Category: THE NEWPORT EXPERIENCE

Join us for Newport Restaurant Week at the Safari Room at OceanCliff

Join us at the Safari Room at OceanCliff for Newport Restaurant Week, happening November 1st to November 10th!

This is the perfect time to experience the incredible flavors of fall, as our talented culinary team has crafted special prix fixe lunch and dinner menus, showcasing seasonal dishes inspired by our new fall menu. Whether you’re a local or visiting Newport for a getaway, our waterfront setting and delicious cuisine make the Safari Room the perfect spot to dine during this event.

Our lunch menu will feature creative dishes that bring out the best of the season, while the dinner menu offers hearty, flavorful options that celebrate local ingredients and autumnal flavors. This is your chance to savor a three-course meal at a special price, with a variety of options sure to please every palate.

Why Visit the Safari Room at OceanCliff?

  • Breathtaking views of Narragansett Bay
  • A cozy and inviting atmosphere, perfect for fall
  • Delicious dishes featuring fresh, local ingredients

Reservations are recommended, as this popular event fills up quickly. Call us today to reserve your table at 401-849-4873 or make a reservation here.

View Restaurant Week Menus

Tea & Toasts: A Unique Pre-Wedding or Bachelorette Experience at the Chinese Tea House

Looking for something special to do while you’re in Newport for wedding site tours or appointments? Or perhaps planning a bachelorette party or a fun brunch with the girls? 🌸🍾

Don’t miss Afternoon Tea & Dining at the Chinese Tea House, a unique and elegant experience!

🗓️ Every Saturday & Sunday
🕙 10:00 AM – 3:30 PM

Enjoy a delightful prix fixe $65 Afternoon Tea service by Stoneacre, complete with beautiful views and delicious bites.

Important Details:

  • All guests must have a ticket to the mansion grounds to access the Tea House.
  • The Tea House is not ADA accessible and requires some walking and stairs.
  • Reservations are for those enjoying the full experience, and seating is at our discretion.
  • Minimal allergies (gluten-sensitive and nut-free options) can be accommodated, but please note we cannot guarantee accommodations for severe allergies.

This is the perfect outing for a relaxing day with friends, or as part of your upcoming celebration! 🎉💕

To Book: Click Here

Reserve early! Spots fill up fast. Cancellations made less than 24hrs are subject to a $65 fee per guest. To cancel or reschedule your reservation, please email teahousereservations@gmail.com

Embracing Elegance: Incorporating Pantone’s Color of the Year, Peach Fuzz, Into Your Dream Wedding

Every year, Pantone sets the tone for design and fashion with its Color of the Year. In 2024, the spotlight is on the enchanting and sophisticated Peach Fuzz. This warm and inviting hue is a perfect choice for weddings, bringing a touch of romance and timeless elegance to your special day. In this blog post, we’ll explore creative ways to incorporate Peach Fuzz into various aspects of your wedding, from bridesmaid dresses and florals to linens and signature drinks.

  1. Bridesmaid Dresses: The bridesmaids’ attire sets the tone for the entire wedding color palette. Peach Fuzz is a versatile color that complements a variety of skin tones, making it an excellent choice for bridesmaid dresses. Consider dressing your bridal party in flowing Peach Fuzz gowns for a soft and ethereal look. Whether you choose floor-length or knee-length dresses, the color will add a touch of sophistication to your wedding party.
  2. Florals: Bring the beauty of Peach Fuzz into your floral arrangements to create a cohesive and visually stunning atmosphere. Incorporate blooms such as peonies, roses, and dahlias in shades of peach, coral, and ivory for a harmonious blend. Bouquets, centerpieces, and aisle decorations in this warm hue will create a romantic and inviting atmosphere. Adding lush greenery will provide a natural balance, creating a dreamy and romantic ambiance that will leave a lasting impression on your guests.
  3. Linens and Decor: Elevate your wedding decor with Peach Fuzz linens and table settings. From tablecloths and napkins to chair covers, this color adds a subtle yet impactful touch. Combine Peach Fuzz with complementary colors like ivory, gold, or sage green for a sophisticated and harmonious aesthetic. Consider adding Peach Fuzz accent pieces, such as candles or napkin rings, to tie everything together seamlessly.
  4. Invitations and Stationery: Set the tone for your wedding with Peach Fuzz-themed invitations, save-the-dates, and programs. Use the color for accents and details, creating a cohesive and visually appealing stationery suite. Embellish your invitations with Peach Fuzz ribbons or wax seals for an extra touch of elegance.
  5. Signature Drinks: Incorporate Peach Fuzz into your signature drinks for a delightful and visually pleasing touch. From peach-infused cocktails to fruity mocktails, there are endless possibilities. Consider offering a refreshing Peach Fuzz Bellini or a custom-named drink that pays homage to your chosen color.
  6. Wedding Cake: The wedding cake is a focal point of any reception, and Peach Fuzz can play a significant role in enhancing its beauty. Consult with your cake designer to incorporate the color into the frosting, floral decorations, or even as a subtle ombre effect. A Peach Fuzz cake is sure to leave a lasting impression on your guests.

Pantone’s Color of the Year, Peach Fuzz, offers a sophisticated and timeless palette for your dream wedding. From bridesmaid dresses to florals, linens, and beyond, incorporating this enchanting hue into various aspects of your celebration will create a cohesive and elegant atmosphere. Embrace the warmth and romance of Peach Fuzz to make your wedding a truly memorable and visually stunning experience.

Saying “I Do” to Midweek Weddings: The Hidden Perks

Why we love midweek weddings and why you should consider hosting one too!

In the world of wedding planning, Saturdays have long been hailed as the prime day for tying the knot. However, a new trend is emerging, and couples are discovering the hidden gems of midweek weddings. If you’re contemplating the perfect day for your celebration, consider the advantages of hosting a midweek wedding.

In this post, we’ll explore the all of the benefits that make midweek weddings an increasingly popular choice for couples seeking a unique and memorable experience.

So who hosts midweek weddings and why? Here’s the inside scoop revealed!

Specific Dates: Sometimes it’s a special anniversary like a first date or engagement date or grandparent’s anniversary or loved one’s birthday that has passed. Some cultures have auspicious dates that are more preferred. If it lands in midweek–don’t rule it out!

Venue Availability & Flexibility: Midweek weddings often provide greater availability and flexibility when it comes to securing your dream venue. Popular venues tend to book up quickly on weekends, but you may find more open dates and favorable pricing options for a Wednesday celebration.

Cost Savings: Hosting your wedding on a Wednesday can be a savvy financial move. Many vendors offer midweek discounts, allowing you to allocate your budget more efficiently. From venue rental fees to catering costs, you might find that your dream wedding is more affordable on a weekday.

Travel and Accommodations: Midweek weddings can be more convenient for out-of-town guests. Flights and accommodations are often more affordable midweek, making it easier for loved ones to attend and share in your joy.

Extended Celebration: While weekend weddings are limited to a day or a weekend, a midweek celebration allows for an extended wedding experience. You can plan pre-wedding activities, post-wedding brunches, and more, turning your special day into a week-long celebration.

Local Couples: If the venue is within a short drive from their home guests can attend the wedding and drive home after—or just spend one night without a multi-night stay required by the hotel (example: Friday-Saturday). Hotels usually offer lower pricing Monday-Thursday too!

Short Engagement: Some couples don’t want to wait. They want to start family planning, travel, buy a home, or have lots of weddings in the next year. They prefer a short planning window as it helps to make decisions faster. While the average length of engagements is 16 months—this is the average—some couples are engaged for 30 days and some for 10yrs—there is no timeline on your personal planning.

Vendor Availability: Securing your preferred vendors is often easier during the middle of the week. If the most important thing is a specific photographer, videographer, band or DJ and they only have certain dates open you may choose your venue and wedding date around their schedule. From photographers to florists, you’ll likely have more options and a better chance of booking your first choices for all the essential wedding services.

Unique Experiences: Some packages are only offered midweek and for smaller guest counts. At Regatta Place in Newport, RI the Schooner Aurora is a 68-passenger antique sailing yacht and can be used for a special ceremony at sea followed by dockside reception with dinner and dancing. At OceanCliff Hotel, we offer a Snowflake Winter Wedding Package that includes a complimentary ceremony, discounted guest rooms and more!

Guest Counts: It’s a great way to cut the list. The people that matter the most will always attend. We mostly see 10-20% drop off from invited to actual guest attendance. 

Work Schedules: Lots of people don’t have Monday-Friday 9-5 schedules like wedding pros, hospitality pros, service providers so midweek works for them and their friends so they can work the weekends!

Final Piece of Advice—don’t rule out a venue because you think it’s outside of your budget. Reach out to your dream venue and tell them your guest count and budget then ask which options are best for you. They may guide you to a different season or day of the week or suggest a lower priced menu/bar combination. It’s also a good idea to start a conversation about what’s really important to you as a couple and as a family before you start your venue search. Firm up the budget and guest count and then determine how flexible you can be overall. Starting off with a wedding planner can also be a smart way to maximize your time and budget as they work with so many venues for local and destination planning.

Conclusion: As you embark on the journey of wedding planning, don’t overlook the advantages of hosting your celebration during the week. From cost savings to a more intimate atmosphere, a midweek wedding can offer a unique and memorable experience for both you and your guests.

To learn more about the advantages of hosting a midweek wedding, check out this podcast from Sara Zarella, of Sara Zarella Photography and our very own Susanne Day, Sales Manager with The Newport Experience.

Wavelengths Salon in Newport, RI unveils Bellevue Beauty Suite

Wavelengths Salon & Spa in Newport, RI recently launched Bellevue Beauty Suite, an exclusive beauty spot ideal for bridal parties, bachelorette parties, and other celebratory events. Located within the salon, the suite is designed to offer a relaxing atmosphere, perfect for a pampering session with friends while celebrating a special occasion.

The Bellevue Beauty Suite is staffed with a team of experienced stylists who provide a range of services, including professional makeup and hair styling. The suite is customizable, allowing clients to choose a personalized menu of services to suit their specific needs.

The suite features elegant decor, including luxurious furnishings, decorative accents, and ambient lighting, creating a serene and calming environment that is sure to put clients at ease. The salon also provides complimentary refreshments, including champagne and a cheeseboard, to make the experience even more enjoyable.

All of their Bellevue Beauty Suite packages include:

  • 3 hour rental
  • set-up and clean-up
  • complimentary champagne, water, coffee & tea
  • your choice of a cheeseboard or coffee cake & fruit

Learn more about their curated packages available here.

Bellevue Beauty Suite is the perfect spot for those looking to get ready for a special event or simply have a fun and relaxing day with friends. The suite is available for bookings by appointment only, so be sure to reserve your spot in advance.

For more information on the Bellevue Beauty Suite, visit the website here or email their events coordinator at wavelengthssalonweddings@gmail.com.

The Newport Experience Welcomes New General Manager and Assistant General Manager of Stone House Inn

Stone House Inn, located in Little Compton RI, has named Teresa O’Connor as its new General Manager

and Sara Oliveira its new Assistant General Manager.

The Newport Experience is delighted to announce the appointment of Teresa O’Connor as the new General Manager and Sara Oliveira as Assistant General Manager of Stone House Inn, which recently reopened for the season.

In her new role as General Manager, O’Connor will oversee the day-to-day operations of the 4-story, 16-guestroom inn with a history dating back to 1854. 

Prior to joining the inn, O’Connor served as the Club Manager of the Sakonnet Golf Club, a position she held for 9 years, where she worked directly under the Board of Directors to enhance member experience and club culture. 

Earlier in her career, she served as an instructor of hands-on training for Life Raft & Survival Equipment based in Tiverton, RI, and managed life raft rental fleet for offshore races and recreational use.

“I am very excited to be at another historic location in town that has so much to offer,” said O’Connor. “With Sara, Joe and additional staff joining us, we will continue to make the Stone House the special place that it has been for many generations.” 

Oliveira has joined the Stone House as the Assistant General Manager, sharing a common vision of hospitality and operations as Teresa.  She has been well known in Little Compton for many years. Oliveira and her husband started Compton Clambakes in 2001, providing the local Little Compton area with catering and dramatic onsite clam bakes for many weddings and private parties. Sara also opened Charlotte’s in Westport for additional catering and dining offerings. 

O’Connor and Oliveira are longtime residents of Little Compton, RI and have known each other around town and in the hockey community for years. Engaging with the community will be a key focus for them and together they will be a dynamic team. 

Their enthusiasm and dedication to providing the highest standards of customer service will be a great asset to the Stone House Inn.

About the Stone House Inn

The Stone House is a seaside, historic inn located in the quaint, farming community of Little Compton, RI, sitting on 2.7 acres near the tip of Sakonnet Point. The property features 16 spacious and well-appointed guest rooms and suites, beach access, and a fire pit. There is also a renovated barn on the grounds that features guest rooms and a beautiful function space with an outdoor terrace and panoramic water views.

For more information or to make a reservation at Stone House Inn, call 401-635-2222 or visit www.newportexperience.com.

About The Newport Experience

The Newport Experience is a hospitality company specializing in oceanfront weddings, social events and corporate retreats in Newport, RI. Our portfolio of fine properties includes: OceanCliff Hotel on famed Ocean Drive, Safari Room Restaurant, Stone House Inn, Regatta Place, Goat Island Marina and Schooner Aurora.

Steeped in Newport’s rich sailing legacy and stirring with New England tradition, the Newport Experience offers guests the unique seclusion and spectacular beauty of a private oceanfront getaway. From corporate functions to weddings and rehearsal dinners, our illustrious group of event specialists will guide you through every step to ensure an unforgettable affair for you and your guests.

Newport Experience properties are conveniently located just minutes from downtown Newport, 90 minutes from Boston and 3 hours from New York City.

For more information, visit www.newportexperience.com.

Media Contact

Kristen Ciejka, Marketing Director, The Newport Experience

kristen@newportexperience.com

(401) 619-7968

Happy International Women’s Day: The Women of The Newport Experience

Happy International Women’s Day! Today we would like to recognize and celebrate the inspiring women of The Newport Experience. Their incredible work ethic and enthusiasm show us what it means to empower others each and every day. We thank them for their hard work, dedication, and commitment to making our organization a better place every day. Thank you for all that you do!

Featured Vendor: Buono Events

Are you looking for entertainment for your next event? Buono Events provides clients with an unmatched entertainment experience and is sure to create everlasting memories for you and your guests.

Not sure if you want a DJ, a band, or maybe you want both at your next event? Buono Events can do it all! They work exclusively with the New York based band Hudson Horns. Hudson Horns has multiple, dynamic ensembles comprised of professionally trained musicians; all of whom bring unparalleled talent and high-energy performances to stages and dance floors everywhere. Buono Events strives to surpass the typical DJ experience by combing vast musical knowledge, taste, personality and style into one-of-a-kind engaging performances.

In addition to band and DJ services, they also have an open-air photo booth. A photo booth is a great way to get some fun photos of your friends, family, and colleagues at any event.

The owner of Buono Events, Joe Del Buono said, “We have been fortunate enough to experience many levels of success within the events industry by providing an unparalleled service and garnering 5 star acclaim at every single turn.”

We love working with them and we will know you and your guests will love them too!

Mention this blog post when inquiring and receive 5% off of your event package with Buono Events.

Contact them here for more information!

 

Newport Voted #1 Most Friendly Place in the USA

Come visit the most friendly place in the United States!

Newport was recently voted the friendliest place in the USA from a survey conducted on Booking.com.

 

 

 

 

 

A recent survey on Booking.com showed that 76% of people say that their motivation to travel is to boost their mood, and this year the city of Newport is proud to have received the top honors as being the most welcoming place in the USA.

The awards are based on traveler’s reviews on Booking.com, along with the amount of awarded accommodations in each city, and recognize everything from excellence in staffing to cleanliness to safety.

 “We see so many positive reviews for outstanding hospitality at hotels, bed & breakfasts, and vacation rentals across this New England city,” says Ben Harrell, managing director, US at Booking.com

We are excited that Newport has received this recognition and if you would like to read the full Forbes article visit the link here!

Featured Vendor: Newport Charter Group

Nothing says Newport summer like a cruise around Narragansett Bay.

Our friends at the NEWPORT CHARTER GROUP recently invited us aboard the stunning Camelot for a spin around the harbor and we’re so glad they did! We hopped on at Goat Island and enjoyed a yummy gourmet picnic provided by Karma Kitchen & Catering.

Enjoy a private yachting experience and explore Newport Harbor on the beautiful 33’ Camelot. Thoughtfully named, Camelot draws its inspiration from 1930s antique American commuter boats.

The purity of its classic lines and the refinement of its luxury woodwork make Camelot one of the most attractive boats in Newport. Camelot has a roomy cockpit and vast salon which allows plenty of room for both interior and exterior seating.

Newport Charter offers small group private cocktail cruises around Newport for up to 6 passengers. They also cater to special requests, including weddings, engagements, dinners, bachelor and bachelorette parties, and seasonal events like the Newport Folk and Jazz festivals.

Their most popular package is a 1 hour 45 minute cruise through the harbor.

When you charter Camelot, the entire boat is yours. This privacy allows the captain to tailor the cruise to your liking, creating a personalized and memorable experience. It’s a great way to share the “newport experience” with friends or family.

**Mention this post and code “GOAT” and receive 10% off your private charter**

CONTACT:

Newport Charter Group

1 Goat Island Rd.

Newport, RI 02840

http://www.newportchartergroup.com/

info@newportchartergroup.com

401-619-8034