The Mayflower Grace
Photo Courtesy of The Mayflower Grace
Long, sunny days and warm sultry nights invite lingering outside, perhaps even some dining by moonlight or a little poolside drinking. In New England, everyone makes the most of summer, and these hotels pull out all the stops to make sure the outdoors is just as gorgeous and luxurious as the indoors. We’re talking landscaped gardens, waterfront pavilions and more.
Blantyre, Photo Courtesy of Blantyre
Blantyre, Lenox, Massachusetts
Crowds of music lovers head to The Berkshires every summer to enjoy the stunning setting of western Massachusetts and the world-class concerts at Tanglewood. The Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star Blantyre is an ideal place to base yourself while exploring all of the area’s outdoorsy charm. The Tudor-style mansion evokes an air of glamour while its manicured grounds provide a generous respite from a day of sightseeing. You’ll need as much time as possible to walk and bike the trails surrounding the 117-acre property, making the hotel’s Under the Stars package — it includes two nights’ accommodations, a bottle of champagne upon arrival, daily breakfast, two tickets for the Yo-Yo Ma and Emanuel Ax concert on August 6 or 9 and a picnic basket prepared by the chef — sound so appealing.
Castle Hill Inn, Newport, Rhode Island
This grand Four-Star seaside inn, located on its own peninsula at Narragansett Bay, was once part of the playground for the rich and famous who summered in Newport’s mansions. Castle Hill’s 40 acres include an expansive lawn lined with Adirondack chairs overlooking the water, creating a perfect spot for an alfresco meal or drink. Amenities at the property include bikes for cruising and a walking trail that leads to the Castle Hill Lighthouse. A favorite summer event is the weekly clambake at the edge of the bluffs, where you can crack mollusks or play bocce. For those who want to see even more, the Best of Bellevue Weekend Escape consists of a two-night stay, daily breakfast, a 60-minute facial, a wine-and-cheese tasting and two tickets to any Newport Preservation Society mansion. Our suggestion: Rosecliff, a super-lush, 6.5-acre property that has been in movies (True Lies, 27 Dresses) and history books (former owner and amateur horticulturist George Bancroft created the American Beauty rose there).
The White Barn Inn, Photo Courtesy of The White Barn Inn
The New England Experience
For an unforgettable week, enjoy three of New England’s premier hotels with the New England Experience promotion, which takes you to beloved properties (with brilliant green spaces) in Maine, Connecticut and Rhode Island. Stay a minimum of two nights each at The Mayflower Grace, The Vanderbilt Grace and Four-Star The White Barn Inn and receive 10 percent off accommodations, a meal for two, a bottle of wine at one of the hotels of your choice plus an upgrade to the next room category, should it be available. The Mayflower Grace is a luxury country inn located in the charming town of Washington, Connecticut, that sits amid 58 acres of gardens and woods. While it can’t quite match the lushness, Newport’s The Vanderbilt Grace parades one of the best views in town from its rooftop terrace, where a cocktail at sunset is almost a mandatory experience. The White Barn Inn, a mix of cottages and a circa-1860s house on the coast of Kennebunk, Maine, is a lovely place to unwind, whether you’re sitting by the stone swimming pool, wandering the beautifully landscaped grounds or enjoying a meal at its Five-Star restaurant.
