The Hamptons summer season has officially begun.
New York City dwellers, ultra-high-net-worth individuals and prominent family offices flock to the Eastern End of Long Island for the summer to escape to a place of solitude where they can connect, network and relax.
The ultra-wealthy are leveraging their Hamptons homes as both a base and an escape even as the world has reopened to global travel, said McLean Robbins, founder of D.C.- and East Hampton-based Lily Pond Luxury, a boutique travel advisory for UHNW clients.
“Post-pandemic, the Hamptons has become a ‘go anytime’ destination, with residents and visitors using their summer homes in extended and even off-season,” Robbins said. “Luxury brands have capitalized on this in a big way with exciting summer expansions, with names like Louis Vuitton and Zegna moving into key East Hampton locations, ‘wear anywhere’ favorites like Jenni Kayne expanding into Southampton, and fitness favorites like the ness popping up at Bridgehampton's Topping Rose.
"New entrant Project Hamptons is an early favorite, promising a modern blend of fashion, fitness, fun and philanthropy — further illustrating that today's world is more blended than ever.”
Over the past several years, the Hamptons has become home to the family office community’s largest events of the year, whether it be conferences or nonprofit galas, where families gather to meet one another and share best investment ideas and support worthy causes.
We’ve curated a guide on where to stay, where to eat and events to keep on your radar this summer.
WHERE TO STAY
Seclusion and luxury are what Hamptons hotels are known for, and The Reform Club provides that and then some. The Amagansett-based property set on 5 acres boasts seven suites, three cottages and one private four-bedroom home called 21 House. While the property itself is secluded, it is within walking distance to the shops and cafes on Main Street and a quick bicycle ride to the beach.
Also in Amagansett is The Roundtree, a boutique hotel complete with standard and deluxe rooms, suites and studio cottages as well as one-, two- and three-bedroom cottages, large enough for families. The hotel is known for its understated luxury — offering complimentary amenities like afternoon tea and cookies, beach essentials, and bikes and a "beach buggy" transport service running from the hotel down to Atlantic Avenue and Indian Wells beaches between Memorial Day and Labor Day.
Newly renovated Canoe Place Inn & Cottages in Hampton Bays is situated on the Shinnecock Bay canal and boasts 30 two- and three-bedroom residences. Canoe Place happens to be the site of the world’s oldest inn, dating back to 1697.
Today, the property has been reimagined, with a beautiful on-site restaurant and spa, along with a pool and hot tub surrounded by a deck complete with chaise longues, fitness center, clubhouse and outdoor fire pit. Members of the luxury travel service Inspirato have access to 12 new three-bedroom homes this summer, with waterfront views including the Waterside home, Tiderunner and Surfrider.
For those who want the ultimate escape, Montauk may beckon. Gurney’s Montauk Resort and Seawater Spa is worth a visit alone for its newly renovated $20 million spa that boasts an indoor and outdoor pool.
WHERE TO EAT
The Japanese-Italian restaurant pastaRAMEN is coming to the Hamptons, starting in June for a special dinner party series. The restaurant has teamed with Kissaki owner Garry Kanfer to bring this one-of-a-kind dining experience to the private omakase room at Kissaki. The fine dining, speakeasy-type experience will run from June 26 until Aug. 28.
PastaRAMEN’s James Beard-nominated executive chef, Robbie Felice, is known for his irresistible wafu (Japanese-inspired) Italian and will serve up an eight-course, $250-per-person dinner that includes dishes like truffle porcini ramen, mochi ramen and Kaluga caviar and in-house, dry-aged Japanese A5 Wagyu.
Just across the sound on the North Fork, Michelin-starred chef John Fraser is hosting a number of events at the North Fork Table and Inn this summer, including a three-course Sunday brunch, Sunday supper and wine and cocktail classes, most notably a “Taste of the North Fork” workshop.
WHERE TO NETWORK
Topping Rose House is known for its happy-hour oysters and rosé specials on the lawn, but this season it has launched a trampoline fitness studio in conjunction with the ness that combines cardio and choreography for a holistic dose of mind and body wellness for all ages and fitness levels.
Holiday House Hamptons 2023 is returning with a designer showhouse where about 20 of the industry’s top interior designers transform an exquisite home to showcase cutting-edge decor and chic lifestyle concepts to be viewed by the general public, the design industry and design enthusiasts — all while raising funds for the Breast Cancer Research Foundation and a local Southampton charity, The Ellen Hermanson Foundation.
Over 15 leading designers — including Amy Storm & Co., Ashley Stark Home, Barbara Ostrom Associates, Bjorn Bjornsson Interior Design, and Blake and Emily Interiors — will create their own space in a luxury East End estate, presented by BJC Custom Home Builders.
For those who love polo, the annual Polo Hamptons is slated for July 22 and 29 in Bridgehampton with a star-studded celebrity lineup that includes Christie Brinkley.
Finally, music lovers can get their fill this summer at Calissa in Water Mill. The Mediterranean restaurant and lounge has partnered with BCL Entertainment for a third summer of Calissa Sounds nights, beginning July 27 with Ashanti & Fat Joe. The electronic duo Gorgon City will headline on Aug. 3, and Wyclef Jean will return to Calissa for the third year in a row Aug. 17. Samantha Ronson will spin on Aug. 24, and Sigala will cap off the summer with a show Aug. 31. Performances start at 10 p.m.