The Three Hotels You Don't Want To Miss This Christmas In New England

The White Barn Inn | Photo provided by the White Barn Inn

From the Auberge Resorts Collection, these properties have partnered with party planner and event designer Bronson van Wyck, New York womenswear label Markarian and interior decorator Nathan Turner

Even if you prefer warm climates there’s something about winterscapes that help you slide into winter’s frosty temps. From the snow outside, to a glistening Christmas tree, a mean fireplace raging, and hot cocoa inside, all seem to hit the spot. The Vanderbilt in Newport, Rhode Island, the Mayflower Inn & Spa in Washington, Connecticut, and the White Barn Inn in Kennebunk, Maine are not just hotels to enjoy the Christmas spirit, but places that have taken the extra step to include creativity into their properties. 

The Vanderbilt 

Party and event designer Bronson van Wyck | Photo provided by The Vanderbilt

The Vanderbilt, a mansion turned resort with 33 luxury rooms, has partnered with renowned party planner and event designer Bronson van Wyck. The mansion was built in 1908 by Alfred Gwynne Vanderbilt with holiday décor designed by van Wyck that pays homage to Alfred Vanderbilt’s adventurous lifestyle. As soon as you enter the hotel you notice the marine-themed Christmas tree, inspired by Vanderbilt’s sea expeditions and Newport’s maritime history. Van Wyck, known for his specific design style, has placed wreaths and garlands throughout the hotel, and ensconced ornaments on room keys.

Working with the fabric house Brunschwig & Fils, who has partnered with the UK brand Mulberry Home, the two have decorated the hotel with a rich nautical theme that the area is known for, as well as paying homage to the hotel’s rich heritage. Brunschwig&Fils candy cane-striped fabric are seen on the staircases, their prints are adorned on the wrapping paper for gifts under the tree, and the gifts under the grand tinsel tree in the library are also wrapped in Brunschwig&Fils fabric. And it doesn’t stop there, van Wyck has curated a dinner experience, featuring a Christmas-themed menu with cocktails by Dio, a premium cocktail line by the event designer.

The White Barn Inn

Nathan Turner at The White Barn Inn | Photo provided by the White Barn Inn

The hotel provides a crafted dinner for 14 guests | Photo provided by the White Barn Inn

Over to Maine at the White Barn Inn, a hotel with over 150 years of history, interior decorator Nathan Turner has created a rustic inspired theme while keeping true to the hotel’s spirit. “Turner, a fifth-generation Californian with roots in antiquing and a deep love for Americana, draws inspiration from his upbringing on a cattle ranch in Sierra Nevada,” explains notes from the Auberge Resorts Collection. His signature design style is seen in the wreaths with satin ribbons, velvet garlands, candles, and Turner’s designed stockings- which can be purchased at the hotel. Very American in its essence, Turner has brought in Scandinavian accents in the holiday décor. An exclusive dinner crafted by Turner with unique tabletop decor, for 14 guests can also be booked.

The Mayflower Inn & Spa

The entrance of The Mayflower Inn & Spa | Photo provided by Mayflower Inn & Spa

In Connecticut, the Mayflower Inn & Spa partnered with New York womenswear brand Markarian, founded by designer Alexandra O’Neill. Throughout the hotel you will find Fall-winter 2024 Markarian’s prints with their pops of color blended with the hotel’s classic charm. As you enter the hotel you notice garland, pomegranates, dried hydrangeas, and velvet cornflower blue blows. The 18-foot Christmas tree with custom floral ikat ornaments and moires in celadon and cornflower blue is striking. 

The hotel has partnered with NYC womenswear brand Markarian | Photo provided by Mayflower Inn & Spa

“In a nod to Markarian’s design philosophy, a special Markarian Suite has been created at the Inn, featuring a distinctive holiday color scheme of reds and pinks. As the pinnacle of luxury accommodations at the Inn, the Markarian Suite stands out as the highest room category,” explains announcement notes. Inside the suite guests will find custom-made floral ikat stockings with velvet trimming above the fireplace.

All three hotels set in winterscape American destinations allow you to pull out of the hustle and bustle of life, and dive into the magic of Christmas. Without a doubt, one of the Auberge Resorts Collection hotels in Rhode Island, Maine, or Connecticut are the places to be this holiday season.