Welcome to the island of Nantucket and its tranquil harbours, endless stretches of beach, old manor houses, and beautiful gardens, just fifty kilometres off the coast of Massachusetts? On the birthplace of Arthur Gordon Pym – hero of the novel of the same name by Edgar Allan Poe – stands The Wauwinet, a charming house covered in patinaed grey shingles, built in 1860 and with the distinction of being one of the first hotels on the island. The freshly picked bunches of flowers in your room are characteristic of the attentiveness of the staff. The programme is relaxation or water sports at the hotel?s two private beaches, massages inspired by local plants and contemplating the splendid sunsets over Nantucket bay.The property is closed for business during the year over the following dates October 25 2009-May 10 2010 .