Put in a little over an hour of driving from Manhattan and you will find the pace of things has changed. The roads are quieter, the architecture has a timelessness to it, and the salty air off Long Island Sound is a pleasant reminder that some of New England’s more appealing spots are not as far from home as you might think.
In the historic coastal village of Southport, Connecticut, Delamar Southport has made a name for itself as one of the Northeast’s finer luxury getaways. It is as much a wellness and culinary destination as it is a boutique hotel, providing a welcome change of scenery from the bigger resort circuit with its emphasis on good hospitality and an authentic feel.
More of a Residence Than a Hotel
You get the sense right away that Delamar is not your typical hotel; it is like stepping into a well-appointed country home. The classic New England style of the building fits in with the village, and once inside, the warm decor is as inviting as it is sophisticated.
The suites and rooms are put together for residential comfort. You have your marble baths, fine linens and furnishings, and room to spread out. In the cooler weather, the gas fireplaces in some of the accommodations add to the coziness and the property’s New England character.
Because of its size, you won’t be lost in the crowd as you might at a larger luxury operation. A weekend here falls into a natural sort of rhythm: take your time over breakfast, walk the streets of Southport, have a cocktail before dinner and then put your feet up by the fire.
The Spa is an Attraction in Its Own Right
Some come to Delamar for the spa alone.
Hailed as a top wellness spot in Fairfield County, it is all about getting away from it all. They work with the likes of Biologique Recherche and Valmont for their treatments, and the menu is extensive, from therapeutic massages to facials and other therapies.
If you want privacy, the wellness suites have what you need – a fireplace, steam shower and lounge area so it doesn’t feel like you are in a conventional spa. Before you know it, an afternoon has passed and you have been properly recharged.
Dining with an Artisan Touch
You can’t really say you’ve been to Delamar without dining at the Artisan Restaurant, Tavern & Garden. It is one of the better places to eat in Connecticut, managing to be upscale while still being approachable.
What you will find on the seasonal menu is a reflection of the region’s best farms and fisheries – fresh seafood, pastas made in house, and a wine list to match. Whether you are in the tavern or the garden when the weather permits, the service is elevated but never stuffy.
Understated Luxury
There is no pretension at Delamar Southport. You won’t find the kind of spectacle or mega-resort crowds that some chase for their social media feeds, nor any pressure to keep a tight schedule.
It is rare these days to find luxury that is this understated, yet so well executed in terms of service and surroundings. For a New Yorker who wants to get out of town without the bother of an airport, it is hard to do better.
In an era where luxury can be loud and complicated, Delamar is a reminder that the best experiences are often the straightforward ones: a lovely room, a good meal, and a charming village right outside your door.