Taking Flight

DESIGN by ELIZABETH HOLE

OHM Lounge and Grab & Go Eatery Give Westerly Airport a First-Class Upgrade Taking Flight

For guests traveling by helicopter or private plane, there’s a new Ocean House Management Collection VIP lounge and culinary option at Westerly Airport. The restaurant, aptly named Plane Food, puts a gourmet spin on airport fare.

The concept, dreamed up by Daniel Hostettler, President and Group Managing Director of Ocean House Management Collection, debuted this spring.

“The idea was to create a luxury lounge where our guests can wait while we’re loading their luggage, and the plane is being prepared,” says Hostettler. “When flying in, they can relax in the lounge before we take them to the hotel.”

Decked out in plush club chairs and sofas with a signature Ocean House feel, the VIP venue allows guests to unwind with complimentary beverages before takeoff or after touch down. Meals are enjoyed indoors or on an outdoor terrace with a runway view. The OHM-staffed lounge can also pack up to-go meals in a cooler.

The new space was created by OHM Design Group, led by Hostettler and interior designer Brittany Borghesi. Going for a "contemporary, coastal feel," the team chose a blue and cream palette with textured accents.

Plane Food features breakfast items like coffee, egg sandwiches, freshly made croissants and egg burritos. There are also salad offerings, sandwiches, hot dogs and a gourmet grilled cheese selection. Although the lounge is reserved for OHM guests, Plane Food has a grab-and-go kitchen for public travelers wanting beverages, meals, snacks or reading materials. The same menu is available, as is outdoor dining.

The lounge accommodates an increasing number of travelers flying private to OHM properties, while supporting the town. “Basically, it's a public-private partnership with the airport authority,” says Hostettler. “The space sat empty for a decade, and they wanted a restaurant or food service.”

For Hostettler, it was an important amenity to add. “We wanted a better first and last experience for guests coming to the property.”

Above:

Many OHM guests arrive by private jet. Public and private jetsetters have a new dining option at Westerly Airport.

CLUB STYLE OHM Design Group Adds Signature Look

COLOR

With cream and blue hues, the VIP Lounge shares an Ocean House aesthetic. Hostettler says it has a "contemporary, coastal feel."

TEXTURE

Linen sofas and club chairs are made of Perennials fabric, and the walls are covered in a textured rattan.

LOGO

A Plane Food logo adorns the lounge's china as well as to-go coolers guests are given to carry their meals on the plane.