Hello, 2021… Here we are again – still in the midst of a pandemic yet I managed to find an opportunity to sneak away for a safe change of scenery. As we all start to see the light at the end of the tunnel, we also start to feel the itch to get out and see the world again. I feel confident & excited for the world of travel once we approach the middle of this year when most folks are vaccinated. I will be sitting on an airplane going somewhere this year but until then, a road-trip will do.
Needless to say, given the events that took place last year, 2020 didn’t provide me with much new content for my travel blog. Yet, I still managed to jump in a car for a road-trip to Maine last July. Be sure to check out that blog post if you haven’t yet. That trip commenced with a stay at the White Barn Inn, an Auberge Resorts Collection property. Auberge set the standard for me on how to properly host guests during a pandemic.
So, this year as I wait patiently for my turn to get vaccinated – it made total sense to hop back in a car and check out another Auberge property for my first road-trip of 2021. This time my husband and I escaped to the countryside for a New England winter getaway at the recently renovated Mayflower Inn & Spa. They are located in Washington, Connecticut on 58 acres of land and only a two-hour drive from New York City. Once again, Auberge did not let us down. We felt perfectly safe and at home in this luxury boutique hotel & holistic wellness destination.
You can’t visit the Mayflower Inn & Spa without a spa treatment. The newly launched THE WELL at Mayflower Inn is a 20,000 square foot spa, which features 8 treatment rooms, a poolhouse with hammam, whirlpool, and two steam rooms. They also offer daily classes, workshops, retreats, and much more.
The decor and ambiance created in their relaxation room alone can transport you into a space of calmness and serenity immediately. This is one room that will be tough to leave after receiving one of their signature treatments. You can lounge in the chairs situated in front of a wall of windows that allow you to stare off into the expansive forest. This time of the year, it truly looked like a winter wonderland.
My #wellnesstip of the day - before leaving the spa, visit the gift shop and take home any of their signature scent products. Any time I spray the “Everything Mist” or the “Clean Hands, Hand Sanitizer”, I am instantly back at the spa.
The property was recently renovated and Interior Designer Celerie Kemble did a wonderful job. Pictured below is the entrance area in the Main House & the Parlor sitting room. It had an elegant & grandiose feel yet felt homey & inviting at the same time.
A perfect way to wind down in the evening was staying cozy by the fire in the Parlor Room which provided vintage edition books and board games. My husband and I play a mean game of dominoes:-)
We stayed in a spacious Signature King Room with Fireplace & terrace in the main house. As soon as you enter your room you can’t help but notice the canopied bed with a cloud of pillows directly situated in front of the fireplace. Inviting you for a nap upon arrival.
The hospitality and service we received here were top-notch. The food was outstanding with an impressive menu served up by James Beard award-winning chef-in-residence, April Bloomfield.
While I usually capture photos of my meals to share with you, the lighting and my belly had other plans this time around. Everything we ordered at dinner was delicious. A few dishes that deserve an honorable mention are… the Smoked Haddock Chowder and the Bone Broth with Fall warm spices. Of course, when April Bloomfield is in the picture you must order the Tap Room Burger accompanied by fried onions, raclette, and a sesame bun.
To my surprise, Breakfast was just as impressive. I ordered the Frittata with roasted seasonal vegetables + Sheep’s milk ricotta. The stand-out item for me which you must order was the potato cake. Trust me, save your diet for your return home because these are just too good to pass up.
Take advantage of all the property has to offer… a little outdoor time with cocktails, snacks, or s’mores by the bonfire…. Too cold for you? No problem set yourself up on a rocking chair in the enclosed and toasty porch.
Make some time for a morning hike and take advantage of the healing benefits of Forest Bathing along the Mayflower Trail before heading back home.
Be sure to head into the neighboring towns like Litchfield for some shopping, hiking, or distillery visits. But whatever you do, don’t pass up the opportunity to try some delicious old-fashioned ice cream from Arethusa Farm in Bantam.
Until next time…. Stay safe & prepare to get your travel shoes on very soon! When you are ready, reach out to Solbrilla Travel to book your next getaway.