Local Getaway: Unplugged Weekend at Madison Beach Hotel

In the midst of all of this technology, the word unplugged comes up often. Families now have planned game nights with no phones or devices allowed. Friends turn dinner into a challenge where the person who picks up their phone first has to pick up the check. We are surrounded by amazing technology but now have to be reminded or find ways to enjoy life without it. Sometimes families just need to disconnect in order to connect. As we begin our summer full of local getaway destinations, we came across the perfect place to unplug: Madison Beach Hotel in Madison, Connecticut.

While we love a good family resort packed full of activities and things to do for both kids and adults, sometimes you feel like you need a vacation after your vacation because you never really stop to relax or take in the surroundings. Madison Beach Hotel is such a beautiful and peaceful place that you’re forced to slow down and you’re reminded to relax.

The hotel itself is gorgeous. Just a little over an hour away from the Bronx and you feel as though you’ve gone far away. Each room overlooks the water, with a wonderful cozy balcony to enjoy the breeze and your loved ones. We checked in on a Sunday afternoon, just in time for their weekly brunch on the beach during the summer….

The lobby is transformed into a delicious buffet of fruits and cheeses, pastas, and breakfast items. An omelet station, carving station, and seafood options await you. Perfect little pastries and desserts are your last stop before heading to your table on the back deck overlooking the sand and water. It’s chic, but also family friendly. Look around and you’ll see families with multi-generations chatting over fresh squeezed orange juice and coffee. You’ll enjoy the family time, but also take note to come back for a brunch date one day.

Head to the sand and you’ll see couples and friends lounging with Bloody Marys and Mimosas brought to them by the friendly staff. Look closer to the water and you’ll see parents gathered under their umbrellas as the children play in the water. Kayaks and paddle boards are available to rent, and towels are available to use. There isn’t a lifeguard on duty, so you’ll be sure to stay close to the kids, but also enjoy the feeling of a private beach verses the strict rules of NYC beaches.

There are rocks to the left of the sand where guests get a photo opp, you might even catch a simple but elegant wedding ceremony right on the rocks. You’ll see folks fishing with rods and even nets. It’s the Long Island Sound so there are small waves from boats, but perfect for the little ones. We spent most of our afternoon here.

The rooms inside are classic and beautifully kept. A tray of fruit and waters arrives upon check in to enjoy on the balcony if you prefer. We were given a gift of playing cards from the gift shop with the hotel pictured on them. They inspired us to enjoy teaching our oldest some card games as the little one napped. After going into town to explore the shops and restaurants as recommended by the front desk staff, we returned to our balcony for more card playing. As the sun set, it was time for family s’mores.

The lounge chairs are laid flat and put in a circle around the firepit. The fire is lit and a table of s’mores supplies is set out for little hands to come and grab. Parents sit on the chairs as the kids roast their marshmallows and watch them construct and devour their s’mores. Some families return to their rooms while others linger and hang out as the moon takes over. We spotted a family with a nice wine basket and the perfect evening spent on the beach. When we returned to our balcony for some more cards, we enjoyed the lights of random sparklers as the fire dwindled.

Don’t lay on the beds until you’re ready to close your eyes. Once we hit the amazingly comfortable beds, my usual insomnia was nonexistent and I didn’t wake until morning. We left the wood shuttered doors open so that we could catch the sunrise. I snapped my photos and then closed them and went back to bed until it was time to make our way down to breakfast.

We made our way back to the porch again and enjoyed our choice of food. I had the classic American breakfast, Luis enjoyed the heartier option of corned beef, Briana had a heaping bowl of yummy oatmeal, and Gia got her pancakes. More fresh squeezed orange juice and it was time to check out. We walked along the beach again, took some more photos on the rocks, and agreed that it was the perfect place to begin this summer together and made a promise to return.