Summer is golden, but when the temps surge sky-high the tolerance for city life hits an all-time low. And that, my friends, is why there’s a magical place for New Yorkers to escape to called The Hamptons. Set out on the East End of Long Island, the North and South Forks combined offer those who flee the city a little taste of everything, from the bohemian beaches of Montauk to the manicured gardens of East Hampton. And you don’t have to be Jay Z and Beyoncé to do it up Hampton’s style. Book one of these chic hotels ASAP, then grab your seat on the Jitney or jump on the LIRR, because we’re all really just working for the weekend—am I right?
East Hampton: The Maidstone
The Maidstone’s commitment to eco-friendly practices will make you feel good, while their whimsical Scandinavian style, pink sun room, and a smartly decorated lounge bar will make you feel right at home. Built more than 150 years ago, the inn first served as a tannery, providing a place for guests to rest their heads while waiting for saddle repairs. Today, the hotel is run by the family-focused and dog-loving Jenny and Jonathan Baker. While there, catch a ride with the inn's beach butler service, which will deliver you to the shoreline with chairs, umbrellas, and towels, plus lunch. Later, dabble in pong pong and lawn games in the backyard garden, and arrange for dinner at the inn's popular East Hampton restaurant, where you'll enjoy fresh local oysters, a selection of grass fed meats, and homemade pastas.
Bridgehampton: A Room at the Beach
The former property of Alexis Stewart (TV host and daughter of Martha), A Room at the Beach is set on 1.5 acres of lush greenery and towering redwoods (planted by none other than the domestic goddess herself). This chic, just-opened spot is less like a hotel and more like a dreamy summer retreat. When entrepreneurs Lucy Swift Weber and Charles Lemonides bought the 10-room bungalow from fashion OG Donna Karan, they redecorated each space with meticulous attention-to-detail, using nautical antiques, flea market finds, and original artworks. Get the most out of peaceful summer mornings by sipping coffee and practicing savasana on the patio, sweating out last night’s margaritas in the sauna, and taking a refreshing dip in the backyard pool. Spend your afternoons exploring Bridgehampton and your evenings sipping rosé on the inn’s plush outdoor sofas.
Montauk: Gurney’s Star Island Resort & Marina
This quintessential beach town, once a haven for surfers, is changing course a bit with the opening of Gurney’s Star Island, situated on Montauk’s largest marina. While you can still ride the waves on Montauk beaches, you can also pamper yourself at Gurney’s new nautical resort. There are three pools, 2,000 feet of private beach, and a family friendly vibe—so you can take your whole gang along with you. When you’re not hanging at The Pool Club—umbrella drink and lobster roll in-hand, naturally—head out for a hike at Montauk Point State Park (sunrise hikes highly recommended), and sip on local brews from Montauk Brewing Company.
BOOK IT
Sag Harbor: Baron's Cove
Originally built in the 1950s, but buzzing with shiny new renovations for summer 2019, this quintessential East End resort has amazing harbor views and a great dog-friendly policy. Located on the marina and walking distance from quaint downtown Sag Harbor, the hotel is perfect for the active traveler. Baron's Cove boasts a bevy of sporty amenities, including a tennis court, a state of the art fitness center, and an outdoor heated salt pool. After a day in your private sun tent, stroll over to goop's new Sag Harbor shop or indulge in a natural beauty treatment at ONDA in town. For dinner, grab a seat on the deck of Baron’s Americana restaurant and order surf-and-turf with 360-degree sunset views.
Amagansett: The Inn at Windmill Lane
Located in the heart of the Hamptons but set back in a forested area for ultimate privacy, this sophisticated 21-room inn has but one mission: To make you feel equal parts relaxed and pampered. The staff at The Inn are at the ready to go above and beyond; they’ll stock your room with gourmet groceries and wine, deliver your favorite take-out meals on their private outdoor patio (served with linens and fine China upon request), and, should you want to leave the pristine grounds, a house SUV that will take you wherever you need to be. Ride bikes to the nearby beach, pick up fresh cut flowers and cheeses at The Amagansett Farmers’ Market, or enjoy an afternoon well spent at Wölffer Estate Vineyard—about 20 minutes away.
Shelter Island: The Chequit
Nestled between the North and South Forks on Shelter Island, The Chequit is the perfect marriage between a bed and breakfast and a boutique hotel. Housed in a Victorian mansion with a regal wraparound porch in the heart of Shelter Island Heights, rooms have modern amenities and charming appointments, like clawfoot tubs and private outdoor terraces. For breakfast, order homemade scones and yogurts to your room, or grab a latte at the adjacent White Hill café, where they offer adorable (and delicious) pre-made beach picnics to go. For summer beach reads, head across the street to Finley’s Fiction, where they sell a great selection of hand-picked books curated by the owner herself. Spend your day out and about exploring the island, but don’t forget to return for complimentary happy hour, served in the lobby from 4–9 p.m.
Greenport: The Menhaden
Okay, it's not technically in the Hamptons, but if you find yourself on Long Island's North Fork, book a room at The Menhaden, where you'll be walking distance from the action, like oyster shucking at Little Creek Oyster Farm & Market and live music at Claudio's waterfront bar. Plus you're just a ferry ride away from Shelter Island and the South Fork. Nautical-inspired decor like striped linens and decorative oars are quintessential summertime, while little perks, like heated bathroom floors and a well-stocked pantry with local snacks, make the charming hotel extra special. Enjoy weekend yoga classes on the rooftop or a night cap by the fire pits, and let the helpful concierge plan a local excursion, like wine tasting at one of the 149 vineyards in the area or a day of boating on the Long Island Sound.
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