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Litchfield County, Connecticut is an easy getaway for New Yorkers who want to avoid the hassles of the airport, but still feel like they've recharged their batteries. Two of the northeast's most prestigious hotels, part of the Relais & Chateaux group, are located here, the established Mayflower Inn and the newcomer, Winvian.

The Mayflower Inn is renowned for its classic New England ambience and expansive spa. It is offering a midweek special that includes a spa treatment and a full breakfast for $475.00 per person per night. Without the spa treatment, I found a weekend stay on their website as a last minute deal, for $400 a night per room, based on two nights stay with breakfast. That's about half price, but the key to snagging a real value here, is you must be spontaneous and grab it when you see it.

In Morris, Connecticut, Winvian is a whimsical new resort that features a collection of themed cottages, each the work of a specific architect. You can stay in a lighthouse, a library, a treehouse, tee off in your living room or fall asleep to the sounds of a waterfall on the other side of your headboard. Winvian is an upscale all-inclusive, so it adds value right from the get-go with its gourmet meals. Firmly in the splurge category, a two night stay for two is $2,200 and includes all meals, bar drinks and one spa treatment per person. I found a better deal for a similar package on luxurylink.com, a luxury travel auction site for a starting bid of $1,650.00 for two nights.

For more travel information, visit www.travelwithval.com.