When you think of luxury beach vacations, chances are you imagine jetting off to the black sands of Hawai’i, pink sands of Bermuda, or crystal-clear waters of the Maldives. While all of these places are undoubtedly bucket list-worthy, there’s somewhere along the East Coast that’s become synonymous with beautiful surroundings, straight-off-the-boat seafood, delectable farm-fresh produce, and luxury coastal living. We’re talking about the Hamptons, of course!
The Hamptons encompasses East Hampton, Southhampton, Sagoponack, and Sag Harbor, just to name a few of the quaint towns. The picturesque East Coast beach town has served as the backdrop to various cult-favorite movies and shows, including Something’s Gotta Give, Something Borrowed, and White Chicks. It even served as the inspiration for one of the most famous novels of all time, The Great Gatsby. In each of these portrayals, the Hamptons is the quintessential weekend getaway, offering a serene seaside oasis juxtaposed against raucous summer fun—and that remains true today.
Sound like your cup of tea? You’ll want to start looking at dates now because summer lodging fills up quickly out East. Don’t stress, though. Whether you’re in the market for a laid-back beach retreat, historical bed and breakfast, or iconic oceanfront resort, the Hamptons has it all. It’s just a matter of narrowing down your options. Ahead, peruse the best Hamptons hotels to inspire your next Nancy Meyers-approved adventure.
Shou Sugi Ban House
Shou Sugi Ban House in Southampton is the area's first award-winning luxury wellness retreat and spa. This property has less of a focus on beach-going and summer concerts—instead, it's all about making you feel relaxed and rejuvenated. Daily wellness classes such as yoga, pilates, breathwork, sound meditation, and strength training are all included in your stay. There's also a saltwater pool where you can take a few laps or lounge in the sun. Thoughtful amenities like a house Tesla, organic bath products and linens, a killer biodynamic and natural wine list, and market-fresh food prepared by a Michelin-starred chef all reinforce the property's connection to sustainability, wellness, and nature.
Gurney's Montauk Resort & Seawater Spa
Gurney’s Montauk Resort & Seawater Spa is one of the most iconic Hamptons hotels. The only resort in Montauk that’s open year-round, Gurney’s is home to 158 oceanfront rooms, suites, and cottages, all of which have access to the resort’s private 2,000-foot sandy beach. Speaking of the beach, Gurney’s is the only resort in the Hamptons to offer on-beach dining (though, the resort offers plenty of indoor and casual dining options, as well).
Meanwhile, the Seawater Spa is a stunning 30,000-square-foot escape designed in collaboration with AIRE Ancient Baths creator Alonso Balaguer Designs. It features indoor/outdoor treatment rooms, steam rooms, four bathing pools, a saltwater indoor pool, and co-ed relaxation areas. Gurney’s also offers an array of fitness and wellness classes to entice guests to nurture and embrace their healthy lifestyles.
The Surf Lodge
The Surf Lodge is another iconic Montauk property. The popular destination is known for its laid-back-yet-elevated allure, characterized by bright accommodations lined with warm white walls, surf-themed artwork, light floors, inviting beds, and spacious private balconies complete with hammocks. The curated weekend scene is a big part of why The Surf Lodge comes so highly recommended. Every weekend throughout summer, the hotel offers live music, wellness classes, and a beauty mini bar, not to mention frequent pop-up partnerships with cult-favorite beauty and wellness brands.
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A Room at the Beach
A Room at the Beach is a 10-room boutique motel nestled in Bridgehampton. It’s unique in that it blends luxury amenities with a laid-back beach vibe that’s as comfortable and inviting as it is design forward. In the words of the property, it’s all about “unfussy luxury.” Hot Tip: While there, be sure to partake in a Saturday morning yoga class under the redwoods before popping over to Wölffer Estate, which is situated just a mile from the motel, for a wine tasting.
The Roundtree, Amagansett
Known to be one of the most charming properties in the Hamptons, The Roundtree, Amagansett is a year-round, pet-friendly retreat that boasts 14 beautiful rooms. While it’s not directly located on the water, the hotel offers bike rentals and buggy service to and from the beach to ensure guests have the most seamless stay. They even provide chairs, towels, umbrellas, and coolers for those looking to enjoy a beach day without loading up an entire car.
Montauk Yacht Club
Planning to sail to your weekend getaway? Consider staying at the Montauk Yacht Club. The 107-room luxury resort and marina is situated on 16 acres on Montauk’s Star Island, making it a fabulous destination for folks who enjoy waterfront views, as well as those looking to engage in outdoor adventures. It’s also a prime pick for foodies. The resort is home to The Ocean Club Montauk, a fan-favorite fresh seafood restaurant and bar beloved by guests and locals alike.
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The Reform Club
The Reform Club is nothing short of breathtaking. The inn touts seven stunning suites outfitted with wood-burning fireplaces, white paneled walls, rich hardwood floors, supremely comfortable Duxiana beds made up with Matouk linens, luxe marble bathrooms filled with L’Occitane toiletries, and an all-encompassing Sonos audio system. Guests can also choose from three cottages or the 21 House for larger groups. What’s more, the inn offers a stellar concierge service, encompassing everything from grocery and food delivery to personal pick-up in a spacious SUV. Suffice it to say, you may never want to leave this Amagansett retreat.
The Maidstone
Situated in the historic district of East Hampton, The Maidstone is an iconic boutique Hamptons hotel that’s been around for over 150 years. Reopening this season under the direction of John Meadow and his team from LDV Hospitality, The Maidstone, which is being branded as “La Dolce Vita,” is expected to stand out more than ever before with hints of Italian luxury blended with quintessential Hamptons charm. It’s set to be the must-visit property out East, especially for those seeking European flair, as the property will boast a scrumptious food and beverage program by Scarpetta’s chef Jorge Espinoza.
Topping Rose House
Topping Rose House is a Bridgehampton gem known for its elegant rooms and suites, delicious farm-to-table restaurant, muscle- and mind-soothing massage treatments, and picturesque historic barn, which is available for private events. Meanwhile, don't you just want to curl up with a good book in one of these inviting window seats?
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Marram Montauk
Marram is the ultimate Hamptons destination for minimalist design lovers who have a palette for all things luxe. The thoughtfully designed hotel features 96 rooms, all of which come outfitted with Tuft & Needle Mint mattresses, Frette bedding, Le Labo bath products, and beautiful art by line artist Sean Spellman and surf photographer Brian Bellman. Something they don’t feature? Screens. If you can’t imagine a getaway without TV, don’t fret. Marram does offer high-speed Wifi, so you can stream at your leisure.
Journey East Hampton
If you prefer more rustic-luxe accommodations, make your way out to Journey East Hampton. Nestled between East Hampton and Amagansett, the 25-room hotel is in a prime location for folks looking to enjoy the beaches, as well as the wineries, dining, and shopping options Hamptons proper has to offer.
1770 House
Another charming, historic stay in the Hamptons is The 1770 House, a three-story Colonial home built in 1663 and transformed into a six-room inn in 1770. (If you need a bit more space than a room, know that the inn also features a carriage house.) While the property has been renovated a time or two since its debut, some of the original architecture remains—including the exposed ceiling beams, steep wooden staircase, and rich, wood-paneled lounge. Beyond the lounge, the inn is home to two fine restaurants, complete with a Wine Spectator award-winning wine list. In the rooms, you’ll find cozy, traditional accommodations with luxe Frette linens and Molton Brown toiletries.
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Baron's Cove
If you want to stay close to town, make a reservation at Baron’s Cove in Sag Harbor. Nestled between Southhampton and East Hampton, Baron’s Cove offers a lovely central location to experience the Hamptons in all its glory. Highlights of the 67-room inn include a beautiful design, private garden terraces, and delicious co*cktails and cuisine, which can be enjoyed from the property’s restaurant loft.
Art House
Art House Bed & Breakfast looks straight out of The Great Gatsby. The beautiful property, situated minutes outside of East Hampton, features a labyrinth sculpture garden, 66-foot pool, indoor “endless” pool, state-of-the-art gym, and game room, and guests are treated to a hearty, flavorful breakfast each morning of their stay. Here’s the kicker, though: There are only two rooms. Take your pick between the Master Guest Room and the Master Spa Suite!
EHP Resort & Marina
This nine-acre waterfront resort and marina is beloved for its Mediterranean-inspired accommodations and cuisine, as well as its hard-to-beat sunset views. The 21-room East Hampton resort has various on-site indoor and outdoor dining options, including Mediterranean and Japanese restaurants, as well as an Italian-style bakery and cafe. Beyond the food offering, the resort has a tennis court, bar-adorned swimming pool, and top-of-the-line fitness center complete with Peloton bikes.
Rebecca Norris
Contributing Writer
Rebecca Ravee Norris is a freelance writer with a decade's worth of lifestyle media experience. Based out of the Washington metropolitan area, she covers everything from beauty and wellness to style and celebrity news. She is a graduate of George Mason University and has a B.A. in Media: Production, Consumption, and Critique, along with a minor in Electronic Journalism. When she's not writing, she can be found with her beloved Jack-Chi, Cash, working through reps at the gym, dreaming up her next home decor project, testing a new recipe, getting lost in the pages of a book, or catching up on her favorite shows.
