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What’s New in the Hamptons: Summer 2021

Last summer, the Hamptons offered many New Yorkers a welcome respite from a city in lockdown, with an abundance of sunny days, sea breezes and outdoor dining options—but the atmosphere was decidedly more quiet. This season, our favorite vacation destinations out East are back in full force, including family-friendly Sag Harbor, stylish Southampton and surfer-sceney Montauk. From beloved reopenings to exciting new arrivals, read on for our short list of the places to stay, eat, drink, shop and explore in the Hamptons that should be on your radar this summer.

Contact Indagare or your Trip Designer to start planning a summer vacation in the Hamptons—this year and beyond. Our team can match you with the hotels, restaurants and experiences that are right for you and provide information on travel health safety and more.

Where to Stay

In this summer’s hotel news, the primary headline is the relaunch of East Hampton Point, the beloved waterfront resort that once housed hotspot restaurant Moby’s, as EHP Resort & Marina. The property will maintain its prime location, with five private acres on Maidstone Harbor (under 15 minutes driving from both East Hampton and Amagansett’s town centers)—but the experience has been reimagined with a distinctly Mediterranean vibe, evident in the details (down to the Frette linens and Acqua di Parma bath products) and centered around a new waterfront restaurant, Sí Sí, from former Gurney’s chef Dane Sayles. Accommodation options include king rooms and two- and three-bedroom suites in the Magari main house, as well as a variety of freestanding one- and two-bedroom cottages for a more private, home-away-from-home experience. While the marina location is the main draw, other on-property amenities include manicured grounds for relaxing, tennis courts, a swimming pool and a full fitness center—as well as a beach shuttle for easy exploring.

In case you missed it, last summer saw the opening of a stylish boutique hotel in Montauk, Marram, which features a boho-chic, sand-filled courtyard, complete with fire pits ideal for evening cocktails, as well as a secluded private beach with top surf breaks and whale-watching (there is also a surf school run by the Engstrom siblings on-property for those who want to hone their skills). Additionally, The Reform Club—formerly The Windmill Inn—reopened under a new brand in Amagansett, with seven suites, three cottages and a super-private four-bedroom home; it’s a must-visit for art-lovers, who will enjoy the hotel’s unique collection of contemporary and abstract paintings, as well as a selection of photography and sculpture works. Also new in Amagansett is The Roundtree, which is conveniently located just minutes from the main square and a short bike ride away from the beach.

Among our old favorites, scene-seekers will be thrilled to know that Montauk’s The Surf Lodge is finally, fully reopened—as is Gurney’s Montauk and Gurney’s Star Island Resort & Marina; at the latter, a new summer pop-up with Milk Bar (the brand’s first in the Hamptons) adds a sweetener to your stay—and don’t miss the seasonal flavor, Strawberry Shortcake Soft Serve. For a wellness-focused getaway, there’s no better destination than Water Mill’s Shou Sugi Ban House, which is also just down the street from the Parrish Art Museum.

Related: East Coast Vacations: Easy Summer Escapes from Memorial Day to Labor Day Weekend

Where to Eat & Drink

From Amagansett’s Wölffer Kitchen and Montauk’s Sel Rrose and Lunch (The Lobster Roll) to Water Mill’s Calissa and Southampton’s Sant Ambroeus and Tutto Il Giorno—and many delicious al fresco spots, in between—the majority of our go-to eateries on the South Fork are open and bustling. When you’re not revisiting the restaurants you’ve missed the most, these are the new openings to add to your list:

  • Il Buco al Mare: After a pop-up last summer at Marram Montauk, Donna Lennard has brought her successful Manhattan brand to Main Street in Amagansett. Expect Il Buco’s signature (excellent) Italian fare, with a particular focus on seafood, as well as contemporary, earthy décor. Note: As of August 2021, the restaurant does not yet have its liquor license.
  • La Fin: Overlooking Montauk Harbor, La Fin is a new creation from Chef James Tchinnis (whose résumé includes Manhattan’s Le Cirque). Inspired by the beach club vibes—and exquisite seafood—of St. Tropez and St. Barth’s, the restaurant emphasizes locally sourced, organic ingredients (thanks to partnerships with over 20 Hamptons farms), as well as sustainable fish and meat. Plus: this all-day restaurant (open Monday through Sunday, from 11:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.) serves everything from crepes to steaks. Come here for a festive dinner out—then return in the morning to sample the “Recovery” menu, with antioxidant- and anti-inflammatory-packed juices (and strong coffee).
  • Sí Sí: Housed in the new EHP Resort & Marina in East Hampton, this Mediterranean waterfront spot from former Gurney’s chef Dane Sayles is sure to become a mainstay, celebrating the culinary heritage of Italy and Greece as well as Spain and Morocco.
  • Rita Cantina: In the Springs area of East Hampton, next to Maidstone Park, a new coastal Mexican restaurant from Chef Eric Miller is the new spot for a margarita and tostadas, thanks to its sunny outdoor patio, complete with sand, picnic tables and bright yellow fringed beach umbrellas.
  • Manna at Lobster Inn: Southampton’s longstanding waterfront restaurant Lobster Inn (which closed in 2016) has a new lease on life as “Manna,” with a special focus on sustainable and ethical seafood, conceived by Donna Lanzetta, a local expert in sustainable aquaculture, and Sag Harbor restaurateur Ryunosuke Jesse Matsuoka.
  • Kissaki x Fish Cheeks: Acclaimed Water Mill sushi establishment Kissaki is teaming up with Manhattan’s iconic Thai restaurant Fish Cheeks for an exclusive pop up this summer and fall at the Angler’s Club in Montauk. Come here to enjoy signature highlights from both restaurants’ menus, including omakase sets and spicy curries.
  • Ruschmeyers: Just in time for the summer season, the camp-inspired boutique hotel hotspot Ruschmeyers in Montauk has reopened under new ownership, with a fresh Mediterranean restaurant from Chef Salavtore Olivella that specializes in Neapolitan-style, wood-fired pizza. With expansive indoor and outdoor seating options, Ruschmeyers is a prime destination for a lively night out with a larger, party-loving group.
  • Morty’s Oyster Stand: For a fun weekday night out on the Napeague stretch between Amagansett and Montauk, stop by Morty’s Oyster Stand for some raw bar bites and trivia, hosted by comedians Dan Davies and Mike Stauffer, every Tuesday.

Related: Indagare Summer Reads 2021: The Best New Books We’re Reading at the Beach & Beyond

Where to Shop & Explore

In between long beach days, barbecues and bonfires with friends and family, leisurely strolls and bikes rides and evenings out on the town, these are the new addresses to know for a dose of shopping and culture in the Hamptons:

  • Fivestory: For an afternoon of retail therapy, head to Southampton to explore the new outpost of the Upper East Side treasure trove concept shop Fivestory. In addition to its impeccable curation of designer labels, the store will also offer personal styling, a selection of consignment items and other unique shopping experiences.
  • One: At 1 Main Street in East Hampton, a new three-story concept store from Julianna Teeple features a unique curation of clothing, jewelry, home décor and art sourced from up-and-coming contemporary designers. In addition to a variety of personal shopping services (One celebrates the in-person experience), the store will also host rotating events like trunk shows and art exhibitions. (Plus: Don’t miss the arrival of a new Gucci storefront in East Hampton, which will stock items exclusive to that location.)
  • The Church: This April, artists Eric Fischl and April Gornik unveiled a new community arts center in Sag Harbor, within a restored former Methodist Church. The project aims to protect Sag Harbor’s unique history and culture—celebrating its legacy as a diverse creative enclave—and features rotating artist residencies, exhibitions and speaker events.
  • Peter Marino Foundation: This summer, architect Peter Marino will unveil a new gallery housing his private collection in Southampton, within the the former Rogers Memorial Library (a striking Victorian mansion designed in 1895). In addition to the impressive works on display inside, the gallery will feature enchanting gardens dotted with contemporary sculptures. The venue will also host rotating cultural programs.
  • Market Art & Design Fair: From August 12 – 15, the eleventh installment of the Market Art & Design fair will return to The Bridgehampton Museum, with an exhibition featuring work from 80 modern and contemporary galleries across the United States, as well as Mexico City, Milan, Rome, London and Tel Aviv.
  • Sunset Fridays at Wölffer Estate: Through October 1, beloved Sagaponack winery Wölffer Estate will once again host live music sessions on Friday evenings (walk-in only, beginning at 5:00 p.m.). With lounge and lawn seating, a selection of bites and, of course, sips will also be on offer.
  • Broadway Out East at Calissa: Water Mill’s Calissa restaurant is slated to host some of Broadway’s finest voices (while Manhattan’s theaters remain closed until September) for summer live performances, starting July 8. The series is being produced by Justin Smith, who was the Concertmaster of Dear Evan Hansen.

Related: The Hamptons Shopping Guide

Contact Indagare or your Trip Designer to start planning a summer vacation in the Hamptons—this year and beyond. Our team can match you with the hotels, restaurants and experiences that are right for you and provide information on travel health safety and more.

– Elizabeth Harvey on June 30, 2021

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