Baycation (n): a vacation around the bay. Not too far from home, limited travel time, and cost-effective; while still providing luxury and a break from real life. A getaway. Baycations have been known to reignite a pride in one’s home province as people realize the sheer beauty of their own backyards.
Whale House Guest House is a modern, eco-friendly boutique style accommodation; the only of its kind in the Witless Bay Ecological Reserve, in the small town of Mobile. Located only about 40 minutes outside the heart of St. John’s, Newfoundland, one can escape from the city for a night or two by themselves or with a loved one without straying too far from the city. The best part? They are open year-round, so you can take your getaway at any time.
Located right on the East Coast Trail next to the most popular hiking and snowshoe trails, Whale House provides the perfect break for tired hikers after long days on the trails. The owners, who epitomize the well-known trait of good ol’ Newfoundland hospitality, will even shuttle your bags and belongings to your next trail stop so you don’t have to carry them with you that day.
With quirky and unique touches such as ducks in their own treehouse, pineapple crush in the mini-fridge, and nan’s homemade quilts, Whale House will steal your heart (without stealing the contents of your wallet). Keep reading for more about our stay in the Humpback Suite.
Perfectly located within the town of Mobile, Whale House is only a minutes-long walk to beaches, East Coast Trail trailheads, the wine shop, a corner store, and boat tours. There are also a number of great restaurants and coffee shops in the area. Whale House gets its name from its close proximity to the Witless Bay Ecological Reserve, where at certain times of the year, whales come to feed and play. From Whale House, you can see out over Mobile Bay, which is a humpback feeding ground, making it one of the best places in the province to spot whales. It was only fitting that we stayed in the Humpback Suite.
The Humpback Suite is a cozy and comfortable, yet modern and chic guest room, perfect for a couple or solo traveller. All of the beds are handmade by local craftsmen (you know how we love supporting local businesses and creators!!) from 100% natural wood that is free from chemicals. When you toss yourself on the bed and bury your face in the pillows, you’ll even notice a subtle aroma of essential oils. It is little touches like this that make your stay meaningful and memorable.
This suite is one of only two guest rooms that have a hot tub– relaxing in the eco hot tub with the cool air nipping my cheeks and the stars twinkling in the sky was the perfect way to unwind. Due to the low levels of light pollution out in Mobile, on a clear night, one can see constellations and planets that you would never be able to see in the city. Marty and Amanda, the owners of Whale House, never failed to keep the environment in mind when designing the guest house. The hot tubs, whenever possible, are filled with clean rainwater. The water from the taps and shower in the suites come from an underground spring, meaning it is chlorine-free and better than any bottled water around. To protect the water and other environmental systems, all cleaning supplies used are 100% natural– and you can tell because the rooms are immaculate.
I was blown away by the thoughtful accents in the room. Handmade quilts, made by Amanda’s Nan in Joe Batt’s Arm on Fogo Island, make your sleep extra warm and cozy. Pineapple crush and other complimentary drinks in the fridge, as well as coffee, tea, and kombucha, leave your thirst quenched. Electric kettles, convection ovens, and hot plates allow you to cook a healthy and romantic dinner from the peace and quiet of your suite. And snacks and cereals in mason jars, to which you are welcome to help yourself, show that the owners have thought of everything their guests may want to enjoy during their stay.
Visit the Whale House website or Tripadvisor for more photos and information about the Humpback Suite, and to book a night for yourself. I highly recommend this luxury accommodation for your next vacation, baycation, staycation– whatever you call it, you’ll have a night that you won’t soon forget.
After our perfect night in the Humpback Suite (and I’m not kidding– the sleep was perfect! The hot tub and essential oils knocked us out into the most peaceful snooze), we were invited up to the Blue Whale suite by Marty and Amanda. This is a much larger guest room with interesting and unforgettable modern fusion decor, with one-of-a-kind art and sculptures, and a perfectly placed bed so guests can soak up whale sightings and star-gazing while curled up in a quilt. Even though we didn’t stay in this suite, I still want to share a few photos because it is simply gorgeous. P.S. this is the other suite that has a hot tub. Check out the Blue Whale suite on the Whale House website or on Tripadvisor for more photos and information, and to book.
twowildtides would like to send the most heartfelt thank-yous to Marty and Amanda for having us out to Whale House Guest House; for showing us another of Newfoundland and Labrador’s wonderful hidden gems; and for reminding us what hospitality really is.
Please check out their blog, Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. Leave them a comment and tell them twowildtides sent you! We would also love to see your photos if you decide to book a night (which you really should), so tag us on Facebook and Instagram, @twowildtides!
happy travels,
char
The Murray Premises has stood the test of time. As the oldest collection of fishing industry mercantile buildings in NL, it is the site of many trials, tribulations, and disasters– but like Newfoundlanders and Labradorians, the property is strong and resilient, having survived the Great Fires of 1846 and 1892 which devastated most of the city. Although this is a modern and luxurious hotel, I could still feel a strong sense of what may have occurred within the walls before the hotel ever existed– not in a creepy way, but rather in a fascinating and peaceful way. Now there are new buildings popped up all around, such as Jack Astor’s, The Keg, and Mill Street Brewery, as well as the Husky building and a parking garage; but the integrity of the historic property still remains and its proximity to these facilities and others create a convenience for hotel guests.
Some of St. John’s’ top restaurants, shops, and nightlife (a.k.a. George Street) are located just seconds from the hotel– I’m not exaggerating. Not to mention Mile One stadium, the Rooms, and our many other historic sites which are minutes away. The Murray Premises Hotel is a great option for travelers who want an authentic experience of downtown St. John’s.
Included in our stay was a buffet-style breakfast. I’d describe it as a continental breakfast kicked up a notch. They swap cheap muffins for decadent croissants and apples and bananas for a large variety of seasonal fruit. The light meal along with a mug of green tea was exactly what I needed to drag me out of the groggy state I was in from the coma-like sleep I had (undoubtedly thanks to the comfortable beds but likely facilitated by the wine). Also take some time to enjoy the lounge off the lobby where you can grab a coffee before check-out or in lieu of breakfast if you’re not a morning eater.
St. John’s has many fabulous hotels but the Murray Premises is unique. It offers a history and rustic vibrance that others don’t. I cannot wait to return to the hotel and try another room as they are all slightly different. Thank you so much to the Murray Premises for having us and for extending the highest standard of hospitality.
Before we headed into the lodge Friday evening, we went night skiing; something I had never done before. It was a cool experience, the hill was not very busy so we did not have to wait in line at the lifts and we had the whole hill to ourselves.
We skied all day on Saturday and had drinks at the chalet that night while we were blasted with a winter storm. It was such a well-needed relaxing weekend! If you are planning a vacation to Newfoundland, whether it is winter or summer, Marble Mountain has a lot to offer.
