There comes a moment—somewhere between the third email marked "urgent" and the taxi that refuses to move in gridlock—when the need to escape becomes non-negotiable. City-life, with its relentless pulse, has a way of tightening its grip, demanding more, offering little in return. When that moment arrives, there is only one thing to do: head for the coast.
Just a few hours from New York, beyond the commuter towns and crowded highways, lies a stretch of New England coastline that has long been the refuge of those who understand the art of living well. This is Watch Hill, Rhode Island—a world away from the honking cabs and endless meetings, yet effortlessly within reach. It is here, atop a windswept bluff overlooking the Atlantic, that Ocean House stands in all its sun-drenched, buttercup-yellow glory.
A grand dame of the Gilded Age, Ocean House has been a sanctuary for over a century, drawing America’s elite with the promise of sea air, civilized leisure, and an unhurried rhythm that makes the rest of the world feel inconsequential. This is not merely a hotel; it is an institution—a place where time slows, where tradition reigns, and where the only pressing decision is whether to take another flute of champagne or let the valet retrieve the vintage Jaguar for a drive along the coast.
From the moment you arrive, the theater of Ocean House unfolds. Bentleys and Aston Martins ease into the circular drive as valets in navy blazers move with a quiet precision. Beyond the porte-cochère, the ocean stretches to the horizon, dotted with sailboats and the iconic candy-striped Watch Hill Lighthouse. The 13-acre estate is a masterclass in restrained opulence—emerald croquet lawns, hydrangea-framed tennis courts, and a private beach where navy-striped umbrellas stand sentinel over golden sand.
Step inside, and the sense of place deepens. The lobby, with its soaring ceilings and gleaming wood floors, is both polished and intimate. Throughout the property, a museum-worthy collection of New England art lines the walls, while antique furnishings nod to the hotel’s storied past. The rooms and suites strike the perfect balance of grandeur and comfort—marble bathrooms with deep soaking tubs, plush linens that beckon after long days in the sun, and terraces where the Atlantic’s salty breeze drifts in at dawn.
For those seeking an unparalleled experience, the Tower Suite is the crown jewel of Ocean House. Spanning multiple levels, this one-of-a-kind retreat is designed for those who appreciate the finer details of coastal living. Its interiors are understated yet meticulously curated, featuring custom furnishings, rich wood floors, and a palette inspired by the ever-changing hues of the sea. The suite’s defining feature is its panoramic lookout window—an unbroken view of the Atlantic that transforms with the shifting light of day. A private terrace provides an intimate perch to take in the sunrise over the water, while the marble-clad bathroom, complete with a deep soaking tub and rainfall shower, ensures that even moments of solitude feel indulgent.
Ocean House is not about excess; it is about refinement. Meals unfold as leisurely affairs—oysters and Sancerre on the verandah, a prix-fixe masterpiece at COAST, or a seafood tower stacked with Rhode Island’s maritime riches. The OH! Spa offers sea-infused treatments designed to melt away whatever stress remains from city life, while the private beach and heated saltwater lap pool invite hours of quiet indulgence.
And then there is the passage of time—marked not by the relentless push of schedules and deadlines, but by the shifting hues of the Atlantic, the rhythmic hush of waves meeting sand, and the occasional clink of crystal against silver. Ocean House is not just an escape; it is a recalibration, a reminder that life should be lived with a certain grace, a certain ease. It is a return to the art of living well.
