It’s not that New Englanders don’t take change well; it’s that we have a lot of history up here, and we’re proud of it. So anytime something happens on a small island such as Martha’s Vineyard, it’s bound to turn heads and raise some eyebrows. The island has always had a special place in our hearts as a summer colony—and has received some national attention lately due to the Bravo spinoff Summer House: Martha’s Vineyard. And since we all learned the value of outdoor space during the pandemic, the Vineyard has become even more of a treasured getaway.
Whereas some years feel like tidal waves of change are taking over the island, this year isn’t one of them. There’s some hotel news that’s absolutely worth knowing, and a full-blown roster of events and festivals—some of which are returning to their original scale for the first time since the pandemic. Otherwise, you can (thankfully) still expect those sleepy, languid, New England summery vibes that keep people coming back to the Vineyard year after year, generation after generation. If you’re asking us, here are the things to keep on your radar if your travel plans bring you to Martha’s Vineyard this summer.
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New hotels on Martha’s Vineyard
The big hotel news on the island this summer is the arrival of Faraway Martha’s Vineyard, a total renovation of the historic Kelley House, right in the center of historic Edgartown. Much like the first Faraway location on neighboring Nantucket, the ethos of this one is eclectic, yet rooted in mid-century styling. The rooms feature fabulous details such as Italian linens from Bellino, luxury bath amenities from Byredo, and in-room mini fridges. And longtime Vineyard goers will be pleased to find out that the main-floor pub, the historic Newes from America, is still very much the same—barring a few subtle design refreshes and several welcome updates to the menu. Overall, it’s a flashy new hotel that even the saltiest Edgartown locals will be able to get behind.
Kitty-corner and a few doors down the street, Lark Hotels recently added The Coco to its Edgartown Collection, a portfolio of five small-scale hotels, all just steps from each other in downtown Edgartown. Located in a historic sea captain’s home, each room at The Coco is different from the next, making it feel less like a hotel in the traditional sense and more like your most fabulous friend’s Vineyard estate. You won’t find any stereotypical shiplap or nautical designs here; Boston based designer Rachel Reider reimagined the property in a lush palette of jewel tones and textured finishes. And best part of The Coco’s non-hotel atmosphere? You still get all the amenities of a hotel stay, including beach towels and chairs for daytime excursions, fantastically comfortable mattresses, and Lark Hotels’ signature small-plates breakfast for a quick, complimentary bite before starting your day.
