There are few places where the art of cooking and the joy of relaxation come together as seamlessly as they do at The Essex Resort and Spa in Vermont. Located amidst the tranquil landscapes of the Green Mountains, this haven for foodies and wellness-seekers alike is a gastronomic and restorative odyssey you won’t want to miss.
Food at The Essex is extraordinary – which is as it should be considering this is a “Culinary Resort.” What does that mean? In this case, it means that this property was once a satellite campus of the prestigious New England Culinary Institute until 2009 (when it was consolidated in Montpelier), with the teaching ethos, training kitchens and equipment intact.
Since then, the resort has built a world-class spa, kitchen gardens, and a beautifully landscaped pool. And it updated guest rooms to luxury standards. With two great restaurants on site – not to mention private kitchens for that “special” event – The Essex is a unique destination resort.
The Essex made our list of 10 quirky romantic places to propose in Vermont.
Where Is The Essex Resort?
The Essex Resort and Spa is located in the picturesque town of Essex, Vermont, which lies just outside of Burlington. It’s about a 15-minute drive from Burlington International Airport, making it easily accessible for travelers. The resort is strategically situated to offer the best of Vermont’s natural beauty, including close proximity to Lake Champlain and the Green Mountains.
It’s roughly a three-hour drive from Boston and around five and a half hours from New York City, positioning it as a convenient escape for those looking to experience Vermont’s scenic landscapes and culinary delights.
First Impressions of The Essex
Although it’s got the curb appeal of a condo complex, and a lobby that doesn’t exactly shout “The Ritz,” this unique lodging won me over.
Guestrooms at The Essex
Rooms have been renovated in pleasingly bright hues with vivid colors for punch. Comfy bedding, terrazzo tile bathrooms, glass showers, double-Jacuzzi tubs, gas fireplaces, and large flat screen TVs are up to luxury snuff.
Dining at The Essex
There are two restaurants on-site – and multiple opportunities to “cook your own.”
Junction Restaurant
Foodies have discovered the quirky, inventive, and phenomenal Junction – with open kitchen and dinnerware festooning the ceiling. Fine and whimsically plated cuisine elevates this hotel restaurant to destination dining.
The Tavern
I had dinner in The Tavern, where “Pub Grub” the likes of Deviled Egg With Maine Lobster, 3 Lucky Bird Burger (ground chicken, turkey, duck) and Duck Gravy Potato Skins take tavern food to a different level.
I polished off a toothsome Grilled Romaine and Statler Chicken with addictive homemade Garlic-Parmesan Potato Chips (comes with the meal).
The food is great here, but what drives repeat visitors is the bartender, Ray, who is a ray of sunshine for solo diners. He jokes, he laughs, he brings people together.
If you happen to be alone or need a pick-me-up, Ray’s your guy. Besides, he can bring you a cold can of impossible-to-get Heady Topper. One caveat – it has to be opened right here in the bar.
Take a Cooking Class
Couples and small groups (up to 6) will love the smaller kitchen – where instructor Brandy Alan showed me how to make the best crepes.
This cooking class – and larger classes held in a larger kitchen downstairs, are hands-on and fun, covering a variety of dishes, menus and skills. The best part? You get to eat the fruits of your labor.
Every summer, The Essex hosts “Camp Cook” for kids ages 11-16, Monday-Friday sessions throughout the summer. Kids learn kitchen skills, how to select ingredients, and have use of the pools, indoor and out. $435 per week per child.
Other Nibbling Opportunities
There is always something to try here. Baked goods from the basement baking kitchen – aka The Bakeshop at 11am daily – cheese and crackers or other “welcome snacks” midday, fresh-baked gourmet cookies in the afternoon. Honestly, it’s tough to diet in the face of these warm cookies.
The Spa at The Essex
And if the allure of delicious food isn’t enough, the resort’s spa services provide another layer of temptation. Treat yourself to a hot stone massage, or rejuvenate your senses with a herbal body wrap. The spa aims to create a holistic experience that will leave you in a state of utter bliss.
Treatments are “the best we’ve had anywhere” claimed several visiting round-the-world spa-goers. The spa includes a large fitness center, long indoor pool, and nice clean changing rooms.
The Essex Grounds
The seasonal outdoor pool is beautifully landscaped – and offers poolside food and beverage service. Plus, there’s an indoor pool available yearround.
Chefs don’t have to go far to source food. They forage for many ingredients in the large backyard gardens, where seasonal greens and veggies of all kinds grow.
There’s even a “Chocolate Mint” plant that tastes just like a Thin Mint candy. Resident cooks are really excited about the new fig and plum trees that offer the makings for sweet jam.
Cords of wood are at the ready for the backyard Fire Pit, ablaze every Saturday Night throughout the year (very festive in Winter). Complete with S’mores of course.
If you manage to pull yourself away from the resort’s attractions, the surrounding area offers its own set of diversions. Explore the natural beauty of Vermont through hiking trails, or take a quick drive to the nearby city of Burlington for some retail therapy.
Doggie Certified
The Essex is a “Pet Friendly” hotel, with rooms reserved for humans traveling with their beloved animals.
So, if you’re looking for a luxurious getaway that satisfies not just your need for relaxation but also your culinary cravings, then a stay at The Essex Resort and Spa is a must. Between the pampering spa treatments and the unforgettable experiences offered by the Cook Academy, your time at The Essex will be a memory you’ll savor for years to come.
