Sometimes a small getaway makes a big difference, even if you’re just one or two towns away. The Winnetu Oceanside Resort is offering an easy way to make a Martha’s Vineyard “staycation” possible.
How does the Winnetu make it easy? Well, as an Island resident, you can spend the night for free. What’s the catch? Nothing crazy.
What’s required is paying a $35 room cleaning fee and dining at The Dunes, the resort’s restaurant.
At the end of the Summer, the Point B Realty team likes to get together and celebrate the busy season, and this year, we opted to do so at the Winnetu and The Dunes.
Staycation At The Winnetu
Let me paint the picture for you. Pack your bag, you might bring more than you expect, because there’s still lots to do at the Winnetu, like the heated outdoor pool (closing October 10th), thier tennis courts, an antique fire truck ride, and of course, the life-size, outdoor chess set.
Room For Cramer
With bags packed, I was at the resort promptly at 4:00 p.m. for check-in time, with my children in tow. Sadly, they were only with me for a little while because I had cocktail hour, and then dinner with my Point B team later in the evening. I have to mention that we were greeted with cookies when we arrived — a hit with my little ones!
Even though the Island was in the midst of tropical storm Jose, it was still really fun to be on this little adventure. Of course, the pool and chess board were closed because, it was so windy and stormy out.
However, that didn’t stop us from taking the short walk to South Beach, and enjoying the crazy wind, and watching the waves. It’s a nice little walk, and leads to a lovely part of the beach.
After getting wind blown and wet, it was back to the hotel room, which was very well appointed. It had a view of the water in the distance, a modern, beach chic decor, its own balcony, a kitchen area, a Murphy bed, a couch area with an additional TV and more.
Since we weren’t home, I dried off the kiddos and let them hang out and watch cartoons on the big white bed. Such a little thing, but so fun for them. They didn’t want to leave when my husband came to get them. It would have been nice to have them, but let’s face it, a night in such a room by myself is a gift.
I enjoyed the quiet time, then put on some good music to get ready to, and then it was time to go to The Dunes restaurant to celebrate.
The Dunes
We started with drinks at the bar. I was a little disappointed that we were not able to be out on the deck with the lounge furniture and fire pits, but Jose could have done a lot more to our Island, just think of Puerto Rico. So, no complaints from anyone. Also, the bar is a good spot to mingle a bit.
Then it was time to sit for dinner. The Dunes staff placed a couple tables together for our group, the restaurant was open, and other guests were dining as well. There was a fire going, good music, and we were all together.
The Dunes executive chef, Scott Erhlich, has really elevated dining at The Dunes. Though not the full menu from the Summer, we had a carefully curated menu with some delicious options. For our group, there was an appetizer and an entree selection.
There was something really fun about being cozy and together on such a stormy night. There was no place else to go, no place you’d rather be.
The wine flowed, the laughter ensued, and boy did we have an amazing dinner. For my starter, I opted for the Bangkok Mussels, which were made with a Thai red curry broth, lemongrass and Thai Basil. Such a nice change from the usual tomato fennel broth ones I usually have. The curry was flavorful and bright, and I soaked up as much as I could with bread!
For dinner, I had an incredible dish, line caught swordfish with leek risotto and brussels sprouts, parsnips and pine nuts, drizzled with a cabernet beurre rouge — the most scrumptious red wine butter sauce. Forget about the usual beurre blanc!
Of course if you’re on staycation, you finish with dessert, and dessert I did. I ordered the apple crisp ala mode. Perfection! I was so full and content and ready for bed after such a fabulous dinner.
After our feast, Point B owners, Wendy and Win, had arranged rooms for those who wanted to stay the evening. Of course, I was on that bandwagon! How wonderful at the end a great meal to just walk to your fabulous room. Not many people stayed, but boy was I happy to. Thanks Win and Wendy!
I opened the doors to the balcony, listened to the wind and waves, and was ready for a quiet, undisturbed night of sleep. Pure bliss.
The Next Day
Waking up rested, having a view, and the quiet, was fantastic. How grand to just lay in bed, take in a little morning news or HGTV before heading to breakfast.
Just when you thought it couldn’t get better, I had discovered the night before, that there was yoga in the morning at 9 a.m. Definitely added to my agenda.
There was a nice breakfast buffet set up at The Dunes. Make your own waffles, bagels, fruit, muffins, coffee, etc. I grabbed one of the highback winged white chairs by the window, and enjoyed my own little spread and get this, read my book, with an occasional glance out to the water. Yes, it was as nice as it sounds.
After breakfast and relaxing, it was time for yoga. The Winnetu works with Island yogi, Emily Sims Solarazza. Yoga with Emily is so amazing. She was the very first person I did yoga with when I moved to Martha’s Vineyard many years ago.
Imagine my delight to see her beautiful, smiling face. She is one of those instructors that can get you into a zen place. Her energy, her voice, her gentle help with positions, it’s an amazing experience. So calming, yet challenging.
After our practice, I went back to the room and read more of my book, in bed. I didn’t want it to end. I think I could get used to resort life, but it was time to get back to reality.
With so much fun during a storm, I can only imagine how great it would be to experience the Winnetu during beautiful weather.
The staff at the front desk were so nice at check-in and check-out. Fun to chat with and ask questions about what the resort had open with the weather being what it was.
I even took sometime to peruse the general store which had all sorts of fun things, from penny candy, sandwiches, jewelry, Vineyard Wick and Bath goodies, and more.
Though the Sundays this promotion are available have already passed by, you can still make this possible, the remaining dates are Thursday October 5th & 12th. If you can, it’s a great staycation, that is not far from home or too challenging on the wallet.
For reservations and more details, you can call 866-335-1133 or e-mail reservations@winnetu.com.
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