Pillow Talk: Between the Sheets of Wayfinder Hotel, Rhode Island

The outdoor pool is a center of socializing at the Wayfinder; from the rainbow umbrellas to the colorful inflatables, it’s clear from the get-go that this stay is all about fun. Yet despite the freshness in tone, there’s a sophisticated style here, too; think sage-green kitchenettes that let you self-cater or burnt-orange banquettes for chic dining in the restaurant. Start your day with a strong coffee from the aptly named Cafe, brewed with coffee from the Nitro Bar, a company based in Rhode Island.

When it’s time to stretch your legs, head to Miantonomi Memorial Park. Right next to the hotel, it’s the perfect spot to walk around before a big hotel breakfast or to unwind ahead of dinner. Wander the lawns, between soaring trees, past the towering World War I memorial – one part of the park’s rich history. This green patch also played a role in the American Revolutionary War and was used by Native Americans for hundreds of years, too.

Rhode Island is a haven for beer and wine lovers – there are plenty of homegrown brands for sipping – and if you want to sample the finest on a tasting tour, then this spot, a 15-20 minute walk from the Wayfinder, is a no-brainer. Sip a refreshing Hawaiian Shirt sour, bursting with passion fruit and guava, or down a hoppy Rhode Rage, a double IPA with sweet notes of stone fruits. Best of all, sample new test brews right out of the tanks before they make it to the masses.

Less than a 10-minute drive from the hotel, this museum pushes the envelope with its unusual themed exhibits; for example, Hair Stories showcased pieces by artists who (rather uniquely) use hair as a medium. But this cultural center is about more than just quirky exhibits. Student art classes are part of the agenda, and permanent outdoor sculptures are waiting to be discovered – just the thing for sunny summer days.

When you’re after feel-good food, the family-friendly Newport Creamery, a 15-minute walk from the Wayfinder, is ready to deliver. The menu is packed with comforting classics, from loaded curly fries and cobb salad to buffalo chicken. But really, you’re here for the “drinkable treats,” such as the root beer float or the Outrageous Awful Awful, a blend of ice creams with cookies, strawberry, banana chip and chocolate mint chip. The company’s history stretches back almost 80 years, so you know it’s going to be tasty.

You might technically be able to buy its brews in the hotel, but there’s no beating a visit to the original Nitro when it’s time for a proper cup of joe. Specialists in nitro cold-brew coffee, it serves iced lattes alongside moreish cookies and hearty sandwiches in its bright, contemporary cafe. Pull up a seat at the cream-hued bar, and you can chat with the barista as your drink is prepared, quizzing them on the coffee’s origin as you wait.

It’s not a holiday to Rhode Island if you haven’t been to the beach. Only a 10-minute drive south of the hotel, Easton’s is a prime place for a chill-out day; it’s the perfect family-friendly pick for sand-castle building, splashing in the surf and working on your tan. Visit the seaside snack bar for buttery lobster rolls or, for true indulgence, have them delivered straight to your beach blanket.

Whatever homeware treasures you’re seeking, this stylish shop, a five-minute drive south of the hotel, is sure to have it. It stocks one-of-a-kind vintage pieces as well as contemporary buys. Unless you have a budget for shipping (or a very large suitcase), most of the stock will be window-shoppable only – for example, a historic Maire Antoinette-style sofa, stone angel statues or antique birdbaths for the garden. But that doesn’t diminish the joy of browsing.