The Editors’ Pick: Two of New England’s Finest

New England is well known across the globe for its deep-rooted history, crazy sports fans, quintessential old school charm and of course seafood!  When visiting the area for any extended time one must experience a few of the infamous activities available from taking a walk on the Freedom Trail in Boston to exploring the Newport mansions in Rhode Island.

When spending the day diving into the dense, packed historic culture that is quintessential New England, it can be quite overwhelming. Luckily for locals and tourists alike, there is an endless amount of delicious culinary delights at every turn, great hotels and plenty of attractions. Tourists can easily spend days hopping from one city to another taking in the latest and greatest. To cut down your research time we have a few “Best of New England” suggestions you will be thanking us for later.

Boston, Massachusetts

The easiest and most accessible airport in New England is hands down Logan Airport. Fly from LAX to BOS via Alaska Airlines and start your trip off right with an upgrade to First Class which includes lounge access before you travel. Alaska Airlines operates the most nonstop flights from the West Coast, making flights more accessible and much more cost-effective than other airlines.

Award-winning service awaits along with a menu offering refreshing, bright flavors inspired by the West Coast food scene. The airline offers rotating seasonal menus, which feature fresh, locally sourced ingredients and feel-good snack and beverage options from beloved West Coast brands, including Salt & Straw, Luke’s Organic and Fremont Brewing. Settle in, recline your comfy seat and sip away on one of their expertly-picked wines or microbrews while enjoying one of the hundreds of movies and TV shows available to view. As if that wasn’t enough currently the airline is in the process of upgrading to satellite Wi-Fi, which is 20x faster than the standard air-to-ground system. Soon enough you will be able to stream, browse, and chat from takeoff through landing with uninterrupted connectivity.

For accommodations in the city book a room at the Royal Sonesta Boston which combines modern style with breathtaking city views right along the famous Charles River in Cambridge. Located right between world-class attractions and straddling both Cambridge and Boston–all you need is easily accessible including Fenway Park and Faneuil Hall. With 400 luxurious guest rooms and suites, the hotel offers stunning views of the Charles River, as well as the Boston and Cambridge skylines. Enjoy a host of amenities and delightful extras in each of the thoughtfully appointed rooms and immediately start relaxing.

For dinner venture downstairs to the lobby level for a casual meal at ArtBar. This contemporary player to the local restaurant scene showcases a bustling bar, a well planned out menu and inviting service staff that caters to business professionals by day and tourists by night. Here you can expect good vibes and a relaxed environment, handcrafted cocktails and delectable New England inspired menu.

Spend the day admiring the aquatic collection at the New England Aquarium, eat your way through Faneuil Hall and stop by the original Cheers bar on Beacon Hill for a beer where everyone knows your name.

Newport, Rhode Island

Whether visiting Newport for relaxation or a culinary adventure; the Hotel Viking is a prime spot for downtown access. Perfectly situated in the historic hill neighborhood on Bellevue Avenue, the property has been around since 1926. As a member of the Historic Hotels of America, the property is brimming with stories of its varied past, from the front desk depicting ancient Nordic Runes to the original 1926 brass letterbox in the lobby.

With an optimal location, the property is easily accessible to various tourist sites from the Newport Mansions to the harbor. With spacious rooms and suite offerings, impeccable service from the moment you walk in the door and classic beach-inspired décor it’s no wonder this centrally located property is donned as one of the area’s best.

One of the finer points about staying at the Hotel Viking is you don’t need to go very far for delicious local New England cuisine. Simply jump in the elevator and within seconds you arrive a few floors below at One Bellevue. Offering breakfast, lunch and dinner as well as a delectable bar menu this traditional bistro offers classic New England staples served in a warm environment. Seafood is a prime focus at the restaurant with favorites such as local Oysters, Seared Scallops, Pan Roasted Salmon and Lobster Mac & Cheese. If you’re not a seafood fan there are plenty of options from the Charcuterie to Filet Mignon.

After a long day of visiting the sites, book a treatment at Spa Fjord where exotic Balinese experiences and Thai body rituals are custom-designed to replace the weight of the world with the feeling of utter relaxation.  Ease into the luxurious space and endless amenities filled with indulgent packages and treatments dedicated to rejuvenating the body, mind, and soul. This haven of tranquility will lead you to a complete state of bliss. In addition, healthy dishes from One Bellevue are available at the spa pool, and the boutique offers therapeutic products to continue the spa experience at home. Get ready to be revived with a spa day fit for a king or queen—that will leave you feeling healed and transformed into your best self, inside and out.

From tucked away cozy spaces and outdoor seating areas, to a vibrant coffee shop buzzing with energy, the hotel’s outlets offer inspiring settings to stir conversation and further elevate the guest experience. The courtyard area is an expansive outdoor space perfect for any special event, meditative moments and golden hour musings (with or without a glass of wine).