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I began my love affair with Grace Hotels when I first visited The Vanderbilt Grace last December and again in June. This luxury boutique hotel group really has the right idea of style, sophistication & sexiness for its guests! So, when I learned that Grace Hotels acquired a new property in nearby Connecticut, I just had to go check it out.
Located in Washington, Connecticut in picturesque Litchfield County, The Mayflower Grace is less than 2 hours from New York City and roughly 3.5 hours from Boston. I’m not typically one to say “hey, let’s rent a car and go for a road trip in the USA,” I’m more likely to take a plane or a train, but I didn’t want to miss the chance to check out this acclaimed inn so I rented a sweet ride to chariot me to Connecticut. With accolades like “An American Legend Hailed as a Top US Inn”, “Forbes 5 Star Rating” and “Number One Spa in America”, I had some big expectations going into my stay with The Mayflower Grace. I was not let down!
For starters, Washington is a beautiful rural town in Connecticut that looks like it could be in the English Countryside. The Mayflower Grace perfectly fits its surroundings following suit in English manor style. There are 30 unique room accommodations and I placed in the Winslow Suite – said to be one of the more luxurious suites in the Mayflower House. I can attest that it was stunning with its separate living room and sitting area and giant marble bathroom with a separate walk in shower and deep soak tub. The best feature of the room was the balcony opening up to a gorgeous view of the Shakespeare Garden. I really felt like I was visiting the United Kingdom! My only disappointment was not having this lovely room for longer than one evening. I could have really spent more time there.
During my visit I was also able to experience the delicious dining offerings in the tap room. Feeling British Pub-like, it was as cozy as it was wonderful. I was told of some updates coming soon to the menus and changes that will be made to the dining rooms’ decor. All the plans sound fabulous and will bring new shine to The Mayflower Grace dining, which is open to both guests and the local public.
The grounds of The Mayflower Grace are not to be missed as well. Set upon 58 acres, not only is there the Shakespeare Garden but also the American Poetry Maze. Big trees and established plantings abound among the rolling hills. I loved the outdoor pool and would definitely like to log some time there during the summertime. There is no way you cannot feel serenity and relaxation in these surroundings and I’m sure in every season.
Now, for the best part of The Mayflower Grace – the spa!! Sure, I like a spa treatment every now and then but I wouldn’t say I’m a huge spa-goer. After touring the spa at The Mayflower Grace I was certain I would be missing out on a world class experience if I didn’t have some kind of treatment. So, naturally, I booked a massage and let them choose what they thought might be best for me to experience. It was decided I should try Hammam, a red flower treatment ritual with roots from ancient Byzantine bath houses. Using a blend of orange blossom, jasmine, bergamot, amber & clove, this treatment was both invigorating and therapeutic and includes a combination of detoxifying washes, clay, exfoliation, steam and massage. Although involved, let me just say it was 90 minutes of heaven and the best treatment I’ve ever had. Definitely worth the road trip to Connecticut! This 20,000 square foot luxury spa is truly gorgeous and offers full services for their guests. Definitely allow extra time to indulge in relaxing in the Garden Room. You will not be sorry for lingering.
For nature lovers, nearby is the Steep Rock Nature Preserve which is one of the oldest land trust’s in Connecticut. Hiking, biking, kayaking, cross country skiing and snow shoeing are just a few of the activities you can experience here. There are also opportunities for horseback riding, fishing, golfing, tennis, antiquing, the list goes on.
In August 2013, this Relais & Chateaux five-star, five-diamond accommodations joined the award-winning Grace Hotels group which has an international reputation for its boutique hotels on five continents around the world. The development brings new investment to the property along with a décor refresh and some classic Grace style elements, including an all-new fine dining experience. Sensitively and gradually, these enhancements will be merged in over the coming months while still preserving all the things about the Mayflower that patrons have come to know and love.
Thank you to The Mayflower Grace for inviting me to come experience your incredible
property. I totally ‘Lola Approve’ it and I know where I will be checking in when I next need some R&R! I fully anticipate all previous and new patrons will find all is well and perhaps even better with The Mayflower Grace! The views here are mine!
