Hotel Snapshot
Mayflower Inn & Spa, Auberge Collection is a luxury retreat in the bucolic country town of Litchfield, Connecticut, about two hours from New York City. Encompassing 58 acres, the property dates to the late 19th century when it was a private boys' school. It’s been operating as a hotel for more than a century, but Auberge didn’t come into the picture until 2018.
Given its price point, emphasis on wellness, and heritage-inspired design, Mayflower Inn is a choice weekend getaway for deep-pocketed city dwellers who want to savor privacy and peace in the luxe surroundings synonymous with the Auberge brand.
Design & Character
Celerie Kemble, the interior designer darling of New York high society, led a redesign of the property, which debuted in Fall 2020. Her style, with its explosion of colors and layers of fabrics and textures, is unmistakable and hard to miss. Kemble looked to English and Scandinavian country houses for her inspiration- elements throughout include floral chintz patterns, Indian block prints, and sumptuous suiting fabrics.
The coastal-meets-classic home furnishings brand Serena & Lily is behind the outdoor area, featuring umbrella-shaded tables for dining and imbibing and loungers for relaxing.
The Rooms
The not-so-small Classic serves as the entry-level room category, while the Mayflower Suites, ranging from 933 to 1,200 square feet, sit at the top end. There are 35 accommodations in all, each with a distinctive design that nods to the New England aesthetic. Romantic four-poster beds, flowered wallpaper, fireplaces, oversized colorful pillows, and balconies are among the prevailing elements.
Food & Drink
Mayflower Inn’s food is elegant, seasonal, and fresh. The food is as much a reason to come here as the spa. The Garden Room is the venue for breakfast and lunch. Start your day with in-house-baked cinnamon rolls or a citrus scone. For heartier appetites, the breakfast platter with salmon, a Turkish bagel, avocado, and an array of other offerings is the way to go.
Lunch means entree salads, burgers, and sandwiches like the excellent mushroom cutlet. Still, my vote goes to the miniature taste of country, a spread of meats, cheeses, local veggies, an irresistible smoked onion dip, pistachio hummus, and housemade crackers.
The scene moves to the sophisticated Tap Room for dinner. Each dish- be it the big eye tuna crudo with melon, the tagliatelle with lump crab, or the roasted halibut in a warm tomato broth- is beautifully presented and pops with flavor. You can pick from a solid selection of wines, cocktails, and craft beers to pair with your meal.
Amenities
The 20,000 square-foot Retreat at Mayflower Inn is the crown jewel of the amenities, attracting the repeat guests the property sees. You can spend all day here- and believe me, I nearly did- indulging in treatments, working out in the decked-to-the-nines gym, taking a yoga class, or cozying up on a lounger with a blanket and book in the airy relaxation lounge. The space also features a pool and an outdoor yoga and meditation garden.
Location & Neighborhood Recs
There’s no reason to leave the Mayflower when you’re a guest here, but if you’re looking for an off-property jaunt, the area invites with attractions like Mount Tom State Park and Topsmead State Forest, where you can go hiking and take in scenic views. Visiting charming Litchfield County towns like Kent and Washington, and stopping at the many farms you pass along the roads, are other worthwhile diversions.
Fast Facts
Location: Washington, Connecticut
Rating: Five-Star
Room Count: 35
Food + Drink: The Tap Room serves dinner daily. The Garden Room is the place for breakfast. Lunch, and an excellent weekend brunch.
Starting Rate: $1,100.
Our Favorite Thing About the Hotel: The spa, hands down. It’s worth the trip alone, even for the day.
Closest Airport: 1 hour away from Bradley International Airport and two to two-and-a-half hours from the New York-area airports.
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