Newport Overlook is a hidden gem of a resort, in my opinion. In fact, I enjoyed my stay so much that I bought a fixed week on eBay...
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Newport Overlook is a hidden gem of a resort,
in my opinion. In fact, I enjoyed my stay so
much that I bought a fixed week on eBay
shortly afterwards.
These units are very large -- I was told that
the development was originally designed and
built as full-time residences, which shows in
the design of the homes. My friend and her
two kids joined me when I stayed there, and
we never felt crowded.
Having a washer & dryer was very convenient,
and the kitchen is well equipped. And we
really liked having both a patio and a deck
along with the BBQ.
We enjoyed using the hot tub with the lovely
view of the bay, especially at the end of the
day. Most of the activities offered by the
resort were located at the
nearby Bay Voyage (owned by Wyndham as
well), but we didn't
participate
in them. There appeared to be a nice variety
of options offered.
Places I'd recommend to visit on Conanicut
Island are Beavertail State Park, Fort Wetherill
State Park, and Mackeral Cove Beach. Watson
Farm and the historic 200+ year old
Jamestown Windmill are also both worth a
visit. It's also a great place to ride your bike.
Here is a map showing roads that are suitable
for biking, including Newport:
www.jamestown-ri.info/bikepaths1.gif. Since
Conanicut is only 9 miles long by 1 mile wide,
it's easy to traverse the island by bike if
you're so inclined.
Note about the Pell Bridge -- you can save
money by buying a roll of 10 tokens for $10
(half the pay as you go price) and the resort
will buy back the tokens you don't use.
A little farther afield, in Middletown (five miles
east of Newport), is another great little gem --
the Norman Bird Sanctuary. It offers over
seven miles of lovely hiking trails, including
one that involves some rock climbing (no
equipment required, though) that leads to a
place called Hanging Rock, which provides a
panoramic view of Sachuest Bay, Gardiner
Pond, and the Sakonnet River. I visited it
(before my friends arrived) with a small tour
group led by a local photographer.
Newport Overlook is a low-key kind of place,
and it's perfect for couples and families who
want to relax, yet have many dining and
activity options available within a short drive.
My friend's kids (7 & 12) had some of their
favorite times just hanging out on the rocks
that line the shore of the bay, in front of the
waterfront units. They found crabs and
starfish, and we just enjoyed watching the
sailboats glide by. They also used the small
playground.
I rate this resort an 8. I will definitely return,
now that we've bought an interval there for
ourselves!
Edited to add comment relating to 2005
review -- cable tv is provided now.
