White Elephant Resorts
White Elephant
The White Elephant has been an exclusive summertime retreat since the 1920s. The height of preppy New England elegance, this is the place where brides dream of being married and families come for generations. A stone’s throw from the center of town, the property has accommodations ranging from garden cottages to suites on the harbor. The hotel’s mascot, a white elephant named Trunket, presides over its greener than green lawn. Set with plush lounge chairs, it overlooks bustling Nantucket Harbor and calm Children’s Beach. Brant Point Grill serves up a famed Sunday brunch, with their signature Lobster Bloody Mary. To maximize their vacation-induced glow, guests should not miss the Gift from the Sea Facial at the White Elephant Spa, a deep-cleansing detox treatment with marine exfoliators.
White Elephant Palm Beach
The Wauwinet
Situated in glamorous seclusion on the northeast end of Nantucket, The Wauwinet is the island’s only Relais & Chateaux property. An adults-only escape, it is the stuff of storybook romance. Its grounds are beautifully landscaped, with unmatched views and access to two beaches – one on the ocean and one on the bay. The inn is a study in luxe comfort, from Pratesi linens to antique armoires and private sundecks. TOPPER’s, its New American cuisine restaurant, is consistently ranked one of the top in New England. A continual recipient of Wine Spectator’s “Grand Award,” the restaurant features over 1,400 American and international wine vintages. Guests who want a casual open-air lunch can linger on the recently-expanded TOPPER’s Deck before ambling out to the beach for sunbathing, a little fishing, or a boat trip. The inn’s Spa by the Sea is set within a garden cottage with a chic white interior. The relaxing and effective menu of treatments features therapies using locally-sourced ingredients such as the signature Cranberry Crush body treatment.
Nantucket Boat Basin
Nantucket Boat Basin is a renowned transient marina catering to boaters from around the world. In the busy summer months, the harbor is full of beautiful boats, from 35 feet to 316 feet, and is a sight to see, especially during special events such as the annual Figawi Race Weekend in May. Known for its impeccably clean bathrooms (a welcome change from small boat WCs) and its amenities, such as bike and scooter rentals, babysitting, on-board spa treatments, catering, and reservations, make docking at Nantucket Boat Basin a luxurious experience. Just two blocks from downtown Nantucket, it's the perfect home base for visitors. This pet-friendly marina was also voted Marina Life's Best Transient Marina in the U.S. in 2010 and 2011 and was honored as the recipient of the Nantucket Race Week's Clean Harbor Award.
Jared Coffin House
The Jared Coffin House, built by and named for one of Nantucket’s original whaling captains, is the only Nantucket Island Resorts property that stays open year-round. The period antiques and reproductions help create that feeling of a bygone era. The building dates from the mid-19th century and has always been a lively part of the island. Set on a prime corner of Nantucket’s cobblestoned downtown, guests quickly get to know their way around as well as the locals do. While those with gourmet tastes will delight in the fact that the hotel is surrounded by top restaurants, they will be equally as pleased to note that one of these is right in their own back pocket. The recently opened Brick Bistro, located on the main floor of Jared Coffin House, has a sophisticated yet relaxed atmosphere and comfortably blends contemporary style with the quaint and classic nature of the House.
The Cottages & Lofts at the Boat Basin
Almost like being on a boat, The Cottages & Lofts at the Boat Basin sit right alongside the slips of the award-winning Nantucket Boat Basin, offering unbeatable waterfront views. Many of the cottages come equipped with a full kitchen and a patio for barbecuing, so a couple can happily hole up for a weekend, or a whole crowd can play and stay together. The nautical interiors, in a palette of marine blue, Nantucket red, and sail white, inspire guests to kick off their boat shoes and go barefoot, venturing out for drinks or a gourmet meal along the harbor. Skipper, the “all-hands-on-deck” concierge, makes it his mission to assist guests with all their island needs, from ideal beach picnic spots to scoring a reservation at the hottest joint in town. For a cruise to the beach, hop on the polka-dotted Beach Bus – an island take on the classic beach shuttle. And those who like to travel with their pets will love the Woof Cottages, a collection of 11 cottages that are set aside just for those bringing their pups and kitty-cats.