For those looking for a quick getaway to rejuvenate from the hustle and bustle of urban life, The Saybrook Point Inn & Spa is a little piece of heaven. Just two hours outside of the City, it is one of my favorite spots.
Last summer, I was blessed to spend two nights at the Three Stories, which is a new property just across the street from the main hotel. Opened just three years ago, the Three Stories offers complete privacy. With just 8 rooms decked out in luxurious elegance by interior designer, a private concierge, and a rooftop fire pit, this is one of the most romantic spots on the East Coast. It’s perfect for romantic getaways with your loved one and the entire house can be rented for bridal parties or family reunions. A second guesthouse Tall Tales, opened last year and I am looking forward to returning to check it out too.
With the world class spa, girlfriend’s getaways are also a wonderful option for this lovely spot. The guesthouse features rooms named after prominent Connecticut residents. I stayed in the Miss James Room, named after Anna Louise James, the first African-American woman to own a pharmacy in Connecticut. As an entrepreneur, I found her story completely fascinating and very inspiring and was honored to rest my head in her christened space. Make sure to take a tour with John Lombardo, the dashing general manager of the Saybrook Point, who will regale you with wonderful stories about the hotel’s history.
To Do:
Saybrook is best for a completely relaxing low-key vacay spent at the hotel itself. Hit the five star Sanno Spa for one of the best mani/pedis you will ever have. In addition, their aromatherapy massages are transcendental. The spa features eleven treatment rooms and showers, a relaxing after lounge with tea and organic snacks,and products from high-end brands including SkinCeuticals, Eminence Organic Skincare, Aromatherapy Associates and SpaRitual. Betty Loiacono, the Spa Director spoiled me rotten and I can’t wait to go back.
On the way in or out of the Inn, have the drivers take you to see Katherine Hepburn‘s house (you can only see if from the road but it’s still an awesome stop.) Another must-see is the aforementioned Miss James Pharmacy, Now an ice cream shop, it is a historical landmark, with many of the original fixtures intact. Stop by and have a sundae and take in some history at the same time.
To Eat:
Dine at the Saybrook Point’s Fresh Salt for a hearty breakfast and return for dinner. Chef John Cortessi Is delivering world-class cuisine in this very intimate seaside setting. I tried a nice array of dishes and each was more delectable than the last. There is a lovely outdoor oyster bar with live music in the evenings and fire pits in the cooler climes.
For a lovely foray into town and a scrumptious Italian meal, try Alforno Trattoria (1654 Boston Post Rd. PH: 860-399-4166) Having lived in Italy, I am very fuzzy about my Italian food. But Robert Zemmer, the owner travels to Italy regularly and the cuisine reflects it. The food was authentic and delicious and I wildly enjoyed my conversation with Bob, who also breeds Lagottos, which are adorable truffle sniffing dogs from Italy.
