Vermont has a way of slowing you down in all the right places. Whether you’re tucked into a mountainside inn or gazing at a lake from a sun-drenched porch, the stillness here feels intentional. I found warmth in historic woodwork, comfort in handpicked meals, and clarity in the way each resort embraced its setting. These weren’t just stays—they were soft landings. Places that helped me remember the joy of doing less and being more present.
From grand estates to intimate inns, every place on this list offered something lasting—peace, beauty, and the kind of welcome that lingers long after checkout. If you’re looking for a stay that feels like a breath of fresh air, these Vermont escapes are the ones I keep coming back to in memory.
Best Vermont Resorts, Hotels & Inns:
Alpine Ease at Topnotch Resort
Topnotch Resort felt like a breath of fresh, pine-scented air. Nestled in the rolling hills outside Stowe, the property blended upscale comfort with an unmistakably Vermont kind of calm. I spent slow mornings by the fireplace and long afternoons wrapped in a robe at the spa. One snowy evening, watching the flakes settle over the mountains, I thought, “This is what it means to be still—and to love it.” Everything here invited me to pause and soften, and I happily did both.
What I Loved Most: Soaking in the outdoor hot tub as snowflakes landed gently on my shoulders, steam rising, mountains glowing, and every worry melting away with the warmth.
My highlights? Dinner at Flannel, the resort’s on-site restaurant. I had the maple-glazed duck breast with parsnip purée and roasted apples—sweet, savory, and perfectly Vermont. Paired with a local cider and mountain views through wide windows, it was a meal as cozy as the resort itself.
Travel Tips:
- Location: Stowe, Vermont
- Best For: Spa weekends, romantic getaways, active relaxation
- Amenities: Full-service spa, indoor & outdoor pools, tennis courts, Nordic ski trails
- Best Time to Visit: Winter for skiing, summer for hiking and horseback rides
- Cost: Moderate to luxury
- Address: 4000 Mountain Rd, Stowe, VT 05672
Timeless Warmth at Woodstock Inn & Resort
Woodstock Inn & Resort felt like stepping into a snow globe version of New England—charming, classic, and wrapped in history. From the soft chime of the lobby clock to the glow of fireside conversations, every moment here carried a kind of ease. I wandered through town with a cup of cider in hand, ducked into bookshops, and came back to crisp linens and velvet armchairs. One morning, watching the mist lift over the village green, I thought, “This is Vermont, perfectly distilled.”
What I Loved Most: Sitting by the roaring fireplace in the Red Rooster lounge, reading a worn novel while the light outside slowly turned gold.
My highlights? Breakfast at The Red Rooster, the inn’s signature restaurant. I had the Vermont cheddar omelet with garden herbs, served alongside toast and homemade raspberry jam. It tasted like something familiar made special—simple, elevated, and deeply comforting.
Travel Tips:
- Location: Woodstock, Vermont
- Best For: Classic New England escapes, couples, history lovers
- Amenities: Spa, golf course, fitness center, walkable village
- Best Time to Visit: Fall for foliage, winter for holiday charm
- Cost: Moderate to upscale
- Address: 14 The Green, Woodstock, VT 05091
Peace and Presence at Rabbit Hill Inn
Rabbit Hill Inn felt like the kind of place designed for connection—not just with each other, but with the quiet moments we often miss. Tucked near the Canadian border, it offered stillness without stiffness, luxury without fuss. Each room felt like its own little storybook, and every conversation came with a smile. I remember sipping tea in the parlor as snow began to fall and thinking, “This is what it feels like to be cared for without asking.”
What I Loved Most: The candlelit breakfast room, where mornings felt slow, thoughtful, and warmly personal—even before the coffee arrived.
My highlights? Dinner at RHI Dining Room, which felt like a quiet celebration. I had the cider-braised pork shoulder with roasted root vegetables and an herb jus. It was rustic and refined, like the inn itself. Each bite felt like it was made just for me.
Travel Tips:
- Location: Lower Waterford, Vermont
- Best For: Romantic escapes, quiet reflection, couples retreats
- Amenities: Gourmet dining, in-room fireplaces, garden paths
- Best Time to Visit: Winter for snowy solitude, spring for garden views
- Cost: Upscale
- Address: 48 Lower Waterford Rd, Lower Waterford, VT 05848
Private Paradise at Twin Farms
Twin Farms felt like entering another world—one where every detail was considered and nothing was rushed. Set on 300 acres of meadows and forest, it offered a deeply personal kind of luxury. No crowds, no schedules—just space to breathe, roam, and reconnect. I remember riding a vintage-style bike down a quiet woodland trail, hearing only birdsong and thinking, “This is what it means to be completely untethered.” Time softened here, and so did I.
What I Loved Most: Soaking in a cedar tub outside my cottage as twilight fell, with the smell of balsam in the air and not another soul in sight.
My highlights? Dinner in the main dining room—there’s no menu, just what the chef creates from the farm and forest. That night, it was pan-roasted venison with wild mushrooms and a parsnip purée, followed by a local cheese course. Every bite felt intimate, intentional, and grounded in place.
Travel Tips:
- Location: Barnard, Vermont
- Best For: Once-in-a-lifetime retreats, honeymooners, food lovers
- Amenities: Private cottages, spa, farm-to-table dining, seasonal activities
- Best Time to Visit: Year-round; each season offers something special
- Cost: Luxury, all-inclusive
- Address: 452 Royalton Turnpike, Barnard, VT 05031
Quiet Elegance at Castle Hill Resort and Spa
Castle Hill Resort and Spa felt like an echo of another time—gracious, grand, and stately without ever feeling stiff. The stone architecture and wood-paneled walls gave the space a sense of presence, while the spa and modern suites brought ease and warmth. One foggy morning, walking the garden paths in silence, I thought, “Some places hold history in their bones—you can feel it in the quiet.” It was restful, rooted, and just removed enough to reset the soul.
What I Loved Most: Strolling the formal gardens at dusk as the lights came on in the manor windows, casting a soft golden glow like a scene from a novel.
My highlights? Dinner at The Castle Restaurant, tucked inside the historic mansion. I had the filet mignon with a red wine demi-glace, paired with rosemary potatoes and haricots verts. Refined and deeply satisfying, it was the kind of meal that slows down time.
Travel Tips:
- Location: Ludlow, Vermont
- Best For: Couples, history lovers, romantic weekends
- Amenities: Spa, fine dining, historic architecture, garden grounds
- Best Time to Visit: Spring for gardens, fall for foliage
- Cost: Moderate to upscale
- Address: 2910 VT-103, Proctorsville, VT 05153
Lakeside Grace at The Inn at Shelburne Farms
The Inn at Shelburne Farms felt like stepping into a pastoral dream. Perched above Lake Champlain on a working farm and historic estate, it offered more than a place to stay—it offered a way to feel. The air smelled of lilacs and hay. Mornings began with lake views and ended with candlelit dinners beside grand fireplaces. I remember walking the shoreline trail, sun low in the sky, and thinking, “This place teaches you how to pay attention.”
What I Loved Most: Waking up to birdsong and watching the sunrise over the lake from my window—soft, slow, and full of gratitude.
My highlights? Breakfast in the dining room, where I had farm-fresh eggs, herbs picked that morning, and toast made from house-baked bread. It was simple, but the kind of simple that stays with you long after you leave.
Travel Tips:
- Location: Shelburne, Vermont
- Best For: Nature lovers, peaceful retreats, eco-conscious travelers
- Amenities: Farm tours, trails, gardens, seasonal dining
- Best Time to Visit: Late spring through early fall
- Cost: Moderate to upscale
- Address: 1611 Harbor Rd, Shelburne, VT 05482
Closing Thoughts
What I found in Vermont wasn’t just comfort—it was character. Each inn, each resort whispered something different: rest, romance, reflection. These places were never loud about their luxury. Instead, they showed it in quiet breakfasts, thoughtful details, and the freedom to do absolutely nothing if that’s what your soul needs. There’s a gentleness to this state, and these properties let you live in it fully.
If you’re looking to step away from the noise and into a slower, softer rhythm, Vermont will always be waiting—with a porch light on and fresh bread in the oven.
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