THE JOURNAL
Beachfront cottages at Gurney’s Montauk. Photograph courtesy of Gurney’s Resorts
Ah, the Hamptons, that bucolic, beachy paradise on the east end of Long Island where posh New Yorkers decamp in search of surf, sunshine and fresh air. Dotted with villages and hamlets, each of which has its own character, this 118-mile stretch of sand and farmland has long been home (or second, third or fourth home) to some of style’s most enduring icons, including Mr Truman Capote, who entertained society ladies over in Sagaponack; Mr Ralph and Ms Ricky Lauren, who luxuriate on Further Lane in East Hampton; and Mr Andy Warhol, who hosted the Rolling Stones at his clifftop estate in Montauk.
Long-time Hamptonites love to decry that the Hamptons aren’t what they used to be – there’s too much traffic, too many McMansions, too many influencers pouting over iced lattes at Sant Ambroeus. But something about this stretch of summer paradise keeps holding the world’s attention summer after summer. Capote and Warhol might be long gone, but there is a stream of interesting characters heading east in search of some summer respite. Here is a snapshot of what’s new and exciting in the Hamptons this summer to prove to even the saltiest locals that, sometimes, change can be good.
Eat: Roberta’s
Ursula’s Parade pizza. Photograph by Mr Brandon Harman, courtesy of Roberta’s
And you thought heading to Bushwick was a long journey east for pizza? Brooklyn icon Roberta’s, famous for its wood-fired pizzas, has opened an outlet in Montauk, the Hamptons’ easternmost point, which makes this your go-to spot for high-quality pies after a long day of surfing the “end of the world”, as Instagram calls it. Check out the Ursula’s Parade pizza, made with littleneck clams, fresh mozzarella, lemon and breadcrumbs, or the Bee Sting, which is topped with chilli and honey. Best of all, this full-service restaurant is just steps away from Montauk train station, which makes a meal here a welcome upgrade from the pre-train slice before you head back to the city.
Stock up: Wishbone Farms
Nothing puts a damper on your Hamptons weekend like having to interrupt your beach time with a trip to the supermarket. This Southampton “farm to fridge” market is making the dreary grocery run a thing of the past with Pantry By Wishbone Farms, a meal curation and fridge-stocking service. Local produce, fresh-roasted coffee, baked goods and chef-prepared meal kits appear on your doorstep as if by magic. Having some friends over? There’s also an entertaining menu so you can pull off a barbecue without stepping foot in a store. If you ask us, any service that maximises downtime while you’re out east is worth its weight in gold, especially if you can support local farms and purveyors in the process.
Culture: Parrish Art Museum
Left: Ms Joiri Minaya, “Away from Prying Eyes”, 2020. Right: Ms Joiri Minaya, “Shedding”, 2020. Photograph by Mr Gary Mamay, courtesy of The Parrish Art Museum. ©Joiri Minaya
New Yorkers might recognise the Parrish as the place that’s popular for summer weddings or where there is a socialite-studded fundraiser gala each summer, but the art collection is always worth a look, especially this summer. A new exhibition, Another Justice: US Is Them, includes 30 works by 12 artists, many of whom created pieces specifically for this show, and explores the question of what justice can be in a time of imbalance. Expect embroideries from Ms Zoë Buckman, photography collages from Ms Joiri Minaya and a range of thought-provoking pieces that will lend a little gravitas to your carefree Hamptons excursion.
Stay: EHP Resort & Marina
In recent years, the once-forgotten East Hampton hamlet of Springs has emerged as the centre of Hamptons understated cool. It is close enough to the action, but secluded enough that visitors can still find tranquillity. This striking nine-acre property is the area’s undisputed place to stay. Fresh from a multi-million-dollar restoration, the spacious suites and standalone cottages offer uninterrupted views of the sunset over Three Mile Harbor, luxe touches such as Frette bedding and Acqua di Parma bath products, and fireplaces for those cool Atlantic summer nights. Grab one of the house bikes to explore the area. This is one of the quieter parts of the Hamptons, replete with rambling country roads and scenic views of the water.
Spa: Gurney’s Montauk Resort & Seawater Spa
Fitness Center at Gurney’s Montauk. Photograph courtesy of Gurney’s Resorts
Long considered a Montauk staple because of its beachfront party scene, Gurney’s just unveiled another reason to visit – a three-year, $20 million renovation of the spa. Created by Alonso Designs, the team behind Aire Ancient Baths in Manhattan, the new spa features products from brands such as Dr. Dennis Gross, OSEA, Biologique Recherche and Aesop. There’s a new bathhouse experience, which includes a large caladium, thermal bath frigidarium for contrast bathing, a Himalayan salt room, indoor-outdoor treatment rooms overlooking the ocean and the only ocean-fed seawater pool in North America. So now you can party on the beach all night and make up for your transgressions with some spa time the morning after.