New England Travel Awards: 30 Escapes for Right Now

From reader nominations across New England, our travel experts selected the region’s top festivals, ski mountains, and luxury resorts. The results: your definitive guide to where to go next.

Boston, we know you have a passion to explore. So for our second annual New England Travel Awards, we asked readers to nominate their favorite places to stay and play across New England in 30 different categories, including Pet-Friendly Hotel, Christmas Town, and Lobster Roll. Once the online nomination period ended, our panel of five travel experts reviewed the submissions and selected a winner in each category (the number of nominations for any given business had no impact on whether it received an award). The result? Your definitive guide to where to go next.

Meet this year’s winners…

 

 

Beach Town

Ogunquit, Maine

Sure, Ogunquit has a gorgeous beach, but let’s be real: That’s just the start of the fun. There’s the Ogunquit Playhouse, the Ogunquit Museum of American Art, the sweet shops lining Main Street, the quaint Perkins Cove, and the breathtakingly beautiful Marginal Way footpath, which gives Newport’s Cliff Walk a serious run for its money. The dining scene is also second-to-none, ranging from the classic (PYO crustaceans at Ogunquit Lobster Pound) to the hip—snack on Brie toast on the patio at the Crooked Pine, or kick back with a martini at the Front Porch Piano Bar. But what we love most about Ogunquit is its walkability: Stay at one of the old-school waterfront hotels along Marginal Way—or at the brand-new Dunes on the Waterfront a bit farther down Main Street—and you can completely forget your car for the weekend. No wonder the town has taken this title two years running.

Romantic Getaway

The Chanler at Cliff Walk
Newport, RI

From the moment you pull up under the porte-cochère until checkout time, you’ll feel like the hero or heroine of your own Gilded Age love story. Completed in 1873, this opulent manse boasts an impeccable Newport pedigree: Mrs. Chanler was a granddaughter of William Backhouse Astor, and her grandchild was christened at Cliff Lawn (as it was then known) by Theodore Roosevelt. Legend has it that the house even inspired a Longfellow poem. But you’re here for the romance, and you’ll find it in every corner: The interiors are decorated in period splendor, with sumptuous guest rooms featuring bed curtains and fireplaces for extra coziness. Impeccable but unobtrusive service delivers special touches such as in-room massages and aromatherapy bath service (cue the artfully strewn rose petals!). Looking to get out for date night? Take advantage of the complimentary car service for a swoon-worthy in-town dinner; stroll along the Cliff Walk, which begins right in front of the inn; or charter a classic 32-foot Wasque boat for a relaxing water excursion. But even with all there is to do around Newport, we’re betting you and your sweetheart won’t want to leave the Chanler. thechanler.com.

New Hotel

Prospect Berkshires
Egremont, Massachusetts

Opened just this spring, this woodsy retreat around Prospect Lake was a popular picnic area turned campground 150 years ago but had fallen into disrepair until current owner Jade-Snow Carroll, who lived nearby as a child, undertook a massive restoration with her husband, Ian Rasch, a prominent architect. Built around the 19th-century transcendentalists’ belief that nirvana can be found in nature, Prospect Berkshires has more than just impeccable design credentials: it seamlessly marries philosophical intention with modern comfort. The 49 rectangular cabins dotted throughout the 30-acre grounds are like something out of an ecologically minded design magazine, with pine paneling, locally sourced linens, and a desk for aspiring Henry David Thoreaus. The Cliff House serves as the main common area, with registration, a small shop, a bar, and a restaurant offering light bites (pintxos and fish croquettes) to substantial fare (lamb stew and rigatoni with mushroom ragout), all accompanied by serene lake vistas. Guests can swim in the lake or seasonal saltwater pool in summer and ice-skate and snowshoe in winter. Four saunas promote what the Finns call oleilu—relaxing in the moment—while outdoor fire pits invite stargazing. It’s Shaker simplicity meets Scandinavian sophistication, and it’s absolutely divine. prospectberkshires.com.

Wellness Retreat

Canyon Ranch
Lenox, Massachusetts

Canyon Ranch has achieved the ultimate wellness-retreat evolution: honoring its heritage while boldly embracing the future. Since 1989, this Gilded Age mansion has been a luxurious sanctuary, but now, it’s shedding its old skin for something more vibrant and exciting. You can still count on the immaculate pampering that’s its calling card, but the resort has recently undergone a facelift, updating its lobby, wet areas, corridors, and grounds. Canyon Ranch has also finally realized that after a day of detox, a little retox can be a good thing: That’s right, you can now order alcohol on the grounds. Beyond the cosmetic changes, the real transformation is in the programming. It’s amped up the wellness activities, introducing everything from new indoor cycling and enhanced hiking paths to tree-canopy aerial yoga. The events calendar is packed with star power, with recent retreats led by wellness guru Deepak Chopra and TV personality Maria Menounos. We especially appreciate the specialized programming for perimenopausal and menopausal women, expert training for racket-sport enthusiasts, and a variety of “paths”—from weight loss to mindfulness—that you can choose from before arrival. Either way, you’re guaranteed world-class R & R. canyonranch.com.

Christmas Town

Nantucket

There’s a Dickensian seaside vibe in Nantucket year round, with cobblestone streets and brick architecture, but just as A Christmas Carol is Dickens’ most quintessential tale, Nantucket is at its most quintessentially quaint during the holidays—making this windswept island the ultimate Xmas town. Much of that enchantment is thanks to Christmas Stroll, a 50-plus-year-old tradition that started as a way to encourage locals to stay on island for holiday shopping and evolved into a seasonal celebration of North Pole proportions. The island looks like Santa himself worked magic: Christmas trees float in dinghies on the harbor, while greenery and ribbons festoon doorways and windows. Christmas Stroll typically takes place the first weekend in December, with Old Saint Nick arriving by boat, a holiday marketplace, craft shows, entertainment, and upscale retailers wrapping gifts for the well-heeled of New York, Boston, and Palm Beach. The Whaling Museum transforms into a winter wonderland, and dozens of elaborately decorated trees dot downtown, creating a regular Whoville. We defy anyone, regardless of their faith, not to sing along when the caroling begins.

Golf Resort

Ocean Edge Resort & Golf Club
Brewster, Massachusetts

The only Nicklaus Design golf course on the Cape has been a must-play for New England golfers since its redesign in 2008, and it’s an absolute blast. You’ll navigate dramatic elevation changes, sharp turns, and hazards like water and bunkers on your way to 18 holes of pure fun. The best part? You don’t have to be a member to play—simply book a stay at the resort and the course is yours. When you’re not teeing off, paradise awaits: a private beach where you can order drinks right to your chair, six pools, competitive pickleball courts, and the Beach House Spa for post-golf R & R. The resort recently opened a new adults-only sister inn called the Charm on Main, giving you even more reason to extend your stay for that second round. oceanedge.com.

Ski Mountain

Stowe Mountain Resort
Stowe, Vermont

There’s nothing like a bluebird morning in the Ski Capital of the East, with the promise of fresh powder waiting to be carved. True skiers have always loved Stowe for its challenging, legendary “Front Four” trails—Goat, Starr, Liftline, and National—which are known for their steep pitches and moguls. But with the Spruce Peak development nearing its end, this Vail-affiliated ski resort has become a place that the non-skiers in your crew can truly enjoy, too: We love the luxurious, family-friendly village at the base of the mountain for its free ice-skating rink, foodie-friendly après-ski dining (did someone say open-fire raclette?), boutiques, and a performing arts center—to say nothing of the on-site luxury hotel, where the towering lobby Christmas tree looks mighty fine come December. And even when the season ends, Stowe is still hopping: Hike, drive the auto road, or take a ride on the scenic Gondola SkyRide to the summit of Mount Mansfield—Vermont’s highest peak—for stunning views and a meal at the Cliff House Restaurant. stowe.com.

Lobster Roll

Eventide Oyster Co.

Portland, Maine and Fenway, Boston

Lobster enthusiasts are likely already familiar with Eventide’s brown-butter roll, but its perfect sweet-to-savory ratio bears repeating—and frankly, it’s what makes this the region’s definitive lobster roll. Here, chunks of succulent lobster are coated in rich brown butter, then amped up with finely chopped chives. But the vessel for this extraordinary mixture is where things get truly inspired: The extra-fluffy, bao-style steamed bun that wraps the claw meat in a delectably soft embrace. The best part? You don’t have to drive a few hours north to the Portland location for this delicacy, only to join a long, snaking line of people being actively sunburned. You can simply stroll over to Eventide Fenway, where we encourage you to grab a window seat and indulge in some brown-butter soft-serve without the road trip. eventideoysterco.com.

Family Experience

Great Wolf Lodge

Mashantucket, Connecticut

Indoor water parks are always fun for kids; adults, meanwhile, are usually just trying to make it out of there without stepping on a wet Band-Aid. That’s why we were so excited when Great Wolf announced it was opening at Foxwoods in Connecticut. After the family enjoys the shiny new 91,000-square-foot water park—which features high-octane slides, a lazy river, and a toddler splash area for the littlest swimmers—grownups can leave the kids with a sitter and hit the casino’s gaming floor. The under-21 set has entertainment options beyond the water park, too, from arcades and gem mining to a live-action adventure game called MagiQuest. And when it’s time to retire for the night, the themed suites make it easy for families to recharge: think bunk areas for little ones, with larger, multi-bedroom options available if you’re traveling with a big pack—which, let’s be honest, is way more fun. greatwolf.com.

Brewery

Maine Beer Company

Freeport, Maine

The Lunch IPA has indubitably earned near-mythic status among beer geeks (6,000-plus BeerAdvocate ratings can’t all be wrong), delivering coveted orange-grapefruit-papaya notes with a crispness that converts casual drinkers into craft obsessives. But unlike many beer brands, Maine Beer Company has figured out how to marry excellence with environmental activism—and somehow make it seem like part of the job. Since 2009, it has donated one percent of gross sales to environmental nonprofits—combined with guest donations, now $4 million and counting—putting its money where its mission is. And the mission shows in everything, from the thoughtful design of the Freeport tasting room (complete with an indoor weeping-willow fountain) to the Dinner double IPA with 7 pounds of hops per barrel—an absurd commitment to flavor that totally works. Building a beloved brewery without compromising values? We’ll drink to that. mainebeercompany.com.

Winery

Jonathan Edwards Winery

North Stonington, Connecticut

If this dreamy 50-acre spot in North Stonington reminds you of Napa Valley’s iconic vineyards, there’s good reason: Jonathan Edwards cut his teeth in California’s wine country, experimenting with his parents on their first grape harvest before bringing that expertise to Connecticut in 2001. The result is a winery that makes wines from both locally grown grapes and contracted West Coast growers—essentially offering the best of both coasts in one glass. Order a simple cabernet franc, sample a curated wine flight, or indulge in the summertime “frozé” (a clever blend of Riesling and zinfandel). When temperatures drop, there’s mulled wine—with an optional shot of Connecticut-distilled bourbon that’s practically mandatory. Non-wine drinkers needn’t worry—the selection of Connecticut craft beer and canned cocktails has everyone covered. No matter what you choose, though, the country-chic atmosphere is unmatched from inside the warm-wood tasting room—a place where California expertise meets Constitution State charm. jedwardswinery.com.

Pet-Friendly Hotel

Hidden Pond

Kennebunkport, Maine

Tucked into the birch and pine forest outside one of Maine’s most beguiling beach towns, Hidden Pond delivers pet-friendly hospitality that doesn’t compromise on luxury—making it the clear winner for discerning travelers who refuse to leave their four-legged family members behind. This 60-acre retreat elevates the pet travel experience beyond basic accommodation. A handful of cabins can be outfitted with thoughtful amenities: L.L. Bean dog beds, food and water bowls, treats, and take-home collars that show genuine attention to canine comfort. The grounds themselves are Fido’s fondest dream, with walking paths and countless places to sniff and explore. But Hidden Pond’s true distinction lies in its ability to bring the full resort experience to your pet, including a dog-friendly room-service menu and “Yappy Hour” socializing. The resort’s parent company goes further still, maintaining curated lists of dog-friendly local restaurants, beaches, shops, and area veterinary services. While Earth restaurant and the swimming pool remain appropriately off-limits, everything else embraces the reality that modern luxury travel means accommodating the whole family. It’s billed as a “paw-some getaway,” and though the pun might be groan-worthy, it’s accurate. Be forewarned: Dogs who stay here may refuse to leave. hiddenpondmaine.com.

Hotel Design

Blind Tiger
Portland, Maine

To step into Blind Tiger is to leave behind any preconceived notions of what a New England inn should look like. This isn’t your typical sea captain’s home or refurbished row house. Instead, the Portland hotel, designed by Massachusetts-based firm Elder & Ash, transforms two stunning 19th-century buildings into a vibrant retreat that redefines coastal hospitality. The design team intentionally strayed from traditional nautical looks, opting for bold, unexpected colors—deep emerald, turquoise, and oxblood red—that create striking backdrops for rich antique elements and modern, sculptural furniture. Around every corner is a new visual discovery: Each of the 15 guest rooms is uniquely designed, with no two alike. One room, “Eight Bells,” serves as a moody yet bright tribute to Winslow Homer’s famous painting. Adding to the unique atmosphere, local muralist Ryan Adams layered colorful, geometric shapes over the existing wallcovering in a light wash, allowing the original pattern to peek through. The hotel’s eclectic design extends even to the basement, which showcases a stately billiards room with rich wood paneling and upholstered benches for lounging. Every nook reveals another one-of-a-kind art piece—which is exactly why we love it. larkhotels.com.

Hotel Amenities

Mayflower Inn & Spa
Washington, Connecticut

So long, tiny bottles of industrial shampoo and bland eggs: Here, the amenities aren’t an afterthought; they’re the main event. Start your day with a stroll through the magical Shakespeare Garden, a meticulously manicured space that pays homage to the Bard, before settling onto the wraparound porch for tea. The inn offers classic country pursuits such as archery and fly-fishing. But if you’d rather be pampered, the spa—dubbed the Retreat—is worth the trip alone. It boasts an indoor pool, infrared sauna, and a menu of services that reads like a dream, from milk, honey, and lavender body treatments to volcanic stone facials, all performed with top-tier skin-care brands like Irene Forte and Biologique Recherche. Celebrity designer Celerie Kemble’s touch is everywhere, from eclectic garden-party patterns to chic “country home” details. The dining is equally refined, with two options serving locally focused cuisine. And when you’re fully pampered, the Huntress boutique is a treasure trove of home décor, fashion, and jewelry. aubergeresorts.com.

Hotel Restaurant

White Barn Inn Restaurant
Kennebunk, Maine

Five-star dining in a barn? It might sound like an odd combination, but this place proves it works beautifully. Tucked inside a historical pre-Civil-War farmhouse, this isn’t your typical rustic eatery; it’s a stunning space where soaring, double-height ceilings meet rich, wide-plank pine floors, white tablecloths, and lots of soft lighting. While you could easily get lost in the many lobster options on the menu, the real magic lies in dishes like the truffle and bluefin tuna crudo or the unbelievably rich Rooibos-marinated duck breast. With showstoppers like these, it’s no wonder the four-course tasting menu ($175 per person) has racked up prestigious accolades, including the AAA Five Diamond and Forbes Five Star awards. And while the setting may be a barn, the dress code here is smart-casual to match the sophisticated cuisine. aubergeresorts.com.

Food Festival

Hampton Beach Seafood Festival
Hampton, New Hampshire

This festival proves the best food experiences are messy, loud, and gloriously excessive. Every year the weekend after Labor Day, this New Hampshire blowout transforms Ocean Boulevard into something between a Viking feast and a church potluck gone wonderfully wrong, drawing 150,000 people who understand that sometimes you need to get your hands a little dirty. This isn’t a place for delicate nibbling—it’s no-holds-barred indulgence. We’re talking oyster juice streaming down your chin, lobster rolls (available hot and cold, naturally), and perfectly fried crab cakes. Meanwhile, live bands play, local chefs demonstrate techniques, and everyone walks around in that particular state of seafood euphoria that only comes from eating an irresponsible amount of shellfish. The weekend also includes a lobster-roll-eating competition and fireworks. Who needs endless summer when you can have endless seafood? hamptonbeach.org.

Arts Festival

Prescott Park Arts Festival
Portsmouth, New Hampshire

 What began in 1974 as a one-off summertime musical theater production has since expanded into a summer-long celebration of theater, music, art, dance, and the community they engender—making this the ultimate arts festival. Some people come for an evening. Others buy a season pass and attend every event they can. Either way, they enjoy a robust arts festival with a grassroots vibe and offerings in almost every discipline imaginable. At the River House Restaurant Concert Series, guests can tuck into poke from Ohana Kitchen, pizza from the Rosa, or seafood from Buoy Shack while watching headliners such as Dawes, Shemekia Copeland, and Martin Sexton. The film series, meanwhile, is a cinephile’s dream, screening classics and newer releases, from Rear Window  to Ghostbusters (anyone up for a Wicked sing-along?). Best of all, though, is the setting: Donated in the 1930s by two sisters who were public school teachers, the land for this 10-acre waterfront park overlooking the entrance to the Piscataqua River fittingly embodies an “everybody’s welcome” ethos. prescottpark.org.

Music Festival

Newport Folk Festival
Newport, Rhode Island

Sixty years ago, Bob Dylan stepped onto the stage at the Newport Folk Festival, plugged in his electric guitar, and blew the doors off American music forever. That lightning-in-a-bottle spirit of musical revolution is precisely why Newport Folk Festival claims the title of best music festival. While it’s been home to legends such as Pete Seeger and Joan Baez, it refuses to live in the past. Today’s lineup is a wild smorgasbord, tossing together everything from R & B to roots to Celtic tunes. This year’s crowd got to witness a stunning range of acts: Hurray for the Riff Raff, Jeff Tweedy, Public Enemy, the Lemonheads, and more. But the Newport Folk Festival is about more than just the music; it’s a powerful microphone. For decades, it’s been a platform for causes from women’s and LGBTQ+ rights to climate change. In short, it’s the living embodiment of the old Coke anthem, “I’d Like to Teach the World to Sing,” except the singers on stage are some of the world’s best. newportfolk.org.

Staycation

Mandarin Oriental, Boston
Back Bay

Some of us aren’t lucky enough to have the Back Bay’s diversions at our doorstep, but checking into this cushy five-star hotel for the weekend will give you a taste of what it’s like: Newbury Street’s shops and dining are only a block away, while the back opens onto the Prudential Center, meaning you don’t have to expose yourself to the elements to splurge at Saks or Neiman Marcus. At once grand and intimate, the hotel mixes the best of the West with Asian influences (the chain’s original hotel is in Hong Kong). The rooms are spacious and contemporary, with views over the neighborhood’s rooftops and amenities such as rain showers, soaking tubs, and fabulous in-room dining that could rival any top restaurant. However, the hotel’s true pièce de résistance—aside from its gracious GM Markus Lindner—is its spa. A sleek sanctuary where stress immediately slips away, its sigh-inducing features include a vitality pool, crystal steam room, blissful relaxation lounge, and treatment rooms where the magic happens, from lava-stone massages to assorted scrubs and wraps. In fact, forget the Back Bay—your staycation could easily start and end here. mandarinoriental.com.

Casino

Encore Boston Harbor
Everett, Massachusetts

Some might argue that what makes a casino great depends on how much you’ve won. We’re inclined to agree, but our definition of winning goes far beyond quarters raining out of a beeping slot machine. What sets Encore Boston Harbor apart isn’t just its luxe sports-betting lounge or main floor with nearly 200 table games—it’s that the casino becomes secondary to everything else. Take the world-class spa, which draws you in via a palatial treatment hallway lined with silk, bathed in soft light from oversize lanterns. Beyond massages, body treatments, and facials, there are lounges with showers, saunas, steam rooms, and hot and cold plunge pools—plus snacks, naturally. And the restaurants are worth visiting even if you never gamble. We’ve made trips specifically for the stunning speakeasy within Seamark Seafood & Cocktails: Hidden behind a motorized wall panel, Old Wives’ Tale is a sultry, intimate lounge with nods to New England’s nautical history. (Do grab a corner seat and sip a truly incredible craft cocktail beside an oil painting of a ship.) Six years in, Encore understands that the best casino is one where you barely notice the casino at all. encorebostonharbor.com.

Museum

Peabody Essex Museum
Salem, Massachusetts

Why did a group of sea captains decide to found a museum in 1799? Because they believed the objects they encountered on their daring voyages shouldn’t just be kept for themselves—they should be shared with the people of Massachusetts. That founding vision of discovery and connection makes the Peabody Essex Museum unlike any other cultural institution. What started as a cabinet of “natural and artificial curiosities” has evolved into a place where 18th-century maritime treasures coexist with cutting-edge contemporary art, creating unexpected conversations across cultures and centuries. You can see some of the original artifacts in the East India Marine Hall when it reopens this winter in honor of the 200th anniversary, then walk into Anila Quayyum Agha’s installation “All the Flowers Are for Me”—an Insta-worthy sculptural chamber of floral forms inspired by Persian and Turkish architecture that highlights both our differences and commonalities. It’s this blend of historical depth and contemporary relevance, all rooted in those sea captains’ original mission to share global discoveries, that makes PEM a standout destination in Salem. pem.org.

Family-Friendly Getaway

Red Jacket Beach Resort
South Yarmouth, Massachusetts

Lots of beach resorts claim to be “kid-friendly,” but Red Jacket Beach Resort pulls it off—without making parents want to hide in the bathroom. The idea here is simple: This isn’t just a place that tolerates children; it’s designed around the beautiful chaos they bring. Cape Cod already has the sun, sand, and soft-serve, but Red Jacket eliminates friction points. No schlepping coolers across scorching asphalt—its private beach puts you right on the sand. Kayaks, banana boats, and more: all there when you need them, gone when you don’t. This place also knows kids operate on different energy settings throughout the day. Morning beach warriors can hit the waves, then head to the pools when the sun gets brutal. When the inevitable screen-time meltdown hits, there’s the “Amazin’ Gamin’ Bus”—basically a mobile arcade that keeps 28 kids occupied while parents remember what adult conversation feels like. But it’s the programming that wins the day: science workshops, magic shows, baseball clinics, a glitter-tattoo station, treasure hunts, and “Peek-a-Zoo” animal encounters. When everyone’s finally exhausted, parents can sneak off to the spa for a Nantucket Sound stone massage—because the smart ones know when to make an exit. redjacketresorts.com

Place to Own a Beach House

York, Maine

Let’s face it: The Cape is great, but it’s a long, stop-and-go drive, and you’re paying a premium. If you want the most bang for your beach-house buck, you can’t beat southern Maine—specifically this insanely picturesque town within striking distance of Boston. Spread out across several distinct neighborhoods, the varied housing stock has something for almost everyone—here, you’ll find two-bed waterfront condos, modest Capes and split-levels, and stunning multimillion-dollar estates—with some seriously great summertime perks no matter where you buy. Namely: Long Sands, Short Sands, and Cape Neddick beaches, where residents can park for just $40 a season. The town is also home to the iconic Nubble Lighthouse, which has served as a beacon in the area since the late 1800s, Mount Agamenticus (ideal for fall hikes), and indie shopping in Cape Neddick and York Village. Despite all of this, it’s still a relatively affordable place to buy on the coast—making now an ideal time to discover this coastal gem.

Place to Own a Ski House

South Peak Resort

Lincoln, New Hampshire

One of the top places to bring the whole family to ski is—without question—Loon. Nestled in the heart of the White Mountains, its trails cater to all skill levels, meaning your teenage daughter can carve up the more challenging routes while your nephew gets familiar with the bunny hill. That’s why we’re certain the only thing better than planning a trip to Loon is owning property there—especially when you have a big crew. Whether you’re interested in a townhouse or custom-building your own single-family, South Peak Resort’s homes feature ski-in, ski-out trails with full snowmaking and maintenance courtesy of Loon Mountain Resort. Translation? You can be gliding downhill before anyone else wakes up. An exclusive homeowner-only lift provides direct access to the slopes, while the houses themselves include features like heated floors, private garages, gourmet kitchens, gas fireplaces, and EV chargers. As if you needed another reason to get packing, this winter will also see the debut of the Nest Club, a homeowners’ hangout with a slopeside restaurant and bar, a kids’ game lounge, private ski lockers, and a spa-like fitness center. southpeakresort.com.

Hotel, Massachusetts

Wequassett
Harwich

Wequassett understands the most important thing about a Cape Cod getaway: People want luxury, but they don’t want it to feel stuffy. That’s why the ambiance here is a breath of fresh air, quite literally: Opening up to Pleasant Bay, the resort features a gorgeous pool area with fire pits, cabanas, and nightly live music. Multiple dining options include a casual open-air spot perfect for throwing back fruity margaritas and lobster rolls after your complimentary 15-minute boat ride back from the pristine Outer Beach. It pairs those laid-back vibes with impeccable service—no request is too big or too small for the hotel’s concierge, which handles everything from dinner reservations to dog-grooming appointments. Fresh off celebrating its 100th anniversary and completing a full guest room renovation, the hotel offers even more reason to cross the bridge all year round. wequassett.com.

Hotel, Vermont

Woodstock Inn & Resort
Woodstock

Some hotels are more than just a place to stay—they’re the heart of a town. That’s the Woodstock Inn. The iconic, Federalist-style gem stands proud in the center of Woodstock, a timeless hub for all who appreciate the quintessential Vermont vibe. While you don’t have to be a guest to enjoy some of the magic—like the popular Red Barn Dinner Series (hello, cocktail hour in the stunning Kelly Way Gardens!) or a deeply relaxing spa day—we highly recommend settling in for a night or two in one of the recently renovated guest rooms, decorated in classic country style with wooden bed frames and hand-dyed blankets. Then, you can use the inn as your jumping-off point for four-season adventure: Book a falconry lesson where you’ll handle a trained hawk, cast a line on an Orvis-endorsed fly-fishing excursion, or hit the slopes at nearby Saskadena Six Ski Area. After all that adventure, reward your efforts with a drink at the inn’s Richardson’s Tavern. woodstockinn.com.

Hotel, Rhode Island

Ocean House
Watch Hill, RI

Butlers on the beach. Champagne on a yacht. Social hour on the championship croquet lawn. You’ll feel every bit the A-lister at this iconic yellow resort—and it makes perfect sense, given it’s practically next door to Taylor Swift’s sprawling Watch Hill estate. But long before Rhode Island’s most famous resident arrived, this hotel was already a star in its own right. The dining here is an experience unto itself, whether you’re in the mood for a romantic white-tablecloth affair, the freshest sushi on a secret-garden-style patio, or a tapas-style feast overlooking the ocean. The acclaimed 12,000-square-foot spa, meanwhile, is a place you’ll never want to leave, thanks to the water-view saltwater lap pool and luxe treatments like the Caviar Facial. But while we love all the lavish touches, it’s the little things that truly make this a classic New England escape, from Friday-night lobster boils on the beach to the candy and ice cream shop for a sweet post-dinner treat. You’ll feel so at home you might find yourself planning to stay all summer—just like a certain famous neighbor. oceanhouseri.com.

Hotel, New Hampshire

Omni Mount Washington Resort & Spa
Bretton Woods, NH

Icons are icons for a reason, and after 123 years, no New Hampshire hotel has dethroned the Omni Mount Washington from its reign at the top. This isn’t just another weekend getaway—it’s a sprawling National Historic Landmark set against the breathtaking White Mountains, where history and luxury become one. The Spanish Renaissance Revival–inspired behemoth delivers on every front: 269 exceptionally cozy guest rooms and suites, complete with in-room fireplaces and signature plush robes, a 25,000-square-foot spa featuring a sauna, steam room, and an outdoor whirlpool, plus Donald Ross–designed golf courses. History buffs will swoon over touches such as the cave-like Prohibition-era speakeasy that nods to the hotel’s storied past. But here’s the clincher: This place is also the gateway to some of New England’s finest skiing. The complimentary shuttle whisks you to the Bretton Woods base area and lodge, connecting you to 63 trails and 35 glades without the usual mountain logistics nightmare. And when you need a breather from racing downhill, Nordic skiing and snowshoeing await. Or opt for the ultimate winter fantasy: a horse-drawn sleigh ride that’s straight from a Currier & Ives print. omnihotels.com.

Hotel, Maine

The Viewpoint
York, Maine

You could drive the entire coast of Maine—every scenic turnoff, every lobster shack, every “quaint” B & B along Route 1—and still not stumble upon anything quite like the Viewpoint. Perched on a dramatic rocky slice of Cape Neddick, this place delivers the kind of postcard-perfect New England fantasy that usually only exists on Pinterest boards. When hoteliers Joe Lipton and Michelle Friar opened the Viewpoint in 2023, they knew they had something special: unobstructed views of Nubble Lighthouse, arguably Maine’s most photographed lighthouse. The 11 suites in the original hilltop home are lovely, but it’s the seven new shoreside rooms that really steal the show. The curved concrete addition feels refreshingly modern, with living green roofs that preserve those million-dollar views. Inside, floor-to-ceiling windows turn the Nubble into your personal screensaver—even from the shower. The property also features an open-air restaurant where a vintage Airstream serves wood-fired pizza and craft cocktails, plus a spa complete with a cedar sauna and hot tub. Pro tip: Set that alarm for sunrise. There’s nothing quite like rolling over in bed to catch the lighthouse silhouetted against a cotton-candy sky. viewpointhotel.com.

Hotel, Connecticut

The Whaler’s Inn
Mystic, CT

While Connecticut’s coast has mostly been overtaken by billionaires’ lairs, Mystic retains its maritime soul—and the Whaler’s Inn captures this authentic nautical romance without sacrificing modern luxury. Comprised of five buildings—including the home of a wealthy shipbuilding family and a circa-1800s inn—it’s a hidden gem that’s hosted a former president and countless celebrities who appreciate the discreet, attentive staff. Unlike many inns, there’s 24-hour front-desk service, and they’ll happily arrange a historical schooner excursion on the Argia, or bring you Ossetra caviar and vintage Dom Pérignon. The inn is the perfect marriage of old and new: Owners preserved original floors and tin ceilings while crafting an aesthetic somewhere between a cozy seaside cottage and a Soho loft—where minimalist window treatments ensure nothing gets between you and views of the Mystic River and the Bascule Bridge. Then there’s the food. The in-house restaurant, the Shipwright’s Daughter, is helmed by James Beard Award winner David Standridge, so you never have to leave for a meal. When you do venture out, you’re a short drive to the Mystic Seaport Museum and the world-class Mystic Aquarium. whalersinnmystic.com.

MEET THE JUDGES

Contributing editor Madeline Bilis has spent more than a decade uncovering New England’s most hidden-gem destinations for Boston, from glamping in Acadia to antiquing in Vermont. She’s the author of 50 Hikes in Eastern Massachusetts, and has written for travel publications including Thrillist, Travel + Leisure, and Condé Nast Traveler. She also contributed to writing the award descriptions.

Prolific travel writer Jonathan Soroff has journeyed hundreds of thousands of miles across the globe, visiting all seven continents, but for the native New Englander, there’s no place like home. In addition to covering travel for Boston, he contributes to Robb Report, N Magazine, and other publications. He helped craft the award write-ups for this feature as well.

Journalist Shayna Seymour lives and breathes New England travel as coanchor of WCVB’s iconic nightly newsmagazine, Chronicle, where she reports on a wide range of human-interest and lifestyle stories throughout the region and beyond. Seymour has been awarded an Emmy every year since 2020 in the Best Program Host/Moderator/Correspondent category.

Since 2013, Arun Upneja has served as dean of Boston University’s School of Hospitality Administration (SHA). Under his direction, SHA has significantly advanced its publication, the Boston Hospitality Review, and also launched the annual SHA Leadership Summit, drawing leading global hospitality executives and pioneers. His practical experience spans several years in management at the prestigious Taj Mahal Mumbai.

Glenn Bornstein is president and co-owner of Cleveland Circle Travel, a full-service travel company that has served both luxury and business customers for more than six decades. A member of Virtuoso, a global network of agencies, he has 30-plus years of experience as a travel adviser, helping people plan vacations at top spots around New England and the world.

First published in the print edition of the October 2025 issue with the headline, “The New England Travel Awards.”

Previously: New England Travel Awards 2024