The partnership between Miraval and Natirar founder Bob Wojtowicz primes the vast Somerset County estate, once owned by the King of Morocco, for its long-envisioned expansion into a full-service luxury resort for pampering, rejuvenation and relaxation. Wojtowicz originally linked with British businessman Sir Richard Branson in 2001 to develop the retreat; to date it consists of Ninety Acres Culinary Center, a highly rated farm-to-table restaurant and cooking school; a 12-acre sustainable farm; a banquet and catering facility; and a private membership club.
Branson, who has famously diverse entrepreneurial interests, is no longer involved, but Wojtowicz says that his former partner supports Natirar’s new direction.
Natirar is the first expansion of the Miraval brand. The Tucson, Arizona, resort has received celebrity plugs from the likes of Oprah Winfrey, Ellen DeGeneres and TV doctor Mehmet Oz as an oasis for mind, body and spirit. In addition to top-notch spa facilities, the resort offers healthy gourmet cuisine and a full roster of fitness and wellness programs. Since 1995, Miraval has consistently been ranked as a of the world’s top destinations by Travel + Leisure, SpaFinder, and Conde Nast Traveler.
“When I met Jean and Steve, I really felt they shared the same vision for the project that we have,” said Wojtowicz in an exclusive interview with New Jersey Monthly.
The Natirar estate is set within 500 acres of parkland owned by Somerset County. “As soon as I arrived on the grounds of Natirar, I knew this was the right place for Miraval,” said Miraval CEO Michael G. Tompkins.
The new partners will be seeking additional financing for the project; the projected cost was not revealed. Wojtowicz remains the majority owner.
The new all-inclusive resort, slated to open late in 2014, will include an 86-room luxury hotel with suites housed in the property’s original 1912 mansion; a 20,000-square-foot spa; a wellness pavilion; yoga center; and an additional restaurant—all with unmatchable views of the rolling hills of Somerset County. Like the Tucson location, Miraval at Natirar will offer a full itinerary of mind, body and spirit rejuvenating activities—from yoga and meditation to outdoor challenges and nutrition workshops.
Program partnerships are planned with a variety of health and wellness experts. Plans also are in the works to plant Natirar’s 12-acre farm with herbs and flowers from which to produce spa products.
Miraval’s recreational offerings will reflect Natirar’s location and the Garden State’s seasonal diversity—including winter sports and activities on the Raritan River, which snakes through the property. (Natirar is Raritan spelled backwards.)
