Nantucket has a reputation as a billionaires’ playground, but there are still many places on the 48-square-mile island off the coast of Massachusetts that give a sense of its unique history and natural and architectural beauty. One such example is Distant Nantucketa 62-room boutique hotel located on a quiet street just a few blocks from the port. Its six beautifully restored and converted buildings surround a garden and Sister shipa café/restaurant/cocktail lounge that has become a destination in its own right. It is owned by the real estate and hotel company Blue Flag Capital, which, among other things, specialises in the creation of boutique hotels that pay tribute to the history and tradition of their locations.
Faraway Nantucket is located on a quiet street a few blocks up the hill from the harbor.
Here, Jason Brown, CEO and co-founder of Blue Flag, shares details about his favorite room and tips on how to see Nantucket’s most exciting sights during your visit.
In your opinion, which is the best room in the property and why?
We call it the Federal Suite, but it’s actually its own private home with three bedrooms and 2.5 bathrooms. It used to be a hat shop with an attached residence for the owners, and we incorporated it into the hotel. You have your own private patio, a private path up to Sister Ship, our restaurant. It has beautiful renovated rooms, a full kitchen and a bar. Staying there is kind of magical, like having your own home on what we think is the best block on Nantucket.
How much is it per night?
Starting at $3,500 in season/$1,500 off season per night.
The hotel restaurant Sister Ship is known for its cocktails and Mediterranean-inspired dishes with regional ingredients.
How would you describe the guests and the atmosphere in the hotel?
Guests range from older baby boomers to Generation Z. We’re huge fans of what Ian Schrager and André Balazs have done with their small town hotels, and we wanted to create a wonderful oasis on Nantucket that doesn’t lack the sexiness factor you find in some of the best boutique hotels. We always strive to entertain, surprise and delight our guests, and that’s why the little details are so important. The scent we created from scratch, the lighting, the sound… hopefully all of that creates that little whirlwind of excitement and a wonderful moment for guests.
The Federal Suite at Faraway Nantucket is a private three-bedroom home with a full kitchen and a private path to the property’s restaurant.
What feeling of Nantucket do you want to convey to your guests?
I like to think of it as grit and sophistication. What I mean by that is the balance between the raw, great nature of Nantucket – you know, being on the beach, building a fire, watching the sunset and then the stars – and feeling like, “Okay, now I want to put on some nice clothes and have a cocktail in the garden.” Nantucket has this complex and very sophisticated history, and you can still feel that here.
What local attraction do you always recommend?
I have two. One is the Whaling Museum, a fascinating and well-done facility dedicated to an important part of the island’s history. If you think Nantucket is just a fancy resort, then this is a great interactive place to learn about the island’s rich heritage. The other is Ladies Beach. It’s a little off the beaten path and once you walk over a dune, you’re transported to this truly pristine, wonderful place.
Norman Vanamee is the article director of City & Country.
