This resort, located on one of Martha’s Vineyard’s finest beaches, has just been recognized as the top resort in New England by T+L readers.

Cover Image for This resort, located on one of Martha’s Vineyard’s finest beaches, has just been recognized as the top resort in New England by T+L readers.

Cedar shake cottages, weathered by the sea and decorated with vibrant buoys, along with wooden docks connecting the pine forests to serene lakes, and hillsides bursting with the fiery colors of autumn — these images of the quintessential American vacation are deeply rooted in the scenery of New England. This region has a nostalgic, old-fashioned charm, especially evident in its resort destinations. While many beloved spots are best enjoyed in peak summer, several locations on this year's list offer year-round delights for adventurous travelers.

How the Voting Process Works

Annually, T+L invites readers to participate in the World's Best Awards survey, encouraging them to share their travel experiences worldwide and express their views on the best hotels, resorts, cities, islands, cruise lines, spas, airlines, and more. In the 2024 survey, over 186,000 T+L readers contributed, casting a remarkable total of more than 700,000 votes across over 8,700 properties, including hotels, cities, and cruise lines.

Hotels were categorized as resort hotels, city hotels, inns, or safari lodges based on their location and amenities, and they were rated according to the criteria listed below:

Amenities and room quality
Location
Customer service
Culinary offerings
Overall value

For each attribute, respondents had the option to rate it as excellent, above average, average, below average, or poor. The final scores reflect the average of these ratings.

Highlights from Readers

This year's list was dominated by coastal gems, featuring numerous spots in Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts; Newport, Rhode Island; and southern Maine. Travelers are enamored with the stunning coastal views and beach activities, but it’s the exceptional service and extensive amenities that truly distinguish these destinations. One reader commented on the Brenton Hotel in Newport: “The concierge was flawless, the facilities are breathtaking. Pair that with the prime location, complimentary amenities, and comprehensive services, and you have the recipe for a perfect long weekend.”

The emphasis on genuine hospitality extended to this year’s selections outside coastal areas as well. The Quisisana Resort on Lake Kezar in Lovell, Maine, draws back guests with its focus on simple pleasures, executed flawlessly — one visitor, who has been returning since childhood, describes it as “our favorite vacation for years,” while another claims it’s “the best hotel I’ve ever experienced. Ideal location, exceptional service, and every detail thoughtfully addressed.”

The Wentworth, the second landlocked resort featured on the list, draws enthusiastic repeat visitors in Jackson, New Hampshire. One guest shares, “We immediately fell in love. Since our first visit, we’ve returned to the Wentworth nine times and witnessed its transformation from an elegant country inn to the stunning White Mountain boutique hotel it is today after the renovation.”

Continue reading to discover this year’s top pick — a quintessential location in Martha’s Vineyard — along with our complete list of travelers’ favorite resorts in New England.

The Champion

The Winnetu Oceanside Resort: Edgartown, Massachusetts

The pool at the Winnetu Oceanside Resort.

Image courtesy of The Winnetu Oceanside Resort

Nestled right at South Beach on Martha’s Vineyard, the Winnetu Oceanside Resort is a cherished fixture in Katama, maintaining its top spot among T+L readers. Featuring 54 rooms and suites, along with cottages, townhouses, and three- and four-bedroom standalone rentals, it serves as a perfect gathering spot for groups. The 11-acre property boasts all the classic beach resort amenities — two heated pools, tennis courts, and a fitness center — alongside a variety of activities, ranging from toddler-friendly sensory play for the little ones to late-night beachfront clambakes for adults. T+L readers particularly appreciate the Winnetu’s staff: One guest praised chef Richard Doucette’s culinary creations at Dunes, the on-site restaurant, while another noted that “the service was excellent in every regard” throughout the property. Overall, as one visitor expressed, the Winnetu has gathered “an outstanding team of hospitality professionals.”