Have you taken some time for yourself lately? It’s been tough to relax this year, but self-care, rejuvenation, and simply celebrating the gift of being alive has become more important than ever. If it’s been a minute, it might be time to plan a retreat to Ocean Edge Resort.
The 429-acre Ocean Edge Resort & Golf Club is a tranquil and luxurious escape from civilization
This luxurious resort offers a unique escape from civilization into the heart of Cape Cod, where there are 300 acres of beaches and tidal pools. Just a 45-minute drive away from gay mecca Provincetown, Ocean Edge Resort & Golf Club resides in the charming coastal city Brewster, Massachusetts, where it boasts eight of those beaches.
Bay Pines Beach
I’m always a bit anxious when traveling as a Black gay man from the South, so it was comforting to see Pride flags on churches alongside “Black Lives Matter” written on the town’s marquee. Check out a bicycle at the resort and start your morning off with a breezy ride around the town. Make sure to swing through local spots like the Brewster Store for some charming knickknacks and stop by Apt for a deliciously light brunch.
Kayaking Blueberry Pond
There’s a peaceful trail from which to explore much of the 429-acre resort which features five on-site pools, its own private beaches, and access to kayaking and paddle boarding.
Escape humanity and commune with nature on a Hyannis Whale Watcher Cruise. The 130-foot three-level Whale Watcher powers about an hour out into the open ocean. Watching the land recede to barely a sliver was a little terrifying for a city boy like me, but also admittedly exhilarating. Our naturalist guides pointed out seals as we passed but the excitement was palpable when someone, finally, caught sight of two whales.
There’s really nothing quite like the majesty of Humpback whales, and they came so close to the boat that on the lower levels it felt like we could almost reach out and touch them. I named the two thick queens Cardi and Megan, an unofficial designation to be sure, but one that made me feel even closer to these marine mammals.
The resort's private golf course
Back on land, Ocean Edge’s private 18- hole golf course sounded quite intimidating to someone who has never stepped foot on anything more expansive than a boozy putt-putt course. The resort has your back, offering private lessons with a PGA professional, whether you want to take your first swing or fine tune your skills.
The Beach House Spa will pamper you
Afterwards, walk on over to the Beach House Spa for a deeply relaxing pampering session. While filling out the initial forms to meet with my massage therapist, I noticed an option to select my pronouns, which made me feel even more at ease.
My parents are from Louisiana and Texas so they know a thing or two about seafood, but the Cape’s selections are beautifully fresh and uniquely New England. You absolutely must order a lobster roll at Ocean Edge’s little hideaway restaurant, Linx Tavern. Packed with flavor and so very fresh!
Oyster beds
Check the tide tables because when it goes out, you’ll want to explore Brewster Flats, one of North America’s largest tidal flats, and just a short stroll down the beach from Ocean Edge. We were lucky enough to go on an Oyster Bed Tour with the wizened guide Bud, who has been in the oyster business for decades, yet his enthusiasm hasn’t faded. Thousands of oysters are farmed on this section of the Flats just a few hundred feet from the bay. Bud shucks fresh oysters for the guests who want to try farm to mouth. Seafood doesn’t get fresher.
The author enjoys a drink from the Beach Bar at the Ocean Edge Resort & Golf Club
We circled back around to the same spot just seven hours later to discover the oysters we visited that afternoon were now covered by 10 feet of water. On the beach the resort had set a fire pit into the sand, complete with s’more fixings and skewers. As I sipped one of The Beach Bar’s delicious signature cocktails, I looked out over the water. The High Tide cocktail was the perfect complement to the setting, with complex notes of peanut butter and ginger whiskeys with pineapple. A smorgasbord of oranges and blues painted across the sky as the sun set over the Atlantic Ocean. I couldn’t help but smile. After the year we’ve all had it feels good to celebrate endings, even if it’s just the gentle close of another day here at the land’s end. It feels like new beginnings.
This piece appeared in print, see our entire digital version of Out Traveler Issue #25 here.
