Escape by the Sea at Gurney’s Newport

By Melissa Sorge

Gurney’s Resort in Newport has earned its keep in the small state of Rhode Island. Anyone who has ventured over the iconic Claiborne Pell Bridge (or the Newport Bridge, for short), understands why Newport, Rhode Island attracts over a million tourists each year. Setting itself apart from other towns of surf and sand, Newport fuses the airiness of a seaside community with the charm of historic New England. Situated along the “Classic Coast,” Newport embodies centuries of New England history reflected in the architecture, food, and traditions of the city. One-time visitors to Newport are a rarity, as its unique charm and playful vibe has drawn visitors back to the “City by the Sea” for decades. And Gurney’s Newport is one of the reasons they keep coming back.

Less than two miles from the heart of downtown Newport, a stunning resort and marina set on a private island is a chic yet cozy escape that visitors can call home during their stay. Gurney’s Newport Resort and Marina is a luxury resort only minutes away from all the city’s most notable attractions. Nestled on Goat Island in the center of Narragansett Bay, Gurney’s Newport Resort and Marina offers panoramic views of Newport Harbor as well as premier accommodations and amenities for singles, couples, groups, and families alike. 

Paying homage to the city in which it rests, Gurney’s is a modern resort with elements of classic New England. Upon entering the lobby, guests luxuriate in the mid-century modern, coastal decor. Sleek yet comfortable furniture with gold finishes and unexpected pops of vibrant color meld with nautical accents such as rattan chairs and vintage model sailboats. The 257 guest rooms at the resort are adorned in the same appeal and provide breathtaking views of Narragansett Bay, the Newport Bridge, and other local landmarks. 

Guest rooms at Gurney’s range from Standard View King, Queen, and Double rooms, to Premium View rooms with balconies, and even several suites. Perhaps the most luxurious of all accommodations on the property is the Liberty Suite located in the Lighthouse Wing of the resort. This premier accommodation provides its guests with 1,250 square feet of waterfront living. The two-level suite is equipped with high-ceiling living and dining areas, a wet bar, two full baths, two bedrooms, and panoramic views of Narragansett Bay and the Newport Bridge. When guests are not relaxing in their rooms taking in the ocean views, they can indulge in the property’s other attractions including their coffee shop, poolside grill, sunset patio lounge, and renowned onsite restaurant, Scarpetta.

Scarpetta is Gurney’s Manhattan-inspired seaside Italian restaurant, serving dinner from Wednesday through Saturday. Its eclectic menu selects from a wide array of fresh, locally-sourced seafood, classic Italian fare, and an extensive wine list. The Pineapple Club is another convenient dining option at Gurney’s. This waterfront restaurant is open seasonally and serves food and drinks at a poolside restaurant or delivered straight to guests’ waterfront cabanas. Alternatively, at The Lounge and Firepit, guests can enjoy cocktails, fine dining, and entertainment in a swanky indoor lounge or outside near one of several fire pits overlooking the bay.

In addition to a wide range of guest rooms, suites, and dining options, Gurney’s also boasts a full-service spa and marina. Whether you are simply looking for a contemporary coastal hotel to rest your head during a visit to Newport, or if you desire accommodations with plentiful amenities such as spa treatments, boat slips, and a variety of upscale dining venues, Gurney’s is the perfect choice to experience the charm of historic Newport. 

While in Newport
The beaches in Newport are undoubtedly beautiful. However, the city’s alluring attractions extend well beyond its beaches. A must-see for visitors to Newport is the large variety of classic Colonial mansions. In the late 1800s, America’s Gilded Age, some of the wealthiest families in the country spent their summers in Newport enjoying the sun, sand, and culture, and the mansions they built are still standing and as awe-inspiring as ever. Another Newport must-see, the 3.5-mile Cliff Walk, is the perfect place to view these breathtaking mansions while taking in unobstructed views of the incomparable Narragansett Bay.

Mansion tours and the Cliff Walk are great but don’t miss out on the cultural happenings taking place seasonally around Newport. Some of the most noteworthy events include the annual jazz and folk festivals, large-scale parades for Saint Patrick’s Day and Fourth of July, and classic regattas. A truly unforgettable city that has captured the hearts of visitors and locals for decades, Newport is the perfect place to spend a few days and nights unwinding and experiencing the charm, history, and culture of coastal New England.