Wentworth by the Sea

Character and identity

Perched on a bluff at the southwest corner of New Castle Island, where the Piscataqua River meets the Atlantic, this 161-room Gilded Age survivor (opened 1874, restored and reopened in 2003, now part of the Opal Collection) trades on grand architecture without coasting on it. Oversized moldings, arched entryways and warm woodwork give the lobby a living-room feel, with Salt Kitchen & Bar leaning into a modern-yacht aesthetic just off reception. Expect a full-service spa, indoor and outdoor pools, a seasonal marina-side restaurant called Latitudes, and a relaxed, robe-friendly service register that locals and dog owners share in.

Who's it for

Bottom line

The real draw is the sense of place: a rare surviving Gilded Age resort on a walkable historic island, with service and community texture that match the architecture. Book a turret suite for the harbour views and two-floor layout, or a marina suite with private balcony and pool access in warmer months when Latitudes is open and the island is at its best.