IT was with great fervour that I took a four hour train ride from New York to Boston, excited to begin a tour of New England as curated by Grace Hotels. The luxury hotel group has properties in Europe, Africa and Latin America, as well as three sites in the USA, all situated on the East Coast. Over the course of five days I would experience these three exceptional resorts in the highly picturesque settings of Maine, Rhode Island and Connecticut.
The exterior of Grace White Barn Inn and Spa
GRACE WHITE BARN INN & SPA, KENNEBUNK, MAINE
The beginning of the week started in the coastal town of Kennebunk in Maine. It is here where the Grace White Barn Inn has existed as a landmark building for 150 years, on a leafy road situated just a short walk from the beach. The historic property has truly maintained its authenticity over the years, and the structure of the barn (which now houses the restaurant) offers a fantastically unique atmosphere. Front of house is manned by the most effective team (look out for Albert and Alex) who are always one step ahead; after a late-night arrival I was welcomed with delicious hot cider and shown the cosiest lounge replete with an open fire and snug armchairs.
The Grace White Barn dining room
It is precisely this level of comfort – this homeyness, executed in the most effortless way – which the White Barn exudes in buckets. Make no mistake, though, luxury quietly creeps in at every moment. The Barn’s restaurant has been awarded both AAA Five Diamond and Forbes Five Star fine dining – an extremely rare feat. The kitchen is led by David Crone, with dessert managed by Kyle Knaub, and if you can’t decide what to order, it might be helpful to know that the Lobster with Fettuccine has basically never been taken off the menu. Another option is to try the cheese and wine tasting, as part of the White Barn’s Stellar Cellar series, which is seriously good fun, even if you are not usually excited by such activities.
GRACE VANDERBILT, NEWPORT, RHODE ISLAND
The second leg of the trip was close to another waterfront. The maritime city of Newport, Rhode Island, is teeming with harbours that accommodate fishing vessels, recreational yachts and tourist boat rides. Newport is one of the prettiest places you are likely to visit – look out for the gorgeous colonial houses that litter downtown, it really is all chocolate-box sweetness.
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The entrance hallway at Grace Vanderbilt, Rhode Island
It is within this lively setting that the Grace Vanderbilt emerges. The 1909 property is a  handsome redbrick townhouse-style mansion, originally built by a member of the infamously wealthy Vanderbilt dynasty. Eminent families such as the Vanderbilts and Rockefellers were known to vacation in Newport, and their holiday “cottages” (read: lavish mansions) are souvenirs of the time, now open to the public. Remnants of the Gilded Age, therefore, naturally work their way into the Grace Vanderbilt’s ambiance.
The Gallery at Grace Vanderbilt
A private cocktail-making lesson with beverage manager Christina Mercado took place in the striking red Billiards Room, which oozed period detail. Ms. Mercado is a rising star in the mixology world and it was clear that she has a serious passion for her craft. The Vanderbilt is lucky to have her. The hotel’s elegant restaurant, the Vanderbilt Grill, is also fortunate to have recent New York transplant Chef Anthony Theocaroplous at its helm. The multiple-dish tasting menu he sent out on the night I ate there featured some of the most inventive and skilled cooking I’ve seen for a long time.
The Billiards room at the Grace Vanderbilt
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GRACE MAYFLOWER INN & SPA, WASHINGTON, CONNECTICUT
After a bustling few days, the Grace Mayflower provided a fitting finale. Set amongst a lavish 58 acres of woodland and gardens, the property is a real destination point in the serene town of Washington, Connecticut. Built as a boarding school in 1894, the building has been a landmark inn in the region since 1919. Most notable about this grand country manor is its stunning grounds – I rambled through the gorgeous Shakespeare Garden, explored a maze, took an archery lesson, and sat next to a bona fida lake situated next to the modern spa building. Did I mention the spa? This could possibly be the jewel of the crown, and the jewel of New England full-stop. The lounge area with floor-to-ceiling windows was truly eye-opening. I could have sat there in my white robe forever. The spa’s gift shop, managed by the wonderful Carol, was also a welcome addition, offering renowned skincare lines and stylish clothing options. There was something truly luxurious about the Grace Mayflower, and saying goodbye was painful.
The exterior of the Grace Mayflower Inn and Spa
As members of the exclusive Relais & Châteaux association – a global network of luxury boutique properties and gourmet restaurants – all three Grace properties are notable for their extremely high customer service, unbeatable ambiance and first-class amenities. What’s really special, though, is how unique each property is in their own right. Whilst certainly feeling as though they are part of the same family, Grace Hotels have been able to deliver three distinctly different experiences within the New England region.
The Grace Mayflower Garden Room
by Derby Jones
Grace White Barn Inn and Spa
Tel: (+1) 207 967 2321
Grace Vanderbilt
Tel: (+1) 401 846 6200
Grace Mayflower Spa and Inn
Tel: (+1) 860 868 9466
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