Legendary East Coast Charm: Rhode Island’s Ocean House

Oozing old-world charm and a refined grace that hints at a bygone era, Ocean House embodies the fantasy and romanticism that many envision when considering a visit to Rhode Island. With its grand, shingled facade and expansive verandas overlooking the Atlantic, Ocean House evokes a timeless elegance where guests are indulged with an experience that captures the Ocean State’s maritime history, its rugged coastal beauty, and the kind of quiet serenity that seemingly suspends time.

Ocean House lobby

A quintessential example of New England luxury, the Relais & Châteaux property is a landmark of architectural splendor and a symbol of the region’s gracious hospitality. Perched high on the bluffs in the charming and tony seaside village of Watch Hill, Ocean House boasts panoramic views of Block Island Sound and what is considered one of the Eastern Seaboard’s most beautiful stretches of coastline. The resort transcends the traditional “hotel experience” by offering a true sense of place and a legacy of exceptional service.

Originally opened in 1868, the resort and its ocean proximity are a stunning example of Victorian seaside resort architecture. Long a refuge for celebrities, dignitaries, and a loyal clientele that values privacy and quiet luxury, the elegant hotel was painstakingly reconstructed in 2004 in homage to New England’s golden age of hospitality. Great attention was paid to preserving its historic charm while integrating modern comforts. After the $140 million rebuild, it re-opened its doors in 2010 with 49 spacious guestrooms and 20 signature suites.

Deluxe guest room

Ownership’s commitment to gracious generosity is more than evident. Staff is attentive and anticipatory, and the little extras that make a big difference are abundant: decadent Molton Brown bath amenities, complimentary in-room snacks and sodas that are replenished daily (malted milk balls were a delightful surprise), turn-down chocolates, morning coffee service and complimentary pastries that rival that of your favorite European café, afternoon tea and delicious sweet treats made by the resort’s super talented Executive Pastry Chef Jessica Quiet, and a small gift upon departure.

Resort activities for all ages are abundant and include croquet, shuffle board, squash courts, and billiards. (Golf and tennis can be arranged by request at a private facility.) The state-of-the-art fitness studio offers yoga and exercise classes. An indoor lap pool, a screening room with movie library, and ocean activities such as surfing and paddleboarding provide activity for every interest. Bike tours and private yacht and fishing charters can be arranged. The hotel’s Center for Wine & Culinary Arts offers near-daily complimentary wine tastings and cooking classes. Children will delight in the self-guided “Mortimer Mouse Scavenger Hunt, the clues of which reveal whimsical, hidden detail throughout the hotel. (Those that complete the hunt receive a special prize.) And the Ocean & Harvest Spa, recipient of the Forbes Five-Star award, features 12,000 square feet of luxury with a full menu of decadent, seasonally changing treatments. Adding to the resort’s allure is its walkable proximity to the quaint Watch Hill Village, with its many shops and galleries.

The Center for Wine & Culinary Arts at Ocean House offers wine tastings and cooking classes
Ocean House features a heated indoor pool

Ownership also reveals a commitment to great art. Fans of the Madeline series of children’s books by Ludwig Bemelmans will thrill upon entering The Bemelmans Gallery at Ocean House, North America’s largest permanent, private collection of the illustrator’s architectural commissions, product campaigns, and Madeline sketches. The gallery showcases select pieces never before seen by the public. Hotel hallways feature original and amusing works by the French artist SEM (also known as George Goursat), who, in the years before World War I, created caricatures satirizing the beau monde of French high society. Even the lobby-adjacent ladies lounge features a panoply of artworks over which to idle: original 19th century watercolors of society ladies depicting fashion of the time. And if you can sneak a peek into the resort’s members only Club Room with its Ferrari red leather bar stools, you’ll find the famed Burt Britton collection of celebrity self-portraits lining the walls. The hotel also hosts exhibitions of leading contemporary artists from major galleries in the region.

Bemelmans Gallery at Ocean House is home to North America’s largest private collection of the illustrator’s many sketches
The Club Room features the famed Burt Britton collection of celebrity self-portraits

Key criteria for a Relais & Châteaux designation is exceptional gastronomy, and Ocean House delivers with its variety of gourmet and casual dining options. Year-round The Bistro serves seasonally inspired dishes within a convivial setting, and fine dining COAST (a Forbes Five Star establishment) offers a menu showcasing the finest seasonal products from local farmers and purveyors, typically sourced same day. Additional dining options are offered during spring and summer, such as the Veranda Raw Bar serving shucked-to-order local oysters, clams, jumbo shrimp and lobster. The entire esteemed culinary and wine staffs are open, engaging, and more than willing to share and instruct via the resort’s variety of wine tastings and cooking classes.

Simply put, Ocean House is an iconic destination and a quintessential Rhode Island experience that appeals to the senses, the spirit, and the desire for something both legendary and unique. The beauty of the exclusive location and the combination of serene natural surroundings, historic charm, and world-class luxury create an unforgettable coastal New England experience that’s timelessly romantic and enchanting.

Expansive verandas evoke a timeless elegance. Photo by Fran Miller

Photos courtesy of Ocean House, except where noted

Fran Miller

Fran Endicott Miller is an experienced travel, wine, and general feature writer for a variety of luxury lifestyle publications and websites. Prior to her journalism career she established and managed the Golden State Warriors' first official community relations department and efforts. Principled and genuine, she’s known for thoughtfully eloquent writing. When not traveling, she can be found walking her Northern California neighborhood with her beloved golden retriever Nate.