Imagine waking up to the pristine waters of the Chesapeake Bay, with shorebirds announcing the start of the day as oystermen head out to ply the water. Small towns with centuries of history and timeless charm dot the inlets of the bay and with a slower pace of life it’s easy to see why the Eastern Shore of Maryland has an enduring appeal. Home to watermen and artists, farmers and transplants looking for a more relaxed pace; life here is tied to the water and no place embodies the best of the Chesapeake Bay like the Inn at Perry Cabin.
The Inn at Perry Cabin, a Belmond property, offers understated luxury in one of the most beautiful areas of the east coast. Located less than 2 hours from Washington DC in St. Michaels, MD the Inn has long been a popular getaway for polticos escaping the hectic pace of the beltway. Driving down the long tree-lined driveway I was instantly relaxed, the pressures of work and deadlines were immediately replaced with an overwhelming sense of ease and contentment the moment I set foot on the resort.
Steve and I were delighted to find that we had been upgraded to a One Bedroom Suite. We walked into a cozy sitting room with a gas fireplace as well as a bottle of wine welcoming us to the Inn. A small terrace offered views of the water and the neighboring Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum. The spacious bathroom (bigger than some hotel rooms I’ve had) was accented with marble and featured a soaking tub and walk-in shower. The bedroom was anchored by a supremely comfortable king bed, the entire space decorated in calming shades of white and blue.
Eschewing a grand lobby in favor of intimate nooks and hideaways, thoughtful design marries the Eastern Shore’s nautical heritage with modern touches throughout the resort. Stepping outside I had just one word….
Wow.
We were greeted with serene views of the Chesapeake Bay, accented by Perry Cabin’s 200 year old gardens that are best enjoyed in one of the Adirondack chairs sprinkled throughout the resort. Sitting with Steve, with a glass of wine in hand as we watched the lavender sunset, there was no other place in the world I wanted to be.
The Inn at Perry Cabin takes it’s food seriously with a focus on using local ingredients. I started my evening at Purser’s Pub for some expertly crafted cocktails and fresh-from-the-Cheapeake oysters. Sinking into a plush leather sofa near the roaring fireplace I found my cider cocktail was the perfect foil for the local Choptank oysters.
Dinner at Stars, Perry Cabin’s fine dining restaurant, was refined and elegant. Steve opted for the crab cakes (a must when in Maryland), bursting with sweet crab set atop succotash and a bright heirloom tomato sauce. On recommendation of my waiter I went for the hanger steak, meltingly tender and served with an all-too-addictive corn spelt risotto.
The next morning, in the spirit of relaxation, I ordered breakfast to be delivered to my room. I fully expected to get a tray with a plate and a cup of coffee, so imagine my surprise when room service came in, set up a table a prepared the most lavish breakfast spread for two I have ever seen.
I could get used to this.
The Inn at Perry Cabin offers a changing roster of seasonal activities for guests. Waterfront yoga, kayaking, and sailing lessons on the resort’s fleet of Alerion yachts are a great way to enjoy the waters of Chesapeake while educational lectures, nighttime smores and whiskey tastings are some of the more terrestrial activities on offer. I was able to take part in the Judgement of Saint Michaels, a blind wine tasting based on the Judgement of Paris (a seminal 1976 tasting that turned the wine world upside down and put California wines on the map). This tasting was informative, fun and changed the way I look at wine.
One of the things that impressed me the most was the intrinsic relationship between the resort and the town of St. Michaels. I could have easily spent the entire weekend without leaving the Inn and had an amazing time but I was encouraged by multiple staff members (many who have happily called this nook of the Chesapeake home for years) to head out and experience St. Michaels. Hopping on one of the complimentary bikes that Perry Cabin provides we spent a leisurely afternoon exploring this charming bayside town that was home to independent boutiques and galleries, a handful of amazing restaurants as well as a winery, brewery and a rum distillery. Chatting with shop owners it became clear that they were as enamored with the Inn at Perry Cabin as the resort was with the town. It was refreshing to see that this five star resort was an integral part of the community rather than an island from it.
I didn’t think it was possible to be more relaxed than I had been spending time at the Inn, but that was before I stepped foot inside the Linden Spa. I was again greeted with a gracious welcome, changed into a supremely cozy robe and was led into the relaxation room where I sipped on mint tea while gazing at the first buds of spring in the spa’s garden. I chose the Linden Radiant Facial from the spa’s extensive menu of treatments and it was one of the best spa experiences I’ve had. Under the expert care of my esthetician and the indulgent products used at the spa I felt complete pampered and rejuvenated.
Where the Inn at Perry Cabin really excels is it’s people. As a Belmond property the Inn has mastered the art of understated elegance and unparalleled service. Never ostentatious or stuffy, the staff anticipated and met my every need with a smile. It’s this service combined with the timeless appeal of the Chesapeake Bay that makes the Inn at Perry Cabin a truly luxurious getaway that I will return to time and again.
I was graciously hosted by the Inn at Perry Cabin by Belmond but as always all opinions remain my own,
Kristin @ Camels & Chocolate says
I’ve spent far too little time in Maryland, it’s criminal! I imagine May/June is a lovely time to be there…might have to plan this for a trip next spring!
Brianna says
Fall is also quite lovely.
Mellissa Williams says
Wow, what a beautiful place to stay. Your breakfast for two looks absolutely wonderful. It looks such a relaxing place. Myself and my husband enjoy exploring the US, but have never been to Maryland, but it’s now on my list.
Brianna says
The Chesapeake Bay is a wonderful place to explore.
Kelly says
What a wonderful spot to relax. Oh, that room! It might be nicer than my house! And I’m not sure there’s anything better than an adirondack chair and glass of wine. I need to put this on my travel list.
Brianna says
I could have spent all day in that room and had the best trip ever.
Tamara Elliott says
That inn is SO ADORBS. You guys have the most charming accommodation on the east coast! Love that you got a suite- it’s decorated exactly how I wish my house was, so cozy!
Brianna says
Perhaps it’s time you come to my neck of the woods 🙂
Andi says
I could definitely make myself a permanent home there. It is perfect for writing. I love Cheasepeake Bay and really love the sights, sounds and smells. The Inn at Perry Cabin looks like a little slice of heaven.
Brianna says
Heaven is the perfect word to describe the Inn at Perry Cabin.
Christina S. says
I do love me some Inn at Perry Cabin! The spa is so relaxing, the views by the water are so tranquil and the room service breakfast is AMAZING!
Brianna says
Seriously, is there a better getaway on the bay?
Jenn and Ed Coleman says
We’ll have to remember this property. I go to DC / Baltimore several times each year and, sooner or later, I’ll have Jenn join me and extend the trip into the weekend. The Inn at Perry Cabin seems like a beautiful place to enjoy the best of the Maryland Shore.
Brianna says
The Inn at Perry Cabin is a perfect compliment to the hustle of DC.
Carol Perehudoff says
I just came from the Jasper Park Lodge in the Canadian Rockies, and like the Inn at Perry Cabin, it sits quietly on a lakefront. So now I totally want to visit Maryland and the Inn at Perry Cabin, as I need more of this understated luxury! And I want to have a glass of wine with a beautiful inn behind me, although what’s funny is that there are two bottles of wine and only one glass – so which one of you is having all the fun? Seriously, though, this is exactly the type of tranquil hotel I look for when I travel. Thanks for pointing it out.
Lois Alter Mark says
I think one of those Adirondack chairs has my name on it. I would love to stay here and just relax for a few days. It looks so peaceful and beautiful.
Carol Colborn says
Those white Adirondack chairs are truly inviting. No other symbol of casual luxury, especially if by the water.
Brianna says
Just add wine!
Megan Jerrard says
Wow, the Inn at Perry Cabin sounds incredible – we’ll be in DC later in the year and were thinking about taking a day trip out to Chesapeake, but might actually scrap that and spend a couple of days – especially with so many activities and things to do from the Inn 🙂
Brianna says
Meg, than sounds like a great plan!
Christina says
Oh what a lovely place to relax so close to the hustle and bustle of DC. I think my favorite has to be the view from the Adirondack chairs. I felt myself unwinding just reading your description of watching the sunset with a glass of wine in hand. What a great weekend getaway.
Brianna says
That bay view is the very definition of serene.
Sarah Stierch says
Wow, I wish I knew about this place when I lived in DC! I frequently did day trips to the Eastern Shore but didn’t discover this Inn in my research. Really gorgeous, and love the wine tasting, too.
Brianna says
Sounds like a great reason for a return trip.
Tracy says
What a gorgeous property. I live in NJ just a few hours north from MD and will be sure to check it out the next time I am in the area! I love that you can borrow bikes as that is a great way to get around!
Brianna says
It’s just a few hours yet feels a world away.
Christina | Christina's Cucina says
I really need to set aside some time to spend on the east coast. Now that my son has moved back to Arlington, it would be even better as I’d be able to see him, too! The Inn at Perry Cabin is exactly the sort of place to go to leave the world’s problems behind. Such a relaxing spot and that room is so tastefully decorated, I don’t know if I’d want to leave it. And that breakfast!! Wow! Thanks for sharing, it’s a lovely inn!
Brianna says
Christina, the Inn at Perry Cabin is right up your alley. You would love it here!
Jessica M Van Dop DeJesus says
What a beautiful property! Love your photos as well! It’s nice to have properties such as The Perry Inn so close to home! Hope to check it out soon!
Debra Schroeder says
What a beautiful inn. That brick driveway is stunning, I wouldn’t have wanted to be the person who laid it though. 🙂 Those leather chairs look quite comfy. I’m normally not a room service person but that breakfast, WOW! Adding this place to my must visit list.
Jenna says
Wow, this place looks so romantic! And I love the added bonuses of the wine, beautiful room service, and of course the spa treatment. I’ve never stayed in a Belmond property but can see why I should sometime!
Brianna says
I’ve honestly never had better service!
Lieurene says
This is such a perfect getaway to go and relax. The inn looks so beautiful. I love how the inside of your room look so cozy and so welcoming, it almost feels like you are at “home”. The breakfast spread looks amazing!
Brianna says
I wish I could move in 🙂
http://proofreading-services.org/proofreader.php says
wow! that is a great pleasure to have a rest like that. that is so fun to do all of that. i am happy to have found such activeties.
Asad Raza says
Thats a luxury galore… Really love your experience. How many days did you spend there?
Brianna says
I spent one glorious weekend here, I can’t wait to go back!