Mayflower Inn & Spa
Located in the bucolic rolling hills of idyllic Washington, CT, the Mayflower Inn & Spa is one of North America’s top-ranked and highest-rated 5-star hotels. It’s also earned one Michelin Key for excellence. Owned and operated by Auberge Resorts, it’s a dreamy getaway for anyone seeking a place to slow down, relax, and connect. Charming surroundings, world-class fine dining, an award-winning spa, endless amenities and activities, plus its 58 acres of unspoiled nature make it the ultimate retreat. Discover why we loved our stay at Mayflower Inn & Spa, Connecticut’s most delightful escape for discerning travelers.
Mayflower Inn & Spa
Location: Washington, CT
Address: 118 Woodbury Rd, CT-47
Washington, CT 06793
Rating: 5-Star Hotel
Number of Rooms: 30
Staff Helpfulness & Friendliness: 5/5
Cleanliness: 5/5
Room Amenities: 5/5
Room and Bed Comfort: 5/5
Valet Parking: Yes
Pool & Hot Tubs: Yes
Spa: THE WELL
Proximity to Other Points of Interest: 3/5
Awards: Condé Nast Traveler’s Choice Award 2019-2023 + Many More
Arrival at Mayflower Inn & Spa
Upon our arrival, a well-groomed and well-organized fleet of bellmen swept us out of our Mercedes and into the lobby. They expertly unloaded our luggage and parked our vehicle. Inside, we were given a laundry list of libations to select from as a welcome. Then, we were checked in and in our well-stocked room before we knew it. The efficiency, charm, and fluidity of the entire process were delightful. We were left with more time to enjoy ourselves rather than waiting around for our room.
We didn’t need to lift a finger!
Ambience of Mayflower Inn & Spa
Mayflower Inn & Spa is one of the most splendid and beautifully appointed hotels we’ve ever visited. Decorated by acclaimed interior designer Celerie Kemble, each room was a delightful surprise. I adored the abundance of atmospheric patterns, eye-catching prints, and the use of botanicals. The thoughtfulness with which every aspect of the decor was selected. Plush tufted chairs dotted the lobby, beckoning weary travelers to sit and center themselves. An assortment of carefully considered books in the parlor enticed us to sit and slow down while our minds wandered to far-away landscapes of Tuscany, Tulum, and beyond.
Speaking of the parlor, it was bursting at the seams with snacks, drinks, custom-made acrylic board games, books, newspapers, and more. It was the perfect spot to begin or end a day.
I adore plants, and Mayflower Inn & Spa had them indoors and out in quantities that rivaled my collection. As you’ll see in the photos below, plants were everywhere. From our room and The Garden Room restaurant to balconies, the lobby, the spa called THE WELL, and beyond, plants were everywhere. It was lovely and made everything feel even homier.
The property consists of the main house (where we stayed) and three standalone cottages. Housekeeping was done twice daily to ensure everything in our room was pristine. The New England Americana vibes of the property perfectly married the coastal elegance that’s become synonymous with the romantic East Coast.
Our Premium Guest Room & Its Amenities
Our Premium Guest Room, room number 25, was larger than the average hotel suite. It was indeed a home away from home. The sprawling floor plan, walk-in closet, sitting area, canopy bed, cavernous shower, deep soaking tub, and private balcony overlooking the Shakespeare Garden made it the perfect base from which to explore the property. Beyond the standard amenities were a Samsung Frame TV, several high windows through which natural light flooded, plenty of local magazines, an array of locally sourced snacks and drinks, and everything we’d need to enjoy ourselves.
The floral patterns, sheep needlepoint pillow, woven trays, houseplants, and space to stretch out made it a struggle to leave our room. Everything was so pretty and comfortable that I never wanted to check out!
The Garden Room
If you enjoy visiting gardens, you must make a reservation at The Garden Room. Not only is the food the epitome of New England cuisine, but the atmosphere is so bright, airy, and reminiscent of an English country manor. Dining here gave me déjà vu as if we were back in England or Scotland. It was splendid! I’ll write a full review of our meal and link it here. In the meantime, enjoy a glimpse into this delightful on-site restaurant on the inn’s ground floor.
A Taste of the Country
Mayflower Inn & Spa offers guests abundant activities ranging from guided outdoor nature hikes, private garden dining, yoga, and fitness classes, fresh air picnics, archery lessons, tarot card readings, tennis lessons, cocktail pairing classes, and more. We opted for the Taste of the Country, a unique dining experience that melds the best aspects of a wine and cheese pairing class with sampling local delicacies. Everything is sourced from New England, and these seasonal delights help connect guests with the terroir of the East Coast.
Read my full review.
THE WELL
THE WELL is the most beautiful spa I’ve ever visited. Its high ceilings and bright, airy atmosphere make it immediately relaxing. And yes, there are plenty of plants here, too! Guests are free to use the indoor and outdoor pools, steam rooms, and hot tub. Plus, they can participate in complimentary fitness classes, as denoted on the class schedule available in the lobby or THE WELL’s reception area.
THE WELL also offers massages, facials, body treatments, and more. They even have a great shop in case you forget loungewear, swimwear, or skincare or wish to treat yourself to luxe crystals, candles, and wholesome, healthy snacks. I’ll write a full review soon and link it here.
Final Thoughts
Everything about our stay is perfection. I see why Mayflower Inn & Spa is regarded as one of the nation’s best 5-star resorts. I’ve traveled the world and stayed at numerous elegant properties, and this one is definitely among the top ten. Everything from the food and service to the amenities, atmosphere, and various activities made our stay unforgettable. One of my favorite memories here was playing Edie Parker games in the parlour. After a beautiful meal in The Garden Room and a hike around the property at twilight, we played Connect Four, checkers, and tic-tac-toe until late at night. Staff kept locally-made snacks and drinks flowing, and my husband and I had a wonderful time laughing and connecting in a way our busy lives don’t allow for as often as we’d like.
That evening was the distillate of what it means to visit Mayflower Inn & Spa— connecting with loved ones, becoming more in tune with nature and the seasons around us, appreciating and expressing gratitude for everyone involved in making our food, and having fun. This was a stay I’ll never forget, and I hope my readers can visit this beautiful property for themselves very soon.
Discover more Auberge Resorts and luxury hotels here. Explore my adventures in Connecticut and the United States.
This is a fantastic guide for a dreamy hotel, thank you so much for all of your help planning our honeymoon! With your help we are more excited than ever to leave for our honeymoon this week. You made a very positive difference in an otherwise very tough year for us, so thank you so much for all you do. I am in awe of your photography and how well you describe the resort, you made planning a breeze!
CT has never been on my radar until now!!!