According to the definition, a boutique hotel is a small, but sophisticated or fashionable establishment. Located on the bay and only two blocks from the beach in Stone Harbor, The Reeds at Shelter Haven perfectly fits the definition. The 58-room chic resort offers a quaint seaside feel with a touch of elegance proving that big things most definitely can come in smaller packages.
Breathtaking sunsets; The Reeds lobby area (Photo by Sophie Cecile Photography)
With breathtaking views of the bay, especially at sunset, The Reeds touts the personalized service of a boutique hotel with all of the offerings of a full-scale resort including four distinct dining options, beach butler service, and the award-winning Salt Spa. Regardless of age, The Reeds offers activities and programs for all guests from early morning breakfasts at the Water Star Grille to elegant dining at Sax for dinner - and beach sun and fun in between.
The Reeds at Shelter Haven has been getting lots of attention since opening 10 years ago. For three consecutive years (2021-2023), the hotel has been designated as a Top 10 Travel + Leisure World’s Best Resort Hotel in the Mid-Atlantic. In addition, Condé Nast Traveler magazine has recognized this gem in Stone Harbor as a World’s Best Hotel. The small but mighty resort has much to offer – fabulous and comfy accommodations, food and drink selections from sunrise to sunset, and soothing spa options that will surprise you coming from a boutique hotel.
Deluxe suite at The Reeds At Shelter Haven. Photos by Jessica Orlowicz
Room with a View
Whatever room you select, accommodations at The Reeds emphasize elegance and coastal style. All rooms come standard with special touches like high-quality Frette cotton linens, towels, and bathrobes. Staff members pride themselves in providing personalized service to ensure guests not only enjoy their current stay but return to The Reeds year after year.
All of the 58 rooms focus on the three Ss – Sophisticated, Scenic, and Serene. For example, the brightly white Guest Room offers picturesque town and bay views. For larger parties or extended stays, the Indigo and Sienna Suites include a full kitchen, a large dining room for 6-8 guests, and even a lavish entertaining area with a fireplace. In addition, these suites come with a soaking tub and separate shower. And, if that is not enough to entice you, imagine a romantic getaway where a gourmet dinner can be prepared in your suite by one of The Reeds talented chefs.
During the summer season, The Reeds offers complimentary daily beach service for all guests. Just let the staff know when you want to head to the beach and an attendant will escort you down in an electric car along with beach chairs, towels, tags, and umbrellas. And, your beach butler is available all day to serve you – lunch, drinks, or extra towels.
Buckets Margarita Bar & Cantina, Water Star Grille, Stone Harbor Pizza Pub (Photo by Jessica Orlowicz); Sax at the Reeds Dining Room (Photos by Don Pearse Photographers)
On the Menu
A year-round dining option at The Reeds is the elegant Sax restaurant - serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner fireside. Donna Josephs, a world traveler and fan of local fare, made it a point to visit The Reeds. Josephs’ first impressions say it all. “From the moment I walked into The Reeds of Shelter Haven there was a calming, elegance in every room. I couldn't resist the delicious pumpkin creme Brulé at Sax, but will go back for their homemade ice cream and sorbets. Any restaurant that makes their own ice cream is a cut above the rest.”
Looking for a special night out? Seasonal appetizers at Sax include Local Oysters on the half-shell and Steamed Maine Mussels. The 24-hour Braised Beef Short Rib with cheddar-garlic grits and the Halibut Puttanesca simmered in tomato with olives, capers, and garlic are signature dinner selections.
If you are tooling around Stone Harbor and looking for a light lunch, Sax is the place to go with menu options for everyone’s tastes from local seafood to flatbreads. An easy lunch option is the Soup or Salad and ½ Sandwich. For example, try a bowl of New England Clam Chowder and a Chicken Salad Reuben on a half-croissant.
During the warmer months, The Reeds offers three more dining options. The Water Star Grille, with opportunities to see some of the best sunsets in Stone Harbor, is a favorite spot for guests throughout the fall. Up for a casual meal? Buckets Margarita Bar and Stone Harbor Pizza Pub provide guests of all ages with more casual options for dining at The Reeds.
Salt Spa at The Reeds, Photos by Don Pearse Photographers
Relax, Rejuvenate, Refine
From facials to massage, the Salt Spa at The Reeds offers a relaxing and customized pampering experience for yourself or for you and your significant other. One of the most luxurious spa options is the Turkish Bath. Imagine relaxing in a beautifully tiled room filled with an herb-infused mist as your body is completely covered in healing muds and nourishing creams. To complete the immersive experience, an intense, warm rain shower rinse follows.
Other spa treatments include a serene Flotation Therapy session, Himalayan Salt Brine Therapy, and much more. Bridal party pampering rooms are also available for personalized services from hair to nails.
