There comes a moment—right in the thick of endless emails buzzed as “urgent” and a taxi stuck in an unyielding gridlock—when the need to escape becomes undeniable. Living in the city, with its relentless rhythm, can tighten its grip on you, squeezing out your sense of leisure and peace. When you hit that wall, there’s only one sensible thing to do: pack up and make your way to the coast.
Just a few hours from New York, past the rush of commuter towns and busy highways, you’ll find a slice of New England shoreline that has long served as a refuge for those who truly understand how to embrace life. Welcome to Watch Hill, Rhode Island—a serene locale that feels worlds away from the cacophony of honking taxis and back-to-back meetings, yet is conveniently close enough for a quick getaway. Perched atop a windswept bluff that overlooks the Atlantic Ocean is Ocean House, a striking establishment painted in sunshine yellow.
This grand dame of the Gilded Age is not just a hotel; it’s been a sanctuary for over a century, beckoning those who aspire to breathe in fresh sea air, unwind in civilized leisure, and immerse themselves in a rhythm that makes everyday worries feel insignificant. At Ocean House, time slows down. Here, tradition reigns, and your toughest choice might just be whether to indulge in another glass of champagne or have the valet fetch the vintage Jaguar for a scenic coastal drive.
When you step onto the property, the experience begins to unfold like a well-scripted play. Luxury cars such as Bentleys and Aston Martins glide into the circular drive, attended to by valets clad in smart navy blazers who carry themselves with quiet professionalism. Beyond the porte-cochère, the expansive ocean stretches toward the horizon, where sailboats dance in the waves, complemented by the iconic, candy-striped Watch Hill Lighthouse. The 13-acre estate is a model of understated elegance—lush croquet lawns, hydrangea-framed tennis courts, and a private beach lined with navy-striped umbrellas standing sovereign over golden sand.
As you walk inside, the essence of the place becomes even more palpable. The lobby, with its soaring ceilings and polished wooden floors, strikes a balance between grandeur and intimacy. You’ll find a captivating collection of New England art adorning the walls and antique furnishings that pay homage to the hotel’s illustrious history. The rooms and suites maintain that equilibrium of majesty and comfort—think marble bathrooms with deep soaking tubs, luscious linens that practically call your name after a sun-soaked day, and terraces that invite in the salty ocean breeze at daybreak.
For those yearning for an extraordinary experience, the Tower Suite stands as Ocean House’s pièce de résistance. Sprawling over multiple levels, this unique refuge is designed for individuals who admire the finer points of coastal living. Its interior is effortlessly sophisticated, showcasing custom furnishings and rich wood floors that echo the natural palette of the sea. The defining feature of this suite? A panoramic lookout window that offers an unobstructed view of the Atlantic, changing its colors with the day’s light. A private terrace becomes your personal observation deck to soak in the sunrise, while a luxurious marble bathroom, complete with a deep soaking tub and rainfall shower, guarantees that every moment of solitude feels wonderfully indulgent.
At Ocean House, luxury isn’t defined by excess; it’s about refinement. Meals are leisurely, enjoyed with oysters and Sancerre on the veranda, exquisite prix-fixe dinners at COAST, or a seafood tower overflowing with the rich bounty of Rhode Island’s waters. The OH! Spa offers treatments infused with the essence of the sea that melt away any remaining stress from city living. You can also lose yourself on the private beach or unwind in the heated saltwater lap pool, embraced by the tranquility of your surroundings.
And as time ticks on, it isn’t marked by the relentless pressure of appointments or deadlines but by the fluid hues of the Atlantic, the gentle rhythm of waves meeting the shore, and the occasional tinkle of crystal clinking against silverware. Ocean House isn’t just an escape; it’s a chance to recalibrate your life. It’s a reminder that living well isn’t just an aspiration but an art form that deserves to be celebrated with grace and ease. Your journey back to that very notion begins the moment you step through those iconic doors.
Image Source: GreMaWi / Shutterstock
