Historic, romantic and undoubtedly scenic, Castle Hill Inn embodies seaside New England charm to a T. Just driving to the inn is an experience in itself, as it’s situated past the famed Newport Mansions, where families like the Vanderbilt’s and Astor’s once summered. Castle Hill is located a few miles away from the hustle and bustle of downtown Newport – making it ideal for travelers who prefer to skip the tourist scene in favor of a quiet retreat.

The inn’s grounds consist of multiple lodging properties, including the main mansion, harbor houses, beach houses, beach cottages and the ultra-luxurious chalet suite – a favorite of brides and grooms after their big day.

After a sun-drenched day at the inn’s private beach, guests are welcome to take their cocktails to the blazing fire pit on the main lawn to roast S’mores and take in the amazing moonlit view of Rhode Island’s Narragansett Bay.

Back inside, Executive Chef Jonathan Cambra oversees the Castle Hill Dining Room, where he serves an array of fresh local seafood and garnishes his creations with herbs and vegetables from his very own on-site garden. ♕

For the vacationer who can’t abide lounging away day after monotonous day, Equinox flips the “country getaway” on its head. Boasting a wide variety of fun family activities, this destination can sometimes feel more like an elite summer camp than a AAA Four Diamond resort.

Which is not to say pure relaxation is impossible. Those in need of a break will surely find it. Beauty is everywhere at Equinox: two-story columns highlight the more than 200-year-old architecture. In every spacious bedroom, old gives way to new and each combines the contrast and clean lines of modern design against the class and crown molding of the late 1700s.

Equinox’s diverse dining scene offers guests four in-house restaurant options with cuisines ranging from classic pub fare to USDA Prime aged steaks.

After guests have checked in and satiated their appetite, the fun can really begin. Equinox offers a regionally renowned golf club, a full service spa, archery lessons and tournament play, fly-fishing lessons and guided trips, and a Churchill-method shot gunning school. Visitors also have the opportunity to experience the nearby British School of Falconry, a fanciful activity that gives guests the chance to command and control live falcons and other birds of prey – with the help of an instructor, of course. Finally, for those seeking some horsepower, check out the Land Rover Experience Driving School, also onsite. Each guided excursion teaches the techniques and fundamentals of off-road driving, and happens to be one activity that’s actually more fun in the muddy springtime. ♔

As a child, spending the night high above the ground in a tree house under the stars or exploring a helicopter that’s ready for lift off are merely whimsical fantasies that we never imagine possible. But a visit to the Winvian Resort in Morris, CT will bring those dreams to life tenfold. This unique and innovative resort will leave even the most well traveled visitor in a state of pure awe. Spread out over 113 acres of nature and serenity are 18 individually designed cottages that not only serve as the resort’s lodging, but as pieces of functional art as well. In an over-the-top mix of whimsy and luxury, visitors stay in cottages such as the tranquil and romantic Beaver Lodge, where the interior is inspired by the pristine woodlands that surround it, or the light and airy Greenhouse Lodge, which features enormous glass walls and ceilings to inspire its guests to spend the night gazing at the starry sky above.  

The restaurant at the Winvian is the only AAA 5-Diamond rated restaurant in the entire state of Connecticut. Executive Chef Chris Eddy offers guests an innovative selection of American cuisine, which features organic and sustainable ingredients that are grown in an on-site garden that is fully cultivated by the culinary team. When booking a stay at the Winvian, guests have the option of an inclusive plan where most food and beverage options are included, or an a la carte rate for those who prefer to have a bit more flexibility when experiencing the property. ♕

Forget the million dollar views, luxurious accommodations and environmentally friendly design, it’s the genuinely hospitable staff who run Southern Maine’s Inn by the Sea that make guests sad to leave. From the moment of arrival to last minute checkout, the staff goes out of their way to make sure visitors (and their pets) have every possible need met. 

Inn by the Sea is situated in Cape Elizabeth, ME, just outside of Portland. Whether guests are looking for a romantic getaway, family vacation or just a little down time with friends, this seaside retreat caters to just about everyone.

Over the past few years, transforming into an eco-friendly establishment has become a “must” in the hospitality industry. Inn by the Sea goes above and beyond in their efforts by ensuring that everything from the fitness area to their delectable Sea Glass restaurant meets the highest standards possible to help conserve the picturesque land that surrounds the property. The inn’s sheet and towel program helps to protect the endangered monarch butterfly and an indigenous garden outside the restaurant provides food and habitat for local wildlife.  

Inn by the Sea also features a world-class spa with treatments inspired by sea elements found along the coast. The popular Sea Waves Massage features a surround sound massage table that responds to the tumbling movement of the ocean, while the therapist uses custom-blended oils to massage guests with synchronized strokes to the sound of the sea. ♔

Nestled in the classic New England town of Exeter, NH, the Exeter Inn provides guests with a taste of rich heritage that can only be found here in the northeast. This quaint 52-room property offers a fine example of Georgian style architecture of the 1700s mixed with modern luxury amenities.

Exeter, NH is an ideal area for those who enjoy outdoor activities year round. Besides numerous mountain ranges that provide skiers and snowboarders with idyllic conditions all winter long, guests at the Exeter Inn also have the opportunity to indulge in great fishing, golfing, whale watching and hiking. New Hampshire’s coastline also lies just a few minutes from Exeter, so a visit to the beach in the summer is a must. ♕

Central Mass isn’t exactly the first place that comes to mind when planning a weekend getaway, but The International Golf Club & Resort has put the rural town of Bolton, MA on the map as a go-to destination. Whether guests are looking for a memorable round of golf, a tranquil spa retreat or a picturesque venue to
hold an upcoming event, the International is an ideal choice.

Golf enthusiasts will be in pure heaven playing a round on one of the two world-class championship courses on the property. They can also participate in the Rick Smith Golf Academy, debuting this spring. This elite academy features customized programs for all golfers from beginners to PGA Tour players, and the International Golf Club is one of only three locations in the country to offer this specialized program.

During a stay here, dining at The Fireplace Room restaurant is an absolute must. Executive Chef Joseph Brenner, who worked under Todd English for 15 years before coming here, has created a seasonal menu inspired by Mediterranean flavors. The Fireplace Room also offers cooking classes, wine dinners and culinary guest dinners throughout the year for visitors to participate in. ♔