TRAVEL
Special Guide: The Hamptons
Wallace Rezende
You’ve certainly heard of the Hamptons, whether through your exposure to TV shows or movies, or even during one of your visits to New York. For those born and raised in the U.S., referring to “The Hamptons” means talking about a collection of beaches with very specific characteristics, a vast array of restaurants, destinations, and villages.
This is the retreat for New Yorkers who want a more rural environment, far from the chill of the city. We can even draw a parallel to the culture of European summer homes, where families would escape the harsh winters by migrating from one house to another in order to experience the seasons in the best possible way.
The Hamptons, this incredible coastal region, can certainly be viewed this way. With a mild, more pleasant climate than humid Florida, New York State’s beaches serve as the backdrop for many series seeking grand settings, such as Revenge (2011), which became a contemporary Disney classic and sought to allegorically reveal a bit of the lifestyle of some families who live in the region.
Traveling to the Hamptons is meeting the summer destination of those seeking comfort; it’s walking side by side with some of the country’s most iconic personalities, who have causes as amazing as their careers in film, music, or politics. And this is our guide for you.
The peak season in The Hamptons
High season in the Hamptons runs from Memorial Day (May 30) to Labor Day (September 5). The coastal region, which stretches in a long and relatively narrow band, is associated with the sightings of numerous celebrities, many of whom tend to live in Southampton, one of its subdivisions. There are several, but we’ll mention a few here
Southampton: A region of fascinating streets with historic and grand homes, home both to the personalities we mentioned above and to Old Money. Many of the houses in this area have been passed down from generation to generation, making them true pearls of American architecture today. Southampton also includes some small areas such as Sagaponack and Watermill;
Sag Harbor: With the energy of a small New England town, Sag Harbor appeals to those who have little interest in sea swims but do not give up proximity to the coast. Sag Harbor is a fishing area, with several sailors and other workers who bring fresh catches to the region’s various restaurants;
West Hampton: With numerous summer homes, some resulting from co-renting by more than 20 young people, West Hampton is the hub for startup founders — the market’s current unicorns, the so-called New Money — who bring a breath of youthfulness to this coastal region;
Montauk: A backdrop for surfers, Montauk has one of the liveliest nightlife scenes in the Hamptons, being as youthful as West Hampton.
Eat and drink
As you can imagine, in such varied settings, the options for where to eat and drink vary greatly. For some, there is nothing more enjoyable than a Crab Salad in Amagansett at the Clam Bar, which can have lines of up to three hours — well worth every minute of the wait.
For others, Tutto Il Giorno in Southampton is a second home, where the perfect marriage of delicious cuisine and an impeccable location takes place.
For us here at Lifestyle Mag, each part of the Hamptons deserves its own exploration, a special moment in your routine.
Beyond the two already mentioned, we’ve picked out a few other restaurants you need to visit and experience:
Pierre’s: In the heart of Bridgehampton is Pierre’s, offering traditional and authentic items, a wide variety of wines and dishes, an always attentive and friendly staff, as well as the perfect setting for a unique summer lunch;
The Surf Lodge: A boutique hotel and restaurant conceived by Jayma Cardoso, a Brazilian who brings our concept of “a home away from home” to all those who wish to feel comfortable on the tip of Long Island in Montauk. The restaurant, like a good Brazilian seaside establishment, features local seafood, organic ingredients from regional farms, and much more;
Sant Ambroeus: Italian cuisine in Southampton calls for Sant Ambroeus. With its Veal Panini, delicious mint chip gelato, or any light and delightful pastry, the restaurant will take you on a journey through the tradition of Italian cooking;
Sag Pizza: With a facade reminiscent of beautiful 1980s restaurants, Sag Pizza is located in Sag Harbor and complements the area’s charming atmosphere with a retro, vintage touch. The pizzas, just like the perfectly designed setting, are unique, delicious, and made to order.
We could describe for hours all the can’t-miss restaurant options, but we strongly believe in creating your own destination and experience. A good way to get additional recommendations is to ask your hotel which restaurant is best for that particular evening.
Many concierges are extremely well connected and can be precise compasses for finding the ideal spot for a unique experience.
Where to stay
To have a safe harbor on this shore, you need to choose not only a well-located hotel but also an establishment that can help you navigate the region. Our editorial essentials are:
Surf Lodge: Another establishment run by a Brazilian at the helm, the Surf Lodge is very well located and inspired by the beauty and culture of Montauk. Serving fresh seafood daily, the hotel sits on Fort Pond, 2.4 km from Shadmoor State Park, and just a few kilometers from restaurants like Joni’s, Harvest on Fort Pond, Tauk at Trail’s End, and more;
Bridgehampton Inn: With a charming structure reminiscent of one of the houses we see in Downton Abbey, Bridgehampton Inn is the ideal option for rest and renewal, even offering traditional dishes at the hotel’s own restaurant;
EHP: EHP is a Resort & Marina inspired by Mediterranean aesthetics and lifestyle. An iconic refuge that is close to everything, yet at the same time makes us feel distant from everything that speeds us up. Here, it’s a space of calm, harmony, and peace;
Topping Rose: In Bridgehampton, Topping Rose stands out for being a 19th-century mansion completely revamped and modernized, offering full-service stays with Jean-Georges menus for breakfast, lunch, and dinner;
Baron’s Cove: Sag Harbor has one of the most iconic hotels that fits its harbor vibe. Baron’s Cove has its own dock so you can arrive by sea, as well as unique rooms designed for family stays reminiscent of those held by cultural and business elites of the 1950s;
Gurney’s: On the waterfront, Gurney’s is the only hotel of its caliber located right on the beach. This unique and memorable distinction allows for moonlit strolls and dips just steps from your room;
Hero Beach Club: A haven for artists, musicians, surfers, and professional fishermen. Hero Beach Club offers sea views from every window of its vintage rooms, with a ’50s vibe. Near Montauk Lighthouse (the oldest operating lighthouse in the U.S.), Hero Beach Club is a relaxed and youthful option for those who want to unwind in Montauk;
Journey East Hampton: A bit further from the sea, Journey East Hampton is located near the grand estates that are iconic to the Hamptons, such as those of Robert De Niro, Lady Gaga, Madonna, and Steven Spielberg. The 5-star service ensures well-being throughout your stay, combining comfort with a unique location;
Marram: In Montauk, Marram is a high-end boutique resort, offering not only a quality stay but essential experiences to make the most of the Hamptons;
Sunset Beach: 35 Shore Rd, Shelter Island Heights—that’s the address of Sunset Beach, which is just steps from the sea, offering a beautiful sunset view, as its name suggests, conceived by André Balazs, the mastermind behind Chateau Marmont, the coolest hotel in LA;
The Maidstone: Finally, we have The Maidstone, an extremely eclectic Chic Boutique Hotel just steps from the beach and downtown, ensuring proximity to all regional events without sacrificing comfort and calm.
Lots to do in the Hamptons
For each traveler, there’s packing organization, an itinerary, and a list of unmissable destinations. We discussed a bit about each region of the Hamptons above, as well as some hotels where you can stay. How about now we list the hot spots for those travel shopping sprees?
Goop: Gwyneth Paltrow is the person behind this brand that is the essence of the Modern Lifestyle. Always receiving new arrivals, Goop has a long list of exclusive items, as well as a well-curated collection of wellness products, jewelry, clothing, footwear, and much, much more;
Matriark: A selection of unique pieces and brands is hidden within Matriark. Almost like a Russian nesting doll, there are many surprises inside this store, conceived by a Brazilian, Patricia Assui Reed, who works exclusively with women-led labels and dedicates 10% of the profits to victims of sexual violence;
Ralph Lauren: One very special detail of the Ralph Lauren in the Hamptons is the indoor garden the store has. A true spectacle of care, an environment to relax, breathe, and take a lovely break between outfit try-ons;
Love Adorned: Dried flowers are trending in various interior design segments. Whether to decorate frames, books, or even collect, Love Adorned offers a range of beautiful, rare flowers with professional drying, ensuring longevity for the colors and petals of your pieces;
Hildreth’s: Hildreth’s Home Goods is what the store is known as. From products for a delightful spa routine to kitchen or decor items, from aromatic candles to furniture sets. Hildreth’s is a true miscellany of items carefully curated by the store’s team. How about a shopping spree for your home?;
Aerin: At Aerin, you can find a lot. At Aerin Lauder’s store, the granddaughter of Estée Lauder, there’s everything from dresses to home goods. Being a true lifestyle brand, Aerin was created right here in New York and is worth a visit with time to spend;
Ornare: Finally, there’s Ornare, a Brazilian store of custom-designed furniture that has a super cool setting with well-designed spaces capable of inspiring you in that decision to remodel your environments, or even give you some ideas to discuss with your architect.
For us here at Lifestyle, two bars catch our attention: Le Bilboquet and Crow’s Nest. The first, facing a harbor, always invites us for a drink while admiring the waves breaking on the shore; the second, which we mentioned above, is a trendy spot in Montauk, perfect for socializing, chatting, and savoring delicious signature cocktails.
A spotlight of desire since the Gilded Age
The Hamptons is certainly a region that has developed its own character, a place not only for those wishing to retreat, but also to explore, have fun, and experience.
Since the so-called Gilded Age, or the Golden Age of the late 1870s, the region has captured attention. This coastal stretch has something special that was recognized from the beginning, and that’s also why it is home to so many attractions, such as Wölffer Estate Vineyard, which since 1988 has been boasting a magnificent view of the vineyard overflowing with Tuscan air, offering a tour with a sommelier and a tasting of four types of wine.
In the Hamptons, we don’t have to stick only to what is old, classic, or traditional. Here we embrace nostalgia and history without giving up what is modern and avant-garde.
From Botswicks to Bistro Éte, Moby’s, Crow’s Nest to Bobby Vans, from Babette’s to SoulCycle. There are attractions in the Hamptons ideal for everyone. Find yours on your next trip.
