Hay Creek Hotels Selected to Manage the Historic Eagle Mountain House & Golf Club in Jackson, New Hampshire

The historic Eagle Mountain House in the Mount Washington Valley region of New Hampshire has joined the Hay Creek collection of hotels and Inns.

Originally built in 1897, the Eagle Mountain House is listed on the National Trust for Historic Preservation and is a proud member of Historic Hotels of America. This New England hotel is scheduled to receive a multi-million dollar renovation and re-positioning over the next 36 months.

Hay Creek Hotels is widely recognized for its expertise in the design, renovation and repositioning of upscale independent full service hotels and will provide their guidance and experience throughout the extensive renovations planned for the Eagle Mountain House. 

“We welcome the Eagle Mountain House to our growing collection of upscale independent inns and hotels” stated Norman MacLeod, Founder and CEO of Hay Creek hotels. “It is an ideal destination and has a very special synergy with our other New Hampshire based hotels” he added. Currently Hay Creek owns and operates several hotels in the state, including the Exeter Inn, Centennial Hotel and the historic Wolfeboro Inn, among others throughout New England and New York.

The Eagle Mountain House enjoys panoramic views of the White Mountains and has been operating as a hotel since 1879. The property offers 96 guest rooms and suites along with Highfields Restaurant, the Eagle Landing Tavern and a beautiful 280 foot wrap around veranda that overlooks the Wildcat River. 

The hotel is a popular wedding, function and corporate meeting destination, featuring over 5,000 square feet of meeting space and an historic Carriage House meeting facility that has spectacular mountain views. 

Guests enjoy the USGA rated mountain side golf course in the warmer months and in winter season can ski the 194 km’s of groomed cross country ski trails or alpine skiing at nearby Bretton Woods, Wildcat, Black and Attitash Mountains. 

Jackson is a true New England tourist destination with numerous natural attractions as well as several dining and shopping outlets in nearby North Conway. For more than 200 years, the classic New Hampshire White Mountain Villages of Jackson, Intervale, Bartlett, Glen and Hart's Location have held a special attraction for visitors from around the globe.

The area's landscape, complete with the Jackson "Honeymoon" covered bridge built in 1876, white steeple churches, high mountains and rolling farmland, has been captured on canvas, and photographed by world renowned artists and photographers. 

Together these villages located on the edges of 750,000 acres of the White Mountain National Forest offer spectacular natural beauty, and as much four season recreation as you'll find anywhere in the Northeast - hiking, biking, canoeing, kayaking, fishing, horseback riding, golfing, ice skating, snowshoeing, downhill and cross-country skiing on some of the finest trail networks in the East. 

The hotel is currently accepting reservations and can be contacted at 1.800.966.5779 or via its website at http://www.eaglemt.com 

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The Reef Residences at Atlantis: A Top Real Estate Sales Producer in the Bahamas for 2011

The Reef Residences at Atlantis climbed the ranks to become one of the top real estate sales producers in the Bahamas for 2011. Residential property sales exceeded $40 million in the past six months alone, with the luxury resort's residences posting record sales since September.

"The growth in sales is very exciting to see as we continue to offer unique incentives and aggressive price points," said Eric Mann, Reef Residences Director of Sales. "Prospective buyers are coming from all around the world to experience the Bahamas with us." 

The Reef Residences at Atlantis offer condominium-style accommodations - with the beach as your backyard.  The 22-story tower consists of 307 studio units, 188 one-bedroom units, two penthouses and the option of creating a two-bedroom accommodation by combining a one-bedroom suite with a studio. All properties come fully furnished and are managed by Atlantis. Reef owners also enjoy all of the comforts of the world-renowned resort.  

Kerzner International's Atlantis Paradise Island Resort offers its guests a variety of amenities including: miles of pristine beaches, more than 21 restaurants, 19 bars and lounges; the largest casino in the Caribbean, Mandara Spa, the championship Ocean Club Golf Course, and a mega yacht marina capable of handling yachts up to 240 feet. A focal point for many families is the 141 acre water park featuring 11 pools, thrilling water slides, a mile long river ride with exciting rapids, an open-air marine habitat that is home to more than 50,000 sea animals, and a state-of-the-art kids club and cutting-edge teen club. Reef owners also enjoy exclusive access to the adults-only Cain at the Cove ultra pool and beach club with 4 pools, 20 private cabanas, outdoor gaming and a live DJ.

The Reef Residences is the only affluent residential beachfront ownership opportunity found at the Atlantis Resort, Paradise Island. Based on the recent spike in sales, the Reef Residence is currently offering competitive final phase pricing. To learn more, visit: www.ownthereef.com


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Spotlight: Caribbean Destinations: Celebrity Cruises [Video]

Courtesy of Celebrity Cruises on YouTube

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Great Freedom Adventures Announces Easy Expedition Tracing Verrazzano’s Route Along the Rhode Island Coast

Explore Rhode Island’s iconic gems and lesser-known pearls full-immersion style, on a guided and supported multi-sport tour offered by Great Freedom Adventures.

The Inlets and Isles Rhode Island Vacation Bike and Multi-Sport Tour explores Rhode Island’s scenic, historic and cultural diversity, from tranquil Block Island, to vibrant Newport. The tour traverses landscapes and seascapes shown to Giovanni Verrazzano in 1524 by his Native American hosts. 

The full-sensory Rhode Island vacation promotes discovery through the ages as guests leave Verrazzano’s day behind to explore Colonial Era history and Gilded Age prosperity.

“As America’s smallest state, Rhode Island makes an ideal destination for a bike and multi-sport adventure because it’s compact, diverse and beautiful. In the space of one day, the cyclist will discover 17th century farms and settlements, wind-swept headlands, harbors filled with sleek yachts, the third oldest lighthouse in the country, and jaw-dropping, Gilded Age mansions,” says Jeanne Rummel, Great Freedom Adventures founder.

The August 5-8 program includes lodging, most meals, ferries, admissions, side-excursions, bike, kayak and trimaran rental and a private lantern-light history tour at $1,895 per person based on double occupancy. Space is limited on the tour, which includes transportation to and from the start, so early reservations are recommended. Custom dates are available for groups.

Guests arriving by plane or train are met at the Providence, RI airport or the West Kingston, RI Amtrak station at the start of the tour and are returned at the trip conclusion. 

For more specific tour information, please view the package details on this Inlets and Isles Rhode Island Vacation Bike Tour.

Photo courtesy of Great Freedom Adventures

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Marriott Cambridge Hotel Invites Guests To Harvard Arts Festival With New Deal

Guests staying at the Boston Marriott Cambridge Hotel, can skip the hassle of hunting down a parking spot, and start enjoying all the fun events that take place in the city, including the upcoming Harvard Arts Festival.

The Parking in Boston deal, offers guests spacious and comfortable deluxe accommodations and valet parking for one vehicle. The deal is perfect for those heading towards the Harvard Arts Festival, which takes place from April 26 - 29 on Harvard campus. This exciting arts event offers some of the best work done by Harvard’s famed art students. Located near the Marriott Cambridge hotel, the Harvard Arts Festival showcases more than 225 pieces of work every year, ranging from performance art and film to visual arts and music. Most of the presentations are free of charge and open to the public.

The Parking in Boston deal is available now until December 16, 2012, and is valid Thursdays through Sundays. It must be booked in advance and a limited number of rooms are available

To book this package, use promotional code P42 online or call 1-800-228-9290.

For more information, visit www.marriott.com/BOSCB

Photo courtesy of Boston Marriott Cambridge

Scenic Ogunquit: 4 Ways to Savor Maine’s Savviest Getaway

1. The Cliff House Resort & Spa is celebrating its 140th anniversary by holding package prices at 2011 levels. Consider it a tribute to the Yankee thrift of founder Elsie Jane Weare, who opened the Cliff House in 1872. The Resort is also offering a $99 Spa Sampler in its world-class spa. Offered Thursday and Sunday evenings by appointment, the Sampler includes three head-to-toe 15-minute mini treatments, plate of chef’s hors d’oeuvres and glass of Chardonnay. 

2. Another Ogunquit institution, Harbor Candy, is celebrating the Cliff House 140th with a special gift box for returning guests. The shop, which has been supplying the Cliff House with fine chocolates for two decades, offers savvy chocolate lovers everything from high-quality childhood classics like nonpareils and peanut butter cups, to unusual specialties like vegan chocolate and tea-infused truffles.

3. Finestkind Scenic Cruises, an Ogunquit favorite since 1956, is helping Cliff House guests celebrate with fun lobster cruises. The cruises are part of the Resort’s two-night Lobster Cruise Package, offered June through mid-October. Finestkind’s 50-minute lobster tours leave from Oqunquit’s scenic Perkins Cove and hug the coastline, while the captain hauls traps and offers an up-close look at his catch. Finestkind’s Amy Hubbard says the cruises are a great way to do something different without “breaking the bank.” Plus the cruises are perfectly timed for kids and their lively attention spans. 

4. The Oqunquit Playhouse, America’s foremost summer theatre, is also celebrating an anniversary in 2012 – its 80th. The Playhouse has hosted names like Steve McQueen and Tallulah Bankhead, and is kicking off its new season with Always: Patsy Kline featuring Playhouse veteran Sally Struthers of Archie Bunker fame.

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St. Lucia's Ladera Resort Celebrates 20th Anniversary

Ladera Resort, the legendary St. Lucia hotel that is a fixture on every major top hotel and awards list, is celebrating its 20th Anniversary Year in 2012. 

The groundbreaking luxury resort, a haven for celebrities, honeymooners and trendsetters, is situated on a forested ridge, 1,100 feet above the sea, perched above the port town of Soufrière. Originally designed and built 40 years ago as a development called Dasheene, Ladera opened as a resort hotel in 1992.

"Throughout this Anniversary Year, we're taking the Ladera guest experience to an even higher level of luxury, comfort and authenticity," says Olivier Bottois, Ladera's Vice President of Marketing & Operations. Ladera is "20 years young" as Bottois sees it. He adds that "this year we'll be introducing new suites, product enhancements and service innovations that are consistent with our signature guest experience and eco-friendly approach."

 Photo courtesy of Ladera Resort

Over two decades ago, Ladera pioneered the concept of the open-air, three-walled guest suite that remains the signature design of Ladera and which has become a ubiquitous style, now de rigueur at resorts throughout Saint Lucia. The buildings were designed by the late John DiPol, a visionary American architect. DiPol conceived the concept when he realized that a three-sided series of building was possible due to the prevailing trade winds that approach from the back (eastern side) of the resort and which allow for the missing third wall, an expansive view and interiors with atriums. Each suite embraces the island ambiance through tropical design, with all furnishings crafted on property by local artisans, including elegant four poster hardwood beds and St. Lucian ceramics and textiles throughout. The missing fourth wall allows the most spectacular views of the Sea, unobstructed sunsets, and the volcanic Piton Mountains, which are now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Thanks to the clever design, they also remain sheltered, safe, and completely secluded, with private plunge pools and surrounded by lush tropical landscaping.

Ladera's striking infinity pool, the very first in the world in 1972, was used in the film Superman II when Christopher Reeves flies to St. Lucia to gather flowers for Lois Lane, and is still the dramatic centerpiece of the resort surrounded by lush tropical gardens.

During Ladera's 20th Anniversary Year, the resort will unveil six additional connecting luxury one-bedroom Hilltop Dream suites on Paradise Ridge in October 2012.

"Each new Hilltop Dream Suite will feature the famously breathtaking vistas from the open living rooms and will include private infinity pools," says Bottois. "The open-air bedrooms are designed and appointed with furnishings and fixtures consistent with Ladera's sustainable practices." That includes using locally-woven textiles, custom hardwood furniture crafted on site at Ladera, such as elegant Colonial four-poster king beds. The en-suite bath areas will be equipped with water-efficient Kohler fixtures.

Other noteworthy developments in Ladera's 20th Anniversary Year include a new fitness room, outfitted with state-of-the-art workout equipment. Yoga classes are also now on offer.

The Ti Kai Posé Spa, which now incorporates more natural, organic treatments, will offer new outdoor Couples Massages on Paradise Ridge, a completely private retreat area of the resort which overlooks the Caribbean Sea and Pitons.

Dasheene, Ladera's award winning restaurant, will be taken to even higher culinary acclaim says Bottois, a past board member and Vice Chancelier Culinaire of the Chaine des Rotisseurs and member of The James Beard Foundation, noting that celebrated guest chefs from the Caribbean, the United States, and Europe will be featured at the restaurant.

For more on Ladera, visit www.ladera.com

Equestrian Travel Association Launches Online Guide to Equestrian Travel; Hosts Sweepstakes to Celebrate

The Equestrian Travel Association (ETA) has announced the launch of its new definitive online guide to equestrian travel in conjunction with a travel sweepstakes.

Created for horse lovers everywhere – no matter what level of skill or education, the new Equestrian Travel Guide offers valuable information on a wide range of equestrian travel experiences worldwide. The mission of the guide and it’s related social media outreach is to raise awareness of horse-related travel businesses that abide by a set of standards regarding horse care and customer service.

With business members worldwide who offer a variety of getaways at multiple price points, visitors will be able to find an assortment of destinations and activities that cater to a variety of travel needs, including those of families, singles, couples or groups. What’s more, the Equestrian Travel Guide is a great educational resource for those wanting to learn more about equestrian travel and horseback riding in general. 

The Equestrian Travel Sweepstakes runs from March 15th through June 15th, 2012. It offers horse and travel lovers the opportunity to enter in one of three ways for a chance to win one of three spectacular equestrian getaways:

• 2 ½ day immersive dressage experience for the winner and one guest at Charlotte’s Bredahl’s California Dressage Retreat on Charlotte’s gorgeous ranch in Buellton, California.

• A Romantic Ride in the Green Mountains for two, including a 4 day/3 night stay at the stunning and secluded Mountaintop Inn and Resort in Chittenden, Vermont (sponsored by Active Travel).

• A Buenos Aires Horse Adventure, featuring a 3 day/2 night personalized horse adventure for two in exotic Buenos Aires, Argentina. 

US Residents over the age of 18 can enter by simply submitting their equestrian vacation prize preference on (Facebook.com/EquestrianTravel), (twitter.com/EquineTravel) or the new Equestrian Travel Guide website, where the official rules are posted.

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Family Travel Magazine Announces Poll Results: Hotel Amenities That Families Really Want

Family Travel Magazine, the new family travel website recently launched by popular Boston mom blogger Jodi Grundig, has just announced the results of a reader poll of hotel amenities that families really want. The surprising results showed that many hotel guests prefer the smaller amenities, like in-room refrigerators and microwaves, to larger amenities like pools.

While some families chose more popular amenities like on-site restaurants, WiFi, location, and pools, many would rather have easy-to-implement amenities like childproofing gear, extra rollaway beds, robes, comfortable pillows, mini-fridges, microwaves, and toaster ovens. 

“Ultimately, families want to feel that they in a “home away from home”, said Grundig. “They want to be comfortable, with simple but important amenities that make life easier while on the road”.

This poll is just the first of a series of reader polls planned in the coming months. Visit Family Travel Magazine for more information.

Photo courtesy of Family Travel Magazine

JetBlue: New nonstop service to San Juan and Austin proposed

JetBlue Airways (Nasdaq: JBLU) today filed with the United States Department of Transportation a "capital-to-capital" application for four beyond-perimeter slot exemptions to launch new nonstop service from Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport to two unique and sought-after destinations: San Juan, Puerto Rico and Austin, Texas. 

JetBlue's proposed new flights would be the only nonstop service between the U.S. capital's preferred business airport and the capitals of Puerto Rico and Texas - both of which are located beyond the airport's 1,250-mile perimeter and are among the 10 largest markets without nonstop air service to Reagan National.

Award-winning JetBlue intends to offer one daily nonstop roundtrip flight to San Juan's Luiz Munoz Marin International Airport, with connecting service to St. Thomas, the capital of the United States Virgin Islands, as well as one daily nonstop roundtrip flight to Austin-Bergstrom International Airport. Both routes are supported by the two communities and their respective leaders. 

"JetBlue's proposed new service to San Juan and Austin will provide tremendous benefit to the traveling public," said Robert Land, JetBlue's senior vice president of government affairs and associate general counsel. "JetBlue has long had a simple formula for deciding which markets to serve: we look for routes that are underserved, overpriced, or both. The markets from our nation's capital to San Juan and Austin fit that bill, and would be well-served with the addition of new nonstop JetBlue flights." 

JetBlue is Puerto Rico's largest airline, with service between the Commonwealth and 11 nonstop destinations throughout the U.S. mainland and the Caribbean. JetBlue will further strengthen its connection to the island later this spring when it launches two new destinations from San Juan: Newark, N.J. on April 25 and West Palm Beach, Fla. on May 15. Since its debut on the island a decade ago, the number of fliers traveling with JetBlue to/from San Juan has grown an average of 28 percent each year. 

JetBlue launched service from Reagan National in November 2010, after more than a decade of attempting to enter the tightly restricted market. Despite being a small, limited incumbent carrier at highly concentrated Reagan National, JetBlue has stimulated traffic, lowered fares, and garnered significant support in the capital region as a result of its low fares and unique brand of customer service. 

The airline currently offers a business-friendly schedule of seven daily roundtrip flights between Reagan National and Boston as well as daily service to its focus cities in Fort Lauderdale and Orlando, Fla., where connections are available to destinations across the Caribbean and Latin America. This June, JetBlue plans to expand service to Boston to ten roundtrip flights per day, add more flights to Fort Lauderdale and Orlando, and launch a new nonstop route to Tampa, Fla.

Source: JetBlue 

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[PHOTO of the Day]

Sailing in Autumn at the Linekin Bay Resort (Maine)

 
Photo courtesy of Linekin Bay Resort on Flickr

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Something for everyone sprouting up soon at Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens

Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens’ calendar for the coming season promises enjoyment, experiences, and education for all ages.

Through classes, walks, art shows, and special events, a lot of the activity this year will revolve around the theme Feathers and Foliage: Celebrating Bird and Plant Interactions in Maine. The first of these, in collaboration with Maine Audubon, is Attracting Birds to Your Backyard on March 21 in Falmouth and again on the 24th at the Gardens. Nancy Bither will lead an early-morning bird walk at the Gardens on May 25, and all birders are invited to help with a bird inventory of the property on June 2. One of the in-residence experts is a bird carver, and the Gardens will feature Bird of the Week exhibits all season. There’s even a birdcall contest for kids on May 26, in conjunction with the reception for a show of bird-related student art.

A new series, "Landscape Horticulture: An Introduction to Ornamental Gardening," begins on March 31. Workshops will cover everything from history to harvest. 

Several week-long nature camps offer exciting discoveries for kids in different age groups; and fun, learning, and adventure happen every day during activities in the amazing Bibby and Harold Alfond Children’s Garden.

Art shows, each with a free public reception, begin with the “Local Colors” exhibit of work by midcoast artists in a partnership between the Gardens and the River Arts Gallery of Damariscotta. The sculpture show “On the Wing,” curated by June LaCombe, will offer a number of different sculptors’ view of birds. Artists who sign up ahead of time are invited to paint en plein air at the Gardens from May 29-June 3 with no admission charge; selected works will then be on display and for sale.

In another of its many exhibits this year, the Gardens will help Watershed Center for the Ceramic Arts celebrate its 25th anniversary with works by a resident from each year. The Gardens has its own In-Residence program, starting with exceptional botanical artist Linda Heppes Funk and award-winning bird sculptor Hank Tyler, each with demos and classes. In a new partnership with the New York Botanical Garden, acclaimed artist Katie Lee will offer a multi-day workshop on botanical illustration.

On July 26, the Gardens’ annual fundraiser, “A Bloomin’ Good Time,” will combine the best food, live music, and an incredible array of auction items to create the party of the summer.

For more information on these exciting programs and events, visit  http://www.mainegardens.org

Photo courtesy of Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens

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Samoset Resort in Maine Reopens to Year Round Status

Samoset Resort, one of New England’s premier resorts, announces its restored status as a year-round destination resort with the launch of a new winter season of holidays, romantic retreats, family activities and winter group meetings. The decision to stay open year-round was fueled by the completion of numerous additions to the resort including a full-service, seaside spa, an Italian restaurant and lounge, and three new luxury guest cottages. These recent improvements are the result of a multi-million dollar investment by the resort owners in an effort to bring the guest experience to a whole new level.

"We are extremely excited for our guests and our local community to utilize our newly enhanced services and amenities year round, as we feel these improvements solidify Samoset as a year-round retreat for couples, families and groups," said General Manager, Connie Russell.

When the resort opens on April 27th for the summer 2012 season, it will feature many improvements from the previous season, all in an effort to enhance the resort experience. Groups will enjoy an updated and renovated 21,000 feet of meeting space. All guests will enjoy the addition of new iPod docking station stereos, refrigerators, Keurig coffee makers, safes and complimentary bottled water in every guestroom at the hotel. The resort will also introduce a 9-hole Disc Golf Course overlooking the ocean, adding a new amenity for guests and groups to enjoy as part of the Ultimate Backyard Experience, which also includes tennis, basketball, outdoor pool, shuffleboard, volleyball, badminton, croquet, horseshoes and a playground. Finally, golfers will enjoy brand new driving range mats and new drainage on holes 6, 7, 16, and 18.

The new 2012/2013 winter season at Samoset will start with a series of Holiday Happenings from Thanksgiving through New Year’s Eve. The hotel will be festively decorated and guests will be able to enjoy holiday packages, menus, and activities such as Brunch with Santa. The resort will also feature a new ice skating rink with bonfire and S’mores. La Bella Vita Ristorante will feature an outdoor Ice Bar set amongst the fire pit and fire lamps overlooking the ocean. Samoset’s Winter Weekends and School Break Vacations will feature a series of family activities, culinary events, kid’s recreation center, indoor pool, group health classes and custom Spa treatments.

8/4/23 Update:

Samoset Resort is now part of the Opal Collection

https://www.opalcollection.com/samoset

Photo courtesy of the Samoset Resort

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Barbados Rewards Loyal Facebook Fans With 50 Days of Prizes

The Barbados Tourism Authority (BTA) is proud to announce that their Facebook page, Facebook.com/VisitBarbados, has reached over 50,000 fans! In celebration of this milestone and to reward loyal followers, the BTA is providing 50 days of prize giveaways, including grand prize trips to the island, as part of their "Barbados Likes You" Facebook promotion.* 

For 50 consecutive days, winners will be randomly selected to receive one of 50 prizes, including Kindle Fires, Mount Gay Rum and Banks Beer apparel, Barbadian cookbooks, iTunes and Amazon Gift Cards, courtesy of the Barbados Tourism Authority and partners. Grand prizes include five-day/four-night vacation packages for two to Barbados, inclusive of round-trip airfare on American Airlines from a U.S. gateway; restaurant and attraction vouchers; and luxurious accommodations provided by Ocean Two, South Beach Barbados, and Elegant Hotels' Tamarind and Colony Club. The grand prize trip packages will be unlocked every time the page reaches an additional 10,000 likes, encouraging entrants to invite others to "like" Barbados in order to win a vacation. 

The campaign, promoted through Facebook at Barbados Likes You, and on Twitter using the hashtag #barbadoslikesu, allows visitors to the Barbados Facebook page to "like" the page and submit their email addresses in order to enter.

"Our social media followers are extremely important to us, and we are so thrilled that our Facebook page has reached the 50,000 fan mark," said Campbell Rudder, The Barbados Tourism Authority's VP of Marketing for The Americas. "We have created the 'Barbados Likes You' Facebook promotion in an effort to show how much Barbados values our fans, and to encourage others to "like" our page for exciting daily updates. We eagerly anticipate awarding our fans with an array of prizes in the next 50 days, including trips to our beautiful sun-drenched island of Barbados." 

For more information about travel to Barbados, visit www.visitbarbados.org.

 

SOURCE The Barbados Tourism Authority


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Sumptuous and Elegant Bedrooms at the Mayflower Inn & Spa in Connecticut [PHOTOS]

 Photo courtesy of the Mayflower Inn & Spa

Connecticut Style: Sumptuous and elegant bedrooms at the Mayflower Inn & Spa in Connecticut, a country house hotel in the New England countryside, with the elegance of Relais & Chateaux five-star, five-diamond accommodations. Featured today on https://bostonstylehub.tumblr.com/post/18782737104/mayflower-inn-bedrooms