At The Newport Experience, we specialize in turning dream events into reality at our stunning oceanfront venues, rich with Newport’s sailing legacy and New England charm. From weddings to corporate functions, our dedicated team ensures every event is unforgettable. Beyond hosting events, we’re proud to give back to the community by donating private charters on our 101’ Schooner Aurora to local charitable organizations. Led by a talented team of professionals, we’re committed to excellence and always looking ahead to elevate our brand and enhance guest experiences. Read more about our journey and vision for 2025, featured in HeyRhody.
The much-anticipated YachtDoc Bash Friendraiser, held at OceanCliff on March 1, celebrated a special milestone—newportFILM’s 15th anniversary—while raising an impressive $50,000 to support its year-round documentary programming. The celebration blended style, music, and good vibes, all while supporting an amazing cause.
Kicking Things Off in Style | The night kicked off with stunning views of Narragansett Bay as guests arrived in their best yacht rock-inspired attire—think oversized sunglasses, flowy blazers, and retro vibes. The festive atmosphere set the stage for dancing, cocktails, and an unforgettable time.
The Yacht Rock Theme Was On Point | Inspired by the YACHT ROCK: A DOCUMENTARY screening from newportFILM’s November 2024 lineup, the event fully embraced the chill yet stylish essence of yacht rock. Guests went all-in with their outfits, channeling the best of the ‘70s and ‘80s, adding a playful throwback vibe to the night.
Good Food, Good Drinks, and Even Better Vibes | Of course, the YachtDoc Bash wasn’t just about the theme—it was about great food, yummy cocktails, and a non-stop party. Guests were treated to delicious bites, refreshing signature drinks, and live music that had everyone up and dancing.
The raffle was also a big hit, offering everything from exclusive experiences to luxury goodies. It added an extra layer of fun and kept the crowd engaged throughout the event.
Supporting a Cause That Matters | The YachtDoc Bash was not only a celebration but also a fundraiser for newportFILM, with proceeds supporting their year-round programming, including the summer Outdoors series and educational initiatives. We’re proud to support such an important cause that enriches the Newport community.
Huge Thanks to Our Partners | A big shoutout to our amazing event partners, Ryan Designs and Gold’s Wine and Spirits, whose contributions helped make the night even more special. Their creativity and support really elevated the event and brought the entire vision to life.
A Night to Remember | As the night wrapped up, it was clear the YachtDoc Bash was a major hit. Guests left with smiles, memories, and a sense of pride knowing they’d supported an incredible cause. At OceanCliff, we love hosting events that bring people together, and this was a perfect example of combining fun, culture, and philanthropy into one unforgettable night.
We can’t wait for more events like this and are excited to see what’s next for newportFILM.
Exciting news from the historic Stone House Inn! We were recently featured in The Bay magazine for something truly special—our collaboration with the incredibly talented artist, Occipital (a.k.a. Giana Sacco). If you haven’t checked out the full article yet, grab a coffee, get cozy, and dive in here
Giana Sacco, better known in the art world as Occipital, is making waves with her stark, expressive human figures that seem to dance across the canvas. Inspired by motion and emotion, her elongated black-and-white figures have drawn comparisons to Picasso sketches and Giacometti sculptures. And guess what? You don’t have to travel to a big-city gallery to see them—you can experience them right here at Stone House Inn!
These works, ranging from 20×30-inch to 36×72-inch canvases, are part of Occipital’s Form, Perspective, and Fluidity collections. Each piece brings its own story, whether it’s a reflection of the fast-paced energy of New York City or a quiet exploration of movement and space. Nestled amongst the inn’s fireplaces, deep-soaking tubs, and serene coastal atmosphere, these artworks create a one-of-a-kind experience for our guests.
We’re beyond thrilled to have Occipital’s art as part of the Stone House Inn aesthetic and can’t wait for more visitors to appreciate her work in person. So whether you’re here for a weekend getaway, a wedding, or just passing through, make sure to take a moment to soak in the creativity that now graces our walls.
Want to learn more about Occipital and her work? Visit OccipitalNYC.com and be sure to follow along for more exciting artistic collaborations at Stone House Inn!
This is the perfect time to experience the incredible flavors of fall, as our talented culinary team has crafted special prix fixe lunch and dinner menus, showcasing seasonal dishes inspired by our new fall menu. Whether you’re a local or visiting Newport for a getaway, our waterfront setting and delicious cuisine make the Safari Room the perfect spot to dine during this event.
Our lunch menu will feature creative dishes that bring out the best of the season, while the dinner menu offers hearty, flavorful options that celebrate local ingredients and autumnal flavors. This is your chance to savor a three-course meal at a special price, with a variety of options sure to please every palate.
Why Visit the Safari Room at OceanCliff?
Breathtaking views of Narragansett Bay
A cozy and inviting atmosphere, perfect for fall
Delicious dishes featuring fresh, local ingredients
Reservations are recommended, as this popular event fills up quickly. Call us today to reserve your table at 401-849-4873 or make a reservation here.
Looking for something special to do while you’re in Newport for wedding site tours or appointments? Or perhaps planning a bachelorette party or a fun brunch with the girls?
Enjoy a delightful prix fixe $65 Afternoon Tea service by Stoneacre, complete with beautiful views and delicious bites.
Important Details:
All guests must have a ticket to the mansion grounds to access the Tea House.
The Tea House is not ADA accessible and requires some walking and stairs.
Reservations are for those enjoying the full experience, and seating is at our discretion.
Minimal allergies (gluten-sensitive and nut-free options) can be accommodated, but please note we cannot guarantee accommodations for severe allergies.
This is the perfect outing for a relaxing day with friends, or as part of your upcoming celebration!
Reserve early! Spots fill up fast. Cancellations made less than 24hrs are subject to a $65 fee per guest. To cancel or reschedule your reservation, please email teahousereservations@gmail.com.
Every year, Pantone sets the tone for design and fashion with its Color of the Year. In 2024, the spotlight is on the enchanting and sophisticated Peach Fuzz. This warm and inviting hue is a perfect choice for weddings, bringing a touch of romance and timeless elegance to your special day. In this blog post, we’ll explore creative ways to incorporate Peach Fuzz into various aspects of your wedding, from bridesmaid dresses and florals to linens and signature drinks.
Bridesmaid Dresses: The bridesmaids’ attire sets the tone for the entire wedding color palette. Peach Fuzz is a versatile color that complements a variety of skin tones, making it an excellent choice for bridesmaid dresses. Consider dressing your bridal party in flowing Peach Fuzz gowns for a soft and ethereal look. Whether you choose floor-length or knee-length dresses, the color will add a touch of sophistication to your wedding party.
Florals: Bring the beauty of Peach Fuzz into your floral arrangements to create a cohesive and visually stunning atmosphere. Incorporate blooms such as peonies, roses, and dahlias in shades of peach, coral, and ivory for a harmonious blend. Bouquets, centerpieces, and aisle decorations in this warm hue will create a romantic and inviting atmosphere. Adding lush greenery will provide a natural balance, creating a dreamy and romantic ambiance that will leave a lasting impression on your guests.
Linens and Decor: Elevate your wedding decor with Peach Fuzz linens and table settings. From tablecloths and napkins to chair covers, this color adds a subtle yet impactful touch. Combine Peach Fuzz with complementary colors like ivory, gold, or sage green for a sophisticated and harmonious aesthetic. Consider adding Peach Fuzz accent pieces, such as candles or napkin rings, to tie everything together seamlessly.
Invitations and Stationery: Set the tone for your wedding with Peach Fuzz-themed invitations, save-the-dates, and programs. Use the color for accents and details, creating a cohesive and visually appealing stationery suite. Embellish your invitations with Peach Fuzz ribbons or wax seals for an extra touch of elegance.
Signature Drinks: Incorporate Peach Fuzz into your signature drinks for a delightful and visually pleasing touch. From peach-infused cocktails to fruity mocktails, there are endless possibilities. Consider offering a refreshing Peach Fuzz Bellini or a custom-named drink that pays homage to your chosen color.
Wedding Cake: The wedding cake is a focal point of any reception, and Peach Fuzz can play a significant role in enhancing its beauty. Consult with your cake designer to incorporate the color into the frosting, floral decorations, or even as a subtle ombre effect. A Peach Fuzz cake is sure to leave a lasting impression on your guests.
Pantone’s Color of the Year, Peach Fuzz, offers a sophisticated and timeless palette for your dream wedding. From bridesmaid dresses to florals, linens, and beyond, incorporating this enchanting hue into various aspects of your celebration will create a cohesive and elegant atmosphere. Embrace the warmth and romance of Peach Fuzz to make your wedding a truly memorable and visually stunning experience.
Why we love midweek weddings and why you should consider hosting one too!
In the world of wedding planning, Saturdays have long been hailed as the prime day for tying the knot. However, a new trend is emerging, and couples are discovering the hidden gems of midweek weddings. If you’re contemplating the perfect day for your celebration, consider the advantages of hosting a midweek wedding.
In this post, we’ll explore the all of the benefits that make midweek weddings an increasingly popular choice for couples seeking a unique and memorable experience.
So who hosts midweek weddings and why? Here’s the inside scoop revealed!
Specific Dates: Sometimes it’s a special anniversary like a first date or engagement date or grandparent’s anniversary or loved one’s birthday that has passed. Some cultures have auspicious dates that are more preferred. If it lands in midweek–don’t rule it out!
Venue Availability & Flexibility: Midweek weddings often provide greater availability and flexibility when it comes to securing your dream venue. Popular venues tend to book up quickly on weekends, but you may find more open dates and favorable pricing options for a Wednesday celebration.
Cost Savings: Hosting your wedding on a Wednesday can be a savvy financial move. Many vendors offer midweek discounts, allowing you to allocate your budget more efficiently. From venue rental fees to catering costs, you might find that your dream wedding is more affordable on a weekday.
Travel and Accommodations: Midweek weddings can be more convenient for out-of-town guests. Flights and accommodations are often more affordable midweek, making it easier for loved ones to attend and share in your joy.
Extended Celebration: While weekend weddings are limited to a day or a weekend, a midweek celebration allows for an extended wedding experience. You can plan pre-wedding activities, post-wedding brunches, and more, turning your special day into a week-long celebration.
Local Couples: If the venue is within a short drive from their home guests can attend the wedding and drive home after—or just spend one night without a multi-night stay required by the hotel (example: Friday-Saturday). Hotels usually offer lower pricing Monday-Thursday too!
Short Engagement: Some couples don’t want to wait. They want to start family planning, travel, buy a home, or have lots of weddings in the next year. They prefer a short planning window as it helps to make decisions faster. While the average length of engagements is 16 months—this is the average—some couples are engaged for 30 days and some for 10yrs—there is no timeline on your personal planning.
Vendor Availability: Securing your preferred vendors is often easier during the middle of the week. If the most important thing is a specific photographer, videographer, band or DJ and they only have certain dates open you may choose your venue and wedding date around their schedule. From photographers to florists, you’ll likely have more options and a better chance of booking your first choices for all the essential wedding services.
Unique Experiences: Some packages are only offered midweek and for smaller guest counts. At Regatta Place in Newport, RI the Schooner Aurora is a 68-passenger antique sailing yacht and can be used for a special ceremony at sea followed by dockside reception with dinner and dancing. At OceanCliff Hotel, we offer a Snowflake Winter Wedding Package that includes a complimentary ceremony, discounted guest rooms and more!
Guest Counts: It’s a great way to cut the list. The people that matter the most will always attend. We mostly see 10-20% drop off from invited to actual guest attendance.
Work Schedules: Lots of people don’t have Monday-Friday 9-5 schedules like wedding pros, hospitality pros, service providers so midweek works for them and their friends so they can work the weekends!
Final Piece of Advice—don’t rule out a venue because you think it’s outside of your budget. Reach out to your dream venue and tell them your guest count and budget then ask which options are best for you. They may guide you to a different season or day of the week or suggest a lower priced menu/bar combination. It’s also a good idea to start a conversation about what’s really important to you as a couple and as a family before you start your venue search. Firm up the budget and guest count and then determine how flexible you can be overall. Starting off with a wedding planner can also be a smart way to maximize your time and budget as they work with so many venues for local and destination planning.
Conclusion: As you embark on the journey of wedding planning, don’t overlook the advantages of hosting your celebration during the week. From cost savings to a more intimate atmosphere, a midweek wedding can offer a unique and memorable experience for both you and your guests.
To learn more about the advantages of hosting a midweek wedding, check out this podcast from Sara Zarella, of Sara Zarella Photography and our very own Susanne Day, Sales Manager with The Newport Experience.
Wavelengths Salon & Spa in Newport, RI recently launched Bellevue Beauty Suite, an exclusive beauty spot ideal for bridal parties, bachelorette parties, and other celebratory events. Located within the salon, the suite is designed to offer a relaxing atmosphere, perfect for a pampering session with friends while celebrating a special occasion.
The Bellevue Beauty Suite is staffed with a team of experienced stylists who provide a range of services, including professional makeup and hair styling. The suite is customizable, allowing clients to choose a personalized menu of services to suit their specific needs.
The suite features elegant decor, including luxurious furnishings, decorative accents, and ambient lighting, creating a serene and calming environment that is sure to put clients at ease. The salon also provides complimentary refreshments, including champagne and a cheeseboard, to make the experience even more enjoyable.
All of their Bellevue Beauty Suite packages include:
3 hour rental
set-up and clean-up
complimentary champagne, water, coffee & tea
your choice of a cheeseboard or coffee cake & fruit
Learn more about their curated packages available here.
Bellevue Beauty Suite is the perfect spot for those looking to get ready for a special event or simply have a fun and relaxing day with friends. The suite is available for bookings by appointment only, so be sure to reserve your spot in advance.
For more information on the Bellevue Beauty Suite, visit the website here or email their events coordinator at wavelengthssalonweddings@gmail.com.
Stone House Inn, located in Little Compton RI, has named Teresa O’Connor as its new General Manager
and Sara Oliveira its new Assistant General Manager.
The Newport Experience is delighted to announce the appointment of Teresa O’Connor as the new General Manager and Sara Oliveira as Assistant General Manager of Stone House Inn, which recently reopened for the season.
In her new role as General Manager, O’Connor will oversee the day-to-day operations of the 4-story, 16-guestroom inn with a history dating back to 1854.
Prior to joining the inn, O’Connor served as the Club Manager of the Sakonnet Golf Club, a position she held for 9 years, where she worked directly under the Board of Directors to enhance member experience and club culture.
Earlier in her career, she served as an instructor of hands-on training for Life Raft & Survival Equipment based in Tiverton, RI, and managed life raft rental fleet for offshore races and recreational use.
“I am very excited to be at another historic location in town that has so much to offer,” said O’Connor. “With Sara, Joe and additional staff joining us, we will continue to make the Stone House the special place that it has been for many generations.”
Oliveira has joined the Stone House as the Assistant General Manager, sharing a common vision of hospitality and operations as Teresa. She has been well known in Little Compton for many years. Oliveira and her husband started Compton Clambakes in 2001, providing the local Little Compton area with catering and dramatic onsite clam bakes for many weddings and private parties. Sara also opened Charlotte’s in Westport for additional catering and dining offerings.
O’Connor and Oliveira are longtime residents of Little Compton, RI and have known each other around town and in the hockey community for years. Engaging with the community will be a key focus for them and together they will be a dynamic team.
Their enthusiasm and dedication to providing the highest standards of customer service will be a great asset to the Stone House Inn.
About the Stone House Inn
The Stone House is a seaside, historic inn located in the quaint, farming community of Little Compton, RI, sitting on 2.7 acres near the tip of Sakonnet Point. The property features 16 spacious and well-appointed guest rooms and suites, beach access, and a fire pit. There is also a renovated barn on the grounds that features guest rooms and a beautiful function space with an outdoor terrace and panoramic water views.
For more information or to make a reservation at Stone House Inn, call 401-635-2222 or visit www.newportexperience.com.
About The Newport Experience
The Newport Experience is a hospitality company specializing in oceanfront weddings, social events and corporate retreats in Newport, RI. Our portfolio of fine properties includes: OceanCliff Hotel on famed Ocean Drive, Safari Room Restaurant, Stone House Inn, Regatta Place, Goat Island Marina and Schooner Aurora.
Steeped in Newport’s rich sailing legacy and stirring with New England tradition, the Newport Experience offers guests the unique seclusion and spectacular beauty of a private oceanfront getaway. From corporate functions to weddings and rehearsal dinners, our illustrious group of event specialists will guide you through every step to ensure an unforgettable affair for you and your guests.
Newport Experience properties are conveniently located just minutes from downtown Newport, 90 minutes from Boston and 3 hours from New York City.
Happy International Women’s Day! Today we would like to recognize and celebrate the inspiring women of The Newport Experience. Their incredible work ethic and enthusiasm show us what it means to empower others each and every day. We thank them for their hard work, dedication, and commitment to making our organization a better place every day. Thank you for all that you do!
Every Saturday & Sunday
10:00 AM – 3:30 PM
