TL;DR

East side luxury: Historic manor house by the Atlantic in Wauwinet Village.
Romantic setting: Grass, sand, and balconies with stunning sunrises.
Tranquil escape: Quiet contrast to Nantucket’s busier town center.
Seasonal: Open April–October only.
Check prices here

Another offering from the folks at White Elephant Resorts (burgeoning monopoly of Nantucket hospitality), this Wauwinet Village boutique hotel brings high-class luxury to the Island’s east side.

The residence is unmistakably Cape Cod and New England, a classic shingled manor house looking out over the great Atlantic.

Nantucket might not be a bustling metropolis, but it’s certainly a vibrant center compared to Wauwinet’s seaside tranquility. Expect more general relaxation here.

The property is romantic in every way, with grass and sand stretching towards the sea and absolutely stunning sunrises you’ll enjoy from your balcony.

Note: The Wauwinet is a seasonal property, open April-October.

What are the rooms like?

Number of rooms: 32 total
Accommodation types: Main Inn, Cottages, and Anchorage House.
Room choices: Queen Singles, Doubles, and King Suites.
Atmosphere: Unique furnishings, nautical touches, elegant countryside comfort.
Amenities: Climate control, HDTVs, seasonal flowers, marble bathrooms with Crabtree & Evelyn products.
See each room in detail here

Accommodation comprises the Main Inn, a few Cottages, and the Anchorage House, a standalone option with three bedrooms and all the amenities a large group might need (fireplace, patio, separate office space, etc.).

In the Inn and Cottages you’re mainly looking at Queen Singles, Twin and Queen Doubles, with king beds in most of the Suites.

Depending on your choice, you’ll enjoy gorgeous views of the island, sundecks, and seating areas.

All rooms have unique furnishings with plush textiles and varying design schemes.

You might get a touch of nautical, some luxurious whites, or the best in countryside comfort.

Everything is based on a soft, welcoming gray with accents of the classic blue and white, gingham, and homey yet elegant florals.

All rooms have seasonal floral arrangements that set off the intimate atmosphere, equipped with individual climate control and HDTVs.

Bathrooms are luxurious affairs with marble, plush robes, and Crabtree & Evelyn amenities.

What are prices like?

Check prices here

And what’s the food like? Any facilities we should know about?

Fine dining: TOPPER’S, Nantucket’s only AAA 5 Diamond restaurant.
Signature dishes: Oysters, seafood, prix fixe and tasting menus.
Guest perks: Morning coffee & pastries, afternoon sherry and cheese.
Recreation: Private beach, kayaks, paddleboards, tennis court, walking trails.
Transport: Bikes, shuttles, seasonal water taxi.
Don’t miss: The Wauwinet Lady boat for harbor cruises and dining transfers.

TOPPER’S, the hotel’s bar and restaurant, is Nantucket’s only AAA 5 Diamond eatery. Famous with both tourists and locals alike, the seafood czar of Nantucket livens up this otherwise secluded area.

The oysters are a must-try, but the restaurant is open all-day and will provide you with delightful breakfasts, sea-kissed lunches out on the deck, and gourmet dinners taken from the deck menu, Prix Fixe, or as a seven-course Tasting.

Morning coffee & pastries are available for guests who get up in time, and in the afternoon everyone enjoys a bit or sherry or port alongside some lovely cheeses.

The property includes private beaches, with many beachy activities facilitated by the hotel. Borrow kayaks and paddleboards, or just stretch out on one of a hotel chaise.

There’s a Tennis Court for those that want to work up a sweat, and plenty of scenic seaside walking to be done.

You’ll also enjoy a host of options for getting around the island, including hotel bikes, shuttles to the ferry and to town, and a water taxi (in season).

The ultimate don’t-miss is the Wauwinet Lady, a 20-passenger boat that traverses the Harbor daily, bringing TOPPER’s guests for lunch and dinner service.

It’s available for charter as well, an idyllic cruise with hors d’oeuvres and bespoke drinks.

How is the neighborhood? Anything interesting nearby?

Seaside village: Quiet Wauwinet at the edge of Great Point.
Nature access: Coskata-Coatue Wildlife Refuge and Great Point Lighthouse.
Nearby: Scenic beaches all around Nantucket and ‘Sconset Bluff Walk.
Connections: Complimentary shuttles and water taxis to town.

Wauwinet is a charming but tiny village on the east side of the island, tucked at the entrance to Great Point, on the long beach road towards Great Point Lighthouse.

Check in at the Coskata-Coatue Wildlife Refuge Gatehouse and get a permit to explore the dunes, a lengthy, lazy ride through some gorgeous scenery.

If you’re really loving it, head further towards Coatue Point along the Coskata and Coatue Beaches.

You’ll find more scenic beaches to the south and west, indeed, on every side of Nantucket. The lovely walks around ‘Sconset Bluff Walk in the next-nearest village, Siasconset, are just a half-hour bike ride away.

The hotel also makes it easy to get to the city center, with complimentary shuttles and water taxis through the harbor.

Here, you can check out local boutiques, art galleries, cute cafés and some excellent restaurants.

And what about the reviews? What did other guests think?

Some things guests liked:

“Lovely staff so helpful and friendly , level of service better than any high end hotels we have stayed at. Food was excellent at Toppers. Beautiful location and quiet away from town during one of the busiest weeks….”

“Heaven on earth. An idyllic hotel set in beautiful scenery….”

Some things guests didn’t like:

”Could have let me know that Capt. Ron was continuing to drive up to Great Point Lighthouse.
(He didn’t do it last year) That is generally a highlight of my trip. I definitely missed that….”

”Small room and tiny bathroom….”

Read all the reviews right here