MY TOP 10 SPOTS FOR A WEEKEND GETAWAY IN NEW ENGLAND AND NEW YORK

While 2020 wasn’t a jet setting year for most, it did inspire many of us to take quick, local getaways. I fully expect 2021 to follow suit albeit with a bit more far flung travel sprinkled in as the year draws on. If you haven’t gotten away since last spring and are feeling more comfortable with the idea of travel, but not yet ready to jump on a plane I encourage you to consider taking a long weekend getaway. Two or three nights away (from kids and perhaps your entire family) may be just the refresh you need to slug your way through this winter.
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The Northeast has no shortage of cozy luxury inns & resorts to chose from- many of which have award winning culinary programs and stunning spas.  In 2020, I made it my mission to visit as many of these hidden gems as possible so that I could best match my clients with the property that suits their tastes and I fully intend to continue that trend in 2021. From the historic boutique inn to the ultra luxe manor, here are my top 10 spots for a weekend getaway in New England and New York for a romantic getaway, girls trip, spa retreat or solo sojourn.

Mayflower Inn & Spa

The Vibe~

Located just two hours from New York City and even closer for my Connecticut friends, Mayflower is the idyllic country estate where all of your requirements for respite are swiftly satisfied.⁠ ⁠ Acclaimed NYC chef April Bloomfield is their new chef-in-residence, so rest assured, all of your culinary dreams will come true here. As typical of all Auberge properties, service is top notch, personal and warm. One might expect an older New England inn to be all stiff-backed and frilly but not the case at the Mayflower which has just undergone a chic re-design by Kemble Interiors. With 5 fireplaces at the Main inn (and in many of its guest rooms as well) cozy literally oozes out of every corner which almost whispers “come sit, have a warm drink and relax”.

Who Should Go~

Foodies, spa lovers, couples and friends.

Glenmere Mansion

The Vibe~

A stay at Glenmere Mansion is equivalent to pampered holiday at your very wealthy aunt’s country estate. This Relais & Chateaux property was once one of America’s finest country homes but has since been reborn as a premier luxury hotel & spa located in Chester, NY. Indulge in a luxury weekend away at Glenmere and expect to fine dine in it’s two restaurants, pamper yourself in it’s full service spa which includes a marble bathhouse hammam and in the warmer months enjoy strolls through it’s lush gardens, games of tennis, croquet or a leisurely day of swimming and sunbathing.

Who Should Go~

Couples looking for a romantic getaway and those who appreciate ‘the finer things’

Shou Sugi Ban House

The Vibe~

Located in Watermill, NY just off Old Montauk Highway and nestled on 3 private acres, Shou Sugi Ban House offers a welcome retreat from buzzy Hamptons. Those with an eye to modern design and a craving for organic elements will feel at ease in this sanctuary that feels more like home than hotel. Feel free to isolate in one of its 13 generously apportioned rooms each with its own private entrance, large soaking tub, gas fireplace and deck where your Japanese inspired breakfast will be served each morning. I would recommend that you do leave for a dip in the pool, some sound therapy, a tea meditation, customized spa experience or some hatha yoga. When you are ready to reconnect with the masses, shop or dine in Southampton or Sag Harbor, each a short drive away.

Who Should Go~

Spa/yoga/wellness buffs. A great girls trip spot.

The Point 

The Vibe~

A true hideaway in every sense. The Point– designated as the only Forbes Five Star property in Upstate New York- is the where the discerning (and accomplished) adults who loved summer camp go when they grow up. Situated on a picturesque lake in the Adirondacks, The Point is rustic yet refined, luxurious but comfortable. Each of its 11 log clad, lake facing rooms is unique and your stay is fully customizable to your preferences. Your board is inclusive of all gourmet meals that can be taken in bed or table side overlooking the lake. The Point can be enjoyed at all times of the year based on your desired activities- whether you prefer to snowshoe by day and lounge fireside by night or fish and hike- and is most appreciated by those with a fondness for the great outdoors.

Who Should Go~

Outdoor enthusiasts with an appreciation for luxury trappings. Couples looking to celebrate a romantic milestone.

Troutbeck

The Vibe~

Where hipster and historic meet-located just over the border of CT in Amenia, NY, Troutbeck sits on 250 acres of wild land perfectly suited to house an historic inn and country retreat. As one of it’s staff put it, Troutbeck provides “honest hospitality” in a convivial environment. And as a forewarning, come hungry. Thanks to the culinary prowess of Michelin starred chef Gabe McMackin, this is a three square meal type of place and you won’t regret it. Should you need to burn a few calories, that’s definitely possible in it’s gorgeous new state of the art fitness facility in the ‘Barns’ or in it’s lovely pool. Hiking trails are also plenty in this neck of the woods. Those who love good design will enjoy the modern touches in all of its guest rooms- each with their own charms.

Who Should Go~

Foodies. Families. Those in need of escape. Lovers and Friends. Dogs are welcome!

Cliff House

The Vibe~

Perched high and sitting pretty on Bald Head Cliff near Ogunquit, Maine is Cliff House– a seaside sanctuary that easily distracts you from life with its unrivaled coastal views. While sprawling in size (with 226 rooms) Cliff House never feels cramped with the sea your mostly companion. Decor is coastal chic but most of what you’ll focus on are the constant panoramic views of the boundless ocean. Cliff House boasts multiple oceanfront restaurants, a luxury spa, indoor and outdoor pools and all of the seasonal recreation that Maine can offer.  If the ocean relaxes you, perhaps a stay at Cliff House is just what the doctor ordered. Did I mention the Ocean?

Who Should Go~

Couples looking for a romantic getaway. Families in the summer.

Hidden Pond

The Vibe~

Tucked away in 60 acres of birch forest just outside the bustling harborside town of Kennebunkport, ME you’ll find Hidden Pond– a luxury family camp and wilderness retreat where memories are made. Privacy and isolation come easily in it’s rustic chic accommodations which are all stand alone and range from the small cabin to the fully outfitted home. When you are ready to venture out of your den, Hidden Pond offers a large variety of nature based activities for families and couples alike. Did I mention they are also home to Earth-an award winning fine dining restaurant that focuses on executing dishes with ‘farm to fork’ freshness.  Plan ahead for early summer-late fall stays-the resort is seasonal and their loyal customers typically book their favorite cabins up to a year in advance.

Who Should Go~

Nature loving families & couples with discerning taste.

White Barn Inn

The Vibe~

Tucked quietly away in a wooded stretch of Kennebunk between the beach and lively Kennebunkport, White Barn Inn offers much more than a warm place to lay your head. A classy retreat no doubt- part of which was built in the 1800s- it has been lovingly restored, maintained and many of it’s rooms recently redesigned. It’s the type of place where all of your concerns are proactively cared for before you know you have them, where the staff always addresses you by your name and where coffee is delivered steaming hot to your doorstep at the exact time you’ve requested. Nurture yourself it its spa and end your day with a meal enveloped in the rustic ambiance of it’s historic barn. A culinary destination on it’s own, dining here is a truly romantic and memorable experience. White Barn Inn’s 26 rooms include those in the main inn as well as two other buildings, many of which are privately accessible. They also offer a cluster of cottage accommodations, located less than a quarter mile away with lovely harbour views.

Who Should Go~

Solo travelers looking for a creative outlet. Gourmands. Romance seeking couples.

Ocean House

The Vibe~

If you are longing for a luxurious getaway where you’ll be treated like a celebrity and pampered like a child- look no further than Ocean House. Perched cliffside in Westerly, Rhode Island, this Relais & Chateaux and Forbes 5 star gem tops my list of hotels that I could keep coming back to. Excellence abounds here- from their classically designed rooms, sumptuous linens, award winning culinary program, amazing spa to their summertime beach set up- this is a spot that oozes class and can be enjoyed at all moments of the year. Ocean House is worth the splurge.

Who Should Go-

Sophisticated families. Friends. Couples. Luxury seekers.

Twin Farms

The Vibe~

At Twin Farms, where privacy and seclusion come first, your own personal Vermont retreat awaits. Located just outside of Burlington in Banard, Vermont- a bucolic landscape welcomes you to make yourself at home albeit in the most indulgent of fashions. The term transactional does not exist in a place like this. As an all inclusive retreat, your hosts at Twin Farms invite you to simply step in and leave your cares at the door. Each meal is customized to meet your wildest culinary desires and each activity arranged to relax or rejuvenate depending on your mood. Should you wish to remain in your cottage and eat cheeseburgers by the fire with an aged Bordeaux- that can be arranged. Likewise, your desire to take a leaf peeping drive through the rambling countryside will also be accommodated- picnic prepared and Volvo fueled for the journey.

Who Should Go~

Couples/with no budget/celebrating an important occasion.

Happy Travels!