At a Glance
On an island where zoning laws prohibit construction directly on the beach, the family-friendly Winnetu Resort is as close as you’ll get to a waterfront resort.
Indagare Loves
- The chic cottages with outdoor showers
- The waterfront location
Review
Located in Katama, near Edgartown, the gray-shingled Winnetu looks toward South Beach, which can be reached via a short stroll through fragrant shrubs and pine trees. Guest rooms range from small studios to chic cottages, with spacious living rooms and many connecting options for families. The décor is simple, with white-painted wood furniture, plush sofas upholstered in blue-and-white fabrics, sand-colored carpets and original photographs by West Tisbury–based artist Marcia Smilack. Most units have a kitchenette and many have patios or terraces with thrilling ocean views.
What truly stands out at the Winnetu, however, is the graciousness of the staff, particularly when it comes to the smallest guests. The resort offers a long menu of complimentary children’s activities, including tennis lessons, visits to working farms, nature hikes, bike rides, volleyball and an oversize Alice in Wonderland-style chess board in the hotel’s courtyard. One couple I met, traveling with a baby and a toddler, told me that they had never felt as welcome as a family anywhere else.
Who Should Stay
Families looking to escape the overcrowded towns and relax near the water.
Written by Simone Girner