Question 1

What are your goals for this property?

Accepted Answer

The purpose and goal for Six Senses Hudson Valley is to build upon the site’s existing Special Use Permit to become a small-scale retreat center focused around “quiet” restorative programming and immersive experiences that merge wellness and sustainability

Our commitments are three-fold:
1)      Protecting the environment – Our site plan is carefully designed with environmental responsibility as a top priority. We’ve thoroughly studied the impacts – from ensuring water quality and protecting local habitats, to minimizing traffic and staving off light and sound transmission.
2)      Enhancing and engaging with the local community – Our thoughtful design will preserve and thread the natural beauty, character, and agrarian history of this area in all we do. We also intend to locally engage, including through volunteerism and community programming.
3)      Bringing value to the local economy – We will provide an anticipated 150 quality jobs, bringing local supply opportunities, attracting visitors and generating economic value to the community.

Question 2

Why did you choose this area and why is the Six Senses brand a fit for the site?

Accepted Answer

This site was chosen because of the unique attributes of the Hudson Valley, which is known for its strong agricultural history, arts, culture, and beautiful natural features, just to name a few. We intend to preserve this heritage in all that we do.

The property is a peaceful site with natural features in line with what the Six Senses brand stands for – sustainability, wellness and connection. Six Senses has been routinely recognized globally as a leader in environmental sustainability practices and design, community engagement, ethical practices, wellness and more.

Question 3

How much bigger will the proposed expansion be compared to the existing site?

Accepted Answer

The current site already has 28 buildings, including stables and an indoor riding arena, meeting and dining spaces, 15 lodging units and a spa.  We intend to expand thoughtfully to offer wider programming options and additional operational space in accordance with property’s existing Special Use Permit for a conference center, which was put in place nearly 20 years ago. 
For a side-by-side comparison of existing and new structures planned, visit the Site Plan section.

Question 4

How many of the property’s 236 acres will you develop?

Accepted Answer

We are building on a small portion of the land (just over 30 acres) which has already been cleared by prior owners. We are only developing on less than 4 acres for things such as an emergency access and drainage. This means over 200 acres of the property will be left in its natural state.

Question 5

How will this expansion preserve the local character and history of this property?  Will you tear down the historical buildings?

Accepted Answer

We have studied the property with our team of expert engineers, planners, farmers, historians, environmental scientists, architects, and designers to professionally inform and round out our vision.
Aligned with the Town's Comprehensive Plan, the site has been carefully laid out in a small hamlet-style fashion. Licensed architects have made certain that the placement and design of new buildings are complementary to the existing historical buildings. No new building is larger or taller than any of the existing buildings.
Building materials will be in keeping with the Town of Clinton’s general character and the agrarian nature of our site, and we plan to utilize local fabricators, artisans, and sourcing as much as possible. As with all Six Senses projects, what we are planning to build will be sustainably sourced and operated.

Question 6

Isn’t Six Senses a resort hotel? This property is legally permitted for a Conference Center – what is the difference?

Accepted Answer

This site will be a small-scale retreat center focused around wellness and sustainability programming and immersive experiences, so it will not operate like a traditional hotel or resort. For example, we are not targeting guests who may need lodging just for an overnight stay or large events like big parties. We intend to expand thoughtfully on the property’s existing Special Use Permit for a conference center, which was put in place nearly 20 years ago. This is a program-driven property with lodging made available for program attendees, not simply for an overnight stay.
In keeping with the Six Senses brand, we will attract people and small groups who are interested in bespoke experiences, such as special classes and workshops. This could include equine therapy or riding classes at the horse stables onsite, woodworking taught by a local artisan, or star-gazing experience with an astronomer, just to name a few. For a detailed list of potential programming options, visit the Programs page.

Question 7

Why is this called a Conference Center? Are you re-zoning?

Accepted Answer

Zoning codes often use words that have specific definitions that may seem contrary to common use of those words. The definitions and regulations were established prior to current ownership's interest in the property. 
In the Town of Clinton, a Conference Center is defined as: “An establishment for hire as a location for events used for business or professional conferences and seminars, often with rooms for lodging, eating, and recreational activities. Also, an establishment which attracts clients principally for recreational or health activities and contains rooms for lodging and eating for its clients.” 
An Event is defined as “Organized gatherings for profit, such as business or professional conferences, meetings, retreats or seminars, and/or recreational or health activities, and/or parties, including but not limited to weddings and family reunions.”
The existing and planned operations of the site fit these definitions. We are not seeking any zoning changes.

Question 8

What is a Program?

Accepted Answer

We offer year-round, small-scale “quiet” restorative retreats and immersive experiences, such as bespoke classes and workshops that reflect the seasonal beauty and rich history of the Hudson Valley.
The property is available to pre-registered program/event attendees. Programs vary in duration, anywhere from hours to days. Certain programs are designed for day-visitors, while others are designed for a multi-day experience with overnight stays. All program attendees can enjoy the property's dining offering and numerous activities.  
Programming is  reflective of the property's existing Special Use Permit  - examples include workshops and classes in categories such as Equine, Health & Wellness, Farming, Nature, Sustainability, Community & Social Responsibility, History & Discovery, Culinary, Family, and Special Events.

Question 9

How much will it cost for people to attend a program? Will it be accessible?

Accepted Answer

The cost will depend on the customized programming each guest chooses which will be confirmed when offerings are determined. In keeping with the Six Senses programming, our classes and workshops will be unique, tailored, high-quality experiences. 
As in any market, we believe there’s space in the community for many types of offerings at varying price points.

Question 10

What’s the development timeline?

Accepted Answer

Upon successful approvals, we will begin construction as soon as possible, with an anticipated duration of approximately 18 months pending material and labor availability, and the receipt of all applicable local permits. 
We plan to construct this as a single phase, pending final construction bidding. The final timeline for construction will be determined by the final selected contractor and also the time of year the approvals are met and when construction can begin.

Question 11

Who is the builder?

Accepted Answer

We are discussing the project with several local builders and will ultimately bid out the project once approvals are granted.

Question 12

What assurances are you making to preserve the local habitat like wetlands and local species?

Accepted Answer

Our site plan is informed by a team of experts and designed with environmental responsibility at the forefront. The site will be constructed, operated, and maintained with habitat and ecosystems’ ability to thrive as a top priority. We are also only building on a small portion of the land, leaving over 200 acres in its natural state. Buffers are maintained around all wetlands with no buildings proposed within the buffers. 
Additionally, we will create a Sustainability Fund whereby a percentage of the property’s gross revenue from operations will be automatically contributed to a fund for use in local social and environmental initiatives. 
Please see the Environmental Responsibility page for additional details on how we are carefully considering the local environment.

Question 13

How are you protecting local water supply and quality?

Accepted Answer

Certified hydrologists have been conducting water yield and impact testing to county standards and the results showed no impact to the surrounding water supply. All wastewater will be treated to the standards set by the Department of Environmental Conservation, and is common practice in many neighboring towns and businesses. There is no use of Browns Pond (per the existing Special Use Permit), which is located at the southeast corner of the site and at a much higher elevation than our wells and water treatment facility.
The site is fully engineered to manage stormwater and will undergo a full review by third-party engineers to ensure compliance.

Question 14

What safeguards are you putting in place to stave off potential noise and light disturbances?

Accepted Answer

The site is designed to be fully Night Sky compliant, which means lighting levels are kept to a minimum and there is no uplighting. 
The site will comply with local sound ordinances and we have taken extra steps by introducing berms and landscape buffers to mitigate sound transmission. Pre-fabricated construction methods will be utilized where possible.

Question 15

What’s the maximum amount of guests that will be on property at a given time?

Accepted Answer

We plan for no more than 240 guests at a peak; however, a typical day would see significantly less people on average at the site factoring a normal course of business, including seasonality.

Question 16

How will you minimize traffic to the area?

Accepted Answer

A traffic engineer completed traffic studies that show the absolute highest-possible traffic scenario (full capacity with a single large event) with a multiplier added on for an even more conservative analysis. The average day will be significantly less than this scenario. The employee traffic across multiple shifts is a large portion of the total daily typical traffic expected, some of which are drivers that are already using the local roads. The arrival and departures of staff will be staggered to avoid influxes of vehicles. Shuttle service will be offered for local excursions and train stations. Additionally, deliveries will be scheduled with suppliers.

Question 17

In what ways do you plan to engage with the local community?

Accepted Answer

We intend to source local goods and supplies to the greatest extent possible. We are excited about the interesting, diverse, and aligned goods and services local businesses produce and plan on maximizing relationships. 
Additionally, we’ve proposed several beneficial ways we can engage locally, including:
Sustainability Fund: a percentage of the property’s gross revenue from operations will be automatically contributed to a fund for use in local social and environmental initiatives. This is a global brand initiative across Six      Senses with a preference for working with local organizations. 
Community days – the property will host specialized programs that are curated specifically for local residents/groups. 
Farm share programs – any excess farm products produced onsite may be offered for sale to the community or for donation. 
Outreach programs – staff and clients will give back to community-driven projects through volunteer work. 
Affiliation programs – we plan to seek out affiliation programs with established restaurants, farms, distilleries, wineries, and purveyors in the community.

Question 18

Will locals be able to take advantage of the property’s offerings and stay on the property at discount?

Accepted Answer

We have plans to offer discounts to locals with proof of local residency, which will be determined at a later date. Keep in mind that the property will be operated as a small-scale retreat center focused around sustainability and wellness programming, so it will not operate like a traditional hotel or resort - lodging is made available for certain program durations.

Question 19

How many and what kinds of jobs will you create/bring to the area?

Accepted Answer

We estimate hiring approximately 150 people, plus additional construction jobs for the development. Employment will extend beyond facilities and management positions, as we will need specialists to lead the workshops, classes and experiences we expect to offer, for example specialized nutritionists, equine specialists, regenerative farmers, yoga teachers, ecologists, and artisans to name a few. The core operations team will include areas of expertise such as sales, marketing, food & beverage, and engineering.

Question 20

I’m interested in a job – who can I contact?

Accepted Answer

We intend to engage local candidates who show an interest and are aligned with the ethos of the property to lead our programs and retreats. We will be sure to share open positions with the broader community as soon as they are available.

Question 21

Are you open now? Can I book a program / meeting / overnight stay?

Accepted Answer

We have a limited offering at this time, if you are interested you can reach out and we will put you in touch with our reservations team  to see if there is availability.

Question 22

I’m hearing many differing opinions about the benefits of this project – how are you working with the local community?

Accepted Answer

Our goal has always been, and always will be, to work amicably and transparently with the towns of Clinton, Hyde Park and Rhinebeck, and that includes operating within applicable local laws. We have a long history and track record of working successfully with the communities where we operate.

As a local business that’s part of this community, our goal is to create value that’s mutually beneficial –that’s everything from generating good jobs, to developing a high-quality, sustainability-minded retreat that attracts people to the broader local area.

While project plans have been shared transparently in public town meetings and through the permitting process, we recognize factual information needs to be more accessible to the general public. Our hope is that community members can take the time to objectively review all the facts.

The decision to bring Six Senses to a particular site is done with meticulous thought to the local impact – not only to the environment but the community itself.  We have studied the property with a team of experts to professionally inform and round out our vision.

Frequently Asked Questions