Vermont isn't short on charm. You can find a "quaint" inn on basically every corner of the Green Mountains, usually featuring a creaky floorboard and some maple syrup samples. But The Equinox Golf Resort & Spa in Manchester is different. It’s huge. It’s white-pillared. It feels like the kind of place where history didn't just happen, but where it still sits comfortably by the fireplace. Honestly, when you pull up to the driveway, you're looking at a property that has hosted four different U.S. Presidents. That isn't just a marketing fluff piece; it’s a reality of a resort that has been operating in some capacity since 1769.
If you’re looking for a sleek, glass-and-chrome modern hotel, you’re in the wrong place. The Equinox is a sprawling, 200-year-old labyrinth.
Walking through the halls feels like a bit of a time-travel exercise. You've got the Marsh Tavern, where the Green Mountain Boys basically plotted the revolution over ale. Then you walk a few yards and you’re in a world-class spa. It’s this weird, beautiful friction between Revolutionary War grit and modern high-end relaxation. People often ask if it’s "stuffy." It isn't. It’s just old in the way that makes you want to stand up a little straighter.
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What You’re Actually Getting at The Equinox Golf Resort & Spa
Let’s talk about the room situation because it's confusing if you just look at the website. The main hotel is the classic experience—think floral patterns, heavy drapes, and that "old building" feel that some people find cozy and others find dated. If you want something that feels like a New York City loft, you’re going to be disappointed. But if you head over to the Charles Orvis Inn or the Townhouses, the vibe shifts. The Orvis Inn is where you go if you want a kitchen and a bit more of a "residence" feel. It’s basically for people who want to pretend they own a piece of Vermont history for a weekend.
The service is... interesting. It’s Vermont service. That means it is friendly and genuine, but it isn't the hyper-manicured, robotic service you get at a Ritz-Carlton in a major city. Sometimes the person at the front desk is also the person who can tell you exactly which trail on Mount Equinox has the best view of the valley. It feels human.
The Golf: It’s Not Just for Pros
The Golf Club at The Equinox is a Walter Travis design. If you aren't a golf nerd, that name might not mean much, but in the world of course architecture, it’s a big deal. It was later renovated by Rees Jones. It’s a par-71. It’s scenic.
But here is the thing: it’s hilly. Really hilly.
You’re playing in the shadows of the mountains, which means the wind does weird things and the greens are fast. It’s one of those courses where you’ll lose a ball in the thick fescue and then realize you don't actually care because the view of the foliage is so ridiculous. It has been ranked among the best in the state by Golf Digest and Golfweek for years, and for good reason. It’s challenging but doesn't feel like it’s trying to punish you for existing.
The Spa and The Land Rover Experience
Most people come for the golf or the history, but the Spa at The Equinox is actually the secret weapon of the property. They use a lot of local products. Think maple-based scrubs and pine-scented oils. It’s a 13,000-square-foot facility with a heated indoor pool that looks out over the mountains. It’s honestly the best place to be when a Vermont snowstorm hits.
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Then there’s the Land Rover Driving School.
This is one of the few places in the country where you can actually take a $100,000 vehicle and try to break it on a rocky trail. You’ve got instructors who teach you how to crawl over boulders and navigate mud pits without panicking. It’s expensive. It’s muddy. It’s also incredibly fun. If you’re the type who gets bored sitting by a pool, this is why you stay here. You can go from a deep-tissue massage to winching a Defender out of a ditch in the span of three hours.
Eating and Drinking in Manchester
You have to eat at the Marsh Tavern. You just have to. It’s the heart of the hotel. The ceilings are low, the wood is dark, and the atmosphere is thick with history. The menu is "upscale pub food," which basically means really good burgers, local cheeses, and hearty soups.
For something a bit more formal, there’s the Chop House. It’s fine. It’s a steakhouse. But honestly? The Tavern is where the soul of the place is. You sit there and realize that people have been drinking in that exact spot since before the United States was even a country. That’s a heavy thought to have over a craft beer.
Why Location Matters More Than the Room
The Equinox is located in Manchester Village. This is distinct from Manchester Center. The Center is where the outlets are—the North Face, Ralph Lauren, all that. It’s busy. The Village, where the resort sits, is quiet. It has marble sidewalks. Literally, the sidewalks are made of Vermont marble.
You can walk from the hotel to the Hildene, the summer estate of Robert Todd Lincoln (Abraham Lincoln’s son). If you don't go there, you're missing the point of staying in Manchester. The estate has a restored 1903 Pullman car and a working goat farm. It’s one of those rare "tourist" spots that actually feels authentic and educational without being cheesy.
The Reality Check: What Most People Get Wrong
A lot of travelers book The Equinox Golf Resort & Spa expecting a brand-new, ultra-modern luxury experience. They see "Resort & Spa" and think of a Marriott in Orlando. That’s not this.
This is a historic property.
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That means:
- The elevators might be slow.
- The floorboards might creak.
- The layout can be a little confusing because it’s been added onto for two centuries.
If you want "perfect," go to a new build. If you want "character," come here. Some guests complain about the price point relative to the age of the rooms, and that’s a fair critique if you value high-tech gadgets over historical significance. But you’re paying for the preservation of a landmark. You’re paying for the 2,300 acres of preserved land. You’re paying for the access to the British School of Falconry—which, yes, is a real thing you can do here. You can literally have a hawk land on your arm.
Actionable Insights for Your Visit
If you’re planning a trip to the Green Mountains, don't just wing it. This resort is best experienced with a little bit of strategy.
- Request a mountain view. The rooms facing the front of the hotel look at the historic village, which is nice, but the rooms facing the back look at Mount Equinox. It’s a massive difference in "vibe" when you wake up.
- Visit in the "shoulder" seasons. Everyone wants to be here in October for the leaves or February for the skiing. But May and June are incredible. The gardens are blooming, the golf course is emerald green, and the crowds are non-existent.
- Book the Falconry early. The British School of Falconry is one of the most popular activities and it fills up weeks in advance. It’s a unique "bucket list" item that you won't find at 99% of other resorts.
- Explore the hiking trails. The resort has its own pond and trail system (Equinox Preservation Trust). You don't need to drive anywhere to get a world-class hike in.
- Pack for "Vermont Chic." You don't need a tuxedo, but you'll feel out of place in gym shorts at dinner. Think flannels, boots, and nice jeans.
The Equinox Golf Resort & Spa isn't just a place to sleep. It’s a massive, historic anchor for Southern Vermont. It has managed to survive through revolutions, economic collapses, and the rise of modern travel by leaning into exactly what it is: a grand, slightly eccentric, deeply comfortable mountain retreat. Whether you’re there to hit a ball across a Walter Travis green or just to sit by the fire where revolutionaries once sat, it delivers an experience that feels earned. Just don't expect the elevator to be fast.