Connecticut Countryside Retreat – The Mayflower Grace by @GraceHotels

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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!

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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 incrediblelola_blackpink 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!

15 Comments

Filed under connecticut, swanky luxe stays, travel, USA

15 Responses to Connecticut Countryside Retreat – The Mayflower Grace by @GraceHotels

  1. Very nice, as I would expect from you. Thanks for putting it on my radar.
    Lance | Trips By Lance recently posted…Balloon Fiesta InspirationMy Profile

  2. This sounds absolutely amazing! I’m starting to spend a little more when I travel now that I’ve hit my late twenties (ancient, I know. Har har). This definitely looks like a Lola kinda place, and I love how English it looks – as a Brit, they got the whole country manor detailing spot on from the looks of things! Your patronage of this place means that I forgive you for talking about “English accents” 😉 But only you.
    Tom @ Waegook Tom recently posted…La Bonne Cecile: Paris’ Most Perfect RestaurantMy Profile

  3. When I tell people I live in Connecticut, this is what people think the entire state is! Classic New England.
    karl recently posted…Backup Battery Power for The TravelerMy Profile

  4. Didn’t know that Grace Hotels had expanded and now encompasses this property in the U.S. We’ve stayed at the Grace Santorini in Greece – a wonderful stay.
    Sand In My Suitcase recently posted…SAA: Direct flights get you to the lions’ densMy Profile

  5. Ooh I love these kind of hotels, beautiful!
    Becky Padmore recently posted…10 unspoilt places to visit in Majorca for travel snobsMy Profile

  6. I have never been to Connecticut – a place like this to stay would be perfect!
    Raul (@ilivetotravel) recently posted…Manila RelaxationMy Profile

  7. This place looks like a beautiful home rather than a hotel. It looks like a beautiful place to curl up with a great glass of wine over a long weekend.
    Leah recently posted…My Top Three Airplane AggravationsMy Profile

  8. Sometimes some of the greatest finds are in your own backyard. Love that and now I have a new place to visit.

  9. This is ADORABLE! I want to be there x
    Scarlett recently posted…The bank-lady broke my soul.My Profile

  10. Some day I will live The Great Gatsby dream…for now I’ll make do with this!
    Fiona recently posted…How to Travel Like an A-Lister in Dublin AirportMy Profile

  11. I could see myself at that bar with a few other rapscallions.
    Traveling Ted recently posted…Running, walking, and peeing the Chicago MarathonMy Profile

  12. This is beautiful!!! Talk about a little getaway close to home. I will have to check this place out for sure…especially that spa!
    Erin – The World Wanderer recently posted…Music Monday: Wings.My Profile

  13. I feel like New England is calling my name. Is this New England? You totally had me at ‘hamman’
    @mrsoaroundworld recently posted…My hOtel: The Kensington Hotel, London @hotelkensington @doylecollectionMy Profile

  14. So pretty and relaxing, Lola! You have definitely put New England on my must-visit-again list.
    Pola (@jettingaround) recently posted…Photo(s) of the Week: Calle la Ronda in QuitoMy Profile

  15. i know how much you loved this place, and i can totally see why! lucky lady, it’s so close to home.
    the lazy travelers recently posted…foodie break: felice 83My Profile

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