Ocean Edge Resort & Golf Club Review: A Luxurious Cape Cod Vacation in All Seasons

Bethany Kandel Avatar

The Beach Bar at Sunset at Ocean Edge Resort & Spa
The Beach Bar at Sunset Photo credit: Terri Marshall

The writer was hosted.

Sun, sand, seafood…that’s what you’ll find on Cape Cod in every season. When I was invited to visit Ocean Edge Resort & Golf Club in Brewster, Massachusetts, the Cape’s largest seaside resort, I jumped at the chance. After all, the resort had me at lobster rolls.

In fact, seafood lover that I am, I ate a lobster roll every day I was there. It’s a tough job, but somebody has to do it!

The Mansion at Ocean Edge Resort
The Mansion at Ocean Edge Resort. Photo credit: Terri Marshall

The Mansion

Driving up to the main Nickerson Mansion, you know you’re in for a treat, as you’re transported to a different era.

Past the expansive green lawn where you’ll find corn hole, archery and croquet games, sits the grand Mansion, the property’s main building that resembles an English country manor. There you’ll find check-in, several restaurants, meeting rooms and a gift shop.

Built by the Nickerson family in 1912, the historic AAA Four-Diamond Mansion features old-world charm and splendor, with its wood-lined lobby, ornate carved oak staircase, cozy library sitting area with period furnishings and several marble fireplaces. But that’s just the start of what’s in store at Ocean Edge, with its 342 rooms, on 429 acres of beachfront grounds and facilities.

Inside the Mansion at Ocean Edge
Inside the luxe Mansion at Ocean Edge Resort. Photo credit: Terri Marshall

A Quintessential New England Resort

This is a quintessential New England resort that’s not only family friendly with spacious units, but it’s great for groups of friends for a girls weekend or bachelorette party. It’s also a romantic retreat for couples who want some privacy. (Ask about the girlfriend getaways and romance packages.)

It’s consistently listed as one of the top 10 resorts on Cape Cod and the only property right on Bay Pines Beach.

You’ll find 90 guest rooms in the east and west wings, ranging from a 480-square-foot Signature King to the stately 1,200-square-foot Grand Corner Suite, each accommodating up to four guests. 

SheBuysTravel Tip: Stay in the west wing if you want to be near the giant heated indoor pool and hot tub with plenty of room for swimming laps and playing with your kids. This way, you don’t have to go outside in cooler weather in wet swimsuits.

King room at Ocean Edge Resort.
My cozy king room at Ocean Edge. Photo credit: Bethany Kandel

My Guestroom

My large room included a king bed with drapery treatment that made me feel like royalty, a pull-out couch, rattan chaise lounge, large work desk and more storage than I’ve ever seen in a hotel room. (I wish I had that much space in my New York City apartment.) 

Even the oversized bathroom, complete with soaking tub/shower, had two sets of shelves for storing toiletries. There was also a cozy, oversized bathrobe and slippers, which were welcome amenities after a shower on a cool night.

I also had a small balcony with two wicker chairs and table, perfect for peacefully reading or even drying your swimsuits.

Ocean Edge Arbor Villas in the Villages
Arbor Villas in the Villages at Ocean Edge Resort. Photo credit: Terri Marshall

Larger Villas for Larger Groups

Premium accommodations include 32 modern two- or three-bedroom multi-level villas and townhouses that can house up to eight guests and are equipped with all the comforts of a home away from home. Some are right on the beach.

Across the road from The Mansion, you’ll find more villas in The Villages. They have their own pools and hot tubs, fitness center and playground and are right next to the tennis complex and golf course. 

If you’re bringing along furry family members, a selection of the 88 one-bedroom, 750 sq. ft. Arbor Villas welcome pets. Maximum occupancy (not counting Fido) is four. Note that there is an additional $45 fee per night, per pet, and includes a plush bed, food and water bowls, a mat and treats.

A more budget-friendly option than the Mansion’s villas, the Arbor Villas and the nearby 116 Britterige Villas don’t provide guests with access to the resort’s private beach. However, a seasonal shuttle provides transportation to nearby Crosby Beach. 

Located adjacent to Blueberry Pond, the Britterige Villas sport a similar design to the Arbor Villas. Rounding out the lodging options, the 16 Endicott & Edinborough Villas include two- and three-bedroom units with up to 1,400 square feet, accommodating six to eight guests. Located along the golf course, these guests do have access to the private beach.

On hot summer nights, kids will love “dive-in” movie nights at one of the pools.

SheBuysTravel Tip: Staying at The Villages means you will not have access to the resort’s private beach. But in-season, there is complimentary shuttle transportation to nearby Crosby Landing Beach. The shuttle is also available to all guests to get around. New this year: GPS so you’ll know when the shuttle is near.

Interior of a Presidential Bay Collection Villa at Cape Cod's Ocean Bay Resort
Presidential Bay Collection Villa Interior Photo credit: Terri Marshall

Cape Cod History

Staying at Ocean Edge allows you to enjoy a piece of Cape Cod history. Rooms come with a brochure detailing the story of the property and the Nickerson family and their role on the island. 

At the gift shop, you can purchase a copy of “The Nickerson Family” book written by local Renee M. Dee. If you’re lucky, she’ll be visiting and will give you a quick, personal tour.

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Lots of lobster at every meal. Photo credit: Bethany Kandel

Dining at Ocean Edge Resort

There are seven restaurants and bars on property as well as room service for guests of The Mansion.

Start the day with breakfast in front of a roaring fire (it gets cold even on some summer mornings) in the turn-of-the-century style Roscommon Room. The bread basket comes with enough croissants, fruit bread and biscuits to share, plus homemade cranberry butter. Pancakes come in a huge stack. Or go full seafood mode and try the lobster quiche or delicious crab eggs Benedict.

Be sure to check out the chef’s garden right behind the Mansion. That’s where all the fresh herbs that go into each day’s meals are grown.

Meals at Ocean Edge Resort

Enjoy lunch on the outdoor patio at Linx Tavern, overlooking the first tee on the 18-hole golf course, the island’s only Jack Nicklaus-designed golf course. Choose from burgers, Reuben sandwiches and, of course, lobster rolls. There’s often live music.

Dinner in the cellar at the English-inspired Bayzo’s Pub includes clam chowder, pasta and fish ‘n chips. Don’t miss the short rib arancini as an appetizer. And, once again, there’s always a lobster roll.

Or have dinner outdoors on the Ocean Terrace as the sun is setting, lighting up the sky. There are heat lamps for cool evenings, plus a lively bar scene and two fire pits that gather a crowd.

On summer afternoons, head to the Front Lawn for an outdoor party complete with horseshoes, corn hole and bocce. While you’re there, have a wood-grilled pizza and a cold one from nearby Cape Cod Brew of Hyannis. Kids will love the s’mores nachos, basically graham crackers, toasted marshmallows and chocolate grilled to gooey deliciousness.

Beachside bonfire and a cranberry mojito at sunset at Ocean Edge Resort.
Beachside bonfire and a cranberry mojito at sunset. Photo credit: Bethany Kandel

Beach Bar

For the perfect end to a busy day, stroll down the resort’s boardwalk to the private beach. You’ll find the Beach Bar, perched atop the dunes. Get the signature cranberry mojito and sit around a bonfire as the sky turns a shade of cotton candy pink.

Ask and they’ll even provide s’more fixings. On clear days, you can get a glimpse of Provincetown, at the Cape’s end.

Ocean Edge Resort
Ocean Edge Resort Arbor Pool. Photo credit: Bryce Vickmark

Things to do at Ocean Edge Resort

There’s so much to do on the Ocean Edge premises that there’s no need to ever leave. 

There are nine tennis courts, six pickleball courts, five swimming pools (three outdoor pools and two indoor pools heated for all seasons) and four hot tubs. 

Bike rentals at Ocean Edge

A visit next store to Brewster Scoop is a must for a cone of salted chocolate caramel or cup of black raspberry ice cream. Then stop by the Brewster book store where they’re always ready with a recommendation.

Year-Round Fun 

Once open only for the summer season, Ocean Edge is now open year-round with great activities no matter the weather. 

Summer is buzzing, but it quiets down in September in what they call “local summer.” The crowds leave, but the weather is beautiful. Watch the leaves change and be sure to bring a sweater. 

In winter, enjoy chef’s tastings, mixology workshops and murder mystery dinners. The outdoor terrace transforms into a winter wonderland with private heated igloos. During February, there’s a Harry Potter-themed week with lots of fun for young wizards. 

Spring is the perfect time for peaceful strolls along the bay and a hot toddy afterward around a fire.

Oyster tours at Ocean Edge Resort
Our guide, Bud, demonstrates the power of the crab claw on our oyster tour. Photo credit: Terri Marshall

Ocean Edge Details

The resort is located at 2907 Main St., Brewster, MA 02631, less than a two-hour drive from Boston’s Logan Airport. 

If you are flying into Logan Airport, you can either rent a car or hire a service to drive the 89 miles to Brewster. For the fastest trip, take State Highway 6. Alternatively, try Route 6A, described as one of the world’s most scenic drives. 

The resort is located on the North side of the lower Cape, near the bend in the island’s arm in Brewster, a coastal town, known for its rich history and quaint shops.

You won’t need a car to get around the property, but it is recommended if you plan to explore the Cape’s antique stores, museums and beaches. Self-parking is free at the resort.