Newport Harbor Island Resort: Where Pet Meets Prep

It’s the age-old question: Do you really forego a vacation with the four-legged member of the family just to bask in New England summer bliss?

I mean, I obviously have done just that. Warm beach days are few and far between in this neck of the woods, folks! Just don’t tell that to Pimm, our very spoiled Australian Shepherd.

However, I’m happy to report that, in America’s Society Capital and the Sailing Capital of the World, one doesn’t have to sacrifice waterfront charm with pet inclusion. Newport Harbor Island Resort rolls out the red carpet — and gourmet treats — for the four-legged travelers.

Maybe it was the promise of afternoon cocktails, or maybe it was the lingering guilt from leaving Pimm at Grandma and Grandpa’s during a recent 10-day trek to London and Stockholm. But the renovated Rhode Island resort hosts Yappy Hour socials on Sunday afternoons, and that was enough to get my husband and me to flee Cape Cod one weekend for a little R&R with Pimm.

Pups, Pimm’s Cups, and Puptails

Usually, a dog happy hour includes a few bowls of water and the occasional gratis Milk Bone. But Newport Harbor Island Resort said “hold my puptail.” Dog-friendly here means five-star service for those with four paws.

The dog-friendly Torpedo Bar & Lounge deck is like if the dog park became Cheers: Everybody knows your woof, everyone is well behaved, and you’ll leave scratching your head wondering where your social media strategy went wrong since the Pomeranian who just strutted by has 2 million more followers than you do. Not that we’re jealous or anything.

In all seriousness, it was a fabulous afternoon of puppy socializing and feasting on a juicy chicken breast from the dog menu that left Pimm sneering at his kibble for the next week. A four-legged travel diva has emerged, we might say.

The VIP Treatment (for Humans, Too)

Beyond Yappy Hour, Newport Harbor Island Resort has plenty to lure travelers without pets in tow. Following a multimillion-dollar renovation, the property blends polished nautical style with that effortless Newport prep vibe. Advisors should note that the resort is fresh off a major update: coastal-inspired interiors, sleek spa offerings, and a pool scene that looks out to the harbor dotted with sailing yachts.

Our waterview king room came with a balcony large enough for all three of us to stretch out, books in hand, with a bottle of wine and a view of sails catching the last golden light of day. It was Newport at its most sunset cinematic.

Couples will love the romance of harbor views and proximity to Gilded Age mansions. Families can take advantage of lawn games, bike rentals, and casual dining that’s breezy but elevated. And for those arriving with pets, the resort’s Very Important Pups package ensures canine companions are treated as true guests, complete with gourmet treats, plush beds, stainless-steel bowls, and even shopping perks at a beloved local pet boutique.

Let’s just say all members of the family wanted a late check-out by our final morning in Rhode Island.

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