Posted on October 8, 2021 by Daniel - Wix
The Safari Room at OceanCliff Wins 2021 Tripadvisor Travelers’ Choice Award
The Safari Room at OceanCliff Wins 2021 Tripadvisor Travelers’ Choice Award for Great Service and Experiences
The Safari Room’s Great Diner Reviews Earn it a Place Among Travelers’ Favorites in Newport, RI.
Newport, RI – October 8, 2021 – The Safari Room at OceanCliff today announced it has been recognized as a 2021 Travelers’ Choice award winner for Great Services and Experiences. This achievement celebrates businesses that consistently deliver fantastic experiences to diners around the globe, having earned great traveler reviews on Tripadvisor over the last 12 months. As challenging as the past year was, The Safari Room at OceanCliff stood out by continuously delighting diners.
“Congratulations to all the winners of the 2021 Travelers’ Choice Awards,” said Kanika Soni, Chief Commercial Officer at Tripadvisor. “I know the past year has been extremely challenging for tourism businesses. What has impressed me is how businesses adapted to these challenges, implementing new cleanliness measures, adding social distancing guidelines, and utilizing technology to prioritize guest safety. The Travelers’ Choice Awards highlight the places that are consistently excellent – delivering quality experiences time and time again even while navigating changing customer expectations and new ways of working. Based on a full year of reviews from customers, this award speaks to the great service and experience you provided guests in the midst of a pandemic.”
To see diner reviews and popular dishes of The Safari Room at OceanCliff, visit https://bit.ly/SafariRoomTripAdvisorReviews.
About Tripadvisor
Tripadvisor, the world’s largest travel platform, helps hundreds of millions of travelers each month make every trip their best trip. Travelers across the globe use the Tripadvisor site and app to browse more than 878 million reviews and opinions of 8.8 million accommodations, restaurants, experiences, airlines and cruises. Whether planning or on a trip, travelers turn to Tripadvisor to compare low prices on hotels, flights and cruises, book popular tours and attractions, as well as reserve tables at great restaurants. Tripadvisor, the ultimate travel companion, is available in 49 markets and 28 languages.
Posted on July 29, 2021 by Daniel - Wix
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Newport Experience
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What Matters Most – The 5 Ws of Wedding Planning with Susanne Day of The Newport Experience
Updated: Aug 2, 2021
Podcast by Sara Zarrella
Wedding planning isn’t for the faint of heart. There’s hundreds of decision to be made and in the middle of all of those decisions, it can feel hard to know exactly what you really want for your wedding day. That’s why we hosted Susanne Day from Newport Experience to share how to focus in on what matters most when planning your wedding day. After 20 years working in the heart of New England at some of Newport’s most sought after venues, Susanne has 5 easy tips to focus in on what matters most when planning your wedding day!
Please rate, review and subscribe to this podcast wherever you’re listening so you never miss an episode. Even better, share it with a friend! It’s a great way to show your support and let us know what you think. Thank you for listening.
Meet Susanne!
I started working at the Newport Life Magazine in 2000 and then started working for Newport Wedding Magazine and the Newport Bridal Show, I had such a blast those years!! I’ve been with the Newport Experience team since 2014 so I’m still working with couples and vendors, just in a different way than before. When I’m not doing that, I’m gardening, playing tennis or with my friends and family. And I love the Hallmark Channel for movies!
There is so much we can talk about when it comes to helping couples plan their perfect day because you’re truly an expert. But, today, let’s focus on what matters most. How can couples figure out what’s important to them during wedding planning?
When I work with couples, we immediately work to “Focus on What Matters Most” using the 5 W’s. I start with an intro email, then encourage them to call me for a quick 10 minute call to narrow down options. I seriously only need 10 minutes with them to figure out what they really want. Then we connect for a scheduled site tour to meet in person. For me, this approach helps them feel like they are crafting their wedding experience, not just choosing options from a price sheet for their celebration.
Let’s dive into the 5 W’s as you mentioned. What are they?
Absolutely! They’re the 5 questions I ask couples when they begin to plan their wedding:
1. Who (guest count)
2. What (top must haves and non-negotiable)
3. When (season, day/night, midweek/weekend)
4. Where (close to home or destination)
5. Why/How (how do you want to feel?)
That is so helpful and insightful! Can you take us through the process step by step of the 5W’s when it actually comes to planning?
First, The Who. I’ll preface with this: The Who can be super tricky. I generally like to go over this with my couples and their parents so no one feels they’re being called out or attached. My goal is to really help them save money and maximize their time on their wedding day. Everything goes so fast. The people in that room should be who’s absolutely most important to you.
Next, the What. Remember, these are the top must haves and non-negotiable items.
Think about the parties and weddings you have been to and what made them fun/memorable
for you. Now, write those things down and prioritize which is most important to you.
It’s hard, but not everything can be the priority!
When isn’t just the date.
It also refers to the time of day time of week, and which season you want to be married in. If you are laser focused on one specific date there is no flexibility in pricing and availability. If you are very flexible with the date you can maximize your budget and you have more “buying power” for your big day. Weekday, early times, and winter weddings are all typically cheaper events.
Where do you want your wedding?
Rhode Island is a destination for weddings and Newport even more so because there is
so much to do! With lots of options for accommodations and other weekend activities it can become more than one day and a whole itinerary can emerge for your out-of-town guests.
My advice is to plan a two-night stay and check out different restaurants and attractions while you are touring venues to get a feel for how your celebration can be. If that sounds
overwhelming, then stick close to home!
Why/How: How do you want to feel?
Let your wedding be a reflection of how you want your marriage to be. That was the best
advice I got when planning my wedding. If you want your wedding/marriage to be influenced
by other people’s expectations and unsolicited advice then do what others tell you.
How you start your planning matters.
Do you have any tools and tricks that you learned to help couples cut their list and figure out their “who” because that’s always a BIG topic for couples?
1. No work friends: you are with them all day long so naturally you would feel closer to them, but there is always someone that thinks they are closer to you that doesn’t get invited and then things get weird later. These guests (and their plus ones) add up really quickly! An easy solution? Tell them you will all meet up after work for cocktails to celebrate when you get back from your honeymoon.
2. Nobody you haven’t met: You don’t have time for small talk on your wedding day If they are so important to come to your wedding and witness your forever vows, why haven’t you met them yet? Chances are if you don’t make time to spend with them before the wedding—it won’t happen after.
3. No automatic plus ones : I only say this because I have witnessed guests arguing in the parking lot because t’s hard when you don’t know anyone else there. Save your friends from this and don’t automatically offer a plus one to everyone. Solution: If they are in a committed relationship obviously extend that invite. If someone calls and asks about their plus one, make time to meet them beforehand if it’s really important to you/your guest.
4. Family: If you have a HUGE family, consider inviting just the members who are closest to you. I often tell couples to think of who’s “around the Christmas tree every year”. Tell the extended family that you want to have a small intimate wedding and blame the max capacity of the venue if you have to!
5. Parents invited guests: This is tough one. I get it: they have life-long friendships as well as family members that have invited them to their kids weddings over the years and they want to reciprocate. But the reality is the day goes fast for your parents too and they won’t have the time to mingle with those guests. Parents could consider hosting a party at their house for their friends to come celebrate the couple instead!
6. BONUS Tips. So this worked during COVID in 2020 to cut from 200 down to 50—no joke—it’s magic! Remember the first two weeks of COVID when we were in the shut down? Think about the people you still talk to regularly and check in with on a normal basis. Who did you call? Who called you? Parents, siblings, best friends, the other people that reached out—that’s it—there are your 50!
What are some key points that couples should be asking their venue when they are inquiring before they book?
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Always ask what is included and what is not included when it comes to your venue rental.
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“All in, out the door quote” that includes tax so that you can compare venues and what they’re offering you. It’s also nice to avoid any surprises!
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Gratuity! How does the venue handle gratuity? Is it included? If not, then it’s one more thing to consider budgeting for.
Thank you Sara Zarrella for including us on this incredible podcast! Here are some photos taken by Sara Zarrella, one of our favorite photographers!
Posted on July 12, 2021 by Daniel - Wix
Think of Us for Your Next Private Event!
Updated: Jul 16, 2021
Posted on June 16, 2021 by Daniel - Wix
Set Sail Aboard Schooner Aurora
Escape the hustle and bustle of downtown and climb aboard our tall ship, Schooner Aurora, where you’ll witness breathtaking views of Newport and Jamestown as you sail around Narragansett Bay on the 101’ classic schooner.
DOCKSIDE LOBSTER BOIL + SUNSET SAIL
The BEST way to see the City by the Sea this summer….our Lobster Boil + Sunset Sail provides the quintessential Newport evening. Enjoy a dockside, lobster dinner before boarding the Aurora; then sit back and relax as you cruise through Narragansett Bay. Dinner includes fresh, local 1 ¼ lb lobster and corn on the cob, mussels, roasted potatoes, corn bread, or your choice of BBQ chicken.
Select Wednesdays | July – October 2021
July 7
August 11
September 15
October 6
October 13
July – August: Dinner 5-6:30pm | Sail 6:30-8pm
September – October: Sail 5-6:30pm | Dinner 6:30-8pm
*Dinner + sail times switch in September and October
$62 for adults | $33 for children under 12
Cash bar during dinner | BYOB on sail
Reservations are required and space is limited.
WINE + CHEESE SAIL
Back by popular demand! Perfect for “date night” or a fun evening out with friends or family. Join us on Monday evenings as we set sail from Goat Island for a relaxing Wine + Cheese Sail. Bring your favorite bottle of wine and board the Aurora to celebrate summer with a sail around the bay. Enjoy yummy gourmet cheeses, crackers, and fruit on board.
Every Monday beginning July 5th | 6-8pm
$40 for adults 21+ (BYOB)
Reservations are required and space is limited.
MIMOSA SAIL
Calling all Brunch Lovers! Step aboard the Schooner Aurora for a Mimosa Sail and enjoy a relaxing harbor cruise with your favorite brunch beverage. It doesn’t get much better for an afternoon day sail in Newport.
This sail includes three (3) drink tickets and brunch appetizers provided by a crew member on the boat.
Every Sunday beginning July 4th | 11am-1pm
$45 for adults 21+
Reservations are required and space is limited.
STAY + SAIL PACKAGE: OCEANCLIFF + SCHOONER AURORA
The Newport Experience Stay + Sail Package offers the best of both worlds. Whether you’re a Newport local looking for a staycation or planning a visit to our City by the Sea, this exclusive getaway deal is sure to make your visit even more memorable.
Enjoy a cozy stay at OceanCliff Hotel on Ocean Drive and then take to the seas on our very own “tall ship”, Schooner Aurora, and cruise the Narragansett Bay on your choice of one of our fun, themed sails!
All of our Stay + Sail packages include a one-night stay at OceanCliff Hotel, sail tickets for two, transportation to and from Goat Island, and continental breakfast the next morning. Ask us about our multiple night stay discounts.
Posted on May 3, 2021 by Daniel - Wix
Join Our Team at The Newport Experience!
Posted on April 5, 2021 by Daniel - Wix
Where to stay, eat and explore in Newport
Perched on the city’s southwest corner, OceanCliff Resort, formerly the Bronson Villa, is an awe-inducing, lavish castle tucked into 10 acres of rolling lawns that seem to tumble directly into the sea. To complement its oceanfront beauty, the hotel emanates with a 19th-century aura while staying on the forefront of contemporary hospitality. (It’s also one of the top wedding destinations on Aquidneck Island. Read more here…
Posted on March 8, 2021 by Daniel - Wix
Staycation at the Stone House
Updated: Mar 28, 2021
The Stone House has reopened for the 2021 season and we are offering a special rate for our Rhode Island neighbors to come experience beautiful Little Compton in the off season!
Rhode Island residents receive 25% off their booking now through May 27, 2021. Call 401-635-2222 for availability and reservations.
*must present valid Rhode Island identification at check in
Travel may look a little different these days but we can still have a wonderful time exploring our own beautiful backyard. Your stay at the stunning Stone House promises a relaxing experience with soaking tubs and fireplaces in most guest suites. It is the perfect place to relax and unwind.
Our historic, waterfront inn offers spacious guest rooms with modern furnishings, an outdoor fire pit and beach access. Our Wood Barn on the grounds also features five luxury suites and a beautiful function space with an outdoor terrace and gorgeous water views.
While you’re here, explore all that our coastal community has to offer. Discover the best of Little Compton’s dining, beaches, and more.
What’s included: continental breakfast, evening lite bites, and a bottle of wine and cheeseboard upon arrival.
What to do: Hiking, fishing, biking and wine tasting are all available nearby.
Carolyn’s Sakonnet Vineyard
Carolyn’s Sakonnet Vineyard
When you need to get away, come and stay in beautiful Little Compton.
How to Book: Start planning your seaside staycation today by calling 401-635-2222.
We look forward to seeing you soon!
Take a Virtual Tour of the Stone House:
Posted on February 1, 2021 by Daniel - Wix
Mock Wedding at OceanCliff | Training for COVID-19 Event Procedures
Updated: Feb 2, 2021
A Mock Wedding was held at OceanCliff last week and we are excited to share the highlights from that day and some of the procedures that will be in effect for 2021 events.
The event was organized by the Rhode Island Coalition of Wedding & Event Professionals, funded by Rhode Island Commerce, and in partnership with the Rhode Island Department of Health, the Rhode Island Department of Business Regulation, and the Providence Warwick Convention and Visitors Bureau.
The goal was to produce a training video demonstrating how event professionals can host weddings that align with the state’s public health guidelines, implement safety protocols, and lay the foundation for a safe and successful 2021 season for weddings and events
in Rhode Island.
During the event, we introduced the BinaxNOW rapid test — in partnership with the Rhode Island Department of Health — for all vendors and guests that were in attendance. The results were texted to the individual within 15 minutes and anyone with a negative test was able to enter the wedding celebration, with their mask on.
We also introduced, as an innovative concept, the COVID Safety Officer, who assists in maintaining the safety procedures that are in place, including mask wearing, social distancing and all other restrictions. This “Officer” can be an employee of the venue who has gone through the training. They would also assist in providing the COVID testing.
The venue team prepares seating including measuring 6 feet between tables, wiping down seats, and will be masked during the event. Chairs and any touch points will be thoroughly disinfected.
Seating will be outdoors whenever possible. Masks are required for guests and chairs will be set up in pods. Any microphones used during the ceremony will be cleaned and wiped down between users.
Full makeup and hair services are permitted with the artist wearing a mask or face shield.
Kitchen staff prepare meals while remaining socially distant and masked.
Guests will enter the cocktail hour and be seated immediately. Hors d’oeuvres and beverages will be served by waitstaff to the guests at their table. Tables are grouped by household. Masks may be removed while seated.
DJs/bands will be stationed behind plexiglass partitions and will sanitize microphones before and between toasts. Parent and first dances can still occur. During those special moments, masks for those involved in the dance can be removed. Dancing for your guests can occur in “pods” near your table, with masks on.
We are also expecting an increase in guest count in the coming months. While some of these rules and guidelines may change, it’s best to check https://covid.ri.gov/ for current guidelines.
Many thanks to everyone who participated in this mock wedding event,
especially our amazing vendor team!
Posted on January 20, 2021 by Daniel - Wix
Goat Island Marina Is A 2020 Boaters’ Choice Marina!
Updated: Jan 25, 2021
Goat Island Marina offers a quiet, relaxing atmosphere in the “City by the Sea,” only minutes away from downtown Newport. Enjoy breathtaking harbor views while relaxing at your slip, or take a quick shuttle ride into town to experience Newport’s revered shopping and exciting nightlife.
We are excited to share that Goat Island Marina was named a 2020 Boaters’ Choice marina by Marinas.com! Thanks to your patronage and positive feedback, we are among the top 3% of US marinas listed on Marinas.com. Check out what other boaters are saying about Goat Island Marina on our Marinas.com profile page here. And for the full list of Boaters Choice marinas, head on over to the Boaters’ Choice winners page on Marinas.com.
Thank you for your support throughout 2020 – we can’t wait to see what 2021 has in store!
Posted on December 21, 2020 by Daniel - Wix
An elegant, vintage-inspired winter wedding in Newport, Rhode Island.
When interviewed the bride said “I want the theme to feel like Queen Victoria goes to the Alps.” We wanted a castle-like venue with a moodier color palette. A towering wedding cake was another must-have! In addition to the vintage feel, she also wanted a menu that reflected the couple’s love of travel. On their wedding invitations, guests chose whether they wanted to dine in France, Italy or Seattle (the couple’s hometown). The entrees that correlated with each location were dishes reflective of that style cuisine. An upbeat reception with a killer after party was also on the wish list. As a surprise to all of her guests, the bride brought in Saved by the 90’s to keep the party going after the reception ended. Guests moved from the ballroom to the Safari Room and kept the fun going all evening.
