Fogo Island Inn

My wife surprised me on my birthday with a wonderful weekend at the Fogo Island Inn. It was wonderful. There is not much to say that has not already been said: a stunning property, exceptionally welcoming and attentive staff, a beautiful location. My wife and I are both vegan, and we always check in advance to ensure that places we stay can accommodate us. Often their booking staff say “no problem, we’ll be sure to be ready for you” ... yet upon arrival, the wait staff and kitchen are caught completely off guard. Not here. Our first meal was breakfast and started with vegan muffins prepared specially for us. This continued with vegan options for the rest of our breakfast and all of our meals during our stay. When the Inn arranged a day hike for us, they packed us the most delicious vegan lunch (which I am still dreaming about). This is a place that truly tries to make your stay as wonderful and relaxing as possible and their staff’s attention to warm, friendly and personal service is what makes it so successful. Just one piece of advice for you - if you go on the day hike and Norm Foley tells you to change your comfy hiking shoes for the rubber boots they provide, listen to him - he knows what he’s talking about!

My husband and I spent four nights at Fogo Inn in "berry season" this fall - end of September/early October. The island is a very special place, and the story of the Fogo Island Inn, the Shorefast Foundation, and how it came to be is quite remarkable. As avid outdoor/nature fans who also love good food and their creature comforts, this place met and exceeded all expectations. But, what made it really stand out is not just the accommodations, the amenities, and food, all of which were amazing . . . but the deep sense of place, respect, and connection with the island, its traditions, and its multi-generational residents that the inn fostered. A half day tour of several of the local communities with Mary Penton, a 7th generation Fogo Islander, was an amazing way to start our visit, and a real highlight of our stay. We gained a good sense of and appreciation for life on the island in recent history - its challenges, but also the very special sense of community among the islanders. Fogo Island is remote, and desolate, but spectacular! Many of the hiking trails offer beautiful panoramas of the rocky coast. In berry season, the vivid fall colors are a feast for the eyes (especially for photographers), and the blueberries were there for the picking and eating! YUM!!! The staff at the inn are islanders - they were so friendly and helpful. In fact, they went well beyond what could reasonably be expected! I had broken a toe the day before we left for Fogo, and was not very mobile. I was unable to locate a walking boot en route on our drive up through Maine and New Brunswick, so in desperation, I emailed the staff, asking if there was any chance they could locate a walking boot for me on the island . . . to our amazement, they found a boot, and had it ready for me to try on upon our arrival! Without it, I would not have been able to enjoy the gorgeous hikes on the island. I cannot thank them enough for making such an effort for me! The views from all common areas and rooms are extraordinary. The food used primarily (relatively) locally grown, fished, and farmed items and preparations were tasty and creative. At breakfast and lunch, there is a delicious buffet to supplement menu items. Many of the lunch buffet items are vegetable-based and especially yummy - a vegetarian or even vegan could do very nicely here! If you have a chance to enjoy the communal crab supper, don't miss it! Some friends with whom we shared photos remarked that the island looked desolate. To us, there is beauty in the remoteness and rocky shores, and warmth in the people. But, not everyone may appreciate that the way we did. For us, although it was hard to get to, it was well worth the journey! We cannot say enough wonderful things about Fogo Island Inn. We hope to return in another season . . . (we have six left!)