Rustic Refresher

Touching down in the Big Apple, spend your first couple of nights dabbling in the pampered lifestyle of New York City’s privileged. You’ll stay at the chic and elegant Viceroy New York, conveniently placed in the heart of downtown Manhattan. From here, you’re steps away from New York’s finest pickings; peruse the designer boutiques of Fifth Avenue, mingle with the elites of the Upper East Side, learn more about Penn Station in its glory days, or catch a show under the bright lights of Broadway.

Hit the road and head north, departing for low key luxury at the Mayflower Inn & Spa in Washington, Connecticut. Popular with the stars, most come here to flee the urban life, seeking retreat in the landscaped grounds of this secluded country mansion. Enjoy a fantastic spa and exceptional food, practicing yoga in the meditation garden, relaxing with full body Mayflower massages, and treating yourself to Connecticut Blue Point oysters or Maine crab on the picturesque dining terrace.

After your post-city refresher, Rhode Island invites you to turn up the grandeur and reside among the yuppies who summer in its whitewashed mansions. Located beside Newport Harbour, The Vanderbilt is a Gilded Age mansion that utilises the finer things in life, with picturesque roof terraces, secluded dining patios, and hanging chandeliers lighting its grand interior. Follow the coastal trails above the historic buildings and churches of Thames Street, play a game of lawn tennis, polo or golf, or join the yachting community on Newport’s famous harbour.

As you follow the road north, you’ll drive into the heart of New England, perusing the trails of the old pilgrims of Americana. Situated along a coastal path in the USA’s top corner, Maine is home to a collection of traditional towns and villages on its glacier-carved harbours. You’ll spend two nights at the White Barn Inn, home to a scattering of waterfront cottages overlooking the Kennebunk River. Indulge in gourmet highlights at the award-winning restaurant, which encompasses two converted 1820s barns and serves local game, fresh seafood and quintessentially New England fare.

The final leg of your self-drive holiday will take you south along the coast to Boston. This forward-thinking city is recognised for its cultural offerings, with grand brownstone houses and academic institutions, not to mention world-famous Harvard University just down the road. You’ll stay at XV Beacon, a historic Beaux Arts building situated along a leafy stretch in Boston’s richest neighbourhood. Here, you’re within easy reach of the galleries, museums and boutique shops, as well as Fenway Park baseball ground – home of the Boston Red Sox. After two nights you’ll transfer to Boston Logan Airport, just three miles from the hotel, to catch your return flight home.