The Spa at Chatham Bars Inn
Courtesy of Chatham Bars Inn No need to forfeit the Cape’s sea breeze when you unwind with a treatment at the Chatham Bars Inn’s spa: Surrounded by nature and the salty air from the ocean less than a quarter-mile away, its private outdoor cabanas are the perfect spot to unwind with a bliss-inducing deep-tissue CBD massage. If you’re looking to make relaxation the full focus of your Cape getaway, book one of the hotel’s spa suites (in-room soaking tub, sauna, and steam shower included). 297 Shore Rd., Chatham, MA 02633, chathambarsinn.com.
Ocean Edge Resort & Golf Club
After a long drive across the bridge, sometimes all you want is to sit back, relax, and not touch your car keys again for the weekend. That’s possible at Ocean Edge, where guests at the Mansion have access to the private Bay Pines beach and everyone can enjoy pickleball and tennis courts, multiple pools, a spa, and a private 18-hole golf course. Plus, if you do need a change of scenery, the resort is just minutes from Nickerson State Park and the Cape Cod Rail Trail. 2907 Main St., Brewster, MA 02631, oceanedge.com.
The Pheasant
Scallops at the Pheasant. / Photo by Rachel Leah Blumenthal Does food taste better in an old red barn? If it’s served by husband-and-wife team Adam and Erica Dunn, the answer is a definitive yes. The Cape-sourced, shareable menu here changes with the seasons, but expect artfully plated dishes like scallop ceviche and oysters with lemon-seaweed mignonette served with a side of five-star hospitality at this hidden gem, which reopened in 2018 under new ownership. And don’t forget to check out the “living wine list” — the small wine shop in the dining room — for a bottle of natural vino to enjoy at your table or back at home. 905 Route 6A, Dennis, MA 02638, pheasantcapecod.com.
Añejo Mexican Bistro
During peak season, this bustling Mexican restaurant always has a crowd and not just for the Taco Tuesday specials. Tequila lovers will enjoy the extensive bar menu offering everything from guava-jalapeño and strawberry-ginger margaritas to palomas to tequila and mezcal flights though you’ll need to employ the staff’s help to choose from more than 100 varieties. The Hyannis location’s moody Tequila Lounge has the best nightlife ambiance, but Falmouth’s sunny patio is our pick for warmer evenings. Hyannis and Falmouth, MA anejo.cc.
White Elephant Spa by Darya
Everyone deserves a little indulgence, and luckily you don’t have to be a guest at the recently renovated White Elephant Nantucket to enjoy its spa services. Darya has all the elements of a fine spa environment, from the cucumber-flavored water to the skilled professional aestheticians offering everything from deep-tissue massage to facial and body treatments. But the standout is the Hydrafacial, a non-invasive treatment that removes toxins from the face and body. Expect to emerge as radiant as the hotel’s waterfront views. 50 Easton St., Nantucket, MA 02554, whiteelephantspabydarya.com.
Faraway Nantucket
Matt Kisiday If, in fact, we go on vacation to lose ourselves, consider your new identity within the self-described quirky interiors of Faraway Nantucket. The hotel is comprised of six unique properties, each thoughtfully designed to reimagine the lives of historical former residents. Inside the main building on Centre Street lives the in-house restaurant and bar, complete with a gorgeous terrace and patio for savoring Nantucket’s fresh air. The vibe is coastal New England meets Alice in Wonderland, in the best way possible. 29 Centre St., Nantucket, MA 02554, farawayhotels.com/nantucket/location.
Straight Wharf Restaurant
Beatrice Peltre/Courtesy of Straight Wharf Restaurant Just one of the many things you’ll love about Straight Wharf Restaurant is its duality: For long conversations over candlelight, there’s the harbor-facing dining room, where you can tuck into the freshest locally sourced seafood (do not leave without ordering “the clambake,” with spicy chorizo, clams, and deconstructed lobster). For all of the other days in which you find yourself fancy-free, the bar grill beckons with a full list of cocktails and a more-casual menu of light bites, begging the question of which side offers the better experience. You’ll just have to keep trying both to figure it out. 6 Harbor Sq., Nantucket, MA 02554, straightwharfrestaurant.com.
Children’s Beach
As its name implies, Children’s is a pint-size beach perfect for the entire family and delightful in its proximity to the cobblestone streets of the historical downtown. Lifeguarded — and with restrooms! — the shoreline comes complete with a grassy park, a playground, a bandstand, and the Surf, a kid-friendly restaurant where your crew can eat grilled cheese and hot dogs to their heart’s content while watching the ferries come in and out of the harbor. We can almost guarantee everyone will fall asleep on the ride home. 15 Harbor Way, Nantucket, MA 02554, nantucket-ma.gov.
Sea Spa Salon
Nothing chafes worse than Down-Island traffic, especially when you’re rushing from the hair salon to a facial. And that’s precisely why we love this do-it-all beauty destination. The Edgartown oasis might be the only place on the island to offer massages, eyebrow shaping, lash lifting, makeup application, mani-pedis, and a full array of hair services under one roof. We suggest the marine mud wrap — 50 minutes of bliss incorporating deep-sea micronutrients. 17 Winter St., Edgartown, MA 02539, seaspasalonmv.com.
Winnetu Oceanside Resort
Rosemary Tufankjian Photography Like a 1950s summer camp, this iconic island property is equipped with fun for the whole family. There’s the country-club-esque swimming pool, extensive supervised kids’ programs (hello, date night), and rides in the hotel’s antique fire truck or jitney. Plus, Winnetu’s location is just spitting distance from the popular South Beach, guaranteeing a good time even if you choose to do absolutely nothing at all. 31 Dunes Rd., Edgartown, MA 02539, winnetu.com.
The Barn Bowl & Bistro
Jeremy Driesen/Martha’s Vineyard Times Great food and “bowling for everyone,” as its mission states (pop-up rails, please!), make the Barn Bowl & Bistro an ideal hangout for families with kids of all ages, especially on those days when the island’s socked in by rain. And unlike most bowling alleys, you won’t find any tacky Formica lounge furniture here — just comfy sofas and even a place for an ice bucket. This is the Vineyard, after all. 13 Uncas Ave., Oak Bluffs, MA 02557, thebarnmv.com.
The Port Hunter
On an island, it’s not surprising that bars cater to either locals or tourists, rarely both. The beauty of this lively spot is that those distinctions don’t apply — everyone’s welcome. There’s indoor and outdoor seating. The craft cocktail program is inventive without being pretentious. And the food, like Vineyard flounder tacos and hickory-grilled whole fish, is far superior to most pub grub. But what will really draw you in is the sound of laughter and live music bouncing off the exposed red-brick walls and out onto Main Street. 55 Main St., Edgartown, MA 02539, theporthunter.com.