My husband and I had been looking forward to our 2 night stay in the treehouse for a few months. The Winvian website and Instagram page showed pictures of beautiful cocktails, delicious food, and unique cottages. Sadly, our experience here was very lackluster. First the good - the spa was wonderful. We each had a massage and I had a facial as well and we felt the treatments were very good. The staff was also very friendly and helpful, however there just didn’t seem to be enough staff to warrant the high cost - more on that later. As other reviews have stated, there is no reception desk to check in, and no one escorts you to your cabin. We were given a map and an envelope with keys and basically sent on our way. Since we stayed in the treehouse, my husband and I got to carry all our bags up 2 flights of stairs into our cottage. Not what you expect from a Relais & Chateaux property. The treehouse cottage was nice but definitely needs updating. The ‘closet’ is a small cut hole in the wall with a cheap wooden bar for you to hang your clothes. We had to duck our heads to put things in or out of the closet. There was a tv in the bedroom, but the bed had no headboard and thus you couldn’t sit up to watch tv, you had to be laying down. We had a second floor sitting area with a couch and fireplace, this seems like the better place for a tv. The bathroom also needed work - there was no lid on the toilet. Since it’s also tankless, the seat comes out of the wall and it feels really commercial. But why no lid?! It was actually kind of disgusting. Lastly, there is no place to hang a towel or robe near the shower. I had to put them on the floor of the bathroom then grab them off the floor after the shower was done. Made no sense. We ate lunch the first day at the restaurant and while we enjoyed our meal, the menu is very small. It was also strange, one menu item was a ham & cheese panini with fontina cheese. I ordered a burger and asked for fontina to top the burger. The waitress came back saying they didn’t have any fontina. Just strange, as it was supposed to be featured in the panini. We also ate two dinners in the restaurant, and while we enjoyed both meals, the menu barely changed from one night to the next. Both nights the chef had a Wild Rice Risotto and a Halibut dish. The last choice was pork loin the first night and beef tenderloin the second. So again, while we enjoyed the food I wouldn’t recommend eating in the restaurant more than once. Definitely a disappointment. I think our biggest let down was the pool. The chairs aren’t luxurious, they are one step up from your average pool chair. There is also no one to open up an umbrella for you or bring out clean towels. It’s all help yourself. If we had paid half the price to stay here this wouldn’t be an issue, but for the price the service really needed to be stepped up. Lastly, the menu at the pool is laughable - grilled cheese, hot dog, salad, or ice cream. They also won’t serve food after 2:30. Our first day there we wanted a cocktail in the afternoon with some type of snack (chips and guacamole, hummus and veggies, popcorn, something!) but we’re told they didn’t serve food in the afternoon. So we had a cocktail which was enjoyable but certainly couldn’t have ordered another without something to go with it. Again, this is a nice place to getaway and relax as there isn’t anything to do there. However for the hefty price tag I feel like there are many other places that you could enjoy. We stayed at Glenmere Mansion July 2021 and it was far superior. Just be aware before you go to Winvian what you won’t be getting.…
Winvian's accommodations are enchanting, unique and still luxurious. Everyone at Winvian was warm, welcoming and helpful. Breakfast was excellent and dinner was special. The spa is a treat and the pool is relaxing. The surrounding towns and sights are most enjoyable. Overall a lovely stay which we hope to revisit in the future.
This is supposed to be a Relais and Chateaux hotel. We have stayed in many around the world and this one simply doesn't measure up to that standard. The staff works very hard and are pleasant at all times. The cottage, one of 16, all different in outward appearance and decoration, was roomy and the king bed very comfortable. The bathroom was well laid out and spacious with an excellent hot shower. The pool area was not visited except for a quick look but seemed in all respects satisfactory. The location near the town of Litchfield is excellent for visiting the area. What could be wrong? Well, upon arrival we were greeted in a peculiar manner. Having found the main house and opened the door, we found ourselves in a room with a bar in one corner and several tables in front of us. No reception desk. Instead, one of the staff comes out of an office to greet you and take your credit card. No offer to help with luggage. No offer to show you to your cottage. You are given a map and told the name of the cottage. We found the cottage easily enough and got our bags inside. The lighting system is one of the most sophisticated I have ever seen. Mastering it requires someone to educate you. Same with the HVAC, although that was much easier. The television, which was an excellent smart TV was located in the bedroom which has no seating other than the bed itself. We dragged in patio chairs to watch our one hour at night and then dragged them out again so we could get up from the bed and use the bathroom at night. The door to the bathroom squeaked horribly which they fixed after the first night but didn't check the other doors which also squeaked but were not a problem at night. The safe in the closet didn't work and was also fixed the second day. The living room was useless, since the furniture was so uncomfortable. I couldn't read anywhere except the patio. Don't know what I would have done in winter. We were told that the restaurant was excellent. It was not. The prix fixe dinner cost us nearly $400 with one drink each and coffee. The portions were tiny. The appetizer had 3 bites to it. The dessert maybe 5. The next night we went to fabulous place 10 minutes away which was half the price. Breakfast is included. The coffee was undrinkable, the orange juice from a carton, the pancakes tasted like cardboard. This is not worth the price of $600-700 per night. Perhaps at half that price, it would be fine.…
Had a two-night stay in Golf Cottage. Room was large and clean. Food and service were all exceptional. The only downside was mosquito. Remember to get some repellent, especially during evening and night.
The property is lovely, our cottage fun, extremely clean and featured a fabulous double steam shower. What made our two night stay exceptional were the people who work here; especially in the restaurant. Particular shout outs to Anthony, Giovanni (GO) and Rachel.
I booked a cabin for three nights at Winvian prior to the onset of Covid 19. Due to concerns about the virus we delayed the stay several times. The last time we delayed the stay I was first sent an email with a final date to book but then I was verbally assured that our deposit was secure and we could use it when we decided to visit the property. They have now decided to keep my over $4,000 deposit and not accept a booking. I would advise anyone who intends to visit this property to be very careful if a deposit is required.
We just completed a four day stay at Winvian and are still basking in the joy and rest it brought to us. Every single one of our interactions with the staff were met with courtesy, professionalism, and a desire to serve. The grounds around the main house are meticulously kept, while the woods surrounding each cottage are left in their untouched, natural setting. Our two meals at the restaurant were exceptional, among the best we have ever eaten. Each course was a unique, creative masterpiece that would delight the most discerning palate. All the cottages look wonderful, and if we could experience all of them we would, but it would be hard to ever pass up another opportunity to stay once again at Maritime Cottage. Maritime is the ideal size for a couple looking for an intimate setting to recharge and reconnect. There is little to distract. The TV in the main room is replaced by a fireplace as the main focal point (the TV is in the bedroom). A high-end Bose sound system fills the entire cottage. Be sure to connect your device via BlueTooth to enjoy the amazing acoustics. The bedroom is in the shape of a lighthouse with a mural of the sky painted into its rounded 20 ft ceiling. The bathroom has dual sinks, jacuzzi tub, and steam shower with rain shower head. Two bicycles and helmets are provided for exploring, and a screened in porch is perfect for breakfast in the morning, or winding down with a book in the afternoon. Don't hesitate to give Winvian a try. I am certain no matter what Cottage your stay in, you will not be disappointed.…
We recently had the opportunity to take a couple days for a get away and were very fortunate to spend a night at Winvian. The restaurant, staff and cottage were all welcoming and wonderful. The grounds were great to walk around. The gardens are still "sleeping" so no doubt it will be even better in full summer mode. We can't wait to go back. Caveat: There is sprucing up needed here and there, and it is ongoing. In the post COVID world, we should be thankful that places this nice are still open.
I stayed for three nights and agree with those who have commented on the outstanding service by the staff. Everyone, from reception to housekeeping to room service, provides prompt, caring and friendly service. Of all the places I have stayed at, and that includes many top venues all over the world, the service here ranks right at the top. In addition to the service, the cottages, each unique in design, distinguish Winvian from most other resorts. All of them have many wonderful features like fireplaces stocked with endless supplies of wood, steam showers and soaking tubs, a wet bar, comfortable king beds, and excellent internet service. Here are some thoughts about the resort I hope will help you if you are thinking of paying a visit and have not been here: LOCATION: Very rustic. Coming from New York City, it took us over three hours to get here by car. Off -campus locations to visit nearby are mostly nature preserves and state parks. Birds and croaking frogs were prominently on display during the visit. Nearby Litchfield is an interesting, historic town to visit. ACTIVITIES: Didn’t sample the spa treatments, but the separate building looks very pretty and welcoming. There is a modest fitness center and outdoor pool, which was closed for the cold weather. The property is huge and allows for a nice walk around it. DINING: The restaurant here is a beautiful facility with a reputation for high-end French food. I am not a big fan of the cuisine because of the high fat, high sodium, low fiber content, so the food was not a big attraction for me. I did sample one dinner, but the meal only confirmed my low expectations Room service was very prompt, but the cottage really had no comfortable place to dine except for a coffee table. There were no suitable chairs or tables to use for in-cottage dining. Breakfast, which was included, was excellent with a choice of delicious omelettes, bacon or sausage, French toast, or oatmeal. Coffee was okay but not as strong as you would get from a good coffee shop. One quirky feature about the restaurant is that the menu for dinner is very smal changes every day and is not available until about 4 pm each day. If you are particular about your food choices, it makes it hard to commit to a dinner reservation early in the day. Another quirky feature about dining here is that the restaurant is closed for dinner on Mondays, as are most of the other places to dine around here, so you have limited options if you are here Monday nights (the staff has a list of off-campus places open on Mondays but most places we tried required a food delivery service to bring the food in). DOG FRIENDLY: There are a few cottages where you can stay with your dog. The staff was extraordinarily friendly and welcoming to my pooch. Walking your dog around the property is very pleasant. Lots of walking paths and well-manicured green spaces. In this area, though, you have to be very wary of ticks. COST: The rate for one night with breakfast is very high. Add in a dinner and a spa treatment, service charges, and taxes, and the bill can really escalate. But Winvian Farm is a unique property with extraordinary service that offers a memorable travel experience. Kudos to the owner and the staff for creating such a wonderful resort and surviving the Covid pandemic!…
My husband and I spent two nights at Winvian for my 70th birthday. We had a great time, but ultimately felt the experience didn't justify costs of upwards of $1000 a night (which included breakfast, but not dinner). It has many of the elements that a top luxury hotel should have, but is lagging in upkeep. The positives: First and foremost, the massages! We both booked 80 minutes and we both agreed they were among the best we've ever had (and we've had lots of massages in many countries/hotels around the world.) Really top notch, so don't miss booking one. Second, the staff/service. While we mostly interacted with the wait staff at dinner and breakfast and the reception and spa staff, everyone we met or dealt with was warm, welcoming, helpful and professional. As someone else noted, they arrange to have the cottage serviced when you're at dinner, or breakfast, and a particularly nice touch at turn-down was leaving fresh milk in the small fridge for morning coffee. The room was always immaculate when we reentered it. Third, the food. We had dinner there our first night and while I wished the choices were a bit more expansive (it's a 3-course prix fixe with 3 choices per course), everything was delicious, beautifully presented, yet never pretentious. The breakfasts were also excellent, with abundant choices and no limits on what you could ask for. So the negatives? I might not have any but for the cost. The cottage we stayed in, Maritime, was spacious with a great bathroom, but definitely in need of a refresh. The wood floors are seriously worn. The sofa and chairs are showing wear and tear. Most oddly, though, the atmosphere is impersonal. No books, art, interesting lighting, rugs, or "objets," of the type frequently found in top hotels that pride themselves on creating rooms that feel like you're staying in someone's guest room, rather than a hotel. It was ironic to feel the room had no personality beyond its name and the shape of the space (and use of lots of blue). The bed took up most of the round "lighthouse" space allotted to it, and while comfortable for sleeping, was not conducive to reading, as there was no headboard behind the bed to lean pillows on or adjust the inadequate lighting. Add to that the inability to warm the cottage beyond 70 degrees -- on a day when the outside temp was in the single digits! Winvian has much to recommend it, but the next time I want to splurge, I will look further afield.…
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