Long a New England landmark, Block Island’s historic Surf Hotel — closed for several years — has reopened and once again presides over Crescent Beach and Old Harbor. Located just steps from the ferry landing in the center of the picturesque town of New Shoreham, the Victorian hotel’s expansive veranda and row of rocking chairs have greeted visitors since 1876. The property retains many original details, including tin ceilings, Tiffany-style lamps and a giant outdoor chess set; some rooms still offer shared bathrooms, lending an authentic, old-fashioned charm.
A short walk down the main street brings guests to the award-winning Koru Eco Spa. Named for the Māori word koru, which means renewal, the spa highlights the Block Island Organics skincare line, formulated from organic botanicals and pure ingredients. Koru Eco Spa offers a full menu of facials, hair and nail services, and massages, including the signature Block Island Sacred Stone Massage, which uses smooth, rounded stones hand-collected from local beaches. Body treatments are inspired by the island’s shores, with each service named for a different beach; the Crescent Beach treatment, for example, features a choice of sugar, sea-salt, or coffee exfoliating scrubs to refresh and soften skin.
The combination of restored Victorian elegance at the Surf Hotel and the island-focused, sustainable treatments at Koru Eco Spa creates a distinctive Block Island experience: relaxed, historic and rooted in local resources. Visitors can enjoy seaside walks, explore the town’s shops and galleries, and return to accommodations that reflect the island’s past while offering contemporary comforts. Whether seeking a restorative spa treatment, a cozy room with period details, or simply a front-row seat to sunset over Crescent Beach, guests find a welcoming blend of tradition and relaxation.