The first time I visited Mayflower Inn & Spa, Auberge Collection in 2019, I was extremely pregnant. And I fit right in. The iconic New England hotel, located in Washington, Connecticut, is a “babymoon” hotspot (in fact, expectant actress Lea Michele had just been there). It has all of the components of a pregnant woman’s ideal retreat: pools to float in, prenatal spa treatments, and a partnership with Hatch. But when I visited again in summer 2024, I was very much so not pregnant.
With my husband in tow, we escaped our two young daughters for two nights of uninterrupted sleep (no crying four-year-old could try to stumble into our bed). This time, I enjoyed an altered experience — one where I could enjoy the rosé left out in the library room for happy hour and the fresh oysters served in the Tap Room. What I noticed this time, beyond the stunning renovations of 2020, were the two sides of the Mayflower Inn. You can be as gluttonous or healthy as you want. During my visit, I enjoyed both aspects of the 58-acre luxury estate — from morning strength training classes and bone broth at the spa to ending the evening with a stiff nightcap and s’mores by the fire pit.
The Wellness Side
The crown jewel of Mayflower Inn is The Well — a 20,000-square-foot sanctuary. Before entering you’ll be asked to remove your shoes (so leave the Orans at home) and change into the provided leather slippers. I booked a deep tissue massage and after my muscles had been thoroughly kneaded and my skin nourished with essential oils, I slipped back on the plush white robe and plopped on one of the oversized chairs in the relaxation room. I gazed out the floor-to-ceiling windows, taking in the rich green foliage surrounding a tranquil pond and outdoor banya, while sipping bone broth and eating seed-filled “cookies.”
If I had more time, I would have also booked a skin-rejuvenating facial. Choose between the active Biologique Recherche or clean beauty Naturopathica lines (another example of The Mayflower’s two sides). There are also Eastern treatments such as acupuncture, reiki, and craniosacral therapy.
The women’s lounge kept me busy thanks to complimentary indie skincare products to try from brands like Tammy Fender (available for purchase in the boutique). Post treatment, I continued to unwind in the steam and sauna rooms tucked away in the women’s shower area. As a spa junkie, I can confirm the steam room was “just right” — roomy and plenty steamy. The Well is an all-season destination thanks to multiple indoor aquatic experiences. I have photos of me from my first trip, rocking a maternity bathing suit and posing in front of the indoor pool. And for those without bumps, there’s a very Instagrammable hot tub, surrounded by windows and engulfed by a botanical masterpiece.
Both mornings I bounced out of bed to take advantage of the fitness classes. On the first day, I tried a sweaty Tabata class, and the next, I took a ballet-inspired barre class that spoke to my classically dance-trained heart. Had there not been a heat wave, I would have been hitting balls at the scenic tennis court. Beyond the fitness, there is also weekly programming such as tincture-making classes or guest speakers (like life coach Gabby Bernstein).
The Gluttonous Side
Once I got my steps in, heart rate up, and sweated out the toxins, I was ready to indulge. My favorite place to lounge was the festive outdoor pool where the chummy pool boys are there to pamper. One even mixed my water with an electrolyte packet (part of the complimentary room snacks) using a cocktail shaker, before serving up a Mayflower Colada presented in a chic martini glass. Other refreshments include cold brew, an ice cream cart, or one of the Tap Room’s famous smash burgers delivered right to your lounge chair.
Our first dinner was at the more casual Tap Room, a preppy classic tavern with a bustling bar — which is the place for “Washington Hour” (a.k.a., happy hour). If you love tequila, order the Flint and Steel featuring tequila plata, grapefruit, lime, and a spiced rim. It was the perfect cocktail to accompany fresh oysters and sea bass over snap peas.
Dinner at The Garden Room, set in an Alice in Wonderland-like setting with murals on the walls, greenery, and eclectic decor, was a special finale. If you only remember to order one thing, make it the fresh sourdough bread with salted butter (you won’t regret the carbs). Other highlights from the elevated farm-to-table menu included grilled romaine lettuce, charred steak, delicate gnudi, and meatballs in squash broth (a creative take on matzoh ball soup). Don’t skip breakfast (also at The Garden Room), where you can detox on “drinkable apple cider vinegar” and fresh juices, or continue to indulge on salmon toast with fresh fish roe or sourdough French toast.
The Charm
In between eating and spa-ing, leave time to take in the beautiful historic property. The eclectic space has all of the chic and cozy nooks you’d want at an inn: a moody, sexy hidden library room; a charming outdoor screened-in porch featuring light, earthy, and floral tones; and a chef’s garden with chairs and a lazy-day hammock. Printed wallpaper, knickknacks on every tabletop, tons of plants, and artfully mismatched furniture complete the unique space.
The updated inn rooms are quaint and cushy with elements such as window seats. I felt like I was starring in my own episode of Bridgerton thanks to the opulent four-post beds and overstuffed pillows. Larger groups can take advantage of suites in separate buildings around the property. The bathroom is a beauty lover’s dream with a soaking tub, walk-in showers, fluffy bathrobes, and homemade small-batch shampoo, conditioner, body wash, and body butter. I spent my stay smelling like a subtle blend of lavender, coconut, grapefruit, and hibiscus. There’s also excellent turndown service — expect little gifts such as an evening floral tea and a complementary restock of locally made snacks (blueberry seed granola, chai cookies, lemon protein bars).
Somehow after drinking and having dessert nightly, my hair looked glossy, my eyes brighter, and my skin more glowy. Maybe it was sleeping like a queen for eight hours, uninterrupted by kids. Perhaps it was eating vitamin-rich, farm-fresh fare and spending hours at the pool and spa. Or, let’s call it Mayflower magic.
Featured image courtesy of Auberge Resorts Collection
