Sometimes you just need to get away. Envision a rural retreat set on the gentle waters of Maryland’s Eastern Shore – a colonial manor house surrounded by beautiful gardens and manicured lawn. The Inn at Perry Cabin in the resort town of St. Michaels, Maryland is so cozy and charming, you’ll immediately feel at home and want to stay indefinitely. Vacation advisor Valerie Ambrose visited this gem on the Chesapeake Bay and shares her impressions.

The Inn at Perry Cabin by Belmond is about a three and a half hour drive from Richmond and less than two hours from Baltimore and Philadelphia but seems like a world away. Ensconced in the understated 19th-century elegance of the lovely seaside inn, relaxation is the rule. You can unwind in the Linden Spa, float in the infinity pool or dine on succulent seafood for a getaway that will leave you renewed and refreshed.

From the moment we were greeted, the hospitality was top notch. The general manager from Belmond Cadogan Hotel London is here for six months to oversee the day to day operation to be sure the resort meets the high standards of Belmond.

The Inn at Perry Cabin Guestrooms

This intimate retreat has only 78 guestrooms and suites of various configurations, many with fireplaces and separate living areas. Most rooms have king or queen beds, with only four offering two double beds. Most have partial water views of the Miles River and the manicured lawns except the Superior rooms which overlook the gardens.

Many guestrooms have terraces or balconies. Some of the first floor rooms are dog-friendly so you can take Fido directly out from your terrace to the lawn. A welcome paw mat, huge pet bed, water bowl with bottled water, treats and a canine menu make your four-legged companions feel at home.

The tastefully decorated sitting areas outside the guestrooms make you feel like you’re staying at a friend’s home. The guestrooms themselves have sleigh beds or turned-wood New England beds stacked with pillows and lighted by lamps. I enjoyed the spacious bathroom, plush robes, and slippers. Fresh fruit is provided in the room and nightly turndown service includes fresh baked cookies – a delightful way to end the day.

On- and Off-site Activities

The full-service Linden Spa on property offers treatments based on local botanicals such as linden blossom, verbena, and black birch. The spa is not large, but I enjoyed my massage and facial. The resort has daily complimentary activities that vary according to the season: fitness classes, lectures, crafts, wine tasting, beer & bingo, campfire & s’mores, and cava tasting were all offered while I was there. In the summer, you’ll find open-air movie nights, bicycles, kayaking, and paddleboard classes. You can even charter one of the Inn’s luxurious Alerion yachts for a private sail. Or you might enjoy just relaxing in an Adirondack chair on the lawn, watching the boats go by. Valerie’s tip: Sign up early for the scheduled activities since some have limited numbers of participants.

The waterfront town of St. Michaels is a ten-minute walk from the Inn at Perry Cabin. There you’ll find a quaint historic area with homes and churches built in the 1800’s, along with lots of antique shops, museums, and restaurants.

Gastronomic Dining

Stars Restaurant at the Inn at Perry Cabin is the only four-diamond restaurant on Maryland’s Eastern Shore. The gastronomic restaurant has beautiful views of the water. My meals were very good with friendly and attentive service. We enjoyed a five-course tasting menu with wine pairing in the Miles Room, a private dining room. It was wonderful and served very generous portions. The Purser’s Pub is another dining venue at the resort that offers more than traditional pub food. It has a relaxed atmosphere with hardwood floors and a central fireplace.

Complimentary Amenities from Covington Travel

For stays during 2017, Covington Travel extends complimentary extras to our travelers staying at the Inn at Perry Cabin. You will receive the following amenities at no additional charge:

• Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
• Daily Continental breakfast for two served in the restaurant
• $100 Hotel & Resort Credit
• Early check-in/late check-out, subject to availability
• Complimentary Wi-Fi

The Inn at Perry Cabin is a great place to unwind any time of year, so if you find that you just need to get away, contact Covington Travel to make it happen.