The Sylvan Lodge in Jackson Gap, Wyoming

In Jackson Gap’s ever-expanding luxurious hospitality scene, it typically feels as if the resort choices mix collectively in a sea stuffed with earth tones, wooden and stone accents, the compulsory partitions of wildlife images, and different contemporary-meets-Wild West design decisions. 

To face out, a resort should have one thing really distinctive: an imitable backstory, an enviable location, or a component of exclusivity. Over the previous few years, a number of new properties have individually checked one or two of these containers, however there hasn’t been one which’s nailed all three—till now. On June 18, The Sylvan Lodge, a brand-new retreat on the Snake River Sporting Membership, opened its doorways, and I used to be among the many first to remain. 

Though I’ve been frequenting this a part of Wyoming for a number of years, I by no means stepped foot contained in the non-public membership’s grounds. Previous to the resort’s opening, entry to this pocket of Jackson Gap, Wyoming—25 minutes south of the city of Jackson—was reserved for members, their company, or these renting one of many membership’s luxurious houses or cabins.

“The thought for The Sylvan Lodge was born out of natural demand. Due to the standard of our golf course and membership facilities, we’ve lengthy had members and their company from out of city in search of a spot to remain whereas in Jackson,” Christopher Swann, founder and CEO of Cygnus Capital, tells Journey + Leisure.

The membership spans almost 1,000 acres and is famend for its Tom Weiskopf-designed golf course; the scenic 18-hole structure is tucked between the banks of the meandering Snake River and Bridger-Teton Nationwide Forest land. Whereas a reservation at The Sylvan Lodge grants you the flexibility to schedule a tee time on this in any other case non-public course, it additionally gives one thing barely much less tangible: an opportunity to expertise Jackson Gap’s pure magnificence and accompanying leisure actions with out having to navigate across the hundreds of holiday makers who descend upon the world each day.

Although it’s inherently tied to the Snake River Sporting Membership, the 38-key Sylvan Lodge continues to be grounded in its model and story. “Sylvan” has a couple of definitions, however at its core, it refers to one thing that’s “of the woods.” The theme is central to the design of the property—for instance, every suite is known as after an area tree.

“The aim was to create a refined, residential retreat that feels related to the land and invitations company to be a part of the forest, quite than simply close to it,” says Ryan Kingston, the world managing director for Noble Home Resorts & Resorts, which manages a gaggle of properties that now consists of The Sylvan Lodge. “The design incorporates pure supplies and a impartial palette, together with unique paintings by regional artists that displays the panorama and wildlife, together with eagles, elk, and native tree species.”

Whereas the staff was nonetheless placing the ultimate touches on a number of the resort’s facilities (together with its on-site restaurant, health middle, and spa) throughout my keep, the extent of excellence The Sylvan Lodge is striving to realize was already obvious. Each element felt considerate and intentional, from the complimentary snack, drink, and low bar on the third ground to the heated rest room flooring and the bathrobes that felt so smooth, I made word of the model (Comphy by Coop, in case you’re additionally curious). 

I believe maybe what impressed me most, although, was the extent of service: the graciously attentive housekeeping, the always-helpful entrance desk, the waitstaff on the clubhouse who constantly remembered my title. The workers created a heat hospitality expertise that may set the resort up for achievement because it takes its place in Jackson Gap.

This is what it is like to remain at The Sylvan Lodge.

The Rooms 

Of the 38 visitor rooms, 15 are suites. The smallest room class is a King, which has a reasonably customary structure with a mini fridge and a Nespresso machine. In the event you’re staying for greater than a few nights (or touring with kids), I like to recommend upgrading to one of many suites, which include in-room laundry and a kitchen, creating a real “dwelling away from dwelling” expertise. Suites even have furnished balconies—they’re the proper place to unwind within the Wyoming sunshine.

I stayed within the Two-Bed room Cover Suite, a spacious unfold that may home as much as six company, due to the king room and two units of bunks within the secondary bed room. Throughout the day, the European white oak ceilings and partitions, in addition to the Restoration {Hardware} furnishings, are flooded with mild from the floor-to-ceiling home windows, making the area really feel vivid and ethereal. My solely criticism could be that the shades are operated by hand. In addition to that, there isn’t an inch of the area that doesn’t marry each perform and design. 

The espresso tables are accessorized with books, a backgammon set, and coasters designed to mirror the topography of the Teton Vary. The kitchen cupboards and cabinets are stocked with Riedel glassware, Churchill stoneware, and all method of utensils; the customized Sylvan Lodge knife from New West KnifeWorks, an area firm, is a selected spotlight. 

Meals and Drink 

The resort’s signature restaurant, Engelmann’s Bistro, was not open throughout my go to, however in line with Kingston, the eatery will “initially deal with breakfast, highlighting contemporary, seasonal substances from the Western area.” That mentioned, the eating experiences throughout my keep befell on the Snake River Sporting Membership’s clubhouse eating places, led by government chef Eric Gruber. The menu at River Room is nicely curated—one web page of soups, salads, starters, sides, and mains—and there is a vary of seasonal objects. I stored coming again to the beet duo (a mixture of pickled and roasted beets and herb-whipped feta), however the each day specials, just like the crispy salmon, ceaselessly caught my consideration. I additionally couldn’t assist however finish every meal with a scoop of the bay laurel ice cream, an in-house specialty. 

Martin Creek Poolside Grill is an off-the-cuff possibility for members and lodge company. I went for the connoisseur barbecue sandwich and a facet of crudité. Whereas the general environment of this eating outlet is relaxed, the staff was attentive and ensured my gluten-free dietary restriction was prime of thoughts. 

In the event you’re simply in search of drinks, the indoor-outdoor Darkish Sky Bar on the third ground of The Sylvan Lodge is the place to be. An expertly ready, not-too-sweet mocktail was my beverage of selection.

Actions and Experiences 

Because the cliché goes, there’s one thing for everybody right here.

As a visitor of The Sylvan Lodge, you obtain the Snake River Sporting Membership’s member advantages. Play a spherical of golf (there are, notably, a couple of time restrictions for resort company), or seize a canoe, kayak, or paddleboard to take out on Beaver Pond, a water function situated close to the eleventh inexperienced and twelfth tee. Within the hotter months of the yr, company can head as much as the five-stand skeet taking pictures vary, e-book a path trip alongside the Snake River, or lounge beneath an umbrella by the infinity-edge pool beneath the clubhouse. There’s additionally the choice to check your hand-eye coordination on the clay tennis courtroom, frisbee golf course, or archery course, full with 3D targets. 

Within the winter, the sporting membership transforms right into a haven for cross-country skiers. The staff may assist facilitate heli-skiing journeys and transport company to the slopes at Jackson Gap Mountain Resort in Teton Village. Ultimately, there can be an on-site store, referred to as “The Hub,” to facilitate all actions for company. 

The Spa 

Helmed by Abril Gruber, the previous spa supervisor of the Amangani resort, the 20,000-square-foot spa at The Sylvan Lodge formally opened its eight remedy rooms and extra amenities a couple of days after I checked out. I did, nonetheless, get to attempt the Sylvan Signature Therapeutic massage by way of an in-room expertise. The much-needed service successfully eliminated the strain and soreness that had constructed up in my physique following a full day of journey, plus a couple of rounds of skeet taking pictures and a golf lesson. 

I additionally obtained to stroll by way of the soon-to-open spa upon my arrival, and I used to be impressed by the full-service facility. In complete, the spa has steam rooms, a chilly plunge, and an infrared sauna—in addition to a remedy pool, a heated deck, and a sun-filled leisure room. And should you’ve been desirous about attempting a red-light remedy masks? You possibly can choose one up on the spa’s retail boutique. 

Moreover, the health middle, which is extra expansive than many resort gyms I’ve encountered, is true subsequent door. Whereas I obtained my coronary heart price up with lengthy walks from the resort right down to the clubhouse and equestrian middle, company now have the choice to train indoors. The weekly yoga and pilates courses are additionally complimentary. 

Household-friendly Choices

Each Snake River Sporting Membership and The Sylvan Lodge are designed to entertain guests of all ages. The pool on the clubhouse, for instance, is well-liked amongst youthful company, as is the Beaver Pond. Snake River Sporting Membership additionally has a roster of children’ camps and kid-friendly classes, specializing in golf, horseback driving, swimming, fly fishing, kayaking, frisbee golf, and extra. 

Accessibility and Sustainability

The frequent areas inside The Sylvan Lodge are ADA-compliant, and every ground is accessible by an elevator. There may be additionally a elevate for the spa’s remedy pool obtainable upon request. So far as lodging go, there’s an ADA-compliant king room, outfitted with an accessible sink, bathtub, and bathroom with seize bars.

Like many resorts in Jackson Gap, The Sylvan Lodge has a couple of sustainability measures in place. Every visitor receives their very own Yeti water bottle to refill as mandatory, chopping down on plastic utilization. The loos even have full-sized Lather merchandise—shampoo, conditioner, physique wash, and moisturizer—quite than small, single-use plastic bottles.

Location

The Sylvan Lodge is about half-hour from downtown Jackson and 40 minutes from Jackson Gap Airport (JAC). To get to Snake River Sporting Membership, you’ll move over the purple Astoria Bridge, with Astoria Scorching Springs Park in your left. The resort and membership are situated in Snake River Canyon. Whilst you don’t get any views of the Tetons, the distinction of the stainless golf course, glittering river, and dense forest is spectacular in its personal proper.

Ubers and Lyfts can be found, however relying on the season and driving availability, it will possibly typically be tough to get a trip this removed from city. Renting a automotive can be your greatest wager—particularly should you plan on venturing out to Grand Teton Nationwide Park. Alternatively, the resort can prepare a non-public switch to and from the airport. The bell workers may shuttle company across the property by way of golf cart as wanted.

E-book Now

Right now, The Sylvan Lodge doesn’t have a loyalty program or a partnership with a bank card. There are, nonetheless, a couple of completely different presents in place, together with a grand opening supply (obtainable by way of December 31) and the “Serenity at Sylvan” package deal, which features a two-night keep and a $300 spa credit score. Nightly charges at The Sylvan Lodge begin from $700.

Each T+L resort evaluate is written by an editor or reporter who has stayed on the property, and every resort chosen aligns with our core values.