Newport may be known for its summertime fun, but this seacoast city offers rich and robust fun all winter long. Just a short two-hour drive south, head to Goat Island’s Gurney’s Newport Resort & Marina for a relaxing weekend getaway. The 10-acre property (formerly a Hyatt Regency) underwent an $18 million renovation and reopened in 2017 as an upscale resort with every amenity under the sun. Named one of the Top Resorts in New England in Condé Nast Traveler’s 2019 Readers’ Choice Awards, Gurney’s won’t disappoint.
New York interior designer Peter Max Bowen transformed the property into a sophisticated yet playful seaside paradise with ultra-luxurious touches. Gurney’s becomes a winter wonderland between December and February, offering guests breathtaking views of the water along with outdoor firepits, an ice skating rink, multisensory-themed igloos, and a lighthouse decked out with Christmas lights and a giant wreath.
Surrounded by Narragansett Bay, the award-winning hotel feels like an exclusive resort on a private island; however, just a quick car or trolley ride away are sensational boutiques and restaurants in downtown Newport.
The playful “winter” grounds offer 360-degree water views of Newport Harbor, and a delightful place to come with family and friends for an ice skating party. After a morning of skating, head to the tranquil Seawater Spa, which offers treatments to relax, calm, rejuvenate, and foster a sense of well-being. If you don’t skate, the hotel also offers a fitness center, heated indoor pool, and amazing yoga and Pilates classes by instructors from the Newport Community Yoga.
Be sure to make reservations at the hotel’s trendy Scarpetta, part of an iconic Italian restaurant group from New York. Open year round, the restaurant offers Scarpetta’s signature classics as well as seasonal dishes, seafood sourced locally, and a world-class wine list. Start with the crudi, a tuna “suschi” with marinated vegetables and preserved truffle or the diver scallops. Then move on to the second course—try the simple spaghetti or indulge in something a bit more sophisticated, like the duck and foie gras ravioli. The chef also prepares a veal tenderloin with gnocchi alla romana, cooked to perfection.
Winter Fun at Gurney’s
Ice Skate by the Sea
Gurney’s skating rink is open now through March 1. Hours: Monday – Friday 2 – 9 p.m. Saturday & Sunday 10 a.m. – 9 p.m. For holidays, including winter break, the rink will be open 10 a.m. – 9p.m. General admission is $10 for adults and $5 for children 12 and under. Skate rentals are $7.
This year, guests and locals are encouraged to “Donate to Skate” by bringing any item of clothing to receive complimentary skate rentals. Gurney’s is partnering with the Big Brothers, Big Sisters of Rhode Island.
Après Skate Menu
Warm up with Gurney’s après skate experience at the lounge and firepit, featuring a seasonal menu with dishes like classic cheese fondue, chili cornbread, and cocktails including naughty hot chocolate and spiked cider.
Cozy Up in an Igloo
Snag that perfect Instagram photo and cozy up in one of Gurney’s heated igloos overlooking the Narragansett Bay. Each igloo has its own theme, including Winter Wonderland, Tropical Oasis, and Fortune Teller, complete with their own design, activities, and cocktail pairings.
Ring in the New Year
Celebrate New Year’s Eve at Gurney’s. Spend the night at the lounge and firepit with DJ sets and enjoy hors d’oeuvres with a libation.
For inquiries or reservations, call visit gurneyresorts.com.
Christmas at the Newport Mansions
Run by the Preservation Society of Newport County, The Breakers, The Elms, and Marble House—three National Historic Landmarks and icons of the Gilded Age in America—are decked out for the holidays. Visiting during the holiday season allows you to experience these early 20th century mansions for the wealthiest families in America in the most opulent way.
