Located 30 miles off the coast of Cape Cod, Nantucket is the former whaling capital of the world. Today, it’s home to 82 miles of public beaches, untouched moors and dunes, dramatic cliffs, and quiet harbors. With the summer travel season in full swing, there will never be a better time to escape to the “Grey Lady.”
What’s New on Nantucket: Nantucket is booming and its hydrangeas are blooming. New restaurants complement island favorites, and accommodations are opening due to demand. Despite the development, conservation remains king, with almost half the island under preservation. As the island carefully expands its offerings, here’s a look at what is new this season. The Wauwinet, located on the northeast end of the island and sandwiched between two private beaches, re-opened in April following a multi-million-dollar restoration of its 32 guest rooms and cottages. As part of the renovation, the hotel collaborated with Serena & Lily to re-design the property’s three-bedroom Anchorage House. The interior now features the brand’s signature coastal prints and beachy furniture. New dining options on the island include Pizzeria Gemelle, which offers Neapolitan pies using ingredients from the nearby Bartlett Farm; Or The Whale, an American bistro whose name was inspired by Herman Melville’s Moby Dick; and Saltbox Tavern & Table, which serves comfort food favorites like fried pickles and truffle honey risotto. Also new to the island is Gwyneth Paltrow’s goop MRKT pop-up. The general store/beach house hybrid offers curated summer items like Sperry boat shoes, Alo Yoga activewear, and Vintner’s Daughter Skincare. In other retail news, Veronica Beard partnered with local Perch boutique to feature their signature jackets; and ACK4170’s first brick and mortar outpost has goods like tote bags printed with hand-drawn Nantucket maps from the early 1900s.
To kick off the season, JetBlue announced new direct flights to Nantucket from LaGuardia Airport in New York City and Westchester County Airport in White Plains, New York. The service began last month. The new routes supplement existing service to Nantucket from JFK, Boston, and Washington D.C. Southern Airways Express has also launched service from three New England-based airports: Norwood, Massachusetts; New Haven, Connecticut; and Warwick, Rhode Island.
“Pet Set” to ACK: The Woof Cottages at Nantucket Boat Basin are designed especially for guests traveling with pets. Pups are welcomed with Draper Canine beds, a basket of treats and toys, food and water bowls, dog-walking services, and personalized pet tags. For tips on the best dog-friendly activities on Nantucket, guests can contact Bailey, the Cottages’ resident golden retriever and new pet concierge at petconcierage@niresorts.com.
“Summer for Less” means 25% off at the Residences at the White Elephant if you stay at least three consecutive nights on select dates in July, August, and September. For guests seeking an early week getaway, the “Hot Dates, Cool Rates” promotion offers savings up to 20% when booking directly with any of theNantucket Island Resorts properties for Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday. Added perk: Stay in one of the top three-bedroom suites at the White Elephant or The Wauwinet and receive the keys to a 2019 BMW SUV vehicle for your entire trip. The amenity equals a savings of up to $450 per day by forgoing a jeep rental.
COVER Swim X White Elephant: The waterfront hotel partnered with Cover Swim to create a children’s sun shirt, which is now available online and at the hotel’s boutique. The blue and white shirt is dotted with White Elephant’s “trunket” mascot and blocks 98% of UV rays in and around water. Sizes vary, for children ages 2-9 years old. Cost: $85