Newport, Rhode Island
Hidden Gem Escape
March 27 - 29, 2026
Discover Newport through a slower, more thoughtful lens.
This first Hidden Gems Escape was designed to offer an elevated coastal weekend at an approachable price point — one that felt polished, relaxed, and genuinely special. With a beautiful waterfront stay, thoughtful experiences, local favorites, and space to truly unwind, guests were able to enjoy Newport at a gentler pace while still taking in some of what makes it so lovely.
This Escape Is Fully Booked
The Newport Hidden Gems Escape is currently sold out. Join the waitlist to be the first to know if a space opens or when the next escape is announced.
What This Escape Was About
For this first Hidden Gems Escape, the intention was simple: to create a weekend that felt beautiful, easy, and meaningful.
This was not about rushing from one activity to the next. It was about slowing down, settling in, and experiencing Newport in a way that felt curated but unhurried — with time for connection, discovery, and rest.
From a warm welcome dinner to mindful movement, iconic Newport sights, creative experiences, and a spa finale, the weekend was designed to feel polished without being overcomplicated.
Where We Stayed
Newport Marriott Resort & Spa
Set along Newport’s harbor, the Newport Marriott served as the perfect home base for the weekend.
Its walkable location made it easy for guests to enjoy Newport’s shops, waterfront, and dining while still returning to a stay that felt comfortable, convenient, and relaxed. Upon arrival, guests received a welcome packet with weekend details, local perks, and thoughtful touches to help them settle in and enjoy the experience from the start.
For this escape, the Marriott offered the balance we wanted most: comfort, ease, and a setting that allowed Newport itself to shine.
Weekend Highlights
Bubbles & Bliss Welcome Dinner
The weekend began with a warm welcome at our Bubbles & Bliss dinner — a joyful opening evening designed to bring everyone together and set the tone for the escape ahead.
It was the perfect start: celebratory, inviting, and full of the kind of energy that makes a group weekend immediately feel special.
Yoga with Sharon Bridson
Throughout the weekend, Sharon’s yoga flows added a grounding element that guests truly appreciated.
Her sessions brought a sense of calm, intention, and softness to the itinerary, offering space to stretch, breathe, reset, and reconnect. Sharon’s presence added so much warmth to the experience, and her offerings helped shape the relaxed rhythm of the weekend beautifully.
The Elms + Lunch at Carriage House
One of the signature experiences of the weekend was time spent at The Elms, where guests stepped into Newport’s Gilded Age beauty and explored one of the city’s most iconic estates.
Afterward, the group enjoyed lunch at Carriage House — an elegant and memorable setting that paired perfectly with the day’s slower pace and historic surroundings.
Hidden Gem Dinner Reveal: La Vecina Taqueria
One of the most special details of the weekend was our hidden gem dinner reveal.
Each guest received puzzle pieces in their welcome bag, and together they solved the puzzle that revealed Saturday night’s dinner destination: La Vecina Taqueria — a Newport local favorite and the perfect hidden gem experience.
It was playful, unexpected, and exactly the kind of local touch this series is meant to celebrate.
Thames Glass Optional Experience
During free time, some guests chose to visit Thames Glass for a creative hands-on experience and a keepsake to bring home from the weekend.
It was such a fitting optional add-on — local, artistic, and memorable in a way that felt perfectly aligned with the spirit of the escape.
Bodhi Spa Water Journey
The weekend concluded with the Bodhi Spa Water Journey — a peaceful finale that gave guests time to slow down, exhale, and leave feeling restored.
It was the ideal ending to a weekend designed around beauty, balance, and thoughtful experiences.
A Look Back at the Weekend
A few favorite moments from the Newport Hidden Gems Escape.
From welcome dinner and waterfront stays to mansion visits, local dining, creative experiences, and our Bodhi Spa finale, this weekend was filled with beauty, connection, and the kind of moments that make travel feel truly meaningful.
What Was Included
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Two nights at Newport Marriott Resort & Spa
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Welcome dinner experience
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Yoga sessions with Sharon Bridson
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Admission to The Elms
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Group lunch at Carriage House
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Hidden gem dinner experience
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Bodhi Spa Water Journey
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Welcome gift package with thoughtful local touches, insider tips, and exclusive area perks
Important Details
This experience was designed as a small-group adult getaway with a thoughtfully paced itinerary, meaningful inclusions, and room to enjoy Newport in a way that felt relaxed rather than rushed.
Optional experiences and some meals or beverages outside of the included programming were available separately.
Hear From Our Guests Directly
"I loved the blend of history, relaxation, and detail. Katie, your attention to every detail was exceptional and above & beyond!"
~ Amy L. , NH
"My favorite part of the weekend was the food, people, and relaxation. It filled my cup."
~ Erica W. , NH
"Many favorites. Yoga - Sharon rocks! I appreciate how seamless it all was."
~ Angela M., MA
A Note from Katie
One of the things I loved most about this first Hidden Gems Escape was seeing how beautifully the weekend came together while also learning in real time.
Travel is always a learning experience — even when it’s successful. Sometimes certain elements flow better on different days or at a different pace, and that is part of creating thoughtful experiences too. I’m so excited to carry what I learned from this weekend into the next Hidden Gems Escape.
With Gratitude to Our Newport Partners
A sincere thank you to the wonderful partners and sponsors who helped make the Newport Hidden Gems Escape so special.
Your generosity, collaboration, and support played such an important role in bringing this experience to life, and I’m incredibly grateful to work alongside businesses that value thoughtful details, meaningful connection, and memorable guest experiences.
