When you seek a coastal escape, New England offers some unique and gorgeous Atlantic Ocean retreats. From luxurious cliff-side perches to exclusive waterfront cottages, there are a number of beautiful places to enjoy a beach vacation that’s accentuated with perks like sunset sails, seaside champagne brunches and private cabanas where you can soak up the sun in peace.
Here are five of our favorites, from Maine to Rhode Island, each with its own coastal appeal.
Ocean House
Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star Ocean House is a stunner, channeling the early 1900s with beauty, luxury and iconic style. A long list of amenities includes bubbles at check-in, 24-hour floor valet service, complimentary morning and afternoon refreshments, daily activities like sommelier-guided wine tastings and a can’t-miss property tour, live music in the lobby and much more.
The private beach can only be made better with a cabana and your own beach butler to attend to your needs. If you prefer to get out on the water, one of the property’s yachts provides a special experience cruising around the local waters.
Every dining venue here overlooks the ocean, but one of the most special culinary events is the traditional lobster boil held on the beach throughout the summer.
Chatham Bars Inn
The historic Five-Star Chatham Bars Inn on Cape Cod dates to 1914 and has been meticulously maintained, with an eye to modern luxury. With a private white-sand beach, a Four-Star spa and an ocean-side pool, there are plenty of places to relax. Guests can stay in the main house or a more private cottage on the grounds.
The charming town of Chatham is within walking distance of the resort, and there is also a municipal golf course next to the property. A highlight experience at the inn is heading out on one of its boats to look for seals and whales and explore the Cape Cod National Seashore. You can also opt for a day trip to Martha’s Vineyard or Nantucket.
Wequassett Resort and Golf Club
Another Cape Cod Five-Star property, Wequassett Resort is a lovely spot on Pleasant Bay to while away summer days and nights. Generations of guests have made Wequassett their vacation base for more than 100 years.
Situated on 27 acres, the Chatham escape features stunning ocean views, as well as plenty of natural beauty in its gardens and marshes. Don’t miss a minute of the stellar setting by booking a signature suite with waterfront vistas that can be enjoyed from the private deck or patio.
Five-Star restaurant Twenty-Eight Atlantic curates a special nightly experience that’s powered by executive chef James Hackney’s seasonally driven prix fixe menu. Another summer highlight is the Cape Cod Jazz Festival, a beloved tradition for more than 20 years, that is held at the resort.
The Mansion at Ocean Edge
Forbes Travel Guide Recommended The Mansion at Ocean Edge is one of four distinct styles of stay at the 429-acre Ocean Edge Resort & Golf Club in Brewster, Cape Cod. The historic Mansion, built in 1907, adopts a Victorian look, though it’s thoroughly updated with luxurious modern furnishings.
Access to the private beach, complete with chairs, towels, umbrellas and food and beverage service, is included. For a lovely way to end the day, you can schedule a beach bonfire with s’mores at sunset. Other amenities include five pools, a terrific spa, a Nicklaus-designed golf course, bike rentals, pickleball and oyster bed tours, among other activities.
While there are several dining options at Ocean Edge, enjoying a lobster roll and a drink at The Beach Bar, while watching the sun dip into the ocean with your toes in the sand, can’t be beat for a romantic summer’s night.
Cliff House Maine
As its name asserts, the breathtaking Four-Star Cliff House Maine is perched high above the Atlantic Ocean on Bald Head Cliff in Ogunquit. The historic property that opened in 1872 features more than 200 rooms and suites, each with terraces giving unparalleled ocean views.
The 9,000-square-foot spa is another prominent feature of the property. The hotel also has indoor and outdoor pools to enjoy. In the unlikely event you tire of the scenery, a long list of activities, from art classes to cooking demos to astronomy talks, is also available.
Dining alfresco at the Terrace restaurant, with its perfect recipe of amazing water peeks and standout seafood dishes, is another treat.
