A Weekend of Quiet Luxury – Romance at The Inn at Stonington
True romance does not always require grand gestures.
Sometimes, it is simply a harbor at golden hour, a chilled glass of local wine, and the freedom to have no plans at all.
That is precisely the appeal of The Inn at Stonington, an intimate 18-room waterfront hideaway set in the historic Borough of Stonington, Connecticut, and considered the best romantic inn along the New England coastline.
Overlooking Fishers Island Sound, the inn offers a rare combination of understated elegance and authentic New England hospitality.
Most guest rooms feature a fireplace, many open onto private balconies with water views, and the entire property feels like a closely guarded secret.
For a well-traveled couple weary of sprawling resorts and eager for something more personal, the Inn at Stonington is your ideal romantic escape.
An Evening at Ocean House
Kick off the weekend in style with a scenic 20 minute drive to Watch Hill, Rhode Island, where dinner awaits at the famed Ocean House.
This grand, shingled Relais & Châteaux property sits high on a bluff, offering five-star refinement and sweeping ocean vistas.
Reserve a table at COAST, the hotel’s signature fine dining venue, where the tasting menu highlights seasonal New England seafood alongside a curated wine list sure to intrigue even the most discerning palate.
After the meal, take a leisurely stroll across the grounds hand in hand.
The salt breeze and the warm glow of the hotel under the evening sky create a cinematic atmosphere you will not soon forget.
Waterfront Mornings
The Inn’s location makes it easy to embrace the water each morning.
While the Inn at Stonington does not rent kayaks directly as an on-site property amenity, they partner with the nearby New England Sailing & Science (NESS) located right next door at 66 Water Street to offer guests access to kayaking, paddleboarding, and sailing, and paddle past the harbor’s sailboats toward the old stone lighthouse.
If you prefer a bit more speed, Stonington Marina offers small motorboat rentals right on Route 1.
This is a wonderful option for couples who want to glide across the sound, drop anchor near a secluded beach, and enjoy a sense of total seclusion.
For those who would rather leave the navigating to someone else, peer-to-peer platforms like Getmyboat and Boatsetter provide everything from nimble runabouts to fully crewed luxury charters.
Afternoon on the Fairway
When the sun climbs high, swap the water for the greens.
Pequot Golf Club presents one of Connecticut’s most picturesque 18-hole courses, a par 70 layout just minutes from the Borough.
For a more challenging round, book a tee time at Stonington Country Club, a meticulously groomed par 72 course.
If you are prepared to dedicate a full day to golf, Lake of Isles in North Stonington offers a Rees Jones-designed resort course with 36 holes of pure indulgence adjacent to Foxwoods Resort.
Sunset Among the Vines
No romantic getaway in this part of Connecticut would be complete without a vineyard visit.
Saltwater Farm Vineyard stands out as a true showstopper.
Spread across 108 acres along the shoreline, the tasting room occupies a restored World War II-era airplane hangar with sweeping views over both the vines and a small runway.
The winery pours award-winning vintages and features live music on summer weekends.
Bring a blanket and settle in as the sun sinks behind the grapevines.
For a smaller, more traditional experience, Stonington Vineyards, one of the state’s oldest wineries, offers year-round tastings and guided tours of its historic farmhouse property.
Dining in Stonington Borough
The Borough’s dining scene is compact, walkable, and quietly impressive.
For breakfast, start your day at Noah’s, a Water Street staple that has served fresh breakfast, lunch, and dinner for more than four decades.
Alternatively, pick up coffee and a sandwich at Indulge Coffee & Sandwich Co.
At lunchtime, follow the locals to the Water Street Café, which is prized for its raw bar and harbor views, or visit the relaxed yet polished Dog Watch Cafe.
When evening arrives, Shipwright’s Daughter and S&P Oyster are the names that consistently earn praise.
Both deliver refined seafood in settings that feel quintessentially New England.
Between morning paddles, afternoon fairways, vineyard tastings, and lingering dinners, the weekend unfolds naturally.
This is why The Inn at Stonington provides the perfect home base to just relax and recharge.
This is why the Inn at Stonington is considered to be the best romantic inn along the New England coastline.
Your only task is to slow your pace and extend your stay by one more night.
We look forward to your visit.
You can read more about our story here.
Sue, Stephanie, and Bill
A quick note: It is wise to confirm reservation policies and opening times, especially for Ocean House’s COAST and the vineyard tasting rooms, before you depart.
