The Sipping Terrace at Ocean House

If there’s one thing that makes me eyes wide with excitement running through my body, it’s high tea. I am a huge tea lover, but pairing it with mini sandwiches and assorted pastries takes it to a whole other level. Growing up, my mom and I would have a tradition where we would spend weekends at a bakery and order some baked goods with tea. It wasn’t equivalent to a full high tea experience by any means, but anything similar to that always puts me in a good mood. When I was offered the opportunity to experience The Sipping Terrace at Ocean House, I didn’t hesitate to say yes!

*Revolve dress linked here

Let me first mention that Ocean House itself is a dream. This New England seaside resort has been in existence for over 100 years and it’s the first and only AAA Five Diamond and Forbes Five-Star hotel in the state. When I say it’s luxurious, I mean it’s LUXURIOUS. The grounds are stunning, the beach views are amazing, and the hotel, decor and amenities are all extraordinary. When I was touring the property, I felt like I was attending a wedding because it was right by the beach and it was filled with flowers and greenery. (In that moment, I also manifested actually making that happen in the future, either to return as a wedding guest or to have my own wedding there, so I’ll circle back when one of them becomes reality).

The First Tea & Dining Experience Paired with Sipsmith Gin Cocktails in North America

A collection of greenhouses tucked between lime and lemon trees hosts an enchanting new outdoor private dining experience at Ocean House. Serving afternoon tea and dinner, The Sipping Terrace features epicurean delights and Sipsmith gin cocktails for parties of up to four people, allowing for intimate socially distanced soirées with views of spectacular sunsets beyond Watch Hill’s coast.

My high tea experience took place at 3:00 pm, which is the perfect afternoon tea time if you ask me. When the staff led me to the terrace, I was beyond speechless. What struck me the most was the gorgeous greenhouses because it was so beautiful that I didn’t even want to step inside. I spent the first 30 minutes taking photos and taking in the scenery and moment because if I could design a high tea experience, it would be exactly what was presented.

The menu offered a modern interpretation of traditional tea fare with a selection of savory sandwiches including truffled egg salad, smoked salmon and pickled red onion, mediterranean vegetables and cured olive and garden cucumber and radish. The sweet delights included scones, served with Devonshire cream, lemon curd and preserves as well as assorted miniature pastries. Out of all the tea options, I selected the Lemon Verbena to sip throughout the experience.

I loved the option of having savory sandwiches along with the sweet pastries because I tend to go for both when given a choice. It was a beautiful Sunday afternoon the the weather was fabulous. It just so happened that we were the only ones having high tea that day, so it felt like a private dining experience. As I enjoyed my treats and tea, I couldn’t help, but think that the design of the whole experience was genius. I also discovered that the hotel plans to change the theme throughout the year and I think it would be just as a magical experience in the winter as it was for the summer.

I’m so grateful that Ocean House hosted me for that afternoon at The Sipping Terrace because it was remarkable and memorable experience! It was also a tease because I felt like I wanted to do more and wanted to see more of the hotel. I have already made a mental note to visit again and my short time at Ocean House made me fall in love with Rhode Island!