As influencers drop thousands on Hamptons getaways, here are the hot spots that are worth the hype
While some insist Montauk is NOT the Hamptons (even if the maps say otherwise), the evolution of the place is undeniable, as evidenced by the brand new Bagatelle beach club that popped up just days ago on its shores, adding Montauk to the ranks of Courchevel, St. Barths, and St. Tropez.
The 'out east' lore has become a siren song to over-worked city dwellers longing for a for a beachy getaway that is only a Hampton Jitney bus ride away.
Social media influencers clad in breezy Zimmermann linen sets smile over glasses of rosé and $97 lobster cobb salads, hinting at an idyllic slice of coastal joy that is so close you can taste it - if you happen to have a few thousand dollars to spare.
Should you embark on a journey to The End, it is imperative that you have a plan to maximize your hard earned money and time away from work.
Where to stay
The decision of where to rest your head is perhaps the most important choice in shaping your stay out east. Will you wake up to the sounds of the ocean, or will you wake up in a stranger's childhood bedroom that was converted into a vacation rental?
While some say that a shared house is the ideal way to enjoy the Hamptons, the fact is, most share houses are situated in residential neighborhoods that are not necessarily near a beach. Driving to the beach also poses a challenge, as parking passes are often required (and in short supply).
Many of these homes also do not have a pool - and the ones that do are not much cheaper than a hotel.
To ensure that your beach vacation actually includes a beach, smart travelers may consider a stay at Marram Montauk - one of the few hotels that sits along the water rather than further inland.
To celebrate its fifth anniversary, the hotel provided Daily Mail with a look at its luxurious offerings - including ocean front rooms, daily yoga, world class surf instruction, and top notch food from Mostrador, the in-house restaurant.
Each guest room is luxuriously appointed with high thread count linens by Frette and indulgent soaps by high-end parfumier Le Labo.
Views from the oceanfront suites are unmatched. Sip coffee on your balcony and watch the surfers ride the legendary Montauk waves - or try your hand on a board with a lesson from the famous Engstrom family, who operate a surf shack on the premises.
Room rates at Marram start as low as $207 per night during the month of June, but can soar to as much as $1515 per night during the high season in August. Plan ahead to get the best prices.
Where to eat
One of the most charming aspects of a stay in the Hamptons is that breakfast is deeply engrained in the culture. A fluffy pastry and an iced coffee are essential to starting the day off right.
Mostrador makes all of its pastries in-house, making it a must-visit destination in the area, specifically for its Medialunas - Argentinian croissants - which sell out every morning.
At lunch time, did at the hotel or make your way over to Duryea's - a seafood restaurant with stunning views of the water.
The restaurant has gone viral for its $97 lobster cobb salad, which I grudgingly admit is worth every penny.
The massive bowl of lettuce, bacon, and seafood is enough to feed an army, so be sure to bring at least four people to enjoy it with (and to split the bill). Come for the food, stay for the atmosphere, which will have you questioning whether you are still in New York.
For snacks, Round Swamp Farm is a must-visit, even if only to say that you went. Round Swamp is a high-end grocery store which has been erroneously accused of selling $40 chicken tenders.
They are actually $22.99, and while that is still not cheap, it is not far off from the rising price of food at major restaurant chains. As for the taste, while the tenders are perfectly crispy and juicy, they are lacking in flavor. If you are seeking the best chicken of your life, you are better off visiting an actual restaurant.
However, Round Swamp's baked goods and produce are another story. Pick a ripe peach and a bag of Campfire Cookies (priced at $12.99).
For dinner, head over to The Grill at Ruschmeyers to dine at what can only be described as an elegant summer camp for adults. Indulge in anything from caviar-topped crudo to the restaurant's self-described 'Best Burger in Montauk.' While I have not tasted every burger in Montauk, I can confirm that this one is pretty darn good.
Where to go out
If morning yoga and surfing lessons haven't worn you out for the day, Montauk has no shortage of nighttime activities - in fact it is arguably the nightlife epicenter out east.
While much has been said of the scene at Surf Lodge, (viral videos have documented the daunting task of gaining entry, with some paying up to $500 to get in) 2025 has brought fresh opportunities for party people to get their fix.
Celebrated nightclub Gospel NYC is having a summer pop-up inside Ruschmeyer's, offering guests the opportunity to rage all night before crashing in a luxe cabin, stocked with sumptuous Byredo soaps.
For those traveling with families, or who simply have no desire to party, Marram offers a truly glorious beachside bonfire, complete with s'mores.
After a jam-packed weekend, a spa day is crucial. Head to Naturopathica spa in East Hampton (there is another location soon to follow at Topping Rose House in Bridgehampton. Treat yourself to a facial followed by some shopping on Main Street before heading back home to the grind of work.
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