This is a momtourage review by the amazing Kate Rockland who was married in Newport, loves the area and returned to review the swanky new Gurney’s Resort that just opened last January
GURNEY’S RESORT, NEWPORT, RHODE ISLAND
Ok, so what started out as a weekend for the kids to escape summer boredom totally turned into a booty-shaking, feeling-like-we’re-in-our-twenties kind of trip. You know, the weekend getaways you had before kids? Yeah, it was kind of like that, except our 2, 5, and 6 year-old were there too. Here’s why visiting the new Gurneys in Newport, Rhode Island is worth the drive.
What We Loved: SPACE
Someone once told me the greatest luxury a human being can have is free time. I got married in Newport and have stayed at nearly every luxurious hotel there, so while Gurney’s rooms are on the smallish side, they make up for it with 360-degree panoramic views of the sea, plus activities galore so your kids are never bored, thus freeing you to sit on a hammock and sit coffee and… just cuddle with your spouse. The hotel is on 10 acres of land, called Goat Island, and has 257 rooms. There are several suite options, including the junior suite in the Pool Wing that has one room with two double beds, the other with a King-size bed, so great for families.
SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE
Feel like bringing the family dog? Check. Want to drink mojitos pool-side while your kids are entertained by the Kids Club staff with a diabolical water balloon toss game? Check. Need an afternoon alone getting massaged in the spa? A sailing lesson for your kid? The list goes on and on. There’s so much activity going on at this resort, that even my husband, who usually is cranky while staying with our kids at hotels, was in a cheerful mood. There’s an indoor pool and an outdoor one. The outdoor pool is salt water and my children loved meeting up with other kids there and spending the afternoons splashing around. The indoor pool didn’t work for us because my daughter is only two and the sides were a little slippery, but I did see older families with teenagers there. One of our favorite activities was simply taking the shuttle ferry over to Bowen’s Wharf for lunch at Brick Alley Pub (they have the best clam chowder, hands down) that departs from Gurney’s restaurant Scarpetta, which coincidentally has a kids menu and great chicken nuggets! (Although I think they call them something fancy, like chicken tenders. But you catch my drift). The boat leaves every hour, and the captain was very warm and friendly towards my kids, pointing out working lobster boards along the harbor. Another great feature for kids in the hotel is Corso coffee, which serves light breakfast and coffee. My children do not sit well in restaurants, so it was a relief to just grab them muffins and juice (and mama some caffeine!) before we’d set out to hike the Cliffwalk, or go to the beach.
FANCY TIME
The stars aligned for us the weekend we visited Gurney’s, and while my kids were running around the enormous lawn that overlooks the sea and petting the resident goats (get it? Goat island? Cute!) It was simultaneously Jazz festival weekend in Newport and spinning records at Gurney’s outdoor bar Pineapple Club was none other than Questlove from the Roots. Amazing! I can’t promise he’ll make an appearance while you’re visiting but the property is dedicated to creating a Hamptons-like scene at night, and we felt “cool” again just being nearby chasing our children! The twinkling strung lights over the bar, the waves lapping against the rocks, the peals of laughter as my kids played tag with other kids, Questlove spinning early 90’s rap…it was truly a magical night. Oh! And Pineapple Club’s shrimp tacos with aioli sauce are not to be missed!
TRAVEL LIKE A ROCK STAR
Shhhh, this is a little secret: Gurney’s just teamed up with a helicopter company to provide transportation for guests travelling from the Montauk location to Newport, or vice-versa. My three kids were so excited watching the helicopter land on the open grassy area while they splashed in the pool. They talked about it for days afterwards.
Fall is upon us, and getting to visit Newport in the summer is like holding a rare jewel in your palm. Gurney’s is the kind of resort that makes every member of the family happy, and there are not a lot of those around.
Gurney’s Newport has several offers right now including a 72 hour FLASH SALE – grab the kids (or your girlfriends) and get away while the weather is still warm.
Disclosure: Kate was offered a media rate for a portion of her stay – her opinions are her own – momtourage writers never say nice things, unless they want to.
