Possibly the most delightful small boutique hotel that I have had the privilege to experience is “blue“-The Inn on the Beach. Located on Plum Island, a barrier island off the coast of Newburyport, Massachusetts which is known around the world for its natural beauty, blue is tucked away among the dunes of one of the most beautiful beaches on the East Coast. It is, in fact, the only hotel on Plum Island that is located directly on the beach. You know immediately when you have reached your destination because the walkway and driveway leading to blue are literally covered with sparkling, small blue glass pebbles. The entire property is blue and white including the soothing lotions and potions provided in the bathroom. I could not even find a flower in the garden that did not conform to the color scheme. The pristine white sand and the blue of the ocean seemed an appropriate extension of the hotel and it was hard to tell where one ended and the other began as we sat on our balcony sipping the cold white wine, in a blue bottle of course, that was compliments of the management.

Each room is unique in design and provides the maximum in comfort and luxury amenities. The rooms are of course, air conditioned, but in early June, we found that it was far more enjoyable to just open the doors to the patio and let the sounds and feel of the ocean become a part of our room. The plasma television was no match for the lulling music of the ocean and we did not even turn it on.

Plum Island consists of some great restaurants, a few shops, quite a few large and beautiful homes and condos, a national wildlife refuge and very few hotels. Blue gives its guests the feeling of solitude and tranquility, romance and luxury. Whether your dream vacation includes a variety of activities or the chance to do nothing at all, the staff at blue will do their best to help you.

Each morning, at a time we specified, we found an elegant white picnic hamper outside our door with a sumptuous breakfast. My compliments to the chef who made the blueberry and banana muffins that obviously came fresh from the oven. Again, we retreated to our private balcony to enjoy our repast and plan our day. We were not on our honeymoom, but this would make a perfect spot for a honeymoon or anniversary. Blue is truly an oasis of tranquility and the only inn of its kind in New England.

The attentive staff at blue is always on-hand to help you book fishing expeditions, boating charters, bird watching in the national reserve or dinner reservations. Our first morning we chose to do a bird-watching expedition with Sue McGrath of Newburyport Birders in the Parker River National Wildlife Refuge. Sue, who knows a great deal about birds in general, and everything about birds in the refuge was, without a doubt, the most entertaining bird-guide we have ever had. We were there early enough to catch the end of the songbird migration but too late for the peregrine falcons, who pass through, but nest elsewhere. Because the land is marshy and not forested, the birds are easy to spot and Sue knew just where to look.

We stayed on well-marked lookout areas and used the tripod and binoculars she provided so we could observe the birds without disturbing them. When she is not busy writing books and catching up on other duties involving the birding community, Sue is available to conduct tours into the refuge. She can be reached at Newburyport Birders, 978-462-4785.

Discover blue before everyone else does. They specialize is giving very special attention to a few people at a time.

Contact: Telephone 978-465-7171
www.blueinn.com
Address: 20 Fordham Way, Plum Island, Newbury, MA. 01951
e-mail reserv@blueinn.com