After
a wonderfully refreshing day in Mystic I awoke with a smile on my face. It was
a day I was counting down to. I was going to visit a hotel infamous for its
beauty, location, and food. I was headed to Westerly, Rhode Island to the Ocean
House.
A
few months prior to my visit I had stumbled upon this treasure in my Conde Nast
Traveler magazine. The first glance of this magnificently yellow imposing
building took my breath away. I was instantly drawn to it. I knew at once I had
to go there so I immediately put down my magazine and picked up my phone. First
I had to know where it was I was going to travel. When I realized it was in
Rhode Island I put it back a ways in the master file bucket list I keep in my mind.
But to my surprise it would get bumped up to the top.
My
friend who lived in Mystic pointed out how close Ocean House was to her house,
about a thirty minute or so drive. She had been there before and suggested when
we were planning my trip to visit that we have brunch there. I was only
originally focused on just staying at the Hotel but now I was learning that
their killer brunch would lure me there sooner than I dreamed. It was a
win-win-win. I would get to see my bestie, see Ocean House, and have an
unforgettable experience. These are most of my favorite things to do.
On
the morning of, I put on my Sunday best and we headed out. The drive was
magical as was the weather we were having that day in July 2014. It was warm
but the simmering sunshine seemed to show the elated aura around us.
As
we pulled up to the valet, the House was everything I imagined and more as I
was still standing outside. I wondered further to the front to take in all in.
It was standing big, tall, and proud. It was just there batting its eyelashes
at me knowing I was there just to admire it. I felt like it was flirting with
me, just bursting at the seams for me to see what was inside. While my
excitement was reaching its peak I didn’t want it to go too fast. I wanted each
step, each sight to wash over me. I wanted to notice every detail. As I did
each moment was greater than the next.
When
you walk up the stairs the House seems to grow even bigger as you look up at
it. Upon entering it does not disappoint. I didn’t know where to look first: at
the elegant furnishings, the alluring hard wood floors, or the food I was
beginning to smell. But before I could focus on any one area my eyes were
immediately drawn out toward the ocean. From the title of this hotel it is no
big surprise that it is right on the ocean. But boy what the title can’t do is
describe how INCREDIBLY beautiful a site it is. A site for sore eyes I believe
the expression is.
As
my party was guided into the restaurant the table we were heading for was right
by the big window looking out on the water. My God what a view! It couldn’t
have been a prettier day or time of year to be there. It was quite
serendipitous.
While
I calmly sat and soaked it all in I could hardly believe my eyes. Besides
choosing your own entrees and one of the many delicious looking cocktails they
were serving (including a mini bar just for you to make your own Bloody Mary’s
from an assortment of ingredients) you got to look through an entire room of
food. It reminded me of being in Harrods in London, except that there weren’t
separate rooms divided by food category but close enough.
There
were mountains of breads- anything from muffins to croissants to dinner rolls.
There were mounds of cheeses from sharp cheddar to rarer breeds. There was soup
for those craving lunch, a huge raw oyster bar, array of high quality salads,
customable crepes, and a table as long enough to sit the twelve Apostles
holding miniature versions of all of the greatest desserts in the world.
Besides
these “buffet” items you also got to pick a specific entrée from eight delicate
breakfast or lunch choices as they were. I was torn at first but I just went
with the first item I read which were two eggs scrambled served with Applewood
bacon. It sounded so simple yet so irresistible. By the time it was placed in
front of me I was overwhelmed.
I
went for the soup even though I wasn’t really in the mood for it. But it was
New England clam chowder and I thought it would have to be amazing here, and
boy was it! I have only had it one other in time, in Rhode Island oddly enough
but it was an excellent part of my birthday dinner (see blogs below).
Next
I tried some of a crepe filled with strawberries, had picked on some cheese and
bread, and then it was time for my eggs. Lucky the portion was just right and I
had time to digest before going up to look at the desserts. I say digest but it
was more like taking a few deep breathes you know you won’t have room for in a
few minutes.
Since
the desserts were all perfected pint sized you were able to get a taste without
having to settle on just one. I bit a few from the desserts my group and I had
brought back to the table but I was just too stuffed to enjoy any more. I felt
like I got full so quickly and it would take a multitude of trips to be able to
conquer those food filled rooms. I left knowing in a few short hours or days
that I would be craving something I left behind. I hate that.
Once
brunch was officially over, we made our way out of the rooms that had catered
to my every whim and I began to take some photos of the entry way that I didn’t
get to while I was walking in with my mouth on the floor. We were heading
towards the pool and ultimately the ocean. I had thought I would walk on the
beach or around the town that afternoon but I was way too hot and full. Plus
once I got to the pool it was all I could do not to jump in while wearing my
sundress.
This
pool area, which includes a fountain like spring and shallow wading area, was
one of the most gorgeous places I have ever seen. It was so picture perfect I
felt like I was walking onto a Hollywood set. The sun seemed to dance upon the
water and I felt the invitation to join in growing stronger and stronger. But
alas I controlled myself. But now I know why I could only afford to have brunch
here in the summer, and not spend the weekend. Although from everything I saw
the price is most definitely worth it. I am definitely starting to save up.
From
the pool we walked from the back of the hotel to the front to retrieve our car
from the valet. I felt like a Kennedy, you know minus the tragedies.
I
felt a surge of sadness creep over me as we piled back in and drove back
towards Connecticut. I kept my eyes on Ocean House until we were out of sight.
Our glorious adventure was over, for now. From there I was getting in the car
and heading back home. My dream had become a reality and then it went back to
being a dream. But the memories will certainly last me a lifetime.
If
you are interested in having a brand new high end brunch experience and you
can’t make it to Rhode Island just yet, not to worry there are many exotic
locations you can visit instead. For ideas check out CNN’s top ten list (http://www.cntraveler.com/galleries/2014-11-05/four-seasons-sofitel-the-venetian-ultimate-hotel-brunches/10). I know for sure I am going to
have brunch at the Four Seasons in New York City at some point this year.
I
now know the many wonderful reasons Ocean House was rated as the number five
hotel in the WORLD, according to Travel and Leisure magazine in 2014.
I
can only imagine and hope to find out soon how much better it feels to stay
there.
For
More Activities and Food in Rhode Island:
For
a Great Place to Stay in Rhode Island:
For
More Information:
It was a great time with great friends and great food. xoxo
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