Summer in Style: Nantucket’s Finest Retreats
Nantucket in summer is pure New England magic; cobblestone streets lined with hydrangeas and salty breezes off the Atlantic. This island gem, just a ferry ride from Cape Cod, is home to four fantastic hotels: White Elephant, The Brant, The Wauwinet, and The Nantucket Hotel. Each offers a slice of summer perfection, from harbor-view cocktails to secluded beaches. I’m here to craft your Nantucket dream, email me at Mark@MDTraveling.com to request rates and book a stay. Let’s dive into this fun summer getaway!
Getting There: Your Seamless Journey to Nantucket
Reaching Nantucket is a breeze, whether by sea or sky. Hop a ferry from Hyannis, Cape Cod, with options like Hy-Line Cruises (1-hour high-speed) or Steamship Authority (2.25 hours, with car transport). White Elephant, The Brant, and The Nantucket Hotel are just 5–7 minutes from the ferry dock, while The Wauwinet’s a 20-minute drive with shuttle options.
Prefer to fly? Nonstop flights connect from major hubs: Boston, New York, Philadelphia, and Washington, DC. Nantucket Memorial Airport (ACK) is 10–15 minutes from all hotels, with taxis or hotel transfers ready.
White Elephant: Harborside Elegance
Perched on Nantucket Harbor, White Elephant is a local icon, blending historic charm with fresh sophistication after a recent glow-up. Its 54 rooms and 11 cottages feel like a coastal dream. Summer’s all about lounging by the pool, sipping rosé at Brant Point Grill (their steak and lobster game is unreal), or indulging in a spa day with ocean-inspired treatments. Stroll five minutes to town’s boutiques or hop a complimentary bike to explore. I’d be on that balcony at sunrise, coffee in hand, soaking it all in.
The Brant: Boutique in Brant Point
New kid on the block, The Brant brings five-star boutique charm to Brant Point, just steps from Jetties Beach. This cedar-shingled beauty feels like your own chic summer house, with 26 rooms decked in soft blues and crisp whites. Mornings start with artisanal coffee in the cozy lounge, afternoons end with lawn games or fire-pit chats under starry skies. It’s seven minutes from the ferry, so you’re close to town’s galleries and eateries, yet tucked away for privacy. This is summer’s sweet spot for those who love intimacy with a side of action.
The Wauwinet: Oceanfront Serenity
For a quieter escape, The Wauwinet is a five-star oceanfront haven, nestled between Nantucket Bay and the Atlantic. A Relais & Châteaux gem around since 1875, its 33 rooms and four cottages have a timeless elegance with four-poster beds and private porches. Summer is the perfect time for beach picnics, sunset lawn parties, and dinners at TOPPER’S, where New England seafood (hello, lobster bisque) meets a Wine Spectator Grand Award list. Kayak the bay, unwind in the spa, or just sink into an Adirondack chair with a good book. This is where romance and relaxation collide.
The Nantucket Hotel: Timeless Sophistication
In the heart of Brant Point, The Nantucket Hotel is a family charmer, open year-round since 1891. Steps from downtown’s cobblestones and a quick bike ride to the beach, it’s your summer hub. Choose from rooms, suites, or cottages with kitchenettes and private decks which can be perfect for families or couples craving space. Summer means joining Nantucket’s vibe: shop for linens on Main Street, catch a festival, or dine at Breeze Restaurant with locally sourced dishes (try the scallop ceviche). With warm hospitality and perks like complimentary kids’ programs, it’s a great home base on the island.
What to do this summer in Nantucket?
Summer on Nantucket is full of island charm, offering experiences that pair perfectly with your five-star stay. Dig into summer clambakes on the beach, a New England tradition of lobster, clams, and corn by firelight. Dive into history at the Whalers Museum, where tales of Nantucket’s seafaring past unfold, just a stroll from White Elephant or The Brant. Join sunset yoga classes at The Nantucket Hotel’s lawn or local studios, your morning zen with ocean breeze.
Families flock to Children’s Beach, a calm harbor spot with playgrounds, minutes from The Brant. Cast a line at Jetties Beach for fishing, where the island’s prime beach access, near The Brant, promises striped bass and sunset views. Pick fresh berries or grab farm-to-table treats at Bartlett’s Farm, a short drive from any hotel. Sip craft beers or gin at Cisco Brewery, a lively summer hangout with live music, easily reached by bike from The Nantucket Hotel. Tee off at Miacomet Golf Course, an 18-hole public gem for all levels, a scenic ride from Wauwinet. Pedal the island’s bike trails (try the Polpis loop for coastal views) or shop Main Street’s boutiques for linens and art, just steps from White Elephant.
Why Book with MD Traveling?
Nantucket’s five-star quartet, White Elephant’s harbor glitz, The Brant’s boutique warmth, The Wauwinet’s seaside calm, and The Nantucket Hotel’s central charm, offers something for every luxe traveler. Summer rates start around $1300/night, varying by hotel and room (suites and cottages run higher; exact prices on booking). These hotels book up very fast, so let me secure your spot. Email me at Mark@MDTraveling.com, and I’ll tailor your stay potentially adding preferred partner perks like room upgrades, dining credits, or a curated island tour; maybe a private lighthouse visit or sunset sail. Your Nantucket summer deserves to be unforgettable.
