Discover hotels and villas for East Coast weekend escapes in Cape Cod and Nantucket, United States

Few places depict the classic American summer more than Cape Cod – after all, this is where the Kennedys summered and, indeed, where 'to summer' became a verb. The 112km long peninsula angles out into the Atlantic Ocean like a crooked lure, and beaches are always a few minutes away. Fresh seafood – oysters on the half shell, lobster rolls, seared sea scallops – is more a way of life than simply a diet. Iconic lighthouses line the coast, grey clapboard houses fill the 15 quaint towns and bobbing white sails dot the waves. It was landscapes such as these which inspired artist Edward Hopper, a long-time summer resident, to create some of his most memorable works. Cast 48 kilometres south of Cape Cod is Nantucket, a sandy-shored atoll with 128 kilometres of pristine beaches, sophisticated shopping and fine-dining. This storied whaling capital once lured fortune-seeking fisherman and now entices wealthy summer sun-seekers. Stringent conservation efforts ensure that the interior ponds, bogs and captivating coastline are protected, which makes for postcard worthy shots at every turn. And, as if on the set of a colonial-era drama, meticulously maintained cedar-shingled cottages and stately Federal-style homes line the cobblestone lanes as they have for hundreds of years. Pedal the sea-grass-fringed bike paths, kayak through wildlife-rich marshes or meander the vibrant harbour-side town – Nantucket may be small (just 23km long), but its appeal is broad.