When the original developers of the Red Jacket Resorts started building nearly 50 years ago, they got the best part right.

After all, location is everything, and the Red Jacket sits tucked into a quiet corner of Yarmouth; its own little hamlet bordered by oceanfront beach, a flowing river and breathtaking marshlands.

It gets better: The resort group’s new owner, EOS Companies, has wrapped up a $40 million rehab/upgrade that deftly weaves the classic beauty that defines the properties with an updated vibe and amenities geared to the visitors of today.

At the newly refurbished Red Jacket Resorts (https://www.redjacketresorts.com) of Cape Cod, you can have your weathered shingles and posh décor too. And spa services, a tiki bar and pickleball to boot. It’s fair to say that, across the five properties (all within about a mile from one another), there’s a perfect little (or big) spot for any traveler.

Red Jacket Resorts have been a Cape staple for nearly a half century, starting with the Blue Rock Resort in 1963 and the opening of the Red Jacket Resort — the headliner of all five spots — in 1968. EOS Companies purchased them in 2021 with big plans.

Last summer, the renovations debuted but were still ongoing. Now, other than some future wish-list items, the resort group is open and ready for the busy season.

Tucked down past a quiet and quintessential Cape Cod enclave, arriving at the resort feels like you’re rolling in for a stay at the compound of a rich and hospitable friend.

The refreshed rooms are bright and airy, with colorful pops of beach-centric artwork: surf boards, enlarged Polaroids and beachy grays and pale blues.

The 160 rooms surround a central open space with a beautiful outdoor pool area, an oceanside lawn, a pop up tent with a bar for summer live music and fun, and of course the new ubiquitous pickleball courts.

All that rolls out to a big, flat, beautiful private beach that looks across Cape Cod Bay and at the mouth of the Parker River.

Lounge chairs are plentiful both pool and beachside, and the resort features Sea Service, food and drink brought to your seat.

The family suites and the cottages (sleeping up to 12) feature comfy double bunks. There’s plenty of body and head space, making them an easy spot to tuck the kids — or even adults — in at night.

While guests tend to think they want an ocean view, the river view rooms are spectacular as well, offering a quiet spot looking out over marsh and river land. Egrets and ospreys swoop in to delight nature lovers.

And while the beach, river and setting is enough, the resort has a full slate of daily activities all summer long; from kid-friendly to adult-themed live music, there’s always something going on. Look for special events featuring members of the famed Cape Cod Baseball League and other special happenings this summer.

While Red Jacket is the center of it all, renovations

also took place at The Riviera Beach Resort, where 125 rooms were modernized and a family suite added, and the Blue Water Resort, with its 109 rooms and two-bed, two-bunk suite for a larger group.

The golf course abutting Blue Rock Resort and classic Green Harbor Resort area also available.

Here’s the ambience breakdown: Red Jacket is for the guest who wants all the amenities (family friendly too), Blue Rock caters to golfers, but is also a peaceful, more quiet spot, Blue Water is great for cost-conscious families with older kids who want some amenities, Riviera Beach is an affordable spot with beach and pool access, and Green Harbor offers more of the casual cottage experience.

Guests staying at any of the resorts have access to all of them, and the dining options as well. At Red Jacket, you can dine pool or beach side, or pop inside for a freshly-sourced meal at Tide & Tavern, or cozy up in their quaint Crow’s Nest Bar.

And should it rain? Indoor pools abound.

While the resorts sit in serene spots, there’s no shame in admitting we all love a little kitsch when we visit the Cape. Mini golf, soft serve, taffy shops and bustling crowds on fun shopping avenues are all part of the Cape experience.

It may feel far away on that private beach but it’s actually just up the road: a quick car ride or — should you want to embrace the Cape vibe in full — a quick pedal on the complimentary bikes the resort provides.

Change can be scary; we love our traditions. Red Jacket Resorts has focused on both, creating a perfect beach escape.