The Essex Resort & Spa

For those seeking a distinguished stay within the "Hotels Near Of Me" category in Vermont, The Essex Resort & Spa offers a unique and comprehensive experience, setting it apart as a true destination. Located at 70 Essex Way, Essex Junction, VT 05452, USA, and readily accessible by phone at (802) 878-1100 or +1 802-878-1100, this resort is renowned for its blend of culinary excellence and luxurious spa services, nestled amidst the picturesque Vermont countryside.

The environment of The Essex Resort & Spa is designed to be both serene and stimulating. Set on 18 acres of beautifully manicured grounds, it provides a tranquil escape while being conveniently located just 15 minutes from Burlington International Airport (BTV) and the Amtrak station, with complimentary shuttle service available. The resort is surrounded by elegant gardens, offering a peaceful backdrop for relaxation. Its proximity to Lake Champlain and the Green Mountains means guests have easy access to a wealth of outdoor activities and scenic beauty, irrespective of the season. The property itself is designed with a contemporary country appeal, featuring a charming ambiance that harmonizes with its natural surroundings. Guests have noted the resort's quiet location, "not far off the beaten path," contributing to a peaceful stay.

The services at The Essex Resort & Spa are extensive and cater to a wide range of guest needs, from relaxation and wellness to culinary exploration and active recreation. At the heart of its offerings is the full-service Spa at The Essex. This indulgent sanctuary features 10 treatment rooms, including options for couples, where guests can enjoy a variety of massages, body treatments, and facials. Specific massage types include The Essex Signature, Deep Tissue, Warm Bamboo, Prenatal, Couples, Reiki, Reflexology, and Abhyanga. The spa facilities also boast a 25-yard indoor lap pool, an outdoor hot tub available year-round, and a well-equipped fitness center with Technogym equipment. Guests also have access to full-service hair and nail salon services, and locker rooms with steam rooms and saunas, ensuring a holistic wellness journey. Day passes are available for those wishing to utilize the spa facilities, though overnight guests typically have spa access included in their resort fee. Guests have praised the "amazing" pool and "lovely" hot tub, and the "free-for-guests-to-use steam rooms and saunas."

A defining feature of The Essex Resort & Spa is its strong culinary focus, earning it the moniker "Vermont's Culinary Resort & Spa." This commitment to the culinary arts is deeply embedded in the resort's identity, stemming from its history as the former home of the New England Culinary Institute. The resort boasts two award-winning restaurants on-site: Amuse, offering sophisticated dining in a casual setting (also known as Junction, with a focus on chef-driven, farm-to-table dining), and The Lazy Goat Tavern, which provides a wide array of pub fare alongside a "steakhouse" section featuring grass-fed, dry-aged beef. Both restaurants proudly emphasize locally-sourced ingredients, many of which come directly from the resort's own on-site gardens, delivering a true farm-to-table experience. The culinary theme is also evident in the resort's décor, from wooden cutting boards as hallway signs to whimsical sculptures made from kitchenware. Guests have lauded the breakfast as "outstanding" and the food at The Lazy Goat Tavern as "amazing," appreciating the convenience of on-site dining.

Beyond dining, The Essex offers unique hands-on culinary experiences through its "Cook Academy." Over 100 classes are offered throughout the year, taught by experienced chefs. These classes range from basic knife skills and cake decorating to making handmade pasta, gnocchi, or classic bistro dishes. Guests can truly immerse themselves in the culinary world, learning new techniques and creating delicious meals to enjoy. The classes are kept small to ensure personalized attention, and they often incorporate ingredients from local farms and the resort's own gardens. This interactive element sets The Essex apart from many traditional hotels, making it an ideal destination for food enthusiasts.

Recreational features at the resort are abundant. Besides the indoor and seasonal outdoor pools and year-round outdoor hot tub, guests can enjoy six Har-Tru (clay) outdoor tennis courts, a championship executive golf course (Links at Lang Farm Golf Course) nearby, and a full basketball court. There's also a children's playground, and in the evenings, bonfires with s'mores are often available on Saturdays, holidays, and for private reservations. The resort also offers equipment storage for skiers and snowshoers, indicating its appeal across seasons. Complimentary wireless and wired internet access is available in public spaces and rooms, and for business travelers, a business center and over 41,000 square feet of flexible meeting and event space are provided across 18 rooms. The resort is also pet-friendly, allowing dogs up to 55 lbs in specific rooms for a fee, though guests are reminded to adhere to pet policies, such as keeping pets on a leash outdoors and cleaning up waste. The presence of cute on-site goats, Stuart and Penelope, adds a unique and charming touch that delights guests.

Customer reviews consistently highlight the spacious and clean rooms, often equipped with conveniences like kitchenettes and in-room whirlpool tubs, as mentioned by a guest who appreciated the space for keeping Vermont cheeses and snacks. The staff are frequently described as kind and helpful, with one guest stating, "The staff were kind and helpful." While most reviews are overwhelmingly positive, a few constructive comments have noted minor issues like occasional stains on bedding or unvacuumed floors in some rooms, or perceived lack of warmth from some staff members, which the resort indicates it addresses. The overall sentiment, however, remains strongly positive, with guests recommending it for "restful days at the spa" and praising the "excellent comfy amenities."

Promotional information from The Essex Resort & Spa often emphasizes its unique identity as "Vermont's Culinary Resort & Spa." They actively promote their Cook Academy classes, spa packages, and seasonal activities. Guests can sign up for newsletters to receive special offers and promotional emails tailored to their interests, such as leisure, groups, spa, or dining. The resort positions itself as an ideal location for both relaxing getaways and engaging culinary adventures, attracting individuals, couples, and families alike. The convenience of its location near Burlington and its airport, coupled with its extensive amenities and focus on local, quality experiences, makes it a compelling choice for anyone searching for a "Hotels Near Of Me" option that offers more than just a place to stay. The resort also offers life-enriching activities such as a Summer Music Series, Wine and Chocolate Tours, Hot Air Balloon Rides, Fly Fishing, and Paint Nite, further enhancing the guest experience.