Imagine a place where the boundaries between imagination and reality blur, where every corner holds a new surprise, and where your family’s dreams come to life—that’s exactly what we found at Winvian. Nestled in the Litchfield Hills, this distinguished Relais & Châteaux, AAA Five-Diamond property features 18 uniquely themed cottages, each designed by a different architect to capture a piece of Connecticut’s natural beauty and cultural heritage.
We took a recent trip to Winvian, as they now welcome children of all ages. For our family, the Helicopter Cottage truly brought the magic to life. The look on our son’s face as he saw the fully restored 1968 Sikorsky Sea King Pelican helicopter that dominated the room was priceless. The interior, transformed into a sleeping nook, allowed him to live out his dream of spending the night in a real helicopter. Our daughter was equally captivated—for her, it was the pool, which quickly became her favorite spot.
The cottage combined the charm of a woodsy retreat with the luxurious comforts you'd expect from a Five-Diamond property. The oversized soaking tub was perfect for unwinding after a day of exploring, and the radiant heated floors and fireplace added a cozy warmth that made us feel right at home. Every detail was curated to make the space feel like a page out of a storybook.
Dining at Winvian was a standout part of our stay. The Restaurant at Winvian is led by Executive Chef Chris Eddy, who, prior to helming the award-winning kitchen, worked in the worlds of Alain Ducasse and Daniel Boulud. He brings a philosophy of "seed-to-table" to life with a menu that changes daily, based on what’s freshest from Winvian's three-acre organic farm and greenhouses.
Nearly everything on the menu is sourced directly from the property. One evening, we enjoyed a tender lamb ragout paired with handmade pasta that was comforting and refined. The setting also enhanced the experience— one of the strikingly redesigned dining rooms opened to the lush outdoors and an intimate terrace by a babbling brook. (And if you have picky eaters in your family, rest assured that the restaurant is happy to accommodate kid-friendly favorites like chicken tenders and french fries.)
While the Cottage and dining were highlights, we spent our days exploring the property, taking bike rides – each cottage comes with two bicycles— and trying the resort’s unique activities. One of the most special moments for me was bonding with my kids during a stained glass workshop. Everyone loved the pool, and in the evenings, the whole family gathered around the fire pit to toast s’mores.
I also took the opportunity to sneak away for a deep tissue massage at the Spa at Winvian. Voted the best resort spa in the U.S. by the 2023 Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards, the spa provided exactly the escape I needed. The tranquil setting, with a wood-burning fireplace in the treatment room, made it a truly refreshing break during our stay.
As we prepared to leave, there was a shared feeling that we had experienced something truly special. Winvian isn’t just another luxury resort—it’s a place that offers a distinct and memorable experience, one we’re already looking forward to revisiting.
"Winvian isn’t just another luxury resort—it’s a place that offers a distinct and memorable experience, one we’re already looking forward to revisiting."