Winvian , Litchfield Hills, CT

Idiosyncratic rural retreat amid wild woodland and perfect pastures

Eat: The Winvian Restaurant serves up delicious Italian- and French-inspired cuisine against a traditional fine-dining backdrop of white tablecloths and fresh flowers. Chef Chris Eddy learnt his trade under Alain Ducasse.

Sleep: Cottages from $1,250 in this wonderfully off-the-wall, 113-acre boutique resort in Connecticut. And there’s not a hint of tweeness in sight. The 18 self-contained cottages surround the antique-filled, colonial-style farmhouse all have their own individual design scheme – from fairytale woodland to whimsical helicopter interior.

Be merry: Sneak off to the spa for some pampering and prettifying in one of six roomy treatment rooms. While your pals are between bickering in-laws or regretting eating too much at grandma’s you could be enjoying an anti-stress stone therapy treatment or an age-busting REN Facial.

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Photos: Courtesy of Mr & Mrs Smith