Set in a landmark Victorian mansion on 40 acres of waterfront, Newport’s Castle Inn is 1.3 miles from Brenton Point State Park and boasts breathtaking views of the ocean on all sides. What’s nice is that the property is on the outskirts of town, so it oozes with tranquility and serenity inside and out. Outside, it’s about as majestic as it gets and during warmer months, you can dine on the patio or simply have drinks.
This upscale traditional boutique property has rooms in the mansion as well as beach houses and cottages with kitchenettes. Amenities vary, but may include fireplaces, ocean views and/or 2-person soaking tubs. Full breakfast and afternoon tea are complimentary. Oh so decadent! Also part of the property and an integral part of its luxurious offerings is their spa, The Retreat at Castle Hill, which uses all natural Farmaesthetics products.
Farmaesthetics founder Brenda Brock started selling her skincare products in 1999 at an organic farmstand in rural Rhode Island. A noted trailblazer in “green” and herbal skincare, her traditional herbal recipes retain 100% natural status and apparently compare in effectiveness with leading dermatological brands and today, are being sold across the country. All products are made with organically grown herbs and flowers from American family farms, many harvested from the seaside farmlands of Rhode Island.
I went for a massage however they offer a variety of treatments. Note that there’s only one treatment room which is one of the things that makes this place so special. No, there’s no steam room or sauna however the attention to detail, the ‘it’s all about you and only you’ when you’re there and the use of all natural Farmaesthetics all add to the magic and uniqueness of the place. The other piece of magic is the property itself and the breathtaking views from the inn, especially around sunset.
Above, taken immediately after my treatment. Locals and visitors spread out on Castle Inn’s lawn with drinks in hand, all breathing in the spectacular views the property has to offer.
As for other treatments worth mentioning, Retreat at Castle Hill offers an Acial facial treatment, which includes exfoliation, steam, massage, masque and hydration. Each facial treatment includes acupressure and tension-relieving arm, hand, neck and scalp massage using aromatic oils and fragrant herbs to enhance the experience and boost the results. They also do combined facial and hand treatments as well as a Saltwater soak, which includes lavender dreaming salts, to relax, soften & purifiy, a vaporbath elixir, to boost the immune support, adrenal support elixir, to relieve the effects of mental and physical stress and lastly, a warming oil, to warm the heart.
Another treatment that sounds exciting is their Rose Immersion, which involves a skin-softening Pink Sea Salt & Rose Petal Bath Soak, followed by tension relieving Rose Essential Oil Massage, and an organic Sweet Milk & Rose Dust Pore Refining Facial.
Inside, the decor is very traditional with old wood paneling, flowered wallpaper and old fashioned lights. While many spas — even upscale ones — can be clinical in nature and don’t exude the warmth you’d expect from a luxury spa, the Retreat at Castle Hill pays attention to those finer details and with its classic building and furnishings, you feel as if you’re being pampered in a castle before, during and after your treatment. Note the fireplace at the back of the treatment room. Pure bliss! Who said architecture and design didn’t make a difference?
After your treatment, be sure to take in the views on the lawn if you’re there during a warmer month. Sink yourself into a chair, order a nice glass of wine and breathe it all in!! If you happen to be visiting during a winter month, the inside is equally divine and plenty of places to cozy up!!
Details:
Castle Inn and The Retreat at Castle Hill
Renee Blodgett is the founder of We Blog the World. The site combines the magic of an online culture and travel magazine with a global blog network and has contributors from every continent in the world. Having lived in 10 countries and explored nearly 80, she is an avid traveler, and a lover, observer and participant in cultural diversity.
She is also the CEO and founder of Magic Sauce Media, a new media services consultancy focused on viral marketing, social media, branding, events and PR. For over 20 years, she has helped companies from 12 countries get traction in the market. Known for her global and organic approach to product and corporate launches, Renee practices what she pitches and as an active user of social media, she helps clients navigate digital waters from around the world. Renee has been blogging for over 16 years and regularly writes on her personal blog Down the Avenue, Huffington Post, BlogHer, We Blog the World and other sites. She was ranked #12 Social Media Influencer by Forbes Magazine and is listed as a new media influencer and game changer on various sites and books on the new media revolution. In 2013, she was listed as the 6th most influential woman in social media by Forbes Magazine on a Top 20 List.
Her passion for art, storytelling and photography led to the launch of Magic Sauce Photography, which is a visual extension of her writing, the result of which has led to producing six photo books: Galapagos Islands, London, South Africa, Rome, Urbanization and Ecuador.
Renee is also the co-founder of Traveling Geeks, an initiative that brings entrepreneurs, thought leaders, bloggers, creators, curators and influencers to other countries to share and learn from peers, governments, corporations, and the general public in order to educate, share, evaluate, and promote innovative technologies.
