At The Newport Experience, we specialize in turning dream events into reality at our stunning oceanfront venues, rich with Newport’s sailing legacy and New England charm. From weddings to corporate functions, our dedicated team ensures every event is unforgettable. Beyond hosting events, we’re proud to give back to the community by donating private charters on our 101’ Schooner Aurora to local charitable organizations. Led by a talented team of professionals, we’re committed to excellence and always looking ahead to elevate our brand and enhance guest experiences. Read more about our journey and vision for 2025, featured in HeyRhody.
The much-anticipated YachtDoc Bash Friendraiser, held at OceanCliff on March 1, celebrated a special milestone—newportFILM’s 15th anniversary—while raising an impressive $50,000 to support its year-round documentary programming. The celebration blended style, music, and good vibes, all while supporting an amazing cause.
Kicking Things Off in Style | The night kicked off with stunning views of Narragansett Bay as guests arrived in their best yacht rock-inspired attire—think oversized sunglasses, flowy blazers, and retro vibes. The festive atmosphere set the stage for dancing, cocktails, and an unforgettable time.
The Yacht Rock Theme Was On Point | Inspired by the YACHT ROCK: A DOCUMENTARY screening from newportFILM’s November 2024 lineup, the event fully embraced the chill yet stylish essence of yacht rock. Guests went all-in with their outfits, channeling the best of the ‘70s and ‘80s, adding a playful throwback vibe to the night.
Good Food, Good Drinks, and Even Better Vibes | Of course, the YachtDoc Bash wasn’t just about the theme—it was about great food, yummy cocktails, and a non-stop party. Guests were treated to delicious bites, refreshing signature drinks, and live music that had everyone up and dancing.
The raffle was also a big hit, offering everything from exclusive experiences to luxury goodies. It added an extra layer of fun and kept the crowd engaged throughout the event.
Supporting a Cause That Matters | The YachtDoc Bash was not only a celebration but also a fundraiser for newportFILM, with proceeds supporting their year-round programming, including the summer Outdoors series and educational initiatives. We’re proud to support such an important cause that enriches the Newport community.
Huge Thanks to Our Partners | A big shoutout to our amazing event partners, Ryan Designs and Gold’s Wine and Spirits, whose contributions helped make the night even more special. Their creativity and support really elevated the event and brought the entire vision to life.
A Night to Remember | As the night wrapped up, it was clear the YachtDoc Bash was a major hit. Guests left with smiles, memories, and a sense of pride knowing they’d supported an incredible cause. At OceanCliff, we love hosting events that bring people together, and this was a perfect example of combining fun, culture, and philanthropy into one unforgettable night.
We can’t wait for more events like this and are excited to see what’s next for newportFILM.
We had an absolute blast participating in the seventh annual Mac & Cheese Smackdown during the Newport Winter Festival! The event was held at the Newport Marriott, and the atmosphere was electric as foodies flooded in, ready to sample and vote for the best mac-n-cheese. The competition was real, with a total of twelve incredible local restaurants competing for the top spot, and we were thrilled to be part of it all.
The day was filled with endless flavors—it was no small task to choose the best among so many creative and delicious takes on mac-n-cheese. Our dish—a rich four-cheese mac (gouda, gruyere, parmesan, and extra sharp cheddar)—was topped off with brown butter parmesan toasted breadcrumbs, which we proudly presented to the crowd.
The competition began with Wharf Southern Kitchen and their Guinness cheese sauce mac, followed by Safari Room showcasing our signature four-cheese blend. From there, the tasting journey continued with everything from brisket-loaded macs to lobster Florentine creations. Despite the amazing variety of dishes, the response to our mac-n-cheese was fantastic, with many voters praising its creamy texture and savory breadcrumbs. We loved hearing feedback and seeing how each unique take sparked different opinions. Some even suggested that the competition needed categories like “Best Classic” and “Most Creative,” and we couldn’t agree more—it was such a fun, dynamic event!
At 3:30pm, the winners were announced. We were absolutely thrilled to take home third place—and even more excited to be recognized for having the best décor of the event! The entire experience was a fantastic reminder of the amazing talent and creativity within our community. The winners from Rising Tide Barbeque—an impressive first-year contender—deservedly took the first-place spot, and Skiff Bar came in second, with everyone celebrating the spirit of the competition.
It was a day filled with delicious mac, camaraderie, and friendly competition. Thank you to everyone who voted for our dish and made this such a memorable experience for all of us at Safari Room! We’ll definitely be back next year, ready to cook up more cheesy goodness and bring even more fun to the festival!
Big news, friends! Our beloved OceanCliff Hotel has been featured in Style Me Pretty, and we couldn’t be more excited! If you haven’t seen it yet, stop what you’re doing (okay, maybe finish reading this first) and check out the full article here.
This wedding was an absolute chef’s kiss of elegance, romance, and straight-up Mediterranean magic. Imagine soft ocean breezes, sun-kissed stone terraces, and an aesthetic that screams “Santorini meets Newport.” The couple, inspired by their love for all things coastal and European, transformed our waterfront venue into a dreamy escape worthy of a destination wedding—without the hassle of a passport!
From the moment guests arrived, they were greeted with crisp whites and ocean blues, lush greenery, and candle-lit ambiance that made the whole evening feel like a scene from a romantic movie. And let’s talk about the food—because, let’s be honest, no Mediterranean-inspired wedding is complete without a feast. We’re talking fresh seafood, artisanal cheeses, and olive-oil-drizzled everything. Bellissimo!
The ceremony took place on our picturesque lawn, overlooking Narragansett Bay, where the couple exchanged vows with the Atlantic as their witness. (Cue the collective aww from all of us.) The reception? A lively celebration with dancing under the stars, breathtaking views, and a whole lot of love.
It’s always an honor to be part of such special moments, and we’re thrilled that Style Me Pretty recognized the magic of this day. If you’re dreaming of a wedding that feels like an effortless European getaway without leaving the U.S., OceanCliff is calling your name.
Check out the full feature and get inspired—your dream wedding could be next!
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.
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? 🌸🍾
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! 🎉💕
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.
OceanCliff Hotel in Newport, RI, was the enchanting backdrop for an unforgettable evening as we hosted the book launch and cocktail party for “The Wedding People” on August 7th. This bestselling book, which draws inspiration from the timeless elegance and charm of our very own venue, brought together guests for a night of celebration, conversation, and literary delight.
The event took place on the Upper Deck at OceanCliff, offering breathtaking views of Narragansett Bay. The highlight of the evening was undoubtedly the conversation between the author, Alison Espach and fellow author, Beatriz Williams. Attendees were captivated as she shared insights into the inspiration behind the novel, revealing how the grandeur and history of OceanCliff served as the perfect muse for her story.
As the evening came to a close, guests left with signed copies of the book, a deeper connection to the story, and memories of a beautiful night spent at OceanCliff. We were thrilled to have hosted such a wonderful event and look forward to many more evenings where literature, history, and hospitality come together to create something truly special.
OceanCliff has long been a place where stories unfold, and on this magical August evening, “The Wedding People” became a part of our own story. Here’s to many more chapters to come!
In case you need an excuse to enjoy a midweek outing, we’ve got you covered! Join us on the Safari Room lawn at OceanCliff on Wednesdays all summer long for our Whispering Wednesdays series, featuring Whispering Angel rosé.
Bring your friends and soak in the views overlooking the Narragansett Bay from the comfort of our Adirondack chairs. You won’t find a better way to beat the summer heat than sitting under the shade of our pink umbrellas with the salty sea breeze blowing off the bay!
For a classic experience, enjoy a “Bucket of Roses” (a team favorite!), which includes four mini bottles of Whispering Angel rosé. If you’re looking for something a little stronger, we’re also serving up specialty rosé cocktails featured only on Wednesdays or take our Sales Manager, Susanne Day’s, advice and “ask the Safari bartenders to make a ‘Tequila Cosmo.’ It’s pink for Whispering Wednesdays and a favorite for summer 2024 in Newport.”
Our Lite Bites menu is available all day and our full menu starts at 4pm. You’ll find plenty of delicious pairing options from raw bar and small plates to our signature charcuterie board and lobster roll.
You can’t miss this quintessential summer activity – so grab a friend, snag a seat, and join us on the lawn where we’ll be pouring rosé all Wednesday long!
Rhode Island author Alison Espach presents her new novel THE WEDDING PEOPLE, set at a fictional seaside Newport hotel. Where better to celebrate than with a cocktail reception at the venue that inspired the book?
August 7, 2024 4-6 PM
Tickets are $75 and include admission to the reception, a signed copy of the book, hors d’oeuvres and a cash bar. The Safari Room Restaurant will be open for dinner after the event.
Join us for an unforgettable summer evening at OceanCliff with Alison Espach!
