When you want to relax and reflect, there’s no need to travel the globe when you have the best spa in the world in your own backyard.
Travel publication Conde Nast Traveler recently released its list of the 30 best spas in the U.S. and around the world as part of its annual 2023 Readers’ Choice Awards – and a New England location took top honors.
Winvian Farm in Litchfield Hills, Conn., grabbed the number one spot again, for the sixth year running. But the spa wasn’t alone in its rankings. Another New England spa made the list: Lenox-based Miraval Berkshires Resort & Spa ranked No. 11.
With a gracious, 1775 manor at the heart of the historic estate, Winvian’s 18 individually-themed resort cottages are located on the threshold of woodlands and meadows spread across 113 acres. Not limited to guests of the resort, the spa is a 5,000-square-foot “realm of tranquility and pampering,” boasting a Meditation Lounge with reflecting pool, sauna, and array of services such as massages, facials, Tibetan sound therapy, infrared sauna, and private yoga.
While we have some of the best spas in Boston, the glowing words from Conde Nast Traveler about Winvian Farm has us packing our bags and heading to the historical town in Connecticut:
“In the heart of Yankee Connecticut, Winvian Farm is a perfect retreat for the jaded captain of industry wanting to reconnect with their playful inner child. The owners of Vermont’s Pitcher Inn commissioned 15 New England architects to build 18 cottages and one suite on a 113-acre estate. Each of the ultra-comfortable and unique cottages is based on a different concept (Library, Treehouse, Helicopter). The best is Beaver Lodge, which gracefully resolves the oxymoronic luxurious trapper’s cabin with hardwoods, an authentic polished beaver’s den preserved in the ceiling, two fireplaces, and a bathroom floor of water-smoothed river stones. In Camping, stars illuminate the ceiling, and marshmallows are set out for roasting in the fireplace. Two of Winvian’s strong points are the standout cuisine of chef Chris Eddy, who has worked with Daniel Boulud and Alain Ducasse, and the well-stocked wine cellar. Guests, and locals in need of some R&R, are welcome to the spa.”
New England-based resorts and spas aren’t new to the kudos from travelers, with three regional getaways also making it to Conde Nast Traveler’s recent 50 best resorts in the world as well - Twin Farms in Barnard, Vt., ranking No. 3, Wentworth by the Sea in Newcastle, N.H., ranking No. 4, and Chatham Bars Inn on the Cape ranking No. 8. Vermont’s Twin Farms was also named the top resort in New England.
The 36th Annual Readers’ Choice Awards are compiled by editors based on online survey results from 526,518 readers between April 1 and June 30, 2023. This gathered information helps to rank the best hotels, resorts, destination spas, countries, cities, islands, trains, airlines, airports, and cruise lines around the globe.
For even more relaxing escapes, check out our list of the best spa getaways in New England.