Newbury inn a haven of luxury on the water

The decor is striking. Blue was modeled after the Delano Hotel in Miami's South Beach, manager Diane Beaudry told us.

Our spacious oceanfront suite, more than 250 square feet, was almost entirely white. A couch and oversized chair faced a gas fireplace. A flat-screen TV was mounted on the wall, its black cord wrapped in white. Windows overlooking the deck and ocean had white wood blinds and gauzy cream-colored curtains, adding to the beach house feel. The only decoration on the white walls was a series of photographs of Plum Island, Newbury, and Newburyport by Louise Mold, a former island resident.

The queen bed had a white matelasse coverlet over a pleated white skirt. On a marble-topped table we found cobalt blue wine glasses, an ice bucket, and corkscrew. A corner kitchenette had a refrigerator, sink, and coffeemaker. Items in the fridge, including soda, water, and a bottle of wine, were complimentary. Breakfast, we were told, would be delivered in a picnic basket at a time of our choosing.

There were spa robes in the closet, complimentary insignia flip-flops, a phone, and a CD/DVD player.

The bath, also in white, featured a marble-topped vanity with lots of storage space. There was a large soaking tub with a rainfall showerhead, and separate controls for temperature and water pressure. The glass enclosure around the tub made a smallish bath feel bigger.

A veritable cornucopia of toiletries included toothpaste, toothbrushes, mouthwash, soap, a disposable razor, mending kit, shower cap, and vanity kit, along with a hair dryer. The ProTerra Marine products - soap with sea kelp, sea kelp shampoo and conditioner, and bath gel - had a clean, clothes-drying-on-the-line scent.