Where Billionaires Stay And Play On Nantucket

16.08.2023 - 21:37 / forbes.com / Joe Biden / Warren Buffett

As superyachts and megayachts bottle up Nantucket Harbor, it’s a sure sign the millionaires and billionaires who frequent the island are headed ashore for shopping, dining, and a respite from boating (and the occasional legal battle). There’s something on the island for anyone with too much money to count, from the nuclear shelter built for President Kennedy to a private golf club frequented by Bill Gates and Warren Buffett. Here is where the wealthiest regulars stay and play on Nantucket.

The Wauwinet

Thought by many as Nantucket’s prized jewel hotel, the The Wauwinet is an adults-only, uber-luxury beach resort steeped in Nantucket and New England tradition. For the mega-rich who seek the convenience of a hotel stay with a reputation for impeccable service, the Wauwinet is the A-list favorite. It is also a Forbes verified luxury hotel. Managing director Sean Burpee cites The Wauwinet as the ideal location to unplug and appreciate the raw beauty of Nantucket island: “We are the only hotel on the island with access to two private beaches and Nantucket's only Relais & Chateaux hotel,” Burpee said. A popular destination for weekend getaways and weddings, The Wauwinet is the best spot on the island for sunset-gazing, judging by the size of the crowds.

The White Elephant Harborside Hotel

The White Elephant Nantucket is a Forbes verified luxury hotel and a resort property that lends itself to families and convenience. (It’s located next to Children’s Beach, and large groups with little ones will love the high-speed ferry ride into Nantucket followed by complimentary shuttle service to the property.) Within walking distance to Nantucket’s shops, The White Elephant offers world-class services and amenities: Priority Bicycle beach cruisers, a house car for travel to town for shopping or dining, plus a private courtyard lined with reclining lounge chairs facing the waterfront. The flagship Harborside Hotel re-opened in May after a multi-million dollar renovation.

Jared Coffin House

Every corner of this traditional hotel reminds guests of Nantucket Island’s history as the whaling capital of the world. Coffin, a successful whaling ship owner, was the rare local magnate whose residence survived an 1846 fire. The three-story mansion still stands better than ever as a tribute to the 19th-century grandeur that launched Nantucket as a summer destination. The Coffin House’s famous visitors span centuries, from Herman Melville to Joe Biden. Its proximity to the beach (a three-block walk) beckons visitors outdoors, while its time-machine charm and reliable WiFi make it difficult to leave. If you do head out, plan on renting a bike and taking your time.

Nantucket Shores Luxury Estate is one of the many Nantucket