Brewery Gulch Inn (they allow service animals only), and all offer free WIFI and free parking.
