Daily life for Miami-based menswear model and content creator Georges Coupet is an enviable whirlwind of designer outfits, fast cars, and fashion shoots—all of which he chronicles for his followers via his Instagram account, @monsieurcoupet. But even tastemakers need a break from the glittering style scene now and then. Thus, on a recent visit to Pendry Manhattan West, Coupet paired the bright lights of the big city with a much-needed sojourn to the bucolic beauty of Pendry Natirar, just a short drive away in Somerset County, New Jersey.
“When you think of a trip to Manhattan, you don’t think of chickens running around and ginger being planted,” Coupet says with a laugh. “I didn’t know that a place like this existed just 45 minutes away.”
It’s easy to pinpoint the material differences between the two Pendry properties. After all, one is in a 21-story modern glass skyscraper, while the other is centered around an early 1900s Tudor manor house that was once the private home of Morocco’s King Hassan II. Coupet has his own appropriately chic take on the sister hotels: “Pendry Manhattan West is very Armani: dark, grown, and sexy,” he says. “And Pendry Natirar is Ralph Lauren: relaxed luxury—you don’t have to do too much.” Never one to be
pigeonholed into a single look, Coupet embraced both in flawless style over one memorable weekend.
FRIDAY
7 p.m.
Make it Mediterranean
“Zou Zou’s at Pendry Manhattan West is easily one of my top three New York City restaurants. The ambiance and the service are always so good. For brunch, don’t skip the dip tower and the Moroccan fried chicken. If you go for dinner, the fattoush salad and the grilled branzino are my go-tos.”
9 p.m.
In good spirits
“After dinner, we headed to Bar Pendry for a nightcap. I like Bar Pendry because of its chic and sophisticated ambiance, not to mention the fancy craft cocktails on its menu.”
Saturday
10 a.m.
Pancakes with a view
“After a quick drive to Pendry Natirar, I settled into my suite the right way: with room service on my balcony overlooking the beautiful country landscapes. They have the best pancakes—fluffy but not too filling. They’re even perfectly sized circles.”
1 p.m.
A farmer’s touch
“Melinda Hopkins changed my outlook on what a farmer is. She’s so passionate about the land and its history that I really loved learning from her. Plus, she was very Ralph Lauren.”
5 p.m.
Shaken and stirred
“In the very chic Cognac Room at Ninety Acres, you can take a cocktail class that uses seasonal ingredients—some from the hotel’s own garden and farm. We learned how to make a gimlet, which is so delicious that you’ll be tempted to make more than one.”
8 p.m.
Soak it in
“While there is a big outdoor pool at Pendry Natirar, I fell in love with the indoor pool at Spa Pendry. It’s so private and serene, and a great spot to retreat to after a day of activities.”
Sunday
11 a.m.
Snooze on repeat
“Pendry beds are the most comfortable beds I’ve encountered in my hotel experiences. I love how soft and pillow-ish the linens and duvets are. They make it very easy to have a late start.”
12 p.m.
Breakfast perfected
“The cooking class at Ninety Acres was my favorite part of the weekend. I don’t know if I can remember all the tricks I learned if I tried to make them at home, but that day, I made a great eggs
Benedict.”
2 p.m.
Ace in the making
For our tennis lesson, our coach was super patient in explaining the intro steps and getting us comfortable on the court. I was a bit nervous as it was my first time having to play instead of just posing for pictures! But the experience made me want to take more classes back home.”
