LifeStyle Magazine - Mayflower Inn

Mayflower Inn - Washington, CT

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Written by Beth D’Addono

When Lisa Hedley and her mother Adriana Mnuchin had the idea to add a destination spa to the family’s posh Mayflower Inn in Washington, Connecticut, they knew what they didn’t want.Big.

Big. Loud. Busy.
“We knew we wanted to create an escape,” said Mnuchin, who—along with her husband Robert, a retired partner at Goldman Sachs—purchased the then-dilapidated inn in 1989, and spent millions to restore and reopen it as a country hostel in 1992. Mnuchin, a retail entrepreneur who had founded the Tennis Lady and Cashmere-Cashmere stores, had a vision of creating a private place without the intrusions and distractions of the workaday world. It was a vision shared by her daughter Lisa, an attorney turned filmmaker and busy mother of four.

The pair found working together to be a cathartic experience. They traveled extensively to evaluate spas in the U.S. and Europe. “We knew we didn’t want a day spa experience,” said Hedley. “Our goal was to offer a private and transformative experience to fit each individual guest.”

When a parcel of land suited to the expansion became available three years ago, the two collaborated on the project. The end result was a 20,000 square-foot spa, which was ranked as the number-one in the nation by “Good Morning America.”

The journey starts in the entryway to the freestanding spa. It is here where you stow your outside shoes, and change into pink or black Sensi slippers which give your feet a reflexology workout when you walk. “We thought the act of taking your shoes off would start the process,” said Mnuchin. “We didn’t want to hear shoes on the floor. It’s the first level of quieting down.”

There is a sense of hush about the place, a serenity enhanced by a palette of cream, beige and pale pastels. Designed by Randy Ridless—who created the original Burburry’s in London and much of Manhattan’s Bergdorf Goodman—the space updates tradition without a hint of fussiness. Soothing textures of polished-plaster walls, Kashwere throws, bleached-oak flooring, wool rugs and silk curtains create a relaxing tableau. The artwork includes Willem De Kooning and Miguel Barcelo paintings on the walls of the Garden Room (from Robert Mnuchin’s post-retirement endeavor, L&M Arts gallery in New York) and striking glass sculptures by local artist Timothy Hochstetter. The outside is invited in, with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking Blue Heron pond, where both a blue heron and an artfully painted blue canoe reside. Cushy cream-color lounging chairs face out toward the pond, inviting reading, repose or, in some cases, gentle snoring.

During the week, the spa is fi lled with guests who book three- to fi ve-night packages that include indoor and outdoor activities, all meals and unlimited spa treatments. Many of the weekday packages are designated for women-only, although there are also options for couples. Prices start at $4,500 for three nights. Helen Brown, formerly of the Peaks Resort & Golden Door Spa in Telluride, directs the day-to-day spa operation. “We looked at what other destinations spas were charging, and feel that we’re offering excellent value,” she said. “Places like Canyon Ranch and Golden Door charge around $1,300 a day without being all inclusive. We were a little worried that people would be getting three spa treatments a day, but it doesn’t usually work out like that.”

Along with a menu of treatments including scrubs, detoxing wraps, stone massage and salon services, guests can choose mind/body activities like meditation, Reiki, ballet, Tai Chi, yoga and pilates. Since Hedley is passionate about yoga, guest instructors, including Ashtanga expert Stan Woodman and notable yoga instructor Jessica Bellofatto, make regular appearances. A fully equipped gym and several intimate workout studios offer additional exercise options.

Outdoors, the sky, hills and rivers are the only limits. If you choose, each day can begin with a walk around the beautiful grounds. The landscape was conceptualized by Robert Mnuchin, an avid arborist. Fly fishing, biking, kayaking, snowshoeing, hiking, tennis, cross-country skiing—it can all be worked into your personalized program.

“We often get women who plan their days so much, that by the second or third day, they back off of the activities and just want to relax,” said Mnuchin. And that’s just fine. There isn’t a hint of boot camp here, instead the environment is designed to inspire, from the seasonally driven and delicious spa cuisine to the elegant finishes in every room. Clearly a labor of love for the Mnuchin family, this spa is a sanctuary, a retreat and a place to rejuvenate, all wrapped into one.

Mayflower Inn & Spa 118 Woodbury Road, Rte. 47, Washington, Connecticut (860) 868-9466, www.mayflowerinn.com. From $4,500 for a three night all-inclusive stay. A weekend package, including meals, classes and two spa treatments each is $2,310 for two.

Beth D’Addono lives in Belmont Hills, Pa.

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