Boston Common - Niche Media - A side of Boston that's anything but common.
Issue link: http://digital.greengale.com/i/209310
LONG WEEKEND THE INN THING FROM LEFT: The spa at Windham Hill Inn offers a variety of massage treatments—perfect after cross-country skiing on the 160-acre property. continued from page 164 lot of fine-tuning done to the inn," says Matthews, who is committed to advancing the property— recently acquired by Grace Hotels—further into the luxury sphere. "We have worked hard on making Windham Hill a destination and keeping up with the standards of Relais & Châteaux." She has also added entertainment options, including regular themed wine dinners and bimonthly jazz Thursdays. After we checked in, Matthews showed us to our loft suite on the third floor of the White Barn, one of the 21 individually appointed suites. Our spacious room, Meadowlark, complete with a large soaking tub in the sitting area, king-size four-poster bed, gas fireplace with a stone hearth, and an ensuite bathroom with an enormous shower, captured the rustic aesthetic of Windham Hill while allowing us to relax with everything we needed. The next morning, we enjoyed a leisurely threecourse breakfast of homemade scones, frittata, and fresh fruit. Matthews helps schedule activities for guests and arranged for us to have a private snowshoe tour of the 160-acre wooded property, which overlooks the Green Mountains and provides four seasons worth of activities. In winter, guests can cross-country ski (and stop by the inn's ski hut for hot chocolate and cookies), ride in a horse-drawn sleigh, or step into a pair of the inn's complimentary Barbour boots and venture further afield. After spending the afternoon taking in the wildlife on the 4.8 miles of trails around the inn, we unstrapped our snowshoes and headed back to our room to find that our fireplace was lit and lunch was waiting for us. That personal touch affects everything at Wyndham Hill. At The Cottage—a private threebedroom hideaway with a full kitchen that we passed by on our snowshoeing expedition—guests can arrange to have the new executive chef David Crone present cooking demonstrations in their kitchen or have food brought in from the restaurant, which was recently awarded four diamonds by AAA. The inn also offers custom engagement packages, where Matthews and her team will work with the aspiring groom to craft a very special weekend, whether it is strawberries and Champagne or an elaborate chef's tasting celebration dinner. In the restaurant, chef Crone has also introduced a new à la carte menu, allowing guests more options to enjoy the farm-to-table cuisine. In the candlelit restaurant that evening we were surprised with beautifully seared Hudson Valley foie gras to start our meal before dining on tender duck breast with plum sauce, and a grilled Vermont-raised New York strip steak with a Cabernet demiglace. As we checked out the next day, Matthews invited us back for a special holiday treat. On December 7 and 8, Windham Hill is hosting an authentic German market selling Christmas ornaments and table linen from the Erzgebirge region, complete with Gluehwein, cookies, and a full German lunch in the restaurant on both days. It's Matthews' lighthearted way to bring her culture to the inn while drawing guests and locals to the property during the holiday season. It was tough to leave our tranquil hideaway, but it was made all the easier by penciling in our next winter retreat at the inn. 311 Lawrence Dr., West Townshend, VT, 802-874-4080; windhamhill.com BC Our room captured the inn's rustic aesthetic while allowing us to relax with everything we needed. 166 BOSTONCOMMON-MAGAZINE.COM 164-166_BC_BOB_LongWeekend_Holiday_13.indd 166 Visit the historic Castle Hill Inn for a host of winter events, including the Teddy Bear Tea held on December 7, 14, and 21 to benefit Newport Child and Family Services. Or channel Grace Kelly, who stayed at the inn while filming High Society in the summer of 1956, and indulge in an elegant five-course New Year's Eve dinner at the Relais & Châteaux property. After the meal, guests count down the New Year in high style with cocktails and a live band. 590 Ocean Dr., Newport, RI, 401-849-3800; castlehillinn.com Head north for understated luxury at the Woodstock Inn & Resort and ski for free. Guests who stay any night from Sunday through Thursday can enjoy complimentary skiing at the Suicide Six Ski Area or Nordic Center Monday through Friday. Weekend rates start at $260. Book the Tavern Suite, with two marble bathrooms and a sitting area, and you'll never look back. 14 The Green, Woodstock, VT, 802-457-1100; woodstockinn.com The Mayflower Inn & Spa has generated even more buzz since its recent acquisition by the Grace Hotels group. Located only three hours from Boston, the award-winning property has just 30 rooms, keeping the level of service high and your stay very private. The spa concierge will book a winter weekend full of treatments, or you can enjoy an afternoon of cross-country skiing and showshoeing along the Shepaug River. The inn will host an afternoon of gingerbread-house making on December 8 from 2 to 4 pM; $95 per gingerbread house. 118 Woodbury Road, Washington, CT, 860-868-9466; mayflowerinn.com PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF WINDHAM HILL INN (SPA, SKIERS); COURTESY OF WOODSTOCK INN & RESORT (EXTERIOR) New England is brimming with intimate resorts that offer plenty of winter activities. Woodstock Inn & Resort 11/4/13 11:33 AM