The White Elephant, overlooking the harbor, has been an integral part of Nantucket’s history since the 1920s.

Built as a series of rustic cottages, the landmark has evolved into the island’s most timeless resort, with a collection of chic accommodations showcasing the very best of the beloved destination.

In May 2023, in time with the White Elephant’s 100th anniversary, the resort will debut yet another metamorphosis, with a multi-million top-to-bottom restoration and renovation of its 66-room and -suite Harborside Hotel and 11 Cottages. Boston-based designer Elkus Manfredi has conceived of a bright, airy, residential-inspired refresh, drawing on the essence of the island—its history, the quality of light, its natural landscapes, the colors, textures, and artistic legacy—to breathe new life into these historic accommodations.

At the Harborside Hotel, the patterns of the textiles will draw on the island’s rich history of basket weaving, with antique brass accents that evoke classic Nantucket and light blue ceilings that recall the skies on a summer’s day. Meanwhile, the 11 Cottages will be individually decorated and styled after plants indigenous to Nantucket like hydrangea and honeysuckle. New original art will be installed throughout, resulting from the brand’s all-new Artist in Residency Program, launched in August 2022. New York based art consultant and curator Emily Santangelo worked closely with White Elephant’s owners, the Karp family, to create a mini-residency made up for acclaimed artists from around the world.