For More Than 100 Years, Vacationers Have Summered in Katama Along South Beach’s Shore
Before the days of air conditioning, the old Mattakeset Lodge was an ideal place to spend the summer months. Opened in 1873, the Lodge was popular for its clambakes, dances under the stars and, most importantly, its unique south-facing location by the sea that was consistently cooled by the gentle sea breezes during the heat of summer. It was one of the island’s earliest resorts.
For more than 20 years at the end of the 19th century, the Mattakeset Lodge was reached by the Martha’s Vineyard Railroad, a narrow gauge line that ran from the Oak Bluffs steamship wharf to the hotel’s front lawn. The railroad, though ultimately a financial flop, took vacationers on a spectacular ride along the island’s coast on its way to Edgartown and then to Mattakeset.
Early writings about the Lodge mention its well appointed facilities, including its own farm, steam laundry, twice-daily mail, tennis courts, billiards, bowling, bath-houses, and a rooftop promenade with views of Katama Bay and the Atlantic Ocean.
The hotel closed towards the end of the century and pieces of the building were floated down the Bay to Edgartown to be reused.
Read one summer guest’s review of the Mattakeset Lodge at Vineyard Gazette’s Time Machine.
During World War II, Mattakeset’s region of Katama served as a U.S. Naval Air and Sea Base. After the war the site was developed into the Katama Shores Inn, which was removed in 1999 to make way for today’s Winnetu.
In the summer of 2000, the Snider family opened the Winnetu Oceanside Resort, carefully designed to reflect the Vineyard’s late-nineteenth century shingle-style character while providing all the modern conveniences guests expect today.
Through changes in seasons and passing of years, the Vineyard experience remains timeless and enduring. Hop a boat, leave the mainland behind, and enjoy what generations of visitors have come to our shore to seek.
Say hello to our A+ Concierge team, Tim and Allison. Looking for a restaurant recommendation? A sailboat to charter? A way to spend a sunny afternoon? These two know the island inside and out and are ready to help you make the most out of your Vineyard vacation.
#winnetu #mv #vineyard #marthasvineyard #newengland
Frosé your way to the Winnetu each Saturday for a little post-Beach Aprés Sea. Featuring poolside raw bar and summertime drinks, join us for this special event each weekend from 4pm - 5pm
📸: @kgeventsdesign
#winnetu #katama #mv #marthasvineyard
A nightly adventure into town. Book a seat on our water taxi into Edgartown, running each evening in the summer.
📸: @wanderingdarlings
#katama #winnetu #mv #newengland #igersnewengland #marthasvineyard
Turtle watching, freeze-tag, somersaults, and more. Brimming with fun, our great lawn is your front yard throughout a stay at Winnetu.
📸: @wanderingdarlings
#winnetu #mv #katama #vineyarding #vineyard #thevineyard #marthasvineyard #edgartown
It’s clambake season at Winnetu!
📸: @mcmenimon
#winnetu #mv #katama #marthasvineyard #
There’s magic in a stay at Winnetu, just ask @wanderingdarlings. Tap the link in our bio to read about their recent stay!
📸: @wanderingdarlings
#winnetu #mv #katama #marthasvineyard #newengland
Wishing everyone a happy 4th from sea to shining sea 🇺🇸
📸: @catboatcharters
#vineyard #mv #marthasvineyard #katama #winnetu
Hop a ride to the Edgartown Water Taxi aboard the Jitney, our beloved antique resort shuttle
📸: @marcsford // @prepfordwife
#winnetu #mv #marthasvineyard #thevineyard #vineyard #katama
It’s frosé o’clock, happy Friday!
📸: @juliadags
#mv #vineyard #marthasvineyard #katama #winnetu #mv
Welcome back: from the beach, from downtown, or whatever Vineyard adventure you got up to today.
📸: @juliadags
#winnetu #vineyard #vineyarding #marthasvineyard #thevineyard #katama #mv #newengland
Forecast calls for sunny summer memories on the Vineyard.
📸: @yuriko_nyc
#vineyarding #mv #marthasvineyard #katama #winnetu
In true Vineyard fashion, #NationalLobsterDay should be celebrated with a forkful of Fish Pot from Chef Mike’s new menu at @thedunesmv. Dunes is back open on Thursday, so we’ll see you for a post-#LobsterDay celebration then!
📸: @trendsandtolstoy
#lobster #mv #winnetu #katama #vineyard #marthasvineyard
Summer is here to stay. Pull up a chair and enjoy the view from #Katama.
📸: @trendsandtolstoy
#winnetu #mv #vineyard #marthasvineyard
It’s going to be a #Winnetu weekend
📸: @howieguja
#winnetu #mv #marthasvineyard #katama
Very offline, very out of office. Looking at you, long weekend.
📸: @trendsandtolstoy
#mv #winnetu #marthasvineyard #katama
Waking up on the Vineyard has its advantages. Tap the link in our bio to learn about planning an escape to the island this season.
📸: @trendsandtolstoy
#winnetu #mv #katama #edgartown #marthasvineyard
It’s opening day here Winnetu. Looking forward to welcoming our first guests this weekend, and looking forward to miles of summertime memories ahead of us 📸: @bygeorgiagrace
#mv #marthasvineyard #katama #winnetu #newengland #igersnewengland
Step into spring with us on opening day, one week from today! We’re excited to open our doors for an exciting season, including a reimagined culinary experience with Dune’s new culinary whiz, Chef Mike. Comment below if you’re excited to make your way back to Katama 📸: @jillian_eversole // @trendsandtolstoy
#katama #mv #marthasvineyard #winnetu
A wintery dispatch from Katama via @lucycuneo. It’s cold on Martha’s Vineyard, but warm memories are on our mind. Tag us in a photo you took at Winnetu this summer!
#winnetu #mv #newengland #igersnewengland #marthasvineyard
Valentines Day is in two days, which means you’ve still got two days to give the gift of Martha’s Vineyard with a Winnetu gift card. Seems like a win-win for the giver and receiver, right? Tap the link in our bio for details 📸: @rosemary.tufankjian
Gorgeously off-season in Katama via @lucycuneo
#winnetu #mv #newengland #igersnewengland #katama #edgartown #marthasvineyard
Off-season dispatch from @lucycuneo
#winnetu #mv #marthasvineyard #mvy #katama #edgartown #newengland #igersnewengland
Dispatch from our friend @lucycuneo: Out and about capturing scenes of festive Edgartown, all dressed up for the season 🎄
#winnetu #edgartown #mv #marthasvineyard #mvy #newengland #igersnewengland #katama
A very merry Christmas from Martha’s Vineyard! 📸: @saltedmv
#mv #newengland #mvy #winnetu #katama #edgartown #igersnewengland #marthasvineyard
Looking for a memorable last minute gift for someone on your list? Consider sharing the magic of Martha’s Vineyard with a gift certificate to Winnetu Oceanside Resort. With virtual delivery options, it’s a hassle-free way to give an unforgettable experience. Tap the link in our bio for details! 📸: @homewiththewileys / @howieguja
#mv #marthasvineyard #mvy #newengland #igersnewengland #winnetu #edgartown #katama
