Gurney's Newport Resort & Marina

"This resort, fresh off an eighteen million dollar renovation, is the sister property to Gurney's Montauk (they run a helicopter service between the two). The Goat Island location has been the site of military forts since the Revolutionary War, largely due to its stellar views of Narragansett Bay. Gurney’s has taken full advantage of their island site by adding an outdoor saltwater pool, patios and, their own marina which can accommodate boats up to 125 feet. We love the wellness-oriented details like complimentary bikes, weekend yoga, and aromatherapy treatments at the seawater spa. Aside from being well prepped for weddings, the resort is a great getaway option for families with kids: there's arts-and-crafts, sailing lessons, and so much more available. Downtown Newport is just across the bridge, but the views and the restaurants at Gurney's make it hard to leave."

"Bookings have been extremely strong, probably a pace we haven’t seen in the seven years that we’ve been doing this since we bought Gurney’s," says George Filopoulos, owner of Gurney's Resorts, which has two properties in Montauk, New York, and one in Newport, Rhode Island. "The Fourth of July holiday at this point is pacing ahead about 25 percent over last year."