by Natasha Lair
Last updated: 1:15 PM ET, Mon August 4, 2025
On the northeastern edge of Newfoundland, where the Atlantic Ocean laps against ancient rock, Fogo Island Inn stands.
But this isn’t just a luxury property on a cliff—it’s a community-led regenerative hospitality model that puts place and people first.
TravelPulse Canada recently visited the remote outport community of Fogo Island for a behind-the-scenes look at what has become one of Canada’s most iconic boutique hotels. For travel advisors, it represents a unique opportunity to sell not just a room with a view—but a story.
Amanda Decker- Penton. Innkeeper, Fogo Island Inn (Photo Credit: Fogo Island Inn)
Local Roots, Global Vision
From the moment Amanda Decker-Penton, innkeeper and vice president of Hospitality at the inn, began the tour, it's clear this is personal. A Fogo Island native, Decker-Penton's connection to the land runs generations deep.
“My dad helped the family fish when he was six. Both sides of my family have roots here,” she said.
Chatting over coffee in the airy dining room, she recounted childhood summers spent on 'Little Fogo Island,' a heritage outport community where she and her family still gather for nostalgic celebrations.
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“There’s a church there—maybe the oldest consecrated Catholic church in North America—and we still gather once a year to celebrate mass. All denominations come.”
Fogo island (Photo Credit: Fogo Island Inn)
The inn's managing director, David Curell, joined our relaxed conversation, greeting each guest who passed by and asking about their morning—so warmly, you could assume they were old friends (they weren’t). Two guests admitted it was hard to get out of bed thanks to the inn’s signature in-room coffee delivery.
It’s that spirit that permeates the inn.
Designed to Give Back
Established by Canadian businesswoman and philanthropist Zita Cobb, Fogo Island Inn is operated by Shorefast, a registered charity.
“100% of its operating surpluses are reinvested back into the community via Shorefast’s programs and initiatives, including Foodways, Fogo Island Arts, The Shorefast Institute, heritage preservation, youth programming and environmental stewardship," said Decker-Penton.
Visitors can track that impact through the Economic Nutrition Label, a Shorefast innovation that breaks down where every dollar goes.
Aerial view of the inn, Fogo Island (Photo Credit: Fogo Island Inn)
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“Our guests want to know they’re contributing to something meaningful,” Decker-Penton said. “We’re transparent about that. And it matters.”
Luxury Meets Purpose
Designed by Newfoundland-born architect Todd Saunders and built by local tradespeople, the 29-suite inn is a visual statement in itself.
Each room faces the ocean, with floor-to-ceiling windows and furnishings handmade by local artisans.
Rooms with a view, and a story. (Photo Credit: Fogo Island Inn)
There are no TVs. Instead, guests are encouraged to immerse themselves in the landscape and community.
Locally woven quilts, handcrafted woodwork, and rotating artist exhibitions set the tone for a stay that is both luxurious and grounded.
(Photo Credit: TravelPulse Canada/Natasha Lair-McKenty)
A Sense of Place
The inn’s structure showcases design partnerships with Canadian companies like Avenue Road and integrates handcrafted elements that reflect traditional outport life.
Visitors are encouraged to participate in community experiences, including berry foraging and cod fishing.
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“People come here to unplug,” said Decker-Penton. “They come from all over the world, and what they discover is that this place changes them.”
“People come here to unplug,” said innkeeper, Amanda Decker-Penton. (Photo Credit: Fogo Island Inn)
A Space to Create
Scattered across Fogo Island are four artist studios, each designed to host creativity in solitude.
The off-grid spaces—built by Shorefast and operated in partnership with Fogo Island Arts—host international artists, designers, filmmakers, and writers through a residency program.
One of the studios, the Bridge Studio, is explicitly designated for writers. Perched above the shoreline and outfitted with only the essentials, it offers solitude and space for deep creative thought.
Bridge Studio (Photo Credit: Fogo Island Inn)
Stepping into this studio, where the ocean-facing desk is described by its designer as "the alter," feels like arriving in writer's heaven.
"The shed" (Photo Credit: Fogo Island Inn)
Inspired by Newfoundland’s outport culture, The Shed at Fogo Island Inn offers a family-style dining experience that captures the spirit of the island’s community gathering spaces.
The Orange Lodge, a former community hall across from the inn, now houses Shorefast’s community hub.
Rooftop hot tubs, Fogo Island Inn (Photo Credit: TravelPulse Canada/Natasha Lair-McKenty)
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Upcoming Events at Fogo Island Inn
Gushue X Charles Reunion (August 29 – September 2)
- Former Executive Chef Jonathan Gushue returns to join Chef Timothy Charles for picnic lunches, collaborative suppers, and a community Foodways event.
Ann Patchett Visits Fogo Island Inn (August 24 - 25)
- Acclaimed author Ann Patchett joins the community for an engaging evening event.
Berry Relaxing Retreat (September 26 - 30)
- Enjoy yoga, berry picking, foraging, and wellness workshops focused on relaxation and connection to nature.
The Art of Storytelling (October 23 - 27 )
- Experience a Shed Party, live local music, and storytelling workshops celebrating the island’s rich narrative traditions.
The inn offers year-round programming that shifts with the seasons of the island. (Photo Credit: Fogo Island Inn)
Soul Goals
During our conversation, Decker-Penton mused about retiring the term bucket list—a phrase she finds both overused and a little morbid.
“We need a new word,” she said with a laugh.
Perhaps, something that speaks more to intention than finality. Heart map, life list, or soul goals? Whatever the name, Fogo Island Inn undoubtedly earns its place on it.
Fogo Island (Photo Credit: TravelPulse Canada/Natasha Lair-McKenty)
And when it’s time to leave, Fogo Island doesn’t let go easily. This place makes you feel things you didn’t even know you were carrying.
It finds the pieces of you that need healing—and it holds them, until you inevitably return.
Travel advisors can reach out to [email protected] for booking information.
Next:
Mojo bar and lounge, JAG hotel. (Photo Credit: JAG)
TravelPulse Canada continues its exploration of Newfoundland with Part 3 of the series, heading to downtown St. John’s for an exclusive tour of the JAG Hotel. Stay tuned for an inside look at this iconic property and the vibrant city that surrounds it.
ICYMI, catch up on Part 1 of our series here: From Stage to Shore: How 'Come From Away' Is Driving Tourism in Newfoundland
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