A Perfect 10: Ode to the Ocean House

The lap pool, open 24/7, is right off the OH! Spa.

I can't begin to tell you how pretty the Ocean House in Watch Hill, Rhode Island is. I really can't. It was the height of luxury. I wanted to write more when there, but between my cold keeping me up most of the one night we slept there and our spa and interview appointments, I didn't have much time. Then I drove five hours yesterday [a two-hour round trip to Newport and then back home] so had to take Nyquil and immediately hit the hay. But I'm not complaining, no sir.

Here's my love list: 

1. The beach. We were right on the water. There were cabanas, and a little beach path to follow. In the spa Relaxation Room, you recline on a plush chaise lounge looking out over the sea. Your hear the waves, breathe the air. Tonic for the soul. We had a beautiful ocean view from our room, too. You can see Block Island from the Seaside Terrace restaurant and on a clear day, Montauk, Long Island, too.
2. The restaurant, Seasons. It's all about farm-to-table. Incredible. Thumbelina carrots, fresh scallops, just-picked herbs, and butter [for the warm rolls] that was beyond belief. It was creamy and rich and I felt like it was brought to me in that perfectly round disc straight from the farm right after churning. And the small plate of Agnolotti--a kind of tiny, tender ravioli made with fresh local hen eggs--was one of the most delicious things I've ever eaten. I sopped up every last drop of sauce with my rosemary roll. The chocolate bombe for dessert was also excellent--rich and creamy. My spoon just sunk right in. Figgy loved the food, too. She had a mocktail made with peach puree, a raisin pecan roll and some special stuffed chicken breast with cauliflower, kale and walnuts on the side. And the room service breakfast, with a miniature orchid plant on the tray? The little warm currant scones are the best I've ever had, way better than the Plaza Hotel, Bergdorf's, a lot of places. They were warm, tender, melt-in-your-mouth, again slathered [by me] with that farm butter--and eaten at a table on our private deck over the sea.
3. The big soaking bathtub. Could easily fit two people. Had tray across it to hold TV remote, candle, etc. The Molton Brown bath gel took it over the top.
4. The room. Ours was painted a beautiful blue. The bed was high, deep and comfortable. There were robes and flip flops waiting for us, and a little fridge stocked with sodas and waters [no extra vanity bar charges, included with room]. Also: jars full of salted nuts, trail mix and chocolate-covered malted milk balls for us to enjoy. And on the tea tray when we walked in: fresh apricots and muffins.
5. The boutique. I already went on about that, but I loved it. The little shop also has cashmere wraps, watches, handbags, shoes and estate jewelry. A golden charm bracelet with dozens of miniature charms on it was priced @ $2,800. Oh, the stories those dainty little trinkets could tell. Who gave the woman the bracelet? Did she start it as a young girl? Did she live in Rhode Island, anywhere near Newport or Watch Hill? Where did she get each charm? What happened to her? And no daughter or niece to pass the jewelry on to? Or did said niece or daughter sell it?
6. The croquet lawn. Ah yes, perhaps in another life, I will play this game, mallet in hand. We saw people playing in croquet whites--the V-neck sweaters, the pants. So elegant and ageless.
7. Bay Street. We walked over while waiting for our room. Saw old, old carousel, store where Figgy got flat T-strap sandals with black feathers and faux gemstones on them. [She paid $20, her weekly allowance, and I paid the $28 balance.] Young saleswoman named Breezy. Cute name for someone living in a place right on the water.
8. The OH! Spa. My favorite was the Fresh Herb Harvest Glow body scrub--with a special cornmeal mixture that contained sea salt and lavender buds. And Midnight Honey Bath & Beauty Oil after. The products used are organic, by Farmaesthetics. My skin felt so soft; I felt so pampered. Figgy was wowed by the Beach Stone Massage, with hot stones from the beach. And in the Relaxation Room, after your treatment, you are offered homemade granola, raw fruit bars, nuts, tea and water [Would you like sparkling, still or fruited, Ms. Hurley?] The bars are incredible, wrapped in parchment paper so you can tuck in your bag, as I did. Made with sweet dried fruits, brown sugar, butter....true treat.
9. The staff. The historic Ocean House was renovated and just reopened a year ago. No stone left unturned with impeccable service. We had a a butler on call for our needs. The front desk lends out iPads, and Figgy loved using one. [I did have to sign a form saying we would be responsible for $700 if it wasn't returned.] I was never called Ms. Hurley so much in two days [except maybe on an overnight with my Girl Scouts, and that was so NOT luxurious]. I liked it. And when we left, a parting gift--a turquoise box of four fabulous truffles made in Westerly, R.I.--I'm sorry I didn't stop there! Dark and decadent.
10. Newport--we drove there after checking out by 1 P.M. to interview Brenda Brock, founder and owner of Farmaesthetics, at her little flagship shop in Newport. Loved the drive, the water, the sailboats, the lighthouses, that bridge that climbs high into a peak and then dips again. Brenda's space is lovely, airy, open--it had been an old hotel for years. Now with white punched-tin ceiling, mantel rescued from Newport mansion. We went to the beach in Newport to put our feet in the water for a few minutes. So pretty. Got quick dinner @ Flo's Clam Shack, heard employee say Martha Stewart was there twice. Clam roll not as good as Arnold's or Mac's on Cape Cod but still nice.

Must go to sleep so can tackle boot camp in morning heat. Will bring three bottles of ice water. Good night.

TCOY

1. Walked Sug around block once.
2. Planted pink petunia.
3. Pruned roses and lilacs.