The Hamptons has long been renowned as a destination that’s both low-key and high-end, where sophisticated New Yorkers escape for some fun in the sun. And while the typical Hamptons itineraries tend to repeat (beach, shop, wine, dine), the glossy enclave manages to reinvent itself each year with exciting new restaurants, wellness havens, and zeitgeist-y pop-ups.
As one might assume, it’s a place to see-and-be-seen—and this season, some of the world’s most recognizable names in fashion are joining the party. This year in particular, wander through East Hampton village and you’ll find new boutiques by Louis Vuitton, Chanel, Valentino, and Prada showcasing distinct visions of poolside glamor—and the restaurant scene has also been revamped to match, with more international cuisines and upscale options on par with Pierre’s and Le Bilboquet. As for places to stay, a variety of enticing options have emerged from the Hampton Bays to Shelter Island—along with chic residences (at revered hotels) providing alternatives to rental inventory that can be limited and lackluster.
Beyond the pristine beaches, there’s no shortage of new things to do in the Hamptons this year. Whether you’re interested in a weekend getaway or setting up for a longer stay, these are the most worthwhile Hamptons hotspots to add to your list this year.
All listings featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. If you purchase something through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission.
Where to eat and drink
This season, there are several newcomers that are worth allocating a weekend night. Enchanté is shaping up to be Southampton’s version of Pastis, with rich mid-century décor and French bistro classics, including a dedicated frites menu and a suitably lavish list of champagne. From the same group is Sunset Harbor (located at EHP Resort & Marina), with flavorful sharing plates, buttery-soft wagyu cooked on live charcoal, makimono rolls, and summery cocktails, including yuzu melon spritz and sake sangria. High-end Japanese can also be found at Kissaki, an omakase restaurant in Water Mill, and its sister restaurant O by Kissaki in East Hampton, which has become a popular date night spot for dining at the bar since it opened late in 2021.
Not too far away, Sant Ambroeus has graced Newton Lane with its signature rosy-pink aesthetic, occupying the former Babette’s space. And in Amagansett, the creators of the famed Summer in a Bottle have transformed Wolffer Kitchen into Christian’s—a solid option for brunch, lunch, or dinner if you’re in the mood for delicious, generally healthy fare that could be broadly classified as ‘New American.’ Other notable additions include Mavericks—a high end steakhouse on Fort Pond in Montauk, and Sag Harbor Kitchen, a seafood-focused restaurant helmed by Michelin-star chef Melissa O’Donnell (formerly of Thelma on Clinton, on the Lower East Side).
And it wouldn’t be summer in the Hamptons without a spate of NYC restaurant outposts testing the waters. This year, Two Hands has taken over the dining program at The Surf Lodge; Ruschmeyers has unveiled the Greek-inspired Talya; Sushi by Bou has popped up at Blu Mar; and Torch & Crown Brewing Company has a beer garden at Dive Bar Pizza.
There are multiple options from seafood shacks to white tablecloth establishments, but if you’re a parent and you want to enjoy a spicy margarita while letting your children run wild, Moby’s is where it’s at—it has pizza, salads, games on the lawn, and before dark, crowds of kids embark on their own mass play date. Everyone wins.
For a lively atmosphere and consistently good food, you can never go wrong with classics like Le Bilboquet, The Crow’s Nest, or Tutto Il Giorno. To catch a sunset, you’ll want to be parked up at Si Si or Duryea’s by 6 p.m.
Alternatives to rentals
The Hamptons has never been a destination for chains or mega resorts; it’s more about charming B&Bs and inns. But the hotel scene has had a revival, and there are multiple options to suit various vacation vibes, from surfers' retreats in Montauk (best experienced at Marram or Gurney’s) to sprawling five-star residences.
One of the most notable additions is the Main House at The Roundtree: a two-level, 2,200 square foot home that was originally the property's lobby, but was converted after owner, Sylvia Wong, saw the post-pandemic demand for longer stays and multiple rooms. That trend also led to the development of its four-bedroom Beach House located a short distance away in the Amagansett Dunes. Similarly spacious accommodations can be found on the other end of town at The Reform Club, with three renovated cottages and the four-bedroom 21 House. It also has verdant gardens, s’mores over a firepit in the evenings, and access to Louis Vuitton’s summery white Moke, should you need to pick up a Neverfull tote on the way to the beach.
Over in the Springs, EHP Resort & Marina has 13 refreshed cottages and four luxurious suites with fully equipped kitchens, Scandinavian-style furniture, and Aqua di Parma bath products. There’s a tennis court, a swimming pool, and it’s home to some of the buzziest restaurants in the region, Si Si and Sunset Harbor (which you will want to reserve on Resy in advance).
But if you want to be right on the beach, overlooking the Atlantic, go for Gurney’s. The storied resort unveils a new iteration each year, and this season, guests can book individual residences or cottages, both ideal for families and larger groups.
In the Hampton Bays (the closest hamlet to the city), America’s oldest inn has reopened as Canoe Place—a stylish boutique hotel with five cottages and 20 luxurious suites. EHP Hospitality has also added a collection of bungalows nearby at The Inn Spot, and over on Shelter Island, The Pridwin has unveiled 16 refreshed cottages after an extensive two-year renovation.
Montauk Yacht Club is another newcomer, taking over the space where Gurney’s Star Island was (very briefly), and also, the beloved wellness retreat-come-luxury hotel, Shou Sugi Ban House, has a new five-room inn, and two new residences adjacent to the original property.
Glimmers of Madison Avenue
Luxury brands and tony resort towns go hand in hand, and this season, a wave of European designers have set up shop in the already elevated East Hampton village, where Gucci now has a permanent boutique, along with Zimmermann, Balenciaga, Brunello Cucinelli, Aerin, and Ralph Lauren.
Ahead of Memorial Day Weekend, Louis Vuitton launched its first-ever boutique out east, located in a prime position on Main Street, with décor that takes cues from its seaside surroundings. The theme continues across the street, where Prada has deviated from its signature mint green with a vivid blue-and-white striped space, featuring summery bags and statement-making investment pieces. Chanel has also unveiled its Ephemeral boutique, featuring an elevated edit of resort wear from its Coco Beach collection, with iconic black-and-white 90s-inspired silhouettes. And Valentino has set up alongside Loro Piana and Reformation (where you can find sustainably produced, summer linen staples for a palatable price).
Pop-ups are, once again, big business, and Mytheresa is launching its first seasonal boutique with a calendar of immersive events (floral arranging, designer appearances), and exclusive travel collections with Dolce & Gabbana, Versace, Zimmermann, and Toteme. A similar concept has taken shape at Curio in Bridgehampton, which has a schedule filled with runway shows, celebrity book signings, and charity events, and a curated edit from brands that suit the Hamptons lifestyle: Eres, Isabel Marant, Brandon Maxwell, Sylvia Tcherassi, and Michael Kors, among others.
Some of the fashion industry’s favorite hangouts also have retail elements: Givenchy will be at Topping Rose House, Milly has a pop-up at The Surf Lodge, Theory has a linen edit at Gurney’s, and Lingua Franca will be open at The Crow’s Nest. Other newcomers include Derek Lam 10 Crosby, Simkhai, Diptyque, and Zegna which will have an exclusive capsule collection with MR PORTER.
A thriving wellness scene
It goes without saying that goop-like wellness routines are commonplace in the Hamptons, and this season, there are various new additions to try out. At Topping Rose House, the ness has popped up with its unique trampoline-based fitness method; DanceBody has popped up once again; and fitness pioneer Tracy Anderson is hosting two week-long programs in her Sag Harbor studio. Popular classes from NYC will also be open, including SLT, New York Pilates, Barry’s, and SoulCycle.
If you’re more inclined to visit a spa, look no further than Shou Sugi Ban House, where you’ll feel instantly rejuvenated upon entering the serene grounds. Here you can experience a range of detoxifying treatments, like lymphatic drainage and a menu of “healing arts” experiences, including vibrational sound treatments and tea ceremonies with customized elixirs.
Gurney’s also has the sprawling Seawater Spa that was recently renovated and is complete with a vast saltwater pool. This season, the beachfront spa will have a host of partner brands on site, including Clean Market, which will offer NutriDrip IVs and oxygen treatments (sure to cure many a hangover) and a dedicated spa treatment menu with Alo Yoga’s skin care line.
Popular New York acupuncture brand, ORA will also be doing home calls in the Hamptons for the season, offering acupuncture facials, massages, and treatments rooted in traditional Chinese medicine.
