Summer in the Hamptons

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This article originally appeared in Elite Traveler July/August 2016.

Summer in the Hamptons is a must for any self-respecting New Yorker, but even those further afield are lured by its laid-back charms.

This group of villages and hamlets around the Long Island towns of Southampton and East Hampton have long been a popular seaside destination for affluent vacationers, and continue to attract the rich and famous. But alongside the elegant boutiques, celebrity sightings and a vibrant social scene, you’ll find low-key seafood shacks and quiet stretches of sand to roam. The Hamptons season officially kicks off this month, running to September, so here’s our lowdown on where to eat, drink and rest your head in this stylish enclave.

Bed down… in Sag Harbor’s Baron’s Cove. Many visitors to the Hamptons will have a residence in the area, so hotels can be tricky to find. This newly renovated waterfront resort dates back to the 1960s, when it attracted a cultural clientele, including Art Garfunkel, Truman Capote and Jackson Pollock. It boasts 67 chic rooms, a heated saltwater pool, fitness center, tennis court and spa. The Baron’s Suite costs from $3,000 per night. For those planning on staying a little longer, luxury realtor Brown Harris Stevens has a wide range of some of the most exclusive rental properties in the Hamptons area.

Chow down… Baron’s Cove is hosting a series of lobster bakes through July and August, as well as its famous Berkshire barbecues by executive chef and master barbecuer Matty Boudreau. For those after something a little LONGING TO ESCAPE different, Japanese and sushi restaurant Sen, also in Sag Harbor, is a current favorite with the glitterati.

Getting there… Forget navigating the Manhattan traffic in rush hour – the only way GTY_Helicopter_Tg_140520_12x5_1600 to make your escape is by air. Wings Air Helicopters offers flights from Manhattan to East Hampton, from $1,900 one way.