Wauwinet Nantucket, Massachusetts
Renovated
1988
Price
$$$$
Rated for
Luxe Local ClassicOutside the door
The house
White Elephant ResortsSecluded coastal outpost
White rocking chairs line the courtyard of this gray-shingled retreat, set on a narrow isthmus between calm bay waters and ocean surf.
“The rooms are spacious, with a high bed that you want to climb into immediately. Just about every room also has a large terrace…”
What it’s good at
Remarkable
Personalized stationery on arrival, attentive beach valets, Pratesi linens, and quiet New England hospitality.
Remarkable
Tasting Retsyo oysters harvested 300 yards offshore and touring Siasconset in a vintage 1947 Woody wagon.
Notable
Afternoon port and cheese in the library, unbroken captain-built traditions, and scenic harbor launch crossings.
What they say
One Michelin Key
Michelin
Forbes Four-Star
Forbes Travel Guide
2026
Also in Condé Nast Traveler and AFAR.
Surrounded by beaches on two sides and a wildlife sanctuary on a third, it’s splendidly secluded…
Tucked away
A place apart: the property is the destination.
The remote northeast isthmus borders the Coskata-Coatue Wildlife Refuge, nine miles from town and reachable across the harbor aboard the launch.
The rooms
High beds, antique pine furniture, and personalized stationery dress the interiors, with many rooms opening onto terraces with wicker loungers.
Beaches and tennis
Serviced beaches line both the bay and ocean, with two Har-Tru clay tennis courts, kayaks, and paddleboards available.
Restaurant
TOPPER'S
Tables look out on Nantucket Bay from the dining room and awning-covered deck, serving local oysters alongside a 2,000-label wine cellar.
Staying at The Wauwinet, a Nantucket Island Resorts property, is akin to being marooned on a remote island with impeccable service.
How it began
Ship captains built the original inn in 1876 on an isolated spit of sand nine miles from Nantucket Town.
“The Wauwinet makes the most of its coastal setting between the Atlantic Ocean and Nantucket Bay, next to the Coskata-Coatue Wildlife Refuge.”
Stay here
The Wauwinet
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Nantucket
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Our shorthand
How we rate hotels.
The medals
Gold
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Silver
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
Bronze
They did this well. You’ll notice.
Listed
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Design
Built around a vision. Even the door handles have a designer.
Luxe
Cared for at every turn. The bath is drawn before you ask.
Local
It could only be here. You wake up knowing where you are.
Social
Where the city goes out. The bar is full and the night is young.
Heritage
A building with a story. Once a palace, a monastery, a station.
Wellness
You leave feeling new. Rest, sweat, soak and sleep like a stone.
Classic
The city grew up with it. Same rituals, same regulars, same bar.
Resort
A world of its own. Something to do from breakfast to nightcap.
The scene
Lively
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Central
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Secluded
A place apart: the property is the destination.