"Why book? This grand hotel recently celebrated its 100th anniversary with a new look that feels fresh yet timeless at the same time. This is the ultimate bucolic New England getaway for families, couples, and groups of friends. Set the scene The Mayflower Inn & Spa is in Litchfield County, Connecticut—a stunning area of New England that still feels like somewhat of a secret, though urbanites have been moving here for some time, in search of a place that’s close to New York City and Boston but has both outdoor space and city comforts. The resort itself attracts a similar crowd of New Yorkers and New Englanders looking for a weekend getaway where there’s something for everyone—fantastic food, outdoor activities, and an unforgettable spa. The backstory In late 2020, the Mayflower—now part of the Auberge Resorts Collection—unveiled a total renovation in celebration of its 100th anniversary, led by designer Celerie Kemble. Kemble’s redesign is, in a word, playful. The stately hotel still looks grand and impressive from the exterior, with its manicured gardens and white lounge chairs. But inside is a property updated for what we’re looking for when we travel now: fun. The common spaces are places to linger, from the yellow parlor room to the quiet library. The aesthetic doesn’t sound like it would work on paper—mustard yellow walls, striped couches, tasseled chairs, a gallery wall of floral prints, and antique furniture. But thanks to Kemble’s careful vision, it gets pulled together into a relaxing space where there's always a new detail to catch your eye. The rooms The rooms pop with color, thanks to bright throws, eye-catching rugs, and botanical prints. Our room was large and spacious, with a canopied king bed, walk-in closet, and large bathroom with his and hers sinks, a tub, and a shower. There was plenty of space for all of our bags and a Pack ‘n’ Play, which the property provided alongside a special touch—baby products from new brand Paloroma. Food and drink April Bloomfield's menu is all about garden-fresh produce, from the burrata and pistachio starter to the farmer’s choice vegetable sides. The New York–based chef has taken over the all-day hotel restaurant, called the Tap Room. Some standout dishes included the chilled corn soup with lump crab, the cauliflower tikka masala, and the battered fish sandwich. For dessert, the move is to head outdoors for s'mores by the fire pits, which are some of the best seats in the house. Bloomfield oversees the resort’s culinary activities too, like a fireside supper for two and a special picnic basket to take on a scenic hike. The spa The most impressive update is to the spa house, now a collaboration with The Well, a multipurpose wellness concept based in New York City. The original bones of the spa house remain—a stunning indoor pool and jacuzzi room, and a chef’s table for private dinner and a sitting room. But between Kemble’s understated redesign and The Well’s cutting edge treatments, it's the ideal space to spend a day. You can’t go wrong with any of the treatments, which range from facials and massages to energy work and a lunar sound bath. The neighborhood/area Litchfield County is an absolute gem, with plenty of farm tours, hikes, and antiques shops in downtown Washington. Don’t miss the famous ice cream at Arethusa Farms, and grab a sandwich at The Smithy Cafe at 9 Main for something more substantial. The service The service at Mayflower was impeccable. The team goes out of their way to look after guests, from suggesting off-peak hours at the spa for a pool visit to finding laptop-friendly spaces for those who are working remotely. For families The resort couldn’t be more family- and pet-friendly. On our visit, the property was peppered with multi-generational groups and couples with their pups. There’s an incredibly welcoming feel, and no staffer blinks an eye at accommodating a baby or rowdy teens. Anything left to mention? The property has plenty of experiences for guests, from a hot air balloon ride to bike trips and whiskey tastings. These are appealing if you’re staying for awhile, but there’s also plenty to keep you preoccupied on the hotel’s grounds. The family-friendly pool is fantastic, with drinks and bites for those who want to camp out there all day, and there’s plenty to explore, from the chef’s garden to the American Poet’s Maze on-site. \" - Stephanie Wu
