Wow. We came to Star Island with a tour of volunteers that promote the state of New Hampshire. And in full disclosure, I have been a decades-old member of the Unitarian Universalist Church. Many friends and people I've known, came to Star Island and left me with a desire to go there. And as well, as a lifelong student of history, Star Island has been Part of New England folklore and history since the early XVII Century. Star Island has a deep historical connection to both Unitarian Universalism and the United Church of Christ. Our tour a was a superb experience in both history and learning about the place. The many young workers we met were dedicated, highly motivated, and the synergy was obvious among them. The physical plant is a feat of engineering - considering that the place goes back almost two centuries. Housing, feeding, and taking care of over 500 people and staff at a time is incredibly successful through a large water plant, an electrical solar array, a water treatment plant, and well maintained and comfortable buildings. It is a massive center, old and rustic but yet safe and modern in its offerings. The other amazing fact is the array of programs and retreats available. The programs are inclusive and promote civility and understanding. There are programs for many different likes and views. Some are religious, some historical, some for personal retreat and self discovery, ans some are just to relax and take a break from the fracas of daily life. We joined the many residents for a superb curry lunch that also included vegan selections. Their home made bread is one of the best I've had in my life. Well worth visiting. To learn, to disconnect, or to just enjoy life. read more

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PERSONAL RETREAT BOOKERS BEWARE An unfortunate experience I had with the Oceanic hotel on Star island: I've been a loyal fan of the Oceanic Hotel and Star island for years, and spending my birthday for an afternoon there each year has been my slice of heaven. This year, my partner surprised me by booking a personal retreat for my birthday weekend, and I was over the moon... until we got bumped. We worked with Phil specifically, and between him and the website, we were never made properly aware that we could be randomly bumped for another booking. Apparently, even though we booked well in advance and were told it would be a quiet weekend, the hotel decided that a bigger, more profitable group event was more important. They canceled our reservation at the last minute, essentially telling us that personal retreat guests are second-class and can be displaced at any time. This isn't just disappointing; it's unacceptable. We planned our lives around this weekend and were genuinely excited, only to be told, "Sorry, but someone else is more important." It's left such a bad taste in my mouth that I will not be returning to the island ever again. I no longer feel like a welcome and valued patron, and I don't care for the ethics or business practices on display here. If you're considering a personal retreat at the Oceanic, beware: your booking is basically a placeholder that can vanish if they see dollar signs elsewhere. It's a beautiful place, but unfortunately, the way they treat guests isn't. read more

Star Island is a conference center owned by the Christian church. My brother's wife has been coming here since she was 14, so we ended up having their wedding at Star yesterday in the little chapel. While it's tiny, the grounds are nicely kept, and the staff is kind and accommodating. There's a big dining room, a huge porch full of rocking chairs, kids play area, and even a tennis court. They have canoes and row boats, but I'm not sure about the renting logistics. It takes about an hour to get here by boat, and I believe it costs around $20/per person. It's a great place to bring your family and have a picnic/go for a hike. If you join one of the "conferences" (of varying interests) you can stay for a week during the summer, but I'm not sure how to join. All in all, beautiful place to visit for the day, and we enjoyed having my older brother's wedding here. read more

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We went for the day, 9-3:30. Scenery was beautiful, we walked around the island and sat and watched the waves crash again the rocky Island. Definitely a good place to just and do nothing but stare out at the ocean from the rocking chairs on the porch, seaside Adirondack chairs or the rocky Island perimeter. Wear sneakers if you're going around the island. It's very rocky. Lunch is served family style and you can purchase ahead in the mainland for $15. We opted to have something to eat snack bar. So disappointed in the snack bar. The only things they offered were candy, ice cream, chips, bagels, drinks and a hot dog. How about a few healthy choices? Fruit, prepared salads, tuna sandwich anything. Disappointing also that the snack bar closed from 11:30 to 1:30 so they can serve lunch. read more

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I've been to over 70 countries, and Star Island is my favorite place in the world. Officially, it's a conference center loosely affilliated with the UUA, but it's much more than that to the people who grew up going here for a week every summer. It's really hard to explain what Star Island is like, and impossible for me to tell you what a special place it is, but it's rich with history and legends and tradition. Think of Star as a combination of a retreat, a 100 year-old resort, and summer camp, all rolled into one. Star's (recorded) history began with John Smith's "discovery" of it in the 1600's, to Blackbeard leaving one of his many wives here awaiting his return (for the rest of her life), to a brutal murder of two families around 1900 on a nearby island that led to the abolition of the death penalty in Maine. Most of the legends revolve around ghost sightings througout the years. Of course, I'm skeptical of any ghost sightings (although I keep an open mind about them), but the island is sometimes covered in thick fog, which, at night, leave you with a very eerie feeling... And lastly are the traditions. TO name a few: weekly softball games are held between the "Pelicans" (island employees) and the conferees; Pel Shows, or talent shows, are put by the Pelicans for the conferees; and non-demonitional (and usually non-religious) chapel services held in the 350+ year old stone masonry chapel at the top of the only hill on Star Island. The chapel has never had electricity and is lit by lanterns. Regarding the conferences, each week a different themed conference is held from Saturday to Saturday, including IA (International Affairs), All Star (for jocks), RE (Religious Education). Some of the conferences have an educational basis, but most people go back to Star every summer to see the friends that they have made over the years. You can find Star Island by searching Google maps for Portsmouth, NH, and then following the NH/ME state line out to the "Isles of Shoals", a group of islands 7 or 8 miles offshore. Star Island is the one with all the buildings on it. And lately, Star has fallen behind financially, so go visit for a day. Or better yet, join a conference. It's very affordable for what a great place it is. "Star Island is our spirit's home." read more

Star Island is not for everyone -- if you must have modern comforts at all times and cannot disconnect from the buzz of media and internet, you may not be happy here. But that is precisely the unique offering of this timeless place. You can hear the song of the wind, watch swallows and seagulls soar, and taste the salt tang as the ocean waves ceaselessly roll and crash on the rocks. The stars twinkle in the Milky Way, which can be seen unlike on the light-drenched mainland. It was all there long, long, long before you came, and will be there long, long, long after you depart. After my annual week there, which has been a family tradition for decades, I am refreshed in a way I cannot imagine resulting from being anywhere else. No driving, no traffic, not many clocks, no phones, no TV, no ads, fresh food eaten mindfully instead of gobbled hastily. In the evenings we entertain one another as in days of old, by talking to each other, telling stories, making music, playing games, and dancing. Watching children run in the sunshine or dodge raindrops, splash in the shallows finding creatures under the rocks, and have a marvelous time living first-hand instead of through electronic devices is priceless. Yes, there are discomforts and things to put up with, but the joys are so intense that I cherish this place like no otther on earth. read more

Star Island is one of the rocky, wind-swept Isles of Shoals, located off the coast of Rye, New Hampshire. It's owned and operated by a nonprofit of the same name, whose aim is to provide 'families respite from their busy mainland lives.' So what is it? A family camp? A hotel resort? An educational conference? A spiritual retreat? As a summer Island-goer for 16 years now, I've found Star to be a little of each. Star is host to ~28 religious and non-religious conferences and gatherings each year between June and September. I attend All Star 2 each July. Its focii are family, community, the outdoors, learning and/or spirituality. Each year brings a different speaker; this year, the president of the Rhode Island School of Design. Often the theme is academic, technological or political, in contrast to the Island's decidedly unplugged feel. The real meaning of Star, though, isn't the week's theme. It's looking out at the ocean while drinking a lime rickey in a rocker while the kids play tag on the front lawn. It's long wooden dinner tables, family and old friends. It's climbing across granite crevices and counting shooting stars. It's equally the people and the place. If you've read this far, do some googling and check out the images that come up for "Star Island NH". Star is stunning visually: wooden cottages stand sentinel on the granite island. The views from East Rock and the summer house, the sound of sea bells and gulls, the swallows flitting in the wind... It's hard not to get poetic. I understand why the Island's staff (called 'Pelicans') sometimes view us visitors as intruders in their cherished island home. I myself feel pangs of betrayal as I dare divulge this little secret of ours to the world. It's good I'm on yelp and no one reads this. read more

Star Island boasts incomparable sunsets, peaceful disconnection from the madness of day - in day-out, and a gorgeous, undefiled landscape rife with breathtaking views and rich history. Visitors can enjoy this Island, about 9 miles from the New Hampshire seacoast, by visiting for a day on their private boats or by taking an available for the public ride out from Portsmouth or Rye. Week-long conferences are open to all who apply (on line), and feature themes like the Arts, meditation, yoga, religion in an age of science, family gatherings, reunions, history, and spirituality. Accommodations are cozy - with the best views you will ever have from a hotel room. Meals are served family style, lending the dining experience to facilitating new friendships and truly slowing down to share each other's company. The Arts Conference offers 6 different workshops in various creative modes...but some conferees choose to lie back, relax, unplug, and enjoy the beauty of the Island all week. Folks have opportunities to paint, sing, act, write, photograph, and dance. All over the Island, music abounds. You may walk around a corner into a hammered dulcimer rehearsing, or an upright bass and guitar accompanying a few singers in a spontaneous porch jam. Amazing, dedicated, helpful, and responsive staff. The best lime rickeys in the world. Always more Island to explore, out on the rocks, in the Vaughn cottage museum, on a guided tour, or taking a row boat over to Smuttynose Island, just across the harbor. I cannot recommend Star Island highly enough, and especially Star Arts. And I don't consider myself an artist! read more

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So, I don't really get the hype. The people working on the island didn't seem like they took their jobs seriously, especially the young ladies in the cafe. I really loved the steamship ride in and the staff on the boat, but the island was so disappointing. The trails had tons of poison ivy and I had to carry my toddler who could have otherwise walked. Also, the entire island was one big dangerous job site with piles of rubble and scraps. It was a very dangerous place to bring young children. I always keep my children close, but this was just ridiculous that I couldn't give an inch of exploratory freedom with all of the construction scraps laying about. Wicked bummer. I won't be back. Next time we will stay on the boat. read more

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This review is from a boater's perspective... a very appreciative boater who has experienced the gamut from 0-5 stars in places to visit on the sea. Gosport Harbor/Star Island is a wonderful place to tie up and enjoy all that nature has to offer. Let me be clear that there are no accommodations other than a free mooring (and it's first-come first-serve, but be prepared because people who belong to the yacht clubs who own the moorings do have the right to ask you to give it up). We've never had a problem getting a mooring. For the adventurous who love to take their tenders and go explore, the trip to Star Island is not to be missed. Star Island's beautiful hotel is rustic and peaceful. It's truly a step back in time. There is a suggested $10 donation for coming on the island, but it's not strict. They welcome visitors to enjoy the big porch full of rocking chairs; you can eat at the snack bar, or partake in the 9 a.m. breakfast or 6 p.m. family-style dinner. You can walk the trail to see all the other buildings on the island and the views are breathtaking. After just 1 visit this place is very special to me and I can't wait to return next year. It's a perfect harbor to stop over between Maine and Massachusetts. read more

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Star Island is one of those magical places that makes you feel as if you have come home. Some people say it is Club Med for the Amish. There are no frills but lots of fun. Families come back year after year. There are usually kids' programs that keeps the kids busy and happy so that the parents can relax and have a vacation, too. Some weeks are set aside for adults. If you join a week long conference, you expand your mind and your circle of friends. It is all inclusive and you don't have to be affiliated with any church to fully enjoy the benefits of the island. There are conferences for musicians, writers, actors, artists, photographers, Natural History buffs, scientists, students of yoga, etc. You can also come out for a day or an overnight. Bring your walking shoes, bathing suit, paints & easel. Rent a row boat, go kayaking in the harbor, get a massage, listen to live music, have a great conversation with the person in the next rocking chair. Star Island has to be experienced to be believed! Come out this Summer! read more

I just spent 4 days on Star Island at a yoga and meditation conference. The island is beautiful and the conference was great but if you have any dietary restrictions do not expect to be accomodated. I notified them months in advance of my food allergies and the communication on the island between managers and staff is so bad I was able to eat very little the entire time I was there even after I personally spoke to the food service manager who assured me it would be addressed. Every meal was struggle to get something to eat. I will not be going back unless I can make my own food or the management talks to the kitchen and lets them know what is going on. read more

Beautiful location. Arrived by ferry out of Portsmouth. Arrived hungry and headed for the hotel. Snackbar and dining area were both closed. The island is a bit run down. I am guessing is a money issue. There were 100 passengers on our ferry which most likely would have spent 500-1000$ eating. Missed opportunity. Seems to be poorly managed but Just a first impression. Beautiful resource which could be a real destination read more

My boyfriend and I did the day trip and were both very disappointed. The island is beautiful, however, you are only permitted to experience 1/2 of it. You are not allowed on the rocks, which pretty much surround the entire island. We were yelled at for standing in the water ankle deep-no exaggeration. The area where you are allowed to go in the water is all rocky, seaweedy and very very small, not to mention filled with screaming children. Once we realized we werent allowed to do anything and we trapped for 4 hours, all we wanted was to relax on the porch in a rocking chair with a nice Mimosa....the island doesnt have a liquor license....and the porch was anything but relaxing. There were children running all around and there was a christian conference of sorts. The porch was swarmed with people. All in all, I was very disappointed. I live in Portsmouth and this was something I had been wanting to do for a while. It was a huge disappointment and waste of money. If you're expecting a nice relaxing island getaway- dont set the bar too high. read more