Delamar Southport: Fairfield's Most Luxurious Escape? (You Decide!)
Delamar Southport: Fairfield's Most Luxurious Escape? (You Decide!)
Delamar Southport: Fairfield's "Most Luxurious Escape"? …Let's Talk About That. (Spoiler Alert: It's Complicated.)
Okay, folks, buckle up. Because trying to sum up the Delamar Southport is like trying to herd cats while juggling flaming torches. Is it Fairfield County's ultimate escape? Well, that depends on your definition of "ultimate" and how much you’re willing to pay for the privilege of feeling slightly overwhelmed by opulence. Let’s dive in, shall we? And yes, I’m going to be honest about everything.
SEO & Metadata Stuff (Gotta appease the bots, I guess):
- Keywords: Delamar Southport, Fairfield CT, Luxury Hotel, Spa, Accessible Hotel, Restaurants, Pool, Fitness Center, Wi-Fi, Events, Weddings, Pet-Friendly (Sort of), Business Travel, Romantic Getaway
- Meta Description: A brutally honest review of the Delamar Southport, Fairfield's self-proclaimed "most luxurious escape." We cover everything: accessibility, dining, spa, service, and whether it actually feels luxurious. Real opinions, quirks, and all. You'll know if it's worth the splurge.
First Impressions & the Accessibility Angle: (Where I Almost Lost My Mind)
The Delamar looks the part. Chic, modern, lots of glass and polished surfaces. You step into this curated bubble and instantly feel like you should be wealthy. My first, and unfortunately lasting memory, was the accessibility. Now, I consider myself a relatively able-bodied person, but even I found the layout a little… labyrinthine. The elevators were tucked away like secrets, and navigating the various levels felt like a treasure hunt.
- Accessibility: While they claim to be accessible, the experience felt a little, shall we say, tokenistic. The hallways are wide enough, and there's an elevator. But the ramps? Non-existent in places. The signage? Minimal.
- Wheelchair accessible: Yes, in theory. The reality might require some serious patience and a dedicated assistant.
On-Site, On-Site, On-Site! (and the Food, Oh God, the Food):
So, they have restaurants. Multiple restaurants. You've got the "Artisan" restaurant (which I’ll get to), the bar, a glorified coffee shop…and the pool-side bar (a total siren call on a hot day, I must admit).
- Restaurants: Artisan is the main draw. It's fancy. Think white tablecloths, hushed tones, and prices that make your wallet weep quietly. They have Asian cuisine (like, sushi) but, I am so sorry to my fellow asian food lovers, but it's a bit boring.
- Food: I have a love/hate relationship with the food, it's so nice.
- A la carte: Well, yes, but prepare to shell out.
- Breakfast [buffet]: This is where things get interesting. Buffet is probably the best part of the whole place.
- Coffee/tea in restaurant: The baristas know their stuff, at least.
- Desserts: Decent, but again, nothing mind-blowing.
- Poolside bar: Totally worth it for a cocktail or two (depending on your bank account).
The Spa: (My Happy Place, Mostly…Then the Bill Arrived)
Okay, the spa. This is where Delamar earns some serious brownie points. Gorgeous, serene, the kind of place where you can actually feel yourself de-stressing.
- Things to do/Ways to Relax: They offer a plethora.
- Body scrub, Body wrap, Massage, Sauna, Spa, Steamroom: Check, check, check, and check.
- Pool with a view: Yes, and it’s lovely.
- Fitness center/Gym: Decent equipment, nothing spectacular.
- My Experience: I indulged in a massage. It was heavenly. The therapists were skilled, the ambiance was perfect. But…the bill. Oh, the bill. Let's just say I was contemplating selling a kidney on the black market to cover it.
Cleanliness and Safety: (In the Age of Germophobia)
They really take this seriously. I mean, seriously.
- Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, Hand sanitizer everywhere: All present and accounted for. They've clearly invested in keeping the place spotless. It was a bit much when the cleaning trolley came by as I was finishing my salad.
Rooms: (Comfortable, but … Sterile?)
The rooms are nice. Really nice. Modern, well-appointed, with all the usual suspects.
- Available in all rooms Air conditioning, alarm clock, blackout curtains, coffee/tea maker, free bottled water, hairdryer, in-room safe box, internet access- wireless, ironing facilities, laptop workspace, mini bar, non-smoking, private bathroom, refrigerator, satellite/cable channels, shower, sofa, telephone, toiletries, towels, wake-up service, as well as free wifi.
- But, and this is a big but…they felt a little…empty. Like, designer hotel room empty.
- The Bed – big, comfy, but in this sterile world of perfection I wanted to be able to jump on my room.
- Rooms sanitized between stays. Yep. And I'm fairly certain they fumigated the air.
Internet Access: (Thank God, or I Would Have Been Screwed)
- Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! Actually works. Surprisingly fast, so that’s a win.
- Internet [LAN]: Probably available, but I didn't look.
- Internet services: Pretty standard.
- Wi-Fi in public areas: Yep, and it works. Unlike some other "luxury" joints I've been to.
Services and Conveniences: (The Little Extras, or Extra Charges?)
- Concierge: Helpful, but a little…distant.
- Laundry service/Dry cleaning: Available. Expensive.
- Doorman: Present and smiling.
- Car park [free of charge], car park [on-site]: They have it.
- Elevator: Yes.
- Luggage storage: Yesss.
- Room service [24-hour]: Another plus, although the prices make you wince.
For the Kids: (A mixed bag)
- They have "Kids Facilities" so I feel good.
- Babysitting service: Available. Not sure I'd trust my precious bundle with anyone I'd only just met, though.
- Family/child friendly: Tolerant, I'd say. Not exactly a dedicated kid's paradise.
Getting Around: (Mostly Easy, Mostly Expensive)
- Airport transfer: They did offer one, but I drove myself.
- Car park [free of charge]: Score!
- Taxi service: Available, but expect premium prices.
The Verdict: Is Delamar Southport Worth the Hype?
…It depends.
If you have money to burn, crave a perfectly polished experience, and are willing to overlook some accessibility shortcomings, then you might love it. It’s undeniably beautiful and offers plenty of ways to pamper yourself.
But…
If you're on a budget, easily frustrated, or prefer places with a bit more…soul…you might find yourself feeling a little underwhelmed. It's a beautifully crafted, but ultimately quite cold, experience. I'll be honest I probably won't go back anytime soon, or at least not until I win the lottery so I don't have to watch my bank balance.
Final Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars. Would be higher if it wasn't so damn expensive and more accessible. And if the staff looked like they were really enjoying their jobs. Don't get your hopes up.
Escape to Paradise: Sueno Hotels Golf Belek's All-Inclusive Antalya Luxury
Alright, buckle up, buttercups, 'cause we're about to dive headfirst into my weekend escape to Delamar Southport and Fairfield, Connecticut. Forget those pristine itineraries, this is gon' be a beautiful, chaotic mess.
Friday: The Escape Begins (or, the Great Train Debacle of '24)
- 1:00 PM - The Great Train Station Grind: Okay, first hiccup. Planned on that breezy 1 PM train. Except, you know… life. Ran late thanks to a rogue rogue-ish stain on my favorite (and only actually cute) white linen trousers. Had to frantically iron, re-pack, and generally morph into a sweaty, stressed-out version of myself. The train was supposed to be peaceful, a chance to mentally prepare for the weekend… instead, I spent the whole time regretting that giant iced coffee I chugged down earlier.
- 3:00 PM - Arrival in Southport: Giddy Up, Gorgeous! Finally. Southport! I remember seeing photos and the vibe was dreamy. The Delamar is stunning – seriously, like, magazine cover material. I almost tripped over my own feet walking in, the lobby felt glamorous, and the smell of something flowery and fancy hit me like a wave. Immediately felt the stress melt away… a tiny, tiny bit.
- Quick Note: Someone needs to update those brochures. They mention the pool as a "tranquil escape". Tranquil? Try a cacophony of kids cannonballing and their parents gossiping loudly. Still, the ambiance was pretty good, and the bartender made a mean dirty martini. This is key for setting the tone for the weekend, right?
- 4:00 PM - Southport Village Stroll: Okay, time to actually do something. Southport Village. Picture-perfect, obviously. Charming shops, clapboard houses dripping with ivy, the works. I found a tiny, perfect boutique that smelled like lavender and dreams, and spent way too much money on a ridiculously overpriced scarf. No regrets though. Totally worth it.
- Anecdote Alert: I was chatting with a woman in a ridiculously large sun hat who looked like she belonged on a yacht. She was bemoaning the lack of "authentic Italian gelato" in the village. Girlfriend, you're in Connecticut! Manage your expectations! I almost choked on my coffee, but I did not make any comment (unlike her.)
- 7:00 PM - Dinner at The Greyrock: The Greyrock was lovely. We tried to make a reservation at the restaurant but it was booked, so a nice gentleman at the front desk found us a table in the bar area. The food was delicious, but I got slightly distracted by the couple at the next table and their very public love affair and, to be frank, very boring story. I mean, get a room. Honestly, I was just hoping for some food and a quick escape from the daily grind.
Saturday: The Fairfield Frenzy (and a Whole Lotta Indecision)
- 9:00 AM - Sleep in? Yes. Always. After yesterday's mishaps, I needed sleep.
- 10:30 AM - Fairfield Bound! Decided to head into Fairfield! Found myself wandering around the town green. Tried to decide what to, so I began wandering around and taking in the scene. Saw a book store and considered it but decided against it.
- 12:00 PM - The Beach (and the Sand That Won’t Leave You!) Okay. Okay. I love the beach. Love. Loved. But Compo Beach in Fairfield was a nightmare. Don't get me wrong, the view, the water was all there, but I hate sand. The sand was everywhere. In my shoes, in my hair, in places I didn’t even know it could get. I'm pretty sure I'll be finding grains of sand in my luggage for months to come. But the sound of the waves, the sun on my face… worth it, I guess.
- 1:30 PM - Lunch… and a Breakdown: Found a little cafe in Fairfield. I was starving, and a salad seemed like a good idea. Famous Last Words. The salad was… sad. I mean, really, really sad. Wilted lettuce, barely-there dressing, and a tomato that looked like it had been through a war. The whole experience was a little bit… depressing. Cue the internal monologue: “Why can’t I just make good choices? Why am I always cursed with salad disappointment?! Then I remembered the chocolate chip cookies I stashed in my bag. Crisis averted. But still… the salad. The salad, man.
- 3:00 PM - Back to the Delamar! Thank god for the Delamar. I think I needed some pampering.
- 4:00 PM - SPA time at the Delamar: Oh. My. GOD. the Spa. I don't care how much it cost. I got a massage, and I melted into a puddle of pure bliss. My therapist, a zen master with fingers of steel, worked out all the knots of my stressed shoulders and the sand in my hair.
- 7:00 PM - Dinner in Southport: We went back to The Greyrock for dinner. I learned from my mistake and ordered a great meal and wine.
Sunday: The Departure (and the Existential Dread)
- 9:00 AM - Breakfast and Existential Crisis: Packed our bags, packed up our stuff, and headed to the restaurant. The breakfast was great (thank god), but the thought of reality looming – work, laundry, emails… it was all too much.
- Quirky Observation: Why is it that hotel rooms always look so… depressing… once you’ve packed your bags? Like, suddenly the walls are closing in, the air is thick with the scent of stale air conditioning, and you’re actively wondering if you should just throw the whole suitcase in the ocean.
- 11:00 AM - Final Southport Stroll: One last walk around the village. Said goodbye to the cute boutique, to the slightly pretentious yacht-hat lady, and to the (hopefully) sand free me… for now.
- 12:00 PM - Goodbye, Southport! Train back to the city. The end. Actually, not the end. Just the beginning of the memories, the photos, and the slight longing for the peace (and pricey martinis) of the Delamar. Until next time, Connecticut. You weird, beautiful, sand-filled place.
Okay, spill. Is Delamar Southport REALLY as fancy as it sounds?
Ugh, fine. Let's just say my credit card whimpered a little after I looked at the bill. Is it fancy? Oh honey, it's *beyond* fancy. Think: Doormen who open doors like they're welcoming the Queen (and I suspect some of them secretly *know* the Queen). Think: Lobby that smells faintly of expensive flowers and the quiet sighs of people who have WAY less financial woes than I do. Yep, fancy. But... and this is a BIG but... fancy *done right*. It’s not stuffy, which, trust me, is a HUGE relief. I've been to places where the silverware looks down on you. Here, the silverware, while undoubtedly expensive, seems alright with being used. Mostly.
One time, the elevator music? It was Chopin. CHOPIN! I practically curtsied out of sheer habit. And then I tripped getting off. Almost face-planted right in front of a guy who looked like he owned, like, a small island nation. Mortified. But even *that* felt… well, like a classy mortification, if that makes any sense.
The Spa: Is the Delamar Spa worth the price of admission (and probably a small kidney)?
Alright, so… the spa. Let me tell you about the spa. Okay, first, you walk in. And immediately, a wave of calm washes over you. Like a tidal wave… of *luxury*. It's all soft lighting, fluffy robes, and the kind of quiet that makes you want to whisper, even if you're dying to scream about how stressed you are. And the treatments? OH. MY. GOD.
I splurged on the "Coastal Cleanse Ritual." It involved… well, let's just say I was rubbed, scrubbed, and wrapped in things that probably cost more than my car. My skin felt like a baby's bottom… a baby's bottom that had just won the lottery. Was it ridiculously expensive? Yes. Did I feel like an absolute goddess afterwards? Also yes. Would I do it again? If I can ever stop eating ramen long enough to save up, absolutely.
The only downside? After the treatment, I walked out into the world, glowing, and my friend immediately spilled coffee on me. The universe giveth, and the universe taketh away, apparently.
Food! Give me the lowdown on the dining options. Am I going to starve on a peasant's budget?
Okay, so, food. This is where it gets tricky. There are options. Wonderful, delicious, eye-wateringly expensive options. I think the main restaurant, Artisan, is… well, it’s where they make dreams (and probably charge you for them). The food is exquisite, the presentation is a work of art, and the portions… are, shall we say, *dainty*. Expect to be very, very pleased... and possibly hungry again an hour later. My advice? Order ALL the bread. The bread is free, and it's heavenly.
There’s also a more casual option, which is still lovely, but maybe a little less… opulent. And, if you're like me – and by that I mean, a slightly broke human – you can always sneak some snacks into your room. (Don't tell anyone I said that, though.) Honestly, I spent a fortune on an amazing bottle of wine one night, a total impulse buy, and drank it in my room whilst wearing that ridiculously soft robe. It was heaven. Pure, unadulterated heaven.
Are the rooms as luxurious as they look in the photos? Seriously, I'm skeptical.
Okay, so, I'm a cynic by nature. I approach hotel room photos with a healthy dose of skepticism (and a pinch of salt). But the Delamar? The photos don't lie. They… understated, if anything. My room was… well, it was glorious. Think: Plush bedding that practically hugs you to sleep. A bathroom that's bigger than my entire apartment. A balcony with a view of the harbor that almost made me cry (in a good way).
The one caveat? The lighting situation in the bathroom. It's *intense*. Like, runway-model-getting-ready-for-a-photo-shoot intense. I felt like I was under a spotlight, which, you know, is fine. Unless you happen to have a zit the size of Mount Everest. (I did, naturally). But overall? The rooms are a total dream. I considered moving in permanently. For about five minutes, until I checked the price of monthly rent. Back to reality!
Is there anything *bad* about the Delamar? Be honest!
Okay, deep breaths. Nothing's perfect, right? And the Delamar, bless its beautiful, expensive heart, has a few… *minor* quirks. First, the parking. It's valet-only, which is fine, until you realize it’s $45 a night. Ouch. Then there's the… well, the sheer perfection of everything. Sometimes I felt a little… out of place. Like I should be sipping champagne and discussing international finance, instead of trying to sneak a bag of chips into my room. (I did, though.)
And, okay, let’s be honest. The prices. They're… high. Very high. But you’re paying for an experience, a level of service, the whole damn shebang. And, truthfully? Even with the price tag, I'd go back in a heartbeat. Maybe I’ll just save up for, oh, about five years. Or win the lottery. Either way, consider me obsessed.
Can you describe a 'typical' day at the Delamar? Give me an example!
Ugh, a *typical* day? Okay, here we go… Wake up in that cloud-like bed, feeling vaguely guilty about how much I’ve been sleeping. Spend about ten minutes admiring the harbor view from my balcony, trying to convince myself I *deserve* this. Fail. But enjoy the view anyway.
Then, it's a mad dash. Down to the spa? Yes, please! I'd book an 11 am massage, followed by an hour spent just… *existing* in the relaxation lounge, where I'd read a book (probably something trashy, don't judge) and sip herbal tea. Heaven! And lunch? Maybe a light salad at the hotel restaurant. Or, you know, a quick burger somewhere cheap off site: I tried to save money where I could!
Afternoon? Roam around the shops, maybe. Get myself a fancy (and necessary) cup of coffee, then back to my room before dinner. Then I would have dinner at that divine restaurant, ArtisanEscape to Paradise: Uncover the Hidden Gem of Tandjung Cottage, Bali
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