As hotels suffer from pandemic, ‘cabin fever’ drives renewed interest in this private romantic getaway concept

Some businesses have been uniquely positioned to thrive during the coronavirus pandemic, including pharmacies, grocery stores — and Sybaris.

You might say every day has been like Valentine’s Day — a perennial sellout — for the members-only pool suite concept that caters to couples only.

While hotels have suffered from steep occupancy drops throughout the nearly two-year health crisis, Sybaris experienced a 12% increase in occupancy last year compared with 2018, said Dan Fahrner, Sybaris’ marketing director for 25 years.

“We have experienced an unprecedented level of increased business. It’s been absolutely crazy,” Fahrner said. “We have been fully occupied almost every night for the last two years. When COVID hit our business suffered like most others, but as time passed, people started to experience ‘cabin fever’ and Sybaris offered a very safe escape.”

Sybaris, with its intense focus on privacy, is not your typical escape. Only two adults age 18 and older are allowed inside each suite per booking, and must pay a membership fee in order to book. Guests check in at an office on site,