The day I left New York City and hopped on Metro North to Greenwich, CT, I was stressed and very over with being in the city. I could not have been more ready for a break but thought maybe a one-day trip would not be enough. The J House Greenwich turned out to be a gem of a heavenly getaway only 45 minutes from New York City. This oasis of calm in Greenwich, CT, is the perfect respite for stressed New Yorkers, or anyone who just needs a break.
Upon arrival, check-in was a breeze, and a glass of champagne was offered to start our transition into vacation mode. Despite its small size, The J House has a variety of accommodations to suit most travelers. My room was located right outside of the outdoor pool, and boasted a living room area as well as a kitchen, and a separate bedroom and bathroom. The décor is modern yet eclectic, and as I discovered later, once I walked around the hotel, this eclectic theme runs throughout each space.
After getting settled in my room, my goal was to relax by the pool for as long as I could before my scheduled spa treatment. The pool is just the perfect size for relaxation, even when it is full. There is a mix of sun and shade, with umbrellas available, as well as a bar and drink service if you desire. It was hard to tear myself away from this cocoon of paradise, but further relaxation awaiting in the spa propelled me to move.
The J House Spa is small, like the rest of the hotel, but it is full of calming vibes and unlike some larger spas, is quiet and stress free. I chose the 60-minute Stress Relief Massage Therapy, which was so amazing. My massage therapist, Sofia, was incredible, and created a customized experience for me, beginning with a choice of essential oils to use during the massage. She also asked what kind of pressure I liked, as well as any areas that I wanted her to focus on.
As a Spa Editor, I have experienced many massages and I can honestly say this massage was one of the best I have ever had. Sofia was an expert at massaging areas that are rarely massaged, but definitely need to be. Every touch had a purpose and relieved tension or tightness. Sofia intermittently applied warm towels to my muscles which helped to relax them. At the end I wanted to stay on the table longer than usual and bask in the looseness of my muscles.
After my massage I sat briefly at the pool again, and then went back to my room where I used the large, luxurious, rain shower. It was nice to be able to dress up and only go steps to get to dinner, and as I walked, I took in the décor at atmosphere of the hotel, including, hand painted murals outside in the driveway, and unique art pieces in the common seating areas.
Just when I thought the vacation could not get any better, I entered Tony’s at The J House restaurant, where I was warmly greeted by the host. There was such an upbeat atmosphere inside the restaurant, and the skylight area seating was even more electric, with a water feature and greenery filling the room. More than the fantastic atmosphere, the food and service are at a level beyond most restaurants I have been to. I have had waiters with a sense of humor, but the wait staff at Tony’s was a non-stop entertainment fest that made me feel as if I was at a stand-up comedy show. Along with incredible food and great cocktails, we were more than satisfied and so comfortable that we did not want to leave.
We ordered the Chilean Sea Bass and Surf and Turf, along with Truffle Fries and Lobster Mac and Cheese. Everything was so well prepared and seasoned, and the portions are generous. This restaurant is worth the trip to Greenwich alone, particularly for a special occasion. In fact, we lost count of how many times we heard people sing Happy Birthday during the time we were there. Tony’s is definitely the place to celebrate.
I highly recommend visiting The J House Greenwich for a quick respite from your daily routine, and do not miss dining at Tony’s.
The J House Greenwich
1114 East Putnam Avenue
Greenwich, CT 06830
203-698-6980
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