Sea Spa: Unwind in Nantucket's historic harbour at the White Elephant Hotel

22 August 2018 • Written by Sophia Wilson

Sitting at the edge of Nantucket's historic harbor, the White Elephant Spa is steeped in island charm...

Where is it?

The White Elephant Hotel is as much a landmark as its neighbour, America’s second oldest lighthouse Brant Point, and has been a feature of Nantucket’s waterfront since the 1920s. Making the most of its coastal setting, its spa opens on to the hotel’s lawn, with views across the historic harbour.

Sitting at the edge of the harbour, the spa is steeped in island charm. All images courtesy of The White Elephant Hotel

What to have

To ensure you fully switch on to island time, opt for the Main Street massage. A nod to the uneven cobblestones that pave the town’s boutique-lined centre, the treatment uses warmed basalt rocks to create deep relaxation and help remove cellular waste from tissue. With 45 minutes dedicated to each side, the combination of warming stones and rhythmic massage will leave you soothed. All you have to do afterwards is saunter down the hallway to the library for the complimentary port and cheese.

What’s the hype?

This year marks the 50th anniversary of the 240-slip Nantucket Boat Basin, which sits in the port that was the whaling capital of the world in the 1700s. There is a series of special events and discounts on offer to celebrate the golden anniversary of the marina, which is owned by Nantucket Island Resorts.

Opt for the Main Street massage, a nod to the uneven cobblestones that pave the town’s boutique-lined center

Best by boat

Yachts up to 76 metres can navigate the tricky turn around the lighthouse to moor in Nantucket Boat Basin. From there you can take a tender to one of the hotel’s slips, or for an authentic island experience, it’s a scenic five-minute bike ride from your dock.

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