No time for a full honeymoon? Follow Ivanka's lead and take a mini-moon.
By: Mara BerkoffWhat do you do if you don’t have time for a long, leisurely honeymoon? Why, do as Ivanka Trump and her newspaper scion husband Jared Kushner did, and take a mini moon. After their wedding in October 2009, the couple escaped to the Mayflower Inn & Spa in Washington, Connecticut, for a few days. Located just a train ride from New York City, near where they held their five-star bash, the 30-room New England inn provides a restful sojourn for any couple.
Surrounding the Inn are glorious rhododendron bushes, Weeping Blue Cedars, boxwood and red barberry trees, as well as wildflower gardens. Each guest room is appointed with antique pieces and four-poster, feather-topped beds; most rooms come with cozy fireplaces and marble soaking tubs. Spark the romance there or relax at the spa. The signature Stonecrop and Rose Facial brightens and soothes with organic fruit and herbs. The Mayflower Smooth-As-Silk Scrub features customized sugar and sea salt scrubs.
Of course, the great outdoors will beckon. You can take a meandering walk around the property, hike in the surrounding areas or go on a birdwatching expedition. There are also opportunities to kayak, canoe and crosscountry ski, depending on the season. Tour the pretty White Flower Farm and pick up some blooms, or pick your own fruit nearby, at the March Farm.
Organic food is the cornerstone of the cuisine. Breakfasts feature dishes made with locally produced eggs, dairy and cured meats. In the evenings, you can sample dishes like Connecticut crab with avocado, heirloom tomato, caper berries and deviled quail egg, and an apple salad with arugula and goat cheese. Then enjoy a glass of cognac in the paneled library, and marvel at just how blissful a mere few days away can be (room rates start at $545 a night; mayflowerinn.com).
