Now that summer has officially kicked off, it’s time to reward your body and mind with a restorative spa weekend. If a country retreat amid 58 acres of gorgeous gardens and woodland full of wonder piques your interest, head to Washington, Connecticut, where you’ll find the magical Mayflower Inn & Spa. The list of reasons to sprint to the spa is infinite, so we took the time to curate six highlights of the gem.

Mayflower Inn & Spa: Fairytale interiors

Interior designer Celerie Kemble waved her magic wand throughout the resort, resulting in an inviting ambience that makes you want to extend your stay from a long weekend to a lifetime.  Her inspiration sprang from storied English and Scandinavian country houses. The faded Gustavian tones are sprinkled with vibrant pops of color that create the Mayflower’s signature style.  Our suite was layered with delightful details like handmade paper flowers from Livia Cetti of The Green Vase that were so enchanting that I went home and immediately ordered a pot of posies to remind me of my stay at the resort. 

Gorgeous grounds

Meandering around the grounds of the Mayflower Resort & Inn unites you with Mother Nature and an appreciation of her beauty and serenity. You can enjoy outdoor experiences like hiking, fly-fishing, archery, tennis and nature walks.

Divine dining at Mayflower Inn & Spa

The dining experience at Mayflower Inn & Resort mirrors the elevated ambience of the resort. We were lucky to meet Chef Dowdy, who could dish for hours about his passion for food. His menus are inspired by woodland, coastal, and garden flavors. Dowdy thoughtfully crafts culinary journeys celebrating local farmers, purveyors, and seasonal ingredients. Whether you dine in the enchanting Garden Room or the charming Tap Room, you will be delighted with Dowdey’s creations.

Sumptuous spa treatments

If you’re looking to enjoy a slice of serenity and a delicious spa treatment, be sure to stop by The Retreat at Mayflower Inn. Here, you will find a world-class spa. The 20,000 sq. ft. sanctuary is the perfect spot to escape from the pressures of everyday living. A hyper-customized facial offers a heavenly, hydrating experience, leaving you feeling like you just took a giant gulp from the fountain of youth.

Renovated pool at Mayflower Inn & Spa

One of the highlights of the summer season at Mayflower Inn & Spa is the debut a reimagined pool.  The pool was designed by acclaimed American interior designer Celerie Kemble and in partnership with Schumacher Hospitality.  Along with a whimsical, colorful and inviting ambience, you can enjoy a new pool menu, curated lawn games, Spritz Hour, and the debut of the Mayflower Ice Cream Cart.

Engaging experiences & things to do

While a nature walk or a spot at the spa’s spacious relaxation room are welcome respites from the world, engaging in one of the myriad experiences offered at the resort offers a chance to try something new. Whether you select one of the daily movement classes, a tennis lesson with a pro, instruction on how to craft a cocktail or decorate a cake, or simply play parlor games, there’s a robust roster of experiences to enjoy. We had a tarot card reading with Regina Olson of Tarot in Thyme. Her intuition is on point. I hope it’s in the cards to visit the Mayflower Inn & Spa soon!

Check out our New England travel section for more summer getaway ideas!