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In the Know: Hamptons News

For many, summering in the Hamptons revolves around the tried and true—your favorite beach, seafood store or golf course, the restaurants with scenes (Nick & Toni’s, Della Femina) and the ones where you go with the kids (Candy Kitchen). But this summer, a rash of newcomers is sending buzz up the coastline as far as Montauk. This laid-back beachside town has seen the opening of the Surf Lodge, an ultra-cool hotel-cum-hang-out that’s been drawing those from as far away as Southampton; its restaurant (above) will have the hardest tables to book this season. Not that there isn’t news in the towns further west: well-known restaurateurs Alison Becker and Jeffrey Chodorow have arrived in East Hampton and Palm Beach boutiques are revving up the shopping scene in Southampton. Since Memorial Day, haute outposts that have opened include Nancy Corzine, Giorgio’s, Altona and Il Sandalo as well as Yigal Azrouël in Watermill, Bellhaus in Wainscott and Donna Karan’s Urban Zen and a Lisa Perry shop in Sag Harbor. If you can’t find what you want to buy, Albright, the cult fashion library that rents couture now has a “lending” branch out here. Read What’s New.

This Month’s Dream: Capri

Some things in life are all about timing and staying on the iconic Italian island of Capri, notoriously clogged with day trippers, is one of them. Locals and loyal visitors know that escaping the masses and claiming the peaceful side of the island has everything to do with how you map out your days—and where you choose to stay. Renting a private villa helps (it’s not too late for this summer), as does staying at one of the smaller, charming Italian properties, like La Scalinatella, Casa Morgano and Luna, where you can spend the day hiding out by the pool. In its second season this year—still considered big news on Capri, where little changes from season to season—is the stunning J.K. Place, which has prime views, chic rooms and an alluring house-party vibe. Few know that the excellent restaurant and small Espa also accept reservations from non-guests. Read our Capri destination report and find villas still available in August.

First To Go: Santa Barbara

With the new Peter Marino redo of the legendary Coral Casino Beach & Cabana Club at the Four Seasons Biltmore in Montecito, the pool scene is, in a California way, as glamorous as that of the Hôtel du Cap. (And with the weak dollar, the bill is much easier to pay, which may be why so many are swapping the French Riviera for the American Riviera this year.) The club’s new second-story, ocean view restaurant, Tydes opens next month, with Pilar Sanchez (formerly of Pilar in Napa) as chef of the Mediterranean menu. (Another hint that owner Ty Warner was shooting for an Antibes West). The founder of Beanie Babies and owner of New York’s Four Seasons Hotel has poured hundreds of millions into polishing up Santa Barbara’s two finest properties, the Four Seasons Biltmore and the San Ysidro Ranch. Book either one for an indulgent escape, or bring your family and make one of the hotels your home base for a week or longer as you explore the region from the wine country and beaches, even up to Hearst Castle. There’s great natural beauty and plenty of activities for families bike riding and horseback riding to whale-watching cruises. And for the visitor who wants to try on the local lifestyle, there’s never been a better time to check-in. Read our insider’s report and learn what’s new.

Giving Back: Dispatch from Thailand

Indagare member Tiffany Schauer is currently traveling in Thailand, where she recently visited Burmese refugee camps, an orphanage, an elephant sanctuary (where volunteers are welcome) and the Amanpuri, all of which she chronicles for us. Of one visit, she wrote: “The [Burmese refugee orphanages] house children that have lost their parents, [as well as children whose] parents are part of the internally displaced people that are not allowed in Burma or Thailand and exist in a ‘nowhere’ state of wandering in the jungle… The orphanages are also called schools—please view my photos so you can suspend your beliefs as to what a ‘school’ can be.” Read her blog, Thai Aid Mission.

New on Indagare

Insider report on Corsica, member postcards on Cartagena, a family trip to Guatemala and Belize, tips on riads in Fez and what to do in Washington, D.C., Maine and Nova Scotia. Plus: shopping secrets from a top personal shopper in Paris and an interview with an explorer just back from the Silk Route. Coming soon: guides to the Amalfi Coast, Anguilla, the Cotswolds and Mumbai and a series of Indagare family trips.

An Indagare Plus: We’ll Be Your Advocate

Do you love late check out and loathe foam pillows? Fill out our Member Preferences form and we’ll make sure that every time you book with us, the hotels know your likes and dislikes so they can give you better, more personalized service. If something goes wrong during your stay, we’ll leverage the power of the Indagare membership to intervene on your behalf and make sure your concerns are addressed. And we are always seeking to expand our member benefits with preferential rates and perks from top properties around the world, including Relais & Chateaux and Orient Express.