The Chanler, Rhode Island

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Published: 12:00am, 4 Jun 2006

Where is it? This 1865 mansion turned boutique guesthouse was the first to be constructed along the cliff walk overlooking the Atlantic Ocean in Newport, Rhode Island, in the United States. In the spirit of one-upmanship, every subsequent mansion in the neighbourhood was created along ever more ostentatious lines; the cliff walk is now a dramatic billionaire's row, with 11 properties open for historic tours, thanks to the Preservation Society of Newport.

Luxurious or basic? It is luxurious - president Theodore Roosevelt was once a guest. The 20 rooms are sumptuous and individually themed (as was the fashion in the 19th century) but feature a host of up-to-date amenities. Reached through the landscaped grounds, the ocean and garden villas have a more modern layout, with the added luxury of an outdoor spa and sauna.

Who should visit? The Chanler is ideal for romantics or anyone wanting to splurge. Some locals have been known to take up residence there while renovating their mansions. Newport is the home of the America's Cup and, in June, the harbour fills with colourful flotillas and sails.

What's on the menu? Overlooking the Atlantic, the Chanler's Spiced Pear restaurant serves a more adventurous menu than most American international/fusion restaurants. Apart from the usual Italian/French mixture, the Spiced Pear also uses ingredients such as sake and cumquats, drawing influences from India, Japan and China. Occasionally, the menu pays homage to Rhode Island's regional delicacy, creamy quahog clam chowder. Locals compare Newport to the Hamptons in New York state - except here, you can actually get a table at a good restaurant.

What else is there to do? The most popular mansion to visit on the cliff walk is the Breakers. It was originally owned by the Vanderbilt family when they were one of the richest dynasties in the world. Photographs are not permitted inside but they don't do the preposterous interior justice anyway. Another mansion, Rosecliff, was a location for movies The Great Gatsby and, more recently, True Lies. Outdoors there is the Green Animals Topiary Garden, inhabited by 80 topiary critters. If you're feeling a trifle stuffy, you can charter a classic 1921 wooden cruiser called Pam from J-Class Management (www.jclass.com).

What's the bottom line? Basic rates start at $2,300 a night. For more information, visit www.thechanler.com and www.newportmansions.org.