A Weekend in the Country: A Stay at Auberge Mayflower Inn & Spa
After a chaotic 2020, we went into the summer of 2021 eagerly anticipating a return to “normal” (or whatever our new normal is) – and with that, travel. After stumbling upon gorgeous photos of the recently redone Auberge Mayflower Inn & Spa on Instagram (masterfully renovated by the talented Celerie Kemble), my heart was set: we were going to spa in Litchfield, CT.
And spa we did. With a 20,000 square foot facility (in partnership with The Well) Mayflower’s spa is one of the most relaxing, serene, beautiful places I have ever been. Our three day trip to the countryside was the perfect respite from the craziness of work and life – and the most romantic place to celebrate my birthday, and our wedding anniversary.
We started the weekend by stepping into the gorgeous foyer of the Mayflower (which used to be an old dormitory for boys!), absorbing the beautiful design work by Kemble Interiors. From the moment we were greeted at the front desk, the hotel’s team was so accommodating, thoughtful and friendly. We were shown around the inviting buttercup yellow sitting room, had a cup of coffee, and checked out the vintage books from Johnnycake Books. Then we sent our bags upstairs and headed on over to the pool for some (very much needed) R&R.
After spending the day at the pool, we headed up to retreat to our room – and what a retreat indeed. The suite felt like a gorgeously appointed guest space in the most stylish country home; layered as if it had been there for decades, yet utterly fresh and inviting. Every corner of the suite was a design lover’s dream, right down to the scalloped crown molding and Green Vase plants.
After watching some Legally Blonde in the cushiest of four poster beds (hello, everyone’s dream), we headed downstairs for a cocktail (a particular type of tequila heaven) on the magical wicker appointed porch. After cocktails during the golden hour, we had dinner at the April Bloomfield helmed restaurant; we sat outside with the background music of the country’s crickets chirping a tune and the sounds of s’mores crackling in fires nearby, and for the first time in over a year, we felt utterly relaxed. Pro tip: whatever you order, order the french fries with it.
After dinner we headed back upstairs, feeling like we were at an old friend’s country home, and rested up for a day of spa activities (after binging Outer Banks on Netflix, of course. And yes – the rooms have Netflix!)
The next morning we woke up and had breakfast in the gorgeous solarium styled restaurant. Filled with plants and copper pots, it was a hotel brunch dream. After the past almost two years we’ve had, who doesn’t enjoy the simple pleasures of a latte you didn’t make yourself and a fresh squeezed glass of OJ? The avocado toast was delightful, and the frittata was as airy as can be. A+ breakfast.
In a post breakfast haze, we walked to the pool for some more R&R time. Around noon, we headed to the Shakespeare Garden, where the hotel had set up the most beautiful and special picnic I have ever experienced in my life. The perfect way to ring in my birthday and to celebrate our anniversary, the picnic was my favorite activity while we were at the Mayflower, and one I will remember forever.
Post picnic, we headed to the spa to get our zzz’s on. I was blown away by the sheer beauty and serenity of the relaxation room, which overlooks a beautiful pond and is a must visit for anyone headed to the Mayflower. We spent almost four hours just hanging out and reading in the space after our massages; we even ordered food there. The olive mix is not to be missed…
After our relaxing retreat, we headed back upstairs for room service in our room (burgers in bed are always a must for one night of vacation, imo.) (PS: Are you sensing food is a theme here?)
On our last day at the Mayflower, we headed out early for brunch on the patio, and then booked it to the local antique shops (there are many!) Ask the front desk for a list of their preferred locations; they are not to be missed. Next time, I definitely will be taking one of their guided hikes, as well as a tennis lesson out on their grass courts. Mayflower is truly a one of a kind place; special in every way and intimate in a way that it feels like you’re staying with family. Every need was anticipated, and every corner there was another beautiful design detail. I cannot wait to go back!
