Wentworth Road
New Castle, New Hampshire
Telephone: 603.422.7322
Reservations: 866.240.6313
Spa: 603.422.7322
Compiled By Kevin McClain, Principal
Spa Index Media, LLC

"Spa Index was delighted to be invited as a guest of one of Ocean Properties'  newest resorts, Wentworth by the Sea, a Marriott Hotel & Spa, in New Castle, New Hampshire, for its grand reopening in June 2003. 

The Wentworth resort property was constructed nearly 130 years ago in 1873, and opened in 1874.  Named for New Hampshire's former Royal British Governor Benning Wentworth, the resort hosted Russian and Japanese delegates for the Treaty of Portsmouth in 1905, which was signed nearby at the Portsmouth Naval Yard, under then President Teddy Roosevelt.

For decades, the resort provided superior service and accommodations to its loyal guests, including diplomats, foreign dignitaries, politicians, actors and actresses -- all of whom enjoyed attractive accommodations, fine dining featuring produce grown on the property, and water supplied by artesian wells.  The resort aged gracefully for years until it fell into disrepair and sadly closed its doors in 1982.   Although ownership passed among many hands in the 1980s and 1990s, the Wentworth remained closed while the locally formed "Friends of the Wentworth" worked tirelessly to protect and nurture this beloved fixture on their seashore.

In 1996, Wentworth joined the National Trust for Historic Preservation's list of "Most Endangered Properties." Members of the New Castle and Portsmouth communities, the Friends of the Wentworth, and the government of the State of New Hampshire worked together to rescue the property from demolition.

Like the gracious lady she is, the Wentworth Resort, her ballrooms and corridors empty but for shadows and memories from decades past, patiently and quietly waited more than twenty years for her new debut.  Ocean Properties, Inc. purchased the land in 1997, and commenced its reconstruction project, at an ultimate cost $25 million.   Now, with hammers and paintbrushes laid to rest, and her Grand Reopening a success, Wentworth by the Sea, a Marriott Hotel & Spa, has resumed her former and rightful place as one of the Grand Dame Resorts of New England.

Wentworth by the Sea evokes an older, slower and more genteel time and place, and conjures up happy memories for the fiercely loyal New Hampshire communities and travelers up and down the Eastern seaboard.  As I rode the Acela Express from New York to Boston enroute to Wentworth, I struck up a conversation with another passenger who asked where I was heading.  As soon as I began to state "Wentworth by th---"  the passenger's eyes shown, a grin appeared on her face and she finished my sentence.  "Wentworth by the Sea!"  she exclaimed.   She regaled me with a charming story about her youth and her many trips to Wentworth.  So effusive was she about Wentworth's history and her excitement at its reopening, she cheerfully missed her  regular train stop.

I arrived at Wentworth by the Sea and joined members of the community and local news and media at a reception.  I found the cheerful and proud attitude exuded by my fellow train passenger was shared by the entire group. When I spoke with Wentworth General Manager, he shared that "nostalgia-inspired" reservations have been pouring in from those who enjoyed their vacations at Wentworth decades ago, or, enjoyed their first date and were married at the Wentworth.  Indeed, Wentworth's new wedding venue was already booked solid for months as eager brides look forward to the romantic atmosphere with Atlantic Ocean backdrop which Wentworth offers.

Wentworth by the Sea, in lovely New Castle, New Hampshire enjoys a wonderful topography and its neighbor, the village of Portsmouth, has such charm and grace that it is often listed as one of the most desirable places in the United States to reside.  With its proximity to Boston and New York by train or auto, Wentworth by the Sea is a perfect spot to both rekindle your spark and appreciate a form of grandeur not easily found in new resorts around the United States."

-- Kevin McClain

The Wentworth by the Sea Marriott Hotel and Spa contains 161 Deluxe Room and Suite accommodations, most with ocean and harbor views. Located on the island of New Castle, New Hampshire the Hotel overlooks the Atlantic Ocean, the Isles of Shoals, Little Harbor, and Sagamore Creek.

"The hotel offers three swimming pools, including one indoor heated pool, a full service spa and salon, and the adjacent Wentworth by the Sea Country Club with its  6,381 yard, 18 hole course and tennis facilities."

"When the renovation began, the hotel was a mere shell of its former self, with 85% of its structure destroyed and unable to salvage.  However, the owners were able to keep intact and refurbish 15% of the property, with its original architectural lines and style, and were able to save the ballroom, stage, archways, fireplaces and mantels."

"As a guest of Wentworth, I enjoyed a lovely and comfortable king sized room (pictured at right), with high speed dedicated Internet access and a fantastic view of New Castle.  As a frequent traveler, I dislike and find uncomfortable most hotel beds. However, my bed at the Wentworth was actually the most comfortable bed I've ever slept in.  I awoke completely rested.   My bathroom was appointed with radiant-heat marble floors and quality courtesy amenities from the ProTerra "Marine" series (sea kelp shampoo, conditioner, and body lotion)."

Pictured Above:  King Bedroom. Photo provided by Stephanie Seacord, Leading Edge.

"The 8,500 square foot full-service spa and salon -- Spa at Wentworth by the Sea -- is a joy to behold.  Jeraldine Hoffman, MTh,  a veteran of many years in the spa industry, including her tenure at Canyon Ranch, acted as a consultant in the design and creation of this lovely environment, bringing her extensive background and experiences to Wentworth.  Ms. Hoffman assembled a team of 42 professional and highly-skilled staff from more than  700 applicants, each clamoring to be a part of the exceptional experience at Wentworth.

The Spa is incorporated with an exercise studio / fitness room and a beautiful indoor pool with two whirlpools and an attached outdoor patio. The locker rooms (separate for men and women) each feature a steam room, complimentary personal amenities, and robes and slippers for patrons. The Spa's "relaxation room" offers a large seating area with soft background music and tastefully decorated furniture which helped set the mood for both peaceful and elegant wellness.   Patrons are served complimentary beverages to guests preparing for treatments and may even nap in quiet rooms between appointments.

As a guest of the Spa, I enjoyed a thorough hour-long Gentlemen's Facial from Kim.   My facial began with an evaluation of my skin, my current home care regime, and a dialogue regarding my skin care concerns.  Kim made the facial experience interesting and informative by quietly explaining each phase of the facial without disturbing my deep relaxation, and ended the hour-long treat with a head, shoulders, chest and arm massage."

The menu of services at the Spa at Wentworth by the Sea includes:

Touch Therapies

• Aromatherapy Massage

• Relaxation Massage

• Deep Tissue Therapy

• Warm Stone Massage

• Sports Massage

• Foot Reflexology 

• Pregnancy Massage 

• Reiki

Facial Radiance

• Alpha / Beta Quick Peel.  Designed to reduce the signs of aging, diminish hyper pigmentation, reduce the size of pores, and leave skin on face, neck and décolleté glowing and youthful. 

• Glycolic Treatment Series (6, total) for face, neck and décolleté

• Oceanage.  An exquisite facial that harnesses the power of the sea to create refined and hydrated skin. 

• Wentworth Customized Care.  This classic European facial includes cleansing, exfoliation, warm steam, extractions, a personalized masque, massage, and nourishing moisturizer. 

• Good Start.  For Wentworth's younger guests between the ages of 18 and 18, the spa offers the Good Start Facial, which includes a personalized daily skin care plan.

• Sensitive Skin Facial

• Acne Therapy

• Gentlemen's Facial

• Bare Back (neck, back and shoulder exfoliation, extractions, and masque).

Body Renewals

• Full Body Rejuvenation.  The ultimate stress reducing, health promoting treatment.  This Ayurvedic Renewal strengthens the immune system, cleanses and nourishes the entire body and detoxifies through the use of aromatherapy, full body botanical masque, steam, scalp therapy, and warm herbal oil massage specific to your body type.

• Thalassotherapy.  Pure sea flora from the coast of Brittany is combined with essential oils to create a silky smooth masque.  As you rest and enjoy your face and scalp massage, the remineralizing and moisturizing benefits are absorbed directly into the body.  Your skin will be hydrated and glowing and your muscles relaxed. 

• Botanical Body Masque

• Shirodhara

• Body Polish

• Organic Mud Therapy

• Rose Envelopment

• Perfect Tan (self tanning product)

Manicures and Pedicures

• Classic Manicure

• Wentworth Manicure

• Anti-Aging Manicure (with Glycolic Peel)

• Classic Pedicure

• Wentworth Pedicure

• Anti-aging Pedicure

Additional Services:

• Brow Shaping

• Waxing

• Make up application

• Bridal Party make up services

• Full Hair Salon Services including bridal party services

• Personal Training

• Gift Certificates

The Spa uses the Jurlique line of skincare, which boasts that it is the Purest Skin Care on Earth®.  All of Jurlique's products are unisex, so both men and women can enjoy the benefits of pure, natural skin and body care.    Every Jurlique product embodies its founders' principles of Purity, Integrity, and Care and is formulated using pure and natural plant based ingredients of highest quality.   Jurlique's products are holistically formulated and produced using a unique Biotrinsic™ extraction method, which protects and preserves the natural life force of the healing herbs.

Ship Suites   
Formally called the "Ship Building" because its shape is reminiscent of a grand ocean liner, this original building-located a short stroll from the main hotel--has been meticulously re-created to accommodate the luxurious oceanfront bi-level suites. With over 1,000 square feet, each suite features a bedroom, full kitchen, dining/sitting area and a private balcony that overlooks the Marina. Perfect for extended stays or ultimate New England coast experience, the Ship Building is destined to be "the place to stay" at the Wentworth. These luxurious extended stay units will feature 18 private suites on the marina's edge; offering 1 and 2 bedroom bi-level suites overlooking the lush, panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean, Piscataqua River and the Wentworth by the Sea Country Club & Marina. So whether you want to stay 2 weeks a month or the whole summer- these breathtaking Marina Suites will offer the tranquility and beauty of the area as well as the opportunity of experiencing the new facilities and essence of this long beloved historic resort.

Enjoy the historic charm of the restored and converted Wentworth by the Sea lobby with its masterfully frescoed dome ceiling while enjoying a meal in our stately Dining Room. This full service formal dining area will serve exquisite cuisine carefully crafted under the supervision of our Executive Chef. By day we will dazzle you with a full American breakfast and a hot and cold buffet. By night, the original fireplace will fill the Room with light and warmth to provide the perfect ambiance to enjoy our Chef's culinary creations, poised to tempt you with the flavors of land and sea.

"As a media guest of the hotel, I enjoyed sampling from a special menu created by Chef Krajewski and Chef Dumont which included a tasting of Wild Atlantic Salmon, paired with Trim Bach Pinot Gris; a Summer Truffle and Pickled Baby Beet Salad with Organic Micro Greens and Truffle Emulsion, paired with a Renwood Viognier Sierra Series wine; our entree selections included Pan Roasted Northern Maine Halibut with Morel Risotto, Wild French Asparagus and Sweet Corn Pudding, a Pan Roasted Filet of Beef with Grilled Sonoma Foie Gras and Pommes Maxim and Black Truffle Pan Sauce, and a Sautéed Wild Stripe Bass and Saffron Fennel Broth with hand picked Local Mussels, all served with Smoking Loon Merlot.  For a sweet finish, I enjoyed a Banana Mango Terrine with Banana Foster Truffle and Baby Banana Fritters.  To say I enjoyed the fresh and innovative food is an understatement.  With a menu rivaling the most chic eateries in my home turf of  San Francisco Bay and Napa Valley, California, I was delighted. "

Dine at Latitudes, the Wentworth by the Sea Marriott Hotel and Spa's waterfront, full service restaurant, and take in the beauty and majesty of the Atlantic. With both outdoor and indoor seating, Latitudes offers diverse fare and beautiful scenery for your delicious dinner. Watch the yachts sail into the adjacent Marina, gaze upon the Isles of Shoals, or just take in the scenery of the rocky coast of Southern New Hampshire in casual comfort lounging in chairs under the dockside umbrellas or seated at a cozy table by the window. Latitude's views can only be matched by it's selection of entree choices and light fare, and only outdone by exceptional service and attention to detail.

"Guests may enjoy in-room dining, choosing from such selections as Homemade Almond Granola, griddle entrees including Cinnamon Banana-Nut  Pancakes with Vermont Maple Syrup and Vanilla Butter, or Wentworth French Toast with Maine Blueberry Compote and Almond Orange Swirled Butter, or Maine Lobster Hash and Poached Eggs with Lemon Basil Hollandaise.   All-Day Selections include a wide array of standard fare, plus numerous variations on local New England favorites, such as Crisp Local Crab Cakes, Lobster Rolls, Maine Lobster Ravioli, New England Clam Bake with steamed lobster and clams and boiled corn, Old Fashioned Lobster Pie, Fish & Chips, and Lobster Bisque with sweet corn fritters."

The Seacoast of New Hampshire and Maine offer some of the world's best cuisine. America's smallest coastline is dotted with unique dining opportunities. Everything from succulent Maine lobster dishes, flavors of the East, N'awlins bar-b-que, and Down East Clam "Chowdah", to unique Italian dining and the "best salad bar" in America, Portsmouth has a lot to offer for a food lover.

Wentworth's website contains links to numerous local eateries sure to appeal to every taste and appetite.

Additional hotel details

• 5 Floors, 147 Rooms, 21 Suites

• Check-in: 4:00 PM; Check-out: 12:00 PM

• Service animals for people with disabilities

• Pet Policy: Pets Allowed; Contact hotel for details regarding pet policy

• Complimentary onsite parking

• On-site Restaurants
• Room Service
• Cocktail Lounge
• Laundry valet
• Self service laundry facilities
• Concierge services
• Complimentary newspaper available in lobby
• Gift shop/newsstand

The Exercise Studio and in-door pool with whirlpool for families is available daily from 6am-11pm. Room Key required for admittance. Swimsuits are required. All children under the age of 18 are to be accompanied by an adult at least 21 years old.

Spa Hours:

Mon-Thurs 8am-8pm
Fri and Sat 8am-9pm
Sun 8am-6pm

Spa Boutique:

All of Wentworth's Spa products and recommended skin care regimes are available in the boutique.
Open daily 7am-10pm. Mail and Fax Reorders welcome.

Reservations:

The spa suggests making all spa a la carte reservations at least 2 weeks in advance and packages, 3 weeks in advance. Appointments can be scheduled 7 days a week from 8am to 7pm. Day guests will be required to give an accepted credit card to hold appointments.  Because the spa has reserved time especially for you, if you need to cancel or reschedule, they ask that you notify them at least 24 hours before your first service. See the website for additional information regarding this policy.

Before Your Treatments:

Please arrive at least 30 minutes before your first scheduled appointment to check-in, steam or whirlpool, shower and begin to relax. We will hold your appointment for 15 minutes after its scheduled start time, after that we will assume you are a no show and release the remainder of the time. Late arrivals up, to 15 minutes, will receive the balance of the time remaining and charged for the full service

LOCAL INTEREST:

Nearby Portsmouth, New Hampshire, a quaint, historic New England village, founded in 1623.  Enjoy five-star dining, nightlife, shopping, and the lively art and music community. The Seacoast Repertory Theater, The Portsmouth Music Hall, and the summer Arts Festival in Prescott Park present nightly, live entertainment. Odiorne Point, located in Rye, New Hampshire is a haven for nature and wildlife enthusiasts. Enjoy breathtaking beaches and coastline of New Hampshire at your doorstep at the Wentworth By the Sea Marriott Hotel and Spa, offering miles of uninterrupted tranquility. You can attend a luxurious sunset dinner cruise, enjoy a whale watch, or take a historic ride to Star Island aboard the Isles of Shoals Steamship, which departs daily from Portsmouth Harbor.

Read More About Wentworth's Renovation and Reopening:

Wentworth Website

Foster's Daily Democrat
• How suite it is! Wentworth by the Sea Hotel offers a peek inside

SeacoastNH.com
• The First 130 Years are the Hardest