Before kids, weekend getaways were easy. I’d throw a few dresses and a pair of heels in a carry-on, grab a few snacks for the road, and let the destination do the rest. There were no nap schedules to work around, no last-minute diaper blowouts in the driveway and no existential debates about whether we really needed to pack the sound machine and the backup sound machine. We just… went.
These days, travel prep starts at least three days before we leave with color-coded lists, car snacks, and intense negotiations over which stuffed animals make the cut. There’s usually at least one meltdown before we even hit the highway (and not always from the kids), but even amid the chaos, I still crave the feeling of going somewhere new, of being away from our routine and of seeing my kids experience the world.
So when I was invited to review The Harbor Island Resort in Newport, Rhode Island, I didn’t hesitate. As a Boston native, Newport has always been one of my favorite nearish spots: it’s charming, coastal, and just far enough from home to feel like a real escape without the meltdown-inducing flight logistics. The moment you cross the causeway onto Goat Island, the energy shifts—you can feel the salt air, hear the gulls, and instantly exhale. A quick weekend by the water felt like the perfect reset: something doable, something indulgent, and if I’m lucky, maybe a little relaxing?
I went into the weekend with the usual mix of optimism and realism. I knew it wouldn’t be effortless (because nothing with three kids ever is), but I hoped it might still feel restorative. A good meal, a great view, maybe a glass of wine with my husband after bedtime and those tiny luxuries that feel like full-on miracles in this season of life.
About the Resort
Harbor Island Resort isn’t new to Newport, but it’s experiencing a bit of a rebirth. Formerly the beloved Gurney’s Newport Resort & Marina, this waterfront property has long been a fixture on Goat Island, known for its panoramic harbor views, prime location and easy access to downtown. When the resort transitioned ownership in 2023, it underwent a thoughtful rebrand and refresh—modernizing the rooms, restaurants, and amenities while keeping the charm and energy that made Gurney’s such a Newport classic.
The result is a resort that feels both familiar and new: coastal yet contemporary, luxurious without being pretentious. It’s the kind of place where you can sip an espresso overlooking the marina in the morning and watch sailboats drift by with a glass of wine in hand at night, all while your kids chase seagulls on the lawn below. (If it sounds dreamy, it’s because it really, truly is!)
Beyond the views, what stood out most was how calm and welcoming the property felt. Even with kids in tow, it never felt stuffy or uninviting—the staff smiled, doors were held open, and every interaction felt genuinely warm. The property features 257 rooms and suites, an indoor heated pool, a full-service spa (notably not run by the actual hotel), two restaurants (Torpedo and 1639), and plenty of outdoor lounge areas perfect for families, couples, and groups. Its location just across the causeway from downtown Newport means you’re close enough to the action but far enough to feel like you’re on your own little island.
Our Room: The Cozy Earth Suite
When we arrived Friday evening, walking into this suite alone felt like an exhale. The hotel had set us up in the Cozy Earth Suite, which was every bit as soft and inviting as it sounds. The entire space was decked out in the brand’s signature bedding, towels and loungewear: you know,the kind of buttery, neutral-toned heaven that makes you wonder if you’ll ever be able to sleep on your Target sheets again. (Spoiler: I am now officially obsessed and seriously considering redecorating my entire house in Cozy Earth everything.)
The suite itself was airy, modern and flooded with light, with a kitchenette (a must for families) and a stunning bathroom that could have doubled as a small yoga studio. My only real gripe was the lack of a divider between the king bed and the pullout couch. It made bedtime with three kids tricky: especially when my one-year-old Eli decided 9 p.m. was party time. A sliding door or curtain would have made the setup more family-friendly.
We also didn’t have a balcony, which meant once the kids were asleep, there wasn’t really anywhere for my husband, Dan and me to go. We couldn’t watch TV or sit outside with a glass of wine, so we ended up whispering in the dark, scrolling our phones, and eating leftover snacks in bed like teenagers hiding from their parents.
Still, the space was beautiful, and the staff made us feel welcome. From the moment we checked in, everyone we encountered—from the valet to the front desk—seemed genuinely eager to help. They even left a few little surprises for the kids, which instantly won them over.
Dinner at Torpedo Lounge at Newport Harbor Island Resort
After unpacking, we headed straight to Torpedo Lounge, the on-site restaurant overlooking the marina. The vibe was relaxed and coastal, the staff warm and welcoming. I ordered the “No Regrets” veggie burger, which, ironically, I did regret. It was dense and dry, shaped like a hockey puck, and clearly designed for someone who really wants to like veggie burgers. Dan was right when he said it was “definitely a vegetarian’s order.” But everything else we tried was delicious, and my extra-dirty martini was absolute perfection: cold, salty, and strong enough to melt away the memory of loading the car earlier that day.
We capped the night with a spontaneous evening swim in the indoor heated pool—one of those small, sparkling family moments you wish you could bottle. The kids giggled endlessly, the water echoed off the glass windows, and for the first time all week, we weren’t rushing anywhere. Just floating.
Saturday: Downtown Newport Energy
The next morning, we headed back to Torpedo for breakfast. The food was fine, but the service was slow. They forgot the kids’ pancakes entirely, which meant we got creative entertaining three hungry little humans. To their credit, the staff was kind and apologetic, but any parent of littles knows to order the kids’ meals first and pray that they arrive ASAP, and certainly not well after yours. Still, the view from the window—the marina glistening under the morning sun—was enough to soften any impatience. It’s the kind of setting that makes even a slow breakfast feel special.
We spent the rest of the day exploring downtown Newport, which happened to be hosting the Bowen’s Wharf Seafood Festival — a happy accident that turned into the highlight of the trip. Live music, food stands, ocean views, and kids covered in powdered sugar—it was peak New England fall magic.
We wandered the wharf, grabbed some delicious food, and then found Aquidneck Park, a gem of a playground with an AARP-sponsored workout area that we, of course, had to test out. Watching our kids run wild in the crisp air, I felt that rare kind of happiness that only comes from being somewhere new, somewhere simple, somewhere together.
We headed back to the hotel that afternoon for another swim before dinner. This time we tried 1639 Restaurant, which was fine but didn’t wow us. It’s currently where Scarpetta used to be when the resort was Gurney’s, and I have to admit, I missed the old energy. That said, the sunset views from our table were stunning—sailboats silhouetted against the pink sky, the kind of postcard-perfect moment that makes you stop mid-conversation just to take it in.
Sunday Morning: A Swim Before Goodbyes
Sunday morning, we grabbed coffee and breakfast from the on-site café before checking out. The line was long, and the “cold brew” was pretty weak (a tough blow for any mom traveling with toddlers), but again, the staff made up for it with friendliness. We squeezed in one last swim — the kids’ favorite part of the trip, hands down—and then loaded up the car.
Before officially heading home, though, we made one more essential stop: Mother Pizzeria in downtown Newport. I’d heard it was good, but wow—it was unreal. Perfectly chewy crust, fresh toppings, the kind of simple-but-elevated pizza that somehow tastes like vacation and comfort food at the same time. We ordered way too much and ate every bite. Consider this my official PSA: don’t leave Newport without grabbing a pie from Mother.
It wasn’t the most glamorous getaway we’ve ever had, but it was exactly what we needed: something close, something easy, something that gave us a little space to breathe as a family.
Final Thoughts
Overall, Newport Harbor Island Resort is a gorgeous property in an unbeatable location, with truly lovely staff and thoughtful design. The Cozy Earth suite was stunning, and the bedding alone was enough to make me a fan for life. Service-wise, there were a few hiccups, but nothing that overshadowed the warmth of the experience.
Would I stay here again? Absolutely…with a slightly more realistic set of expectations and maybe a coffee run before breakfast. Next time, I’d book a room with a balcony, linger longer by the fire pits, and carve out more time to enjoy that incredible pool.
Because at the end of the day, travel with kids isn’t really about perfection—it’s about finding those fleeting, joyful moments in between the chaos. And at Newport Harbor Island Resort, we found plenty of them.
