Faraway: Luxury on Martha's Vineyard

Picture it: postcard perfect sandy beaches, lighthouses, boutique shopping, and endless sightseeing all on an iconic island. 

The island: Martha's Vineyard, a mere 7 miles from mainland but feels like an entire world away. Martha's Vineyard is made up of 6 distinct towns: Aquinnah, Chilmark, Oak Bluffs, Tisbury (also known as Vineyard Haven), West Tisbury, and Edgartown.

The Red Balloon recently visited Martha Vineyard for an extended stay. When visiting, be sure to book your stay at the most unique, luxury property on the island: Faraway Hotel. Faraway prides itself on being the ultimate oasis on the island. Faraway was awarded a Michelin Key in 2024. Note: the Michelin Key is for hotels which go above and beyond, delivering an exceptional and extraordinary stay. At the iconic Faraway Hotel you will experience a stay which is beyond compare. The hotel delivers in all aspects including the minute details. 

When choosing your specific accommodations at Faraway, the options are plentiful. You can choose: Wheel House, designed for families, Court House, which has three bedrooms perfect for groups, Carriage House, for couples or solo travelers, Kelley House, for families, couples, or solo travelers, Chappy House, for those seeking a private balcony, or The Red Balloon's personal favorite, Mizzentop House, the epicenter of refined luxury. In Mizzentop, the suites include a dining area, kitchenette, and spacious living spaces. Check out the hotel's decor.

The Faraway Hotel location is in picturesque Edgartown. Edgartown is the oldest settlement on Martha's Vineyard. History loves rejoice: there is not a better spot to be in when traveling to Martha's Vineyard. Convienently located right by the Chappy ferry, you can be whisked away in FIVE minutes and spend the day on Chappaquiddick Island. Yes, you read that right, a five minute ferry ride from Edgartown brings you over to Chappaquiddick. Once there be sure to visit the Mytoi Japanese Garden. Back in Edgartown, there is no shortage of things to do. For flower lovers, not to be missed: Donaroma's Nurserym, featuring the most extraordinary flower arrangements on the island.

Next stop: for dreamers and readers: Edgartown Books. Marvel at the bookstore's inspiring staircase.

Remember to schedule time to see the gingerbread houses. These houses are lit up annually every third Wednesday in August. On those nights, thousands of colorful lanterns decorate the Oak Bluffs Camp Ground, better known by all as the gingerbread house's Annual Grand Illumination Night. The inaugural illumination was held in 1869. Clearly the event and island is rooted in so much history. If you are not traveling on one of the illumination nights, be sure to check the calendar of events for the Tabernacle since frequently, events are held there within the camp grounds.

  

If you (or your fellow travelers) are a pharophile or a lighthouse enthusiast, you are in the right place. You can spend a day seeking out lighthouses on the island.

At the end of the day, back at the Faraway's Pelican Club, you can sit under a fringed umbrella while eating the most delectable just caught culinary delights. Don't let the name fool you because you can find it all so very close at the Faraway Hotel in Martha's Vineyard. There are two other food options at the hotel: Newes from America featuring local seafood and Snack Shack, ideal for poolside bites. As an added bonus: the hotel is pet friendly which means that Faraway can become an instant family favorite! 

Faraway Hotel is the brainchild of Boston-based Blue-flag partners. Blue-flag created the hotel with a story: a former islander who stowed away on a shipping vessel, returned home and filled their home with the treasures found at sea. Now, is your opportunity to find all of those treasures and more at Faraway.

Faraway Martha's Vineyard officially reopens on April 21, 2025. To book a suite at the Faraway be sure to visit: and let them know that The Red Balloon sent you. Here's to "Faraway" travels!

Alert for Summer 2025:Stay tuned for more from The Travel Series as The Red Balloon takes on an even bigger island!

Top of the Hub

The Red Balloon recently visited the Top of the Hub. The restaurant offers ambiance unknown in most other places around the city of Boston. A perfect spot for lunch, dinner, or a late night drink. There is no denying that sunset offers a perfect time to see the city aglow in a whole new light, from 52 floors above the city!

The view is truly spectacular. Whatever the season, Top of the Hub, is a great spot to dine. The food is exceptional and the atmosphere top notch. A nightly jazz ensemble adds another element of sophistication to the Top of the Hub's lounge. Whatever the occasion, Top of the Hub is the place to see Boston like no where else!

Harvard Club

Presenting: The Harvard Club of Boston. Located on the 38th floor of One Federal Street, the space provides exquisite food and drink and boasts exceptional views of the city of Boston. As a member of the club, one also is able to be part of a reciprocal network of clubs located across the globe in countries including but not limited to: Australia, France, Ireland, Hong Kong, Japan, South Africa, and Spain.

The breakfast, lunch, and dinner menus include vegetarian options (the portobello mushroom ravioli is a delight). The club offers an extensive wine list and The Red Balloon highly recommends the Prosecco. 

Notable speakers at the Harvard Club include Eleanor Roosevelt, Henry Kissinger, and Robert Frost. (The Red Balloon was about to make a "Road Not Taken" joke but will save that for another, less serious and more satire post.)

The Harvard Club also has a Back Bay Clubhouse located at 374 Commonwealth Avenue. That clubhouse contains the Veritas restaurant and lounge along with a number of function rooms.

The Harvard Club provides an inviting atmosphere to create a home away from home in the city.

Tea at Taj

Taj Boston offers Afternoon Tea on Saturdays and Sundays at two separate times. Tea time at Taj provides a quiet respite within the hustle and bustle of the city. The French Room offers the perfect ambiance for tea complete with a violist who spends the entire time playing the most beautiful melodies to accompany an already wonderful experience within the hotel. Winter is a great time to enjoy a warm cup however, tea time is great whatever the season. The possibilities for tea include: chai, white, green, black, herbal infusions, and the menu goes on seemingly endless.

   Along with the Taj Tea, there is a three tiered tray which provides an array array of delicious finger sandwiches and canapes.

Dessert features an assortment of pastries and delectable small treats. Afternoon Tea at Taj is an exquisite experience.