Consider penciling in an end-of-summer visit to one of these very, very posh—and pricey—Relais & Chateaux seaside lodgings. Not feeling so flush after a season of spending? Check out some alternatives with less sticker shock.
Wauwinet
Nantucket, MA
wauwinet.com 5 1/2 hours* from White Plains
Summer like the patrician set on the tranquil, uppercrust island of Nantucket at this circa-1860s traditional gray-shingled seaside inn tucked between the Atlantic and Nantucket Bay. Its sumptuous accommodations include 32 guest chambers and four adorable cottages.
While Here: Choose between two pristine private beaches—one bayside, one on the ocean; serve some up on the court; cast off for striped bass or learn about lobstering on the inn’s open launch; glide through the water on a kayak; get wrapped in soothing Atlantic seaweed in the intimate spa; or browse the shops along the quaint cobblestone streets in town.
Dining: Savor superb cuisine at the resort’s own Topper’s Restaurant, featuring an excellent 1,000-plus-bottle wine collection.
Ask for: The Coatue Room ($1,095-$1,365), oversized quarters featuring a sitting area overlooking Nantucket Bay and a king four-poster bed.
Price Tag: $620-$800 per night for standard room including gourmet breakfast, fresh fruit, and afternoon wine and cheese.
For less of a sticker shock, consider:
The Veranda House
theverandahouse.com
A small, refurbished, older inn with funky interiors that feel like a B&B; $149-$649 per night including continental breakfast and afternoon coffee and tea.
*4-hour, 15-minute drive to Hyannis, Massachusetts ferry terminal, followed by 1-hour “fast ferry” (steamshipauthority.com) to Nantucket Island.
The Point Resort
Saranac Lake, NY
thepointresort.com
5 hours from White Plains
Secluded on a private 75-acre lakeshore property in the Adirondacks, this former Rockefeller Great Camp offers the ultimate elegant escape in the wilderness. With a mere 11 distinctive guest quarters, think “exclusive country-house party.”
While Here: Throw horseshoes or try your hand at croquet; water-ski or glide along the lake in a vintage canoe; cuddle up by the stone hearth with Denver, the resident black Lab mix; sip spirits on a sunset cruise; or chat with new Old Sports around the evening bonfire fortified by bourbon and house-made s’mores.
Dining: Enjoy exceptional fixed menu repasts with dinner-party-style seating in the rustic Great Hall or 24-hour, prepared-to-order fare in your own quarters.
Ask for: The Boathouse ($2,990). Located atop the estate’s former boathouse, this 1,200- square-foot deluxe chamber juts out over Lake Saranac and features breathtaking water views and a wraparound deck.
Price Tag: $1,500-$2,990 per night including all meals, afternoon tea, and unlimited, around-the-clock snacks, beverages, and alcohol, and all activities.
PS: Do pack the tux; Wednesday and Saturday dinners require formal attire.
For less of a sticker shock, consider:
Lake Placid Lodge
lakeplacidlodge.com
An elegant Relais & Chateaux Great Camp-style resort on the shores of Lake Placid. $629-$2,099 per night including full breakfast and afternoon tea with fresh-baked cookies.
Mirror Lake Inn Resort and Spa
mirrorlakeinn.com
A charming resort dating back to the 1920s featuring a private lakeshore beach and excellent on-site spa. $395-$1,200, including afternoon tea.
The White Barn Inn
Kennebunk, ME
whitebarninn.com
6 hours from White Plains
Steal away for a weekend at this romantic inn dating back to the 1800s. Located in this very proper, old-money Maine enclave, this exquisite property offers 27 luxurious guest quarters and suites and four delightful riverfront cottages.
While Here: Cruise on the inn’s own private yacht; luxuriate in a custom butler-drawn bath; pamper yourself with a signature Maine sea salt mineral wrap; loll beside the serene stone-edged pool; or hunt for starfish on nearby beaches or antiques in town.
Dining: Sample, outstanding, gourmet fare featuring fresh-caught coastal specialties and local game in the inn’s charmingly rustic dining room, located in a pair of restored 1820s barns. Select either a four-course ($109) or nine-course ($160) prix fixe menu.
Ask for: The Loft Suite ($1,045), featuring a private entrance, wood-beamed cathedral ceiling, fireplace, black marble master bath, and private balcony.
Price Tag: $465-$1,575 per night, including continental breakfast and afternoon tea.
For less of a sticker shock, consider:
The Breakwater Inn and Spa
thebreakwaterinn.com
A casual, family friendly beachside resort with excellent on-site spa. $259-$709, including buffet breakfast and after noon tea.
