Set on a 13-acre plot of land overlooking a private beach, Ocean House, with its trademark pastel-yellow facade, is easily one of the most picturesque resorts in Rhode Island. The year-round property in this quaint corner of New England first opened in 1868, and through the years has attracted some of the US’s most illustrious families. The storied hotel is perched just above a 650-ft private beach and has marvelous views of the Atlantic Ocean. It is surrounded by manicured greenery, which includes a tournament-level croquet lawn, putting green, shuffleboard area and edible gardens. The hotel has a modern, updated interior — seen best through its inviting common areas (there’s almost always a crackling fire to enjoy) and its 49 spacious rooms and 18 suites — but it does a superb job of bringing its centuries-old history to life through artifacts and decor saved from the late 19th century. The Relais & Châteaux-affiliated property epitomizes approachable luxury in a relaxed setting, and today it is best known for its family-focused programming, many dining venues, world-class spa and sports such as tennis, squash, yachting, fishing, and croquet.
Stay
The Penthouse
– Size 4,000 sq ft
– Nightly rate from $10,000
Ocean House prides itself on its 18 signature suites, and the Penthouse is the largest accommodation. The three-bedroom suite features two spacious living areas; two dining areas, an airy, open-plan kitchen; large deck with a Jacuzzi and three-seasons room with in-floor heating; outdoor kitchen; media room with an office; and a den. From the deck, enjoy 360-degree views of Watch Hill and the ocean. Each room has a cheery color palette of light blue, pink, yellow and green with whitewashed walls, and large-format windows that let in plenty of natural light. Guests of the Penthouse will have access to the members-only Club Room as well as a Signature Suite VIP manager to tend to their every need.
Relax
The only Forbes Five-Star spa in Rhode Island (and one of only 56 in the world), Oh! Spa is as serene as the sound of the nearby lapping waves. The bright, 12,000-sq-ft space includes multiple treatment rooms, an indoor lap pool with large French doors opening onto the spa’s sunny private terrace, marble herbal steam room, salon, fitness center and yoga studio. Treatments change seasonally and wellness packages are available. Signature treatment The Secret Garden Harvest Experience is not to be missed. As part of the treatment, you will receive a body polish using seasonal ingredients, oils and an herbal-infused salt scrub before indulging in a 90-minute massage.
Taste
Ocean House’s dining experiences attract guests from near and far, whether it’s for the newly opened fine-dining restaurant, Coast, which has a nightly changing menu; all-day restaurant, The Bistro; or the seafood-centric The Verandah, known for its lobster rolls and local oyster selection. During the summer, dining options include the beachside Dune Cottage, Seaside Terrace, Below Deck and the seasonal champagne pop-up bar, Secret Garden. Lobster boils and barbecues are ongoing from June through August.
Enjoy
With so much to do and see — both on property and off — Ocean House partners with Mercedes-Benz so guests can explore the region via a private car for the day. If it’s a day on the water you crave, arrange a private yachting experience aboard one of the hotel’s four charter and sailing yachts. The hotel ensures you have something to do any time of the year (Christmas is one of the most popular times a year). Families will also love the indoor move theater – popcorn and candy included. Thoughtful kid’s programming, including access to an indoor movie theater, adds a sense of whimsy and fun to your family vacation.
Contact
Charles Azzopardi, general manager, res@phoeniciamalta.com, +356 2291 1023, phoeniciamalta.com
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