Fogo lsland Inn – Canada
Getting to Fogo Island is half the adventure – through remote fishing communities and lush landscapes, and fingers crossed, spotting whales and icebergs on the ferry over. The inn is inextricably linked to the surrounding land, ocean and the islanders, having been built to ensure the economic prosperity of the local community. Standing proud on the rugged coastline, its design reminiscent of the stilted of the local fishing stages, the inn is orientated to watch over the crashing north Atlantic.
Inside, it’s all cracking fires and colourful, locally made furniture, with references to local heritage and culture in the fabrics and artworks. The staff embody all that is good about service, with an island-style warmth and friendliness. This is a retreat for those who love the call of the wild, history and a sense of place.
At A Glance
Retreat
Why We Love It:
For its futuristic design and strong links to the past, and its otherworldly location.Style:
Contemporary Nordic meets Newfoundland heritage.Location:
On Joe Batt’s Arm, on the northeast coast of Newfoundland – a flight to Gander airport, followed by an extraordinary scenic drive to the Farewell Ferry, then a 45 minute boat ride, and a 30 minute drive.Rooms:
29 ocean facing rooms and suites.Swimming:
In the island’s freshwater pools, or the very cold Atlantic.Children:
Families with children over the age of eight, are made incredibly welcome, with a host of organised activities.Accessibility:
The inn is fully accessible to guests with mobility issues, and can organise special excursions.Price:
Available on requestrooms
Through floor to ceiling windows, that run the entire length, each room and suite looks out over the wild Atlantic. The rooms all have woodburning stoves, and locally crafted quilts on the beds, with a pair of binoculars to spot passing whales or icebergs – the popular Labrador Rooms are almost level with the ocean – and some come with deep soaking tubs. The spacious suites, are bright, airy and very cosy. Some boast a mezzanine design, and a few can sleep a family of up to five.
food
The inn’s extraordinary location is evident in every dish, with menus full of ingredients, fished, farmed, foraged or grown locally. The cod, handlined fresh from the Atlantic, is like something you’ve never tasted before, and the snow crab and mussels are equally delicious. Join the sharing table at The Shed, and enjoy creative packed lunches on one of your many excursions. At dinner, the inn’s sommelier is an expert at pairing a wine from the very well stocked cellar.
activities
There are few places where you can genuinely say that you’re made to feel part of the community. The Inn’s “Community Host Program” matches up guests with locals to explore the island and learn about its heritage. There are countless activities included in your stay, from wildlife excursions – there’s whale watching throughout the summer, as well as trips to see seals, caribou and a whole host of birdlife, to cultural visits and exploring.
Take a dip in the icy Labrador current, or in one of the island’s many scenic ponds, followed by a sauna; enjoy a guided kayak or row a traditional punt, fish the waters for trout or cod, or explore the local communities on two wheels. And there are numerous opportunities to learn local crafts and skills, from boat building to foraging. At night, gaze up at the vast sky, for one of the best Milky Way displays you’ll ever see.
family
With several family suites and a guest relation team on hand to organise family friendly activities – from pottery workshops to wildlife excursions and foraging trips, this is a destination that will linger in your children’s memories.
sustainability
Sustainability is at the core of Fogo Island, with solar panels providing energy and its own waste treatment facility. Most of the interiors are made from natural materials, whilst, most importantly, all of the inn’s profits are reinvested into the community.
Location
Fogo Island Inn
On Joe Batt’s Arm, on the northeast coast of Newfoundland – a flight to Gander airport, followed by an extraordinary scenic drive to the Farewell Ferry, then a 45 minute boat ride, and a 30 minute drive.