Those of you looking to embrace the hygge lifestyle at the Devonfield Inn this winter are in for a treat. Whether you’re new to the hygge lifestyle or a seasoned pro, the peaceful surroundings of our charming inn offer the perfect backdrop for relaxation and comfort. From warm fireplaces to scenic walks, we’ve rounded up five simple yet effective ways to infuse hygge into your getaway.
Ready to unwind and enjoy the cozy pleasures of life? Let us show you how you can make the most of your stay at Devonfield Inn and embrace the joyful vibes of hygge with the help of our luxurious amenities.
What is the Hygge Lifestyle
The hygge lifestyle is all about creating a cozy, comfortable atmosphere that makes you feel peaceful and contented. It’s a Danish way of living that encourages enjoying the simple pleasures in life, like curling up with a warm blanket, sipping hot cocoa, or lighting candles to set a soothing mood. It’s about slowing down, being present, and savoring moments with loved ones, often in a relaxed, intimate setting. The vibe is cozy, peaceful, and a little bit indulgent, focusing on well-being and feeling comfortable in your space.
The Guiding Pillars of Hygge
The concept of hygge (pronounced “hoo-ga”) is a Danish philosophy that refers to creating a cozy, comfortable, and contented atmosphere, often associated with warmth, simplicity, and a sense of well-being. While there isn’t a universally agreed-upon list of “pillars,” various experts and books on the subject have outlined the key principles encompassing hygge’s essence.
- Comfort: The foundation of hygge is comfort, which includes physical and emotional comfort. Think soft blankets, cozy lighting, and being in a relaxed state of mind with loved ones.
- Cozy Spaces: Creating a cozy, inviting environment is key. This includes warm lighting (such as candles), soft textiles (blankets, cushions), and a calm, clutter-free atmosphere that encourages relaxation.
- Togetherness: Hygge emphasizes spending quality time with family and friends, creating bonds, and enjoying meaningful conversations. It’s about connecting with others and fostering a sense of belonging.
- Mindfulness: This means being present in the moment and appreciating the simple pleasures of life, such as a cup of tea, a good book, or the warmth of a fire.
- Contentment: Hygge encourages feeling content and satisfied with what you have. It’s about appreciating small joys and avoiding excessive desires or overconsumption.
- Simplicity: Keeping things simple and avoiding complexity is an important part of hygge. It’s about focusing on the essentials and letting go of unnecessary distractions, allowing for a more relaxed lifestyle.
- Nature: Incorporating nature into your life, whether through outdoor activities or bringing natural elements indoors (such as plants), is a key part of hygge. The natural world enhances calmness and well-being.
- Slow Living: Hygge encourages slowing down and enjoying life’s simpler pleasures at a leisurely pace. It involves savoring meals, taking time to unwind, and avoiding rushing.
- Warmth: Both physical and emotional warmth are integral to hygge. This can include anything from hot drinks and warm sweaters to fostering a warm, welcoming atmosphere in your home and with others.
- Gratitude: Cultivating gratitude and focusing on what you have rather than what you lack is a central tenet of hygge. It’s about finding joy and appreciation in everyday moments.
In essence, practicing hygge helps create a lifestyle that encourages comfort, contentment, and a sense of balance.
How to Live a Cozy Lifestyle at the Devonfield Inn
1. Get cozy with lots of blankets and quilts and pillows
Your goal is to create a warm atmosphere and enjoy the good things in life. So, the first thing to do is book your favorite room at the Inn. Our beautifully decorated romantic rooms feature luxury linens, towels, and pillowtop mattresses. This sets the stage to ward off the winter chill, and the romantic decor can help to brighten up the darker winter days and nights.
2. Sit by a warm fire
Relax in front of the wood-burning fireplace in your private guest room. Or wander down to the spacious living room and find a spot in front of the fire. This warm and inviting space exudes charm and is a welcome spot to find a cozy nook to call your own. When evening comes, you can bundle up and relax in an Adirondack chair by the outdoor fire pit.
3. Read a good book
Fiction or non-fiction, the genre doesn’t matter as long as it’s something you enjoy reading and makes you feel like you’re taking a break. Once again, the living room, with its library, wood-burning fireplace, and baby grand piano, could be the ideal spot to curl up with a good book.
4. Enjoy a warm cup of your favorite hot beverage
The guest pantry always has coffee, tea, hot chocolate, and fresh-baked cookies. There’s something about holding a warm mug and sipping on a hot drink that makes you feel snuggly warm. Or perhaps you prefer something a bit stronger by enjoying a complimentary cognac or cordial.
5. Take a few moments to appreciate the beauty around you.
Look out the window and enjoy the beauty of a colorful sunset, or watch the sunlight shimmering on the snow. Bundle up and step out to walk in the woods on one of the trails surrounding our 32-acre property. Or, dive deeper into the region’s beauty by tackling one of the Berkshires easy-to-moderate hiking trails. Focus on being more aware of your surroundings and notice the details you might usually miss. Even though we often think of winter as a dark and cold season, it can be beautiful too!
If you want to embrace the hygge lifestyle at the Devonfield Inn this winter, let go of all the things that seem to complicate your life and start enjoying life’s simple pleasures. Pack your favorite books. Tuck your warm and cuddly outfits into your suitcase, and focus on your physical and emotional comfort.
We can’t wait to host your next cozy stay. Check availability now.
Photo Credit: © Alena Ozerova via canva.com, © ameslee999 via canva.com
