Dr. Chandra, left, listens as Prime Minister Modi delivers a blessing via live teleconference
TOWN OF THOMPSON – Among the dignitaries addressing the ceremonial grand opening of Sullivan County’s latest major attraction was Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He wasn’t actually at the YO1 Luxury Nature Cure Catskills, on Anawana Lake Road, but spoke via live teleconference from New Delhi.
Modi noted the significance of the growing worldwide Yoga movement, that Thursday was the first day of summer and International Yoga Day
YO1 is the vision of billionaire media mogul Dr. Subhash Chandra, a member of the Indian Parliament. Chandra was humble in thanking those most important to him.
“I would like to thank my father, my brother, my family, those who made me fearless to take courage to put up such a venture.”
Chandra also thanked a long list of local, county and state officials who welcomed the project and the Poughkeepsie architecture firm Liscum McCormack VanVoorhis for a contemporary design that draws inspiration from nature and the fundamental philosophies rooted in the 5000-year-old practice of Ayurveda.
County Legislature Chairman Luis Alvarez noted that other places were considered, including Long Island, before the decision was made to build in Sullivan County.
“An honor that you thought about us that way, that you looked at what we are, that you put this building here,” Alvarez said.
The 1,300-acre site and facility with 131 rooms and suites, overlooking Bailey’s Pond, went up on part of the former Kutcher’s Resort complex. Presently, the staff is about 140 but is expected to expand to around 200.
Local architects say the main building was designed to be in harmony with nature
State Senator John Bonacic agreed that the sublime location, just two hours from New York City, fits the mission.
“To achieve wellness and serenity while enjoying the beauty of Sullivan County,” Bonacic said. “They will attract people, I think, from all over this country and other countries, especially India, that comes to visit New York, and they have, within two hours, they can access 10 million people, so I wish them much success. I think they have a winning formula here.”
Assemblywoman Aileen Gunther, a nurse, agreed.
President and CEO of the Sullivan Catskills Visitors Association, Roberta Byron-Lockwood, said YO1 grows another desired attribute – diversity.
“We have such great, rich cultures that have made their home in our Sullivan Catskills and I think that’s going to inspire visitation, great inspiration for the Pacific Rim,” Byron-Lockwood said. “I think really, out of the city, the metro market, we’re just really poised for some incredible, incredible visitation here.”
Visitors wanting to stay a few days at YO1 Luxury Nature Cure, should note the word “luxury” in the full name. That is reflected in the price. According to their website, daily rates begin at $850.
