The Cape Cod town of Brewster, Massachusetts, has always held a special place in my heart. My parents would take my family to this bayside oasis every summer as children. We would fly kites on the Brewster flats, pick wild blueberries in the woodlands, buy penny candy at the Brewster General Store, and go to summer festivals on the lawn of La Salette House, a 1907 Italianate mansion run by La Salette Missionaries from 1944 to the 1980s. The grand villa was built by wealthy merchant Roland Nickerson and has been a Brewster landmark for decades.
I treasure the memories of running on the grand lawn of the estate with my brothers—and we once sneaked inside. A grand staircase, carved mahogany walls, and decorative plaster ceilings, and marble fireplaces welcomed us, the nuns not so much. We were in awe of the beauty of this commanding house, and I would imagine, as a little girl, coming and dining in one of these opulent rooms.
This past May, I got my wish when I took my mother back to this beautiful spot—now the Ocean Edge Resort. We ate lunch in the formal Roscommon Room in the original mansion before we checked in. We chose a seat in an open window to look out over the vast beauty of the bay. The sea air mingled with the wood-burning fireplace—intoxicating.
Today this iconic estate still caters to the discerning guest as it did at the turn of the last century. Ocean Edge is a luxury resort that offers all the summer pastime activities of childhood and so much more. Situated on 429 acres, the resort boasts Brewster’s only 18-hole, Jack Nicklaus–designed golf course, the private Bay Pines Beach, nine tennis courts, multiple indoor and outdoor pools, a fitness center, and the Beach House Spa, as well as award-winning dining.
The rooms in the mansion are the ultimate in comfort; many offer balconies with bay views. The down bedding and soaking tubs are the perfect touch of luxury. Opt to book at the Mansion or the Presidential Bay Collection Villas to ensure you have access to the private beach with its own bar and food service. Cabana runners take care of your every seaside whim—from setting up beach chairs and umbrellas to delivering a fruity cocktail right to your beach towel.
The Presidential Bay Villas are made up of two- and three-bedroom townhouses that accommodate up to eight guests and offer all the creature comforts of home, including a kitchen, dining area, large living space, and walkout deck to enjoy this seaside paradise during the best months on Cape Cod.
The resort offers a plethora of Cape Cod summertime activities—beachside bonfires, croquet on the lawn, seasonal oyster bed tours, kayak and paddle board rental, bike rentals, and a kid’s program for when parents need a little down time. And the perfect spot for some pampering is the Beach House Spa—this tranquil space offers the ultimate in luxurious facials, massages, and mani/pedis to help you ease into vacation mode.
If you golf, don’t miss lunch at Linx Tavern. The chef is doing elevated apps and sandwiches that offer deliciously unexpected flavors. The fried sea scallops and whole belly clams with smoked tomato salt are out of this world, as is the roasted local zucchini “guacamole.” The evening dining options are just as enjoyable. Head to the Ocean Terrace, the resort’s signature fine dining restaurant overseen by executive chef Philip Flath. Indulge in Brewster oysters and champagne while watching the sun sink into the bay. I was happy to make these new memories at Ocean Edge where the salty air, warm breezes, and magnificent sunsets will keep me coming back year after year.
What To Do and See
Watch for Whales
Observe some of the ocean’s most majestic creatures on these 3- to 4-hour tours with Hyannis Whale Watcher Cruises.
See the Seals
Monomoy Island Excursions, based out of Harwich Port, is a family-owned business that has ferried sightseers to watch Monomoy’s seal population for over a decade.
Ride a Bike
Less than two miles from Ocean Edge, this 1,900-acre state park offers fishing, hiking, and freshwater swimming, and biking on the rail trail.
Take a Hike
Go on a birding walk, take a beekeeping class, and learn about Massachusetts’ natural environment at the Cape Cod Natural History Museum—Ocean Edge Resort guests receive complimentary admission.
Support the Arts
Explore seven galleries featuring artwork from Cape Cod’s best artists and celebrating the unique artistic identity of the region at the Cape Cod Museum of Arts—Ocean Edge Resort guests receive complimentary admission.
Climb the Tower
Along with the Provincetown Museum, this soaring Pilgrim monument commemorates the landing of the Mayflower. You can climb to the top to take in endless views of the bay and beyond.
For more information, visit oceanedge.com.