Where Rugged Luxury Meets Unmatched Magic: Fogo Island Inn
What truly makes Fogo Island Inn so exceptional isn’t just its stunning location or sleek Scandinavian architecture—it’s the deep sense of place and community that pulses through every detail. The moment I stepped inside, I was enveloped in something rare and inspiring: a serene harmony between untouched nature and thoughtful, human presence.
Scandinavian design blends effortlessly with the raw, rugged beauty of Newfoundland’s Atlantic coast. The inn’s interiors feature natural wood, stone, and locally sourced wool to create warm, tactile spaces that invite you to pause, breathe, and truly savor the moment. Floor-to-ceiling windows flood each suite with light and frame an endless panorama of crashing waves and towering cliffs. The profound silence is broken only by the ocean’s roar or the occasional call of seabirds. It’s a place to slow down, reflect, and connect—with nature, art, and community.
Click here for the history of Fogo Island.
My experience began the moment an inn ambassador greeted us after our helicopter transfer from the famous Gander Airport. From that first friendly hello, I was swept up in the island’s powerful magic, history, and allure. Before even setting foot on the inn’s grounds, we passed workshops where locals craft boats, furniture, textiles, and art—all integral parts of the Inn’s story and soul. Nearly everyone on Fogo Island has a connection to the Inn, lending a genuine sense of community that you truly feel from arrival onward.
As we approached the Inn’s striking Scandinavian structure rising like a sculpture from the sea and rock, I felt the raw power of the landscape—the Atlantic winds roaring around us, the crisp ocean air filling my lungs. Once inside, the staff welcomed me like an old friend, and I was personally escorted to my oceanfront room.
I was told about the many amazing included adventures, and immediately wanted to try them all. I relaxed for a while, watching the ocean with the window open, before heading to “The Shed” for a spectacular local feast—a Newfoundlander seafood boil bursting with flavor to perfectly end my first day.
The next morning, I set off on a berry foraging hike with two knowledgeable local guides. The walk was easy and sweetened by nibbling on twenty different varieties of wild berries along the way. We arrived at a quiet forest clearing where our guides built a fire and we enjoyed a gourmet picnic complete with wild berry tea made from local harvests. Back at the Inn, I chose from activities like a pottery class and visits to the textile and art workshops, learning firsthand about the island’s fishing culture and craftsmanship. I purchased a stunning blanket—softest thing I’ve ever touched—that now reminds me of this place every day.
After a contemplative walk around the grounds, feeling the fierce winds whip along the coastline, dinner was perfectly timed to watch a fiery sunset while enjoying impeccable, Michelin three-key cuisine—a true feast for all the senses.
Though my stay was brief, I dreamed of all the other incredible experiences I’d missed: morning yoga, making the Inn’s famous jelly, bird and whale watching, indulging in local restaurants (also included in your stay), braving a cold plunge followed by sauna bliss, and ending the day in their intimate movie theater. At Fogo, the possibilities feel endless—and the staff are dedicated to turning your wishes into reality.
On my final morning, before the sun rose, I found hot coffee and pastries waiting outside my door, along with a sweet note and a packed lunch for my ferry ride back to the mainland and the everyday world. As the ferry crossed the Atlantic, I reflected on how deeply the island’s kind and welcoming people care—they have made it their life’s work to give guests a unique adventure that remains in your heart forever. Bathed in the dawn’s first light, I felt honored to be among the very first in North America to see the sun rise that day.
Every moment at Fogo Island Inn invites you not just to relax but to connect—deeply—with the stunning wilderness, the island’s vibrant community, and your own sense of wonder. It’s a rare, transformative experience that stays with you long after you leave.
If you crave an unforgettable getaway where breathtaking natural beauty, rich culture, and thoughtful luxury combine, Fogo Island Inn deserves a place at the top of your travel list.
