The moment you drive down a gorgeous hydrangea-lined road to the Saybrook Point Resort & Marina along the Connecticut shore, the air feels a little, well, better. This could be because the closer you get to the resort, tucked right where the Connecticut River meets the Long Island Sound, the cooler the air feels. Or, it might just be the friendly vibe you’ll feel when you check into the family-owned resort, located just two hours from New York City.
On a recent trip, which was a much-needed respite during a June heatwave, the friendly front-desk staff were eager to point out all the features of the property. And there was lots to say. Between the indoor and outdoor saltwater pools (plus sauna, steam and hot tub) and bikes available to rent (don’t miss a breezy ride to town) or relaxing walk along a scenic causeway, I wasn’t sure what to do first.
Before long, I found myself in my room, housed in a renovated Italianate six-bedroom mansion across the street from the main hotel. The home dates to 1892 but offers every single modern amenity you could imagine (the deep soaking trubs and oversized showers were a welcome sight), including a game room, full kitchen and my own private balcony.
Photo credit: Courtesy of Saybrook Point Resort & Marina
And then there’s the fact that this property is Connecticut’s first Green Certified Hotel and its first Clean Marina. This commitment infuses everything from how the pools are heated and the extensive recycling initiatives in place on property to how ingredients are sourced.
The highlight of the visit, of course, was time spent in the spa, which features products from Eminence and Circadia. Located right off the lobby, appointments begin in the spa’s two oversized sitting rooms, along with a lovely plant-filled patio. Both are great places to stretch out while sipping tea and awaiting such treatments as an Atlantic Ocean Memory, a marine-based ritual that includes a full-body exfoliation, oxygen and light therapy or a shea butter and hot stone massage.
Photo credit: Courtesy of Saybrook Point Resort & Marina
To cap off the day: A drink in the adorable Cho Choo Lounge followed by a meal at Fresh Salt, the resort’s indoor/outdoor seafood restaurant, where each table has a dazzling view of the sailboats and yachts bobbing in the marina.
And I promise you this: If you stick around for sunset, you won’t be disappointed. The night I dined here, the marina suddenly shimmered in oranges, purples and pinks. There couldn’t have been a more perfect way to end a glorious day on the Connecticut coast.
To book a visit, visit www.saybrook.com
Photo credit: Courtesy of Saybrook Point Resort & Marina