Pulling up through Main Street in the small town of Brewster, Massachusetts on Cape Cod, guests who enter the gates of the Ocean Edge Resort & Golf Club are greeted with the grandeur of a long driveway, lush front lawn, and two incredible mansion-like buildings that represent the true spirit of a luxurious Cape Cod getaway. It’s no wonder why the resort has earned the title as the crown jewel of Cape Cod.
The historic beginnings of the resort are what bring the charm and character of the property to life. In the late 1880’s the original 1,800-acre property was purchased by Samuel Nickerson which included Fieldstone Hall, today known as The Mansion where check-in takes place, a windmill, and private game reserve. Some years later Fieldstone Hall was destroyed in a tragic fire but was rebuilt along with the neighboring Carriage House that is commonly used as meeting and event space at the resort. From 1944-1973 the property was sold and used as a seminary and it was not until the 1980’s that the property became The Ocean Edge Resort & Golf Club.
Today, guests can enjoy five of the original rooms in The Mansion including The Roscommon Room for dining, the Great Hall, the Billiard Room which is now the lobby, and the LaSalette Room where you can grab a book or a cocktail and sit by the cozy fire.
“The historic beginnings of the resort are what bring the charm and character of the property to life.”
The resort is neatly divided into two separate communities, The Mansion and The Villages, that sit on 429-acres where collectively 337 rooms and suites are spread throughout. With 21,000 square feet of meeting space, weddings and group gatherings are no stranger to the resort. Golfing, private experiences, diverse options of tours that are both educational and entertaining, and activities for adventurers and those wanting to sit back and relax are all available on resort grounds making it a prime destination. Prior to the pandemic, the resort was only open during the summer season starting on Memorial Day but is now open all-year after receiving many guests who were looking to get away from quarantine life in the city.
For families looking to spend their summers on The Cape, The Villages community offers 216 units divided into four separate villages. While not all those staying at The Villages have access to the resort’s private beach, guests staying here have access to a shuttle bus during season that provides transportation to nearby Crosby Beach.
The AAA Four Diamond Mansion community offers 121 units ranging in size and style in the Nickerson Mansion or the Presidential Bay Collection Villas and has full access to the resort’s private beach. For this particular stay, our experience began with accommodations at The Mansion side of the property in a spacious Signature King Guestroom with balcony in the West Wing.
These guest rooms feature a king size bed with premium bedding that makes it feel like you’re sleeping on clouds. A sofa bed is also available in the room making it a great addition for small children to lay their heads after an adventurous day. The bathrooms feature a large tub and shower combo with a stand alone sink. There is also a vanity area with ample lighting that makes doing hair and makeup a breeze! Additional amenities include your typical coffee maker, small refrigerator, and desk although getting any work done would be hard when you’re in a resort that offers so many great activities.
Just below the guest rooms sits an indoor heated pool and fitness center. The building is a stone’s throw to the tennis courts, bike rental stand and quick walk to the beach.
After exploring your surroundings, head to Ocean Terrace for an evening cocktail which overlooks Cape Cod Bay and where the views of the orange and pink sunsets just can’t be missed. This signature restaurant is truly one-of-a-kind. On chilly nights, take a seat at the outdoor fire bowls, order some cocktails and feast on the freshest oysters. Insider tip: the Ocean Terrace serves brunch on special occasions such as Thanksgiving, Easter, and Mother’s Day so be sure to plan a trip around one of these holidays.
After a heavenly night’s sleep, you’ll want to dine in the Roscommon Room for breakfast. The current Roscommon Room was the Nickerson family dining room and is an extension of Ocean Terrace. To one side you’ll find the fireplace showcases Italian craftsmanship and intricate woodworking and to the other side a full bar where above sits a portrait of the Nickerson family matriarch. The menu is small but the options do not disappoint. In true New England fashion, a Lobster Frittata is offered on the menu along with lighter fare such as Greek yogurt, fruits and juices. If you can’t decide, opt for the Terrace Eggs, a popular menu item and a hearty meal that includes toast, sausage, and bacon.
Lunch and dinner options are aplenty. Located on the lower level of the Nickerson Mansion is Bayzo’s Pub, come here if you’re looking for family-friendly dishes and a fun pub-like atmosphere. You can’t go wrong with the Honey-Lime Chicken, this deserves a chef’s kiss. If you’ve worked up an appetite after a round of golf, try Linx Tavern over at The Villages and enjoy an al fresco meal on the patio. Rumor has it that the young new chef at Linx Tavern makes a mean Zucchini Guacamole.
“After exploring your surroundings, head to Ocean Terrace for an evening cocktail which overlooks Cape Cod Bay and where the views of the orange and pink sunsets just can’t be missed.”
With a full heart and satisfied stomach get ready to explore some of the activities offered on resort grounds. The beauty of staying at Ocean Edge Resort & Golf Club is that there are plenty of activities to enjoy, private or otherwise. To ensure fun for the whole family, the resort even has a Director of FUN who curates seasonal activities and tours. Two of the most popular activities during the summer season are the Front Lawn Pop-Up and the beach bonfires. The Front Lawn Pop Up transforms the spacious Mansion lawn into an open-air hangout with local beers, bites, and live music while the beach bonfires provide a lowkey gathering with s’mores and cocktails perfect for relaxing and watching the epic sunsets.
Another activity at the top of anyone’s list should include the Oyster Bed Tour where guests can get up close and personal with the shelling industry. You can book a private tour for just your group or participate in a complimentary tour to learn about the aquaculture and the importance the tide plays in the farming of the oysters. If you’re new to oyster shucking, like many people are, you will want to ask a lot of questions. Tour leader and farmer Brian Daley does an incredible job of explaining the whole process of how oysters get to restaurant tables. Another pro tip: oysters are best eaten during months that have an ‘r’ in them.
Pick up a daily calendar of events at the lobby to discover fun for the whole family. Most private activities like private golf lessons, are offered for an additional fee.
No resort stay is complete without experiencing the spa. The cottage-like Beach House Spa is inspired by the Cape Cod seashore and offers full-body massages, facials, and salon services. In the spa lobby guests can do a little shopping in the new retail space that houses luxury items and brands such as Stoney Clover and Electric Picks Jewelry. When you’re called for your treatment head towards the back where you’ll enter the relaxation room and five treatment rooms including one for couples’ treatments. Be sure to ask for the Spa Director, Wendy to give you the scoop on the best treatments! To add to the ambiance, peaceful art pieces from local artists line the halls for visual pleasure and are also available for purchase.
Future brides rejoice! If you’re planning a wedding or in the midst of rescheduling because of the pandemic you’ll want to explore the possibility of a ceremony at Ocean Edge. With eight different venues to hold activities and ceremonies you’ll be pining for a Coastal Cape wedding.
As much as you’ll want to stay on resort grounds, there’s also so much to do and see in Brewster and the surrounding area. Brewster is dubbed by locals as the art beat of Cape Cod, so head out on one of the Ocean Edge bikes to discover the art galleries that line Main Street or detour to Nickerson State Park. Stop by the Brewster General Store for souvenirs and grab some ice cream at Brewster Scoop located just next door. If you’re interested in venturing out for a meal or two Brewster Fish House comes highly recommended from the Ocean Edge staff.
Other highly recommended activities include Monomoy Island Excursions, Pilgrim Monument in Provincetown, Cape Cod Beer Brewery, Truro Vineyards, and a Brewster Whitecaps baseball game. As a guest of Ocean Edge, you can also take advantage of perks like complimentary admission to the Cape Cod Museum of Natural History and Cape Cod Museum of Art.
If you’re up for a day’s adventure you won’t want to miss your chance at whale watching with Hyannis Whale Watcher Cruises. The tour provides a unique and safe whale watching experience. Throughout the trip, guests will be provided with an engaging, entertaining, and educational narrative, not to mention the incredible chance to spot whales, seals, and dolphins.
Extend your trip a few days and enjoy day trips around The Cape while keeping Ocean Edge as your home base. Its central location will get you to Hyannis in about 30 minutes where you can hop on the Hy-Line Ferry to Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket. While in Hyannis don’t forget to wave to the Kennedys where their famed vacation compound is located.
Website: www.oceanedge.com.
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