A Wild, Magical Escape

If you’ve ever wondered where can you watch TV in a 1968 US Coastguard helicopter, or burn neatly split logs, while in an Arthurian stateroom, or dine at a Michelin star level restaurant, I’m pleased to say that the answer is simple.

Head to Winvian Farm, near Litchfield, Connecticut.

Set on 113 acres of land, with 18 beautifully unique cottages, this AAA Diamond resort is at once breathtakingly imagined and exquisitely managed. A true flight of fancy and a leap of faith into opulence, warmth and comfort.

Beaver Lodge

We first traveled here in September 2020 for a special wedding anniversary, but now returned for Christmas, drawn back by the wonderful experience. And it didn’t disappoint - in fact it’s one of the few places where the room is more important than the hotel - as even with a self imposed distance preference, room service is excellent with the same outstanding menu as the main restaurant. Grub Hub or Door Dash are also options for simpler fare. The Spa is also excellent! In Summer the activities range from fly casting to wine tasting, but even a simple walk by the river is enough to wave goodbye to the stresses and complexities of the world outside.

Helicopter

But while the setting is amazing, and the rooms just have to be seen to be believed - replete with open fires, Bose sound and a variety of indulgent light settings, the star of the show, are the people who work here. I wrote in a post a long time ago that there are some properties where the staff have an intuition of what you need. And this is the first place in years that has that same magical quality. From front desk, to bar tender you could not hope for a more welcoming crew - even as you buzz yourself into the farm the voice crackles back ‘welcome home Mr and Mrs Phipps’. Or how about the blankets that magically appear as you head towards one of the fire pits, or maybe it’s the iced bottle of Prosecco when you first arrive. Nothing is missed and all is frankly wondrous on that foundation.

Thus far we’ve stayed in Helicopter, Beaver Lodge and Connecticut Yankee. 3 down, 15 more exciting experiences to go. And we will be back, aiming if we can to #taketheworld tips, by looking out for the Black Friday gift card sale to accrue an extra 20% value.

Connecticut Yankee