Connecticut's Saybrook Inn & Spa - One Singular Sensation

[Harvey frommer]

             With the world a dangerous place and the pace of contemporary life so

frazzling, it was highly refreshing, rewarding and remarkable for us to spend a

couple of nights at the legendary Saybrook Inn and Spa.

     Located at Saybrook Point in Connecticut, an area that is a national treasure,

the location is the only one in the United States where a major river (the

Connecticut) flows into the sea (Long Island Sound) past a small town instead of

a port city.   

           Simply put, with the water, the birds, the greenery, the quiet, the highly

professional staff, the entire operation provides a touch of soltitude and serenity.

          Intimate, enchanting, ushering up feelings of more tranquil times past when

service and professionalism marked what one would come to expect in a top class

property:

      Saybrook Inn and Spa did not disappoint in any way.          

     With more than 100 comfortable and at the same time elegant guestrooms

featuring picturesque views, spacious villas, and two luxurious guesthouses

(“Three Stories” and “Tall Tales”) the property offers one singular sensation. 

          From our first moments at the property at check in – we knew

professionalism was on parade. The staff was personable, efficient and honed in to

getting us settled. Our bags were transported swiftly and carefully to our living

quarters.   

      That same professionalism we experienced remained a constant all through

the stay. It was personified by the delightful woman manager Anna Iacoletti and

the servers in the over-the-top restaurant Fresh Salt, the staff at the full-service

spa SANNO where one us received a facial and the other a pedicure

         We were fortunate to be given accommodations at “Three Stories” which was

a throwback looking but totally modernized building featuring seven creatively

designed guestrooms, including a luxurious suite. The European bedding, comfy

linens, original artwork by local artists – all added again to the one singular

sensation that made our entire experience all of one piece.  

         Each room in “Three Stories” is named and designed for a prominent person

who has degree in fame locally. The Adriaen Block Room (the 16th-century

explorer for whom Block Island is named) is one of those. Another is the

Barbara Maynard Suite, designated for a longtime community leader.

          The dinner and breakfasts we enjoyed at Fresh Salt were all of a piece –

delivered fresh by attentive and informed and enthusiastic servers. We were

seated at the same corner table for all three meals and what a view and

what meals they were.

          Dinner for one of us was a seafood lover’s delight: shrimp, oysters, clams,

and the best lobster roll ever. One of  us was more traditional and opted for

pan-roasted all-natural black pearl salmon.

           There were no complaints from either of us. Just super dining. 

          SANNO spa was recently given a make-over and today features 11 total

service rooms and Swiss showers. There is massage therapy, facials, body wraps

and scrubs, manicures, and pedicures. There is also easy access from

the spa to salt water indoor and an outdoor swimming pools. 

        Situated serenely between the Connecticut River and the Long Island Sound,

this one singular sensation, this stately waterfront inn is just a 1-minute walk from

Fort Saybrook Monument Park and short driving distance to many

appealing attractions.

          As travel writers who have been to many places around the world, this

All-American amazing SAYBROOK INN AND SPA ranks right up there with the

best of them.

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Saybrook Inn and Spa, 21 Bridge Street, Old Saybrook, Connecticut

Reservations: 860.395.2000

www.saybrook.com

Menus Link: http://www.saybrook.com/restaurant/menus/