What's New in the Hamptons Summer 2022: Indagare Travel

The Hamptons are back in full force this summer, with a host of new restaurants (including many big names from Manhattan and Brooklyn) and cultural experiences lined up to welcome the growing numbers of New Yorkers (and visitors from further afield) that flock to these historic seaside enclaves looking to escape the heat of summer in the city. Whether you prefer family-friendly Sag Harbor, stylish Southampton, picturesque East Hampton or surfer-sceney Montauk, there’s plenty to entertain this season (including beloved reopenings and exciting arrivals). Plus: Don’t miss out on excursions to Shelter Island and the North Fork, two traditionally quieter destinations debuting fresh hotel concepts that are sure to gather buzz. 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 luxury hotels, restaurants and experiences that are right for you (and more).

Where to Stay

Photo courtesy The Chequit

This summer, Shelter Island is stealing the show with two major reopenings. In celebration of its 150-year anniversary, mainstay property The Chequit is unveiling the results of a full restoration under new ownership by the Soloviev Group (who hold extensive property across the North Fork, including Peconic Bay Vineyards), in a staged opening that began over Memorial Day. Founded in 1872, The Chequit has lived many lives, including as a sleepy bed-and-breakfast and as a glamorous spot that used to welcome the likes of Marilyn Monroe, Arthur Miller and the Kennedys. We eagerly anticipate this latest reincarnation—which will feature brand-new guest rooms outfitted with Frette linens and Malin+Goetz bath products, as well as new dining concepts like The Tavern and Weakfish, a sushi restaurant. Just a five-minute drive west, just beyond Sunset Beach, another historic institution—The Pridwin, established in 1927—will reopen for June reservations after a two-year, multi-million-dollar renovation. Continuing with its history, the hotel is slated to welcome families with fun summer programming, a private swath of Crescent Beach, an outdoor pool and tennis courts—and a variety of guest rooms and freestanding private cottages can accommodate groups of all sizes. There will also be a new restaurant—The Terrace—and cocktail bar with live music, as well as a spa.

A suite at The Shoals. Photo by Jeremy Garretson

Just across the Peconic, on the North Fork, the low-key town of Southhold may now catch the eye of boutique hotel mavens, thanks to the May opening of The Shoals, a hybrid so-called “boatel” located on a former marina that offers 20 suites along with 20 boat slips—welcoming visitors traveling by both land and sea. Redesigned by Thomas Juul-Hansen, the property has a contemporary, breezy look with nautical accents (and the signature cedar-shingle exterior). Amenities include access to the hotel’s vintage Chris-Craft charter boat (for shuttles around the bay or days on the water) and the chance to nibble on oysters by local favorite and female-owned family business, Little Ram Oyster Company, as well as bites by Francois Payard served out of a food truck on the outdoor lawn.

On the South Fork, the iconic Gurney’s Montauk has just revealed a new 30,000-square-foot Seawater Spa after a 20-million-dollar renovation and redesign by architect Ignacio Alonso (who envisioned New York City’s Aire Ancient Baths). The comprehensive wellness facility features the only ocean-fed seawater pool in North America; a bathhouse with a dry sauna, eucalyptus steam room, hot-and-cold plunge pools and salt room; ocean-facing treatment rooms (for massages, facials and more); and a 24/7 fitness center equipped with state-of-the-art machines and custom experiences like aqua yoga and resistance training, and beachside boot camp hosted by rotating fitness influencers.

Also on our radar? A country-club-chic reincarnation by Main Street Hospitality of Canoe Place—which is alleged to be “America’s oldest inn,” established in 1697—in Hampton Bays. With a curation of historic art, new dining and bar concepts, manicured gardens and an outdoor pool, this property has the potential to become Southampton’s new spot. Rooms—which include guest accommodations in the Inn, freestanding cottages and residence-style boathouses—are available to book starting in August.

EHP Resort & Marina. Photos courtesy of EHP Resort & Marina

And in case you missed it, last summer saw the relaunch of East Hampton Point, the beloved waterfront resort that once housed hotspot restaurant Moby’s, as EHP Resort & Marina. The property has maintained its prime location, with five private acres on Maidstone Harbor (under 15 minutes by car 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 Montauk, the 2020-opened boutique hotel Marram continues to be buzzy, with 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. And for a true beach retreat, 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 and will offer a new rotation of programs this summer, including facials by cult-favorite dermatologist Dr. Ellen Marmur, a “Neuro Longevity Dinner” with Dr. Clayton Shiu and Chef Mads Refslund (co-founder of Noma), women’s health and healing with Gretchen Newman and more.

Where to Eat & Drink

Photo courtesy of Sí Sí

From Amagansett’s Wölffer Kitchen and Montauk’s Sel Rrose and Lunch (aka The Lobster Roll, which is opening an outpost in Southampton!) to Water Mill’s Calissa and Southampton’s Sant Ambroeus (also receiving a new outpost, in East Hampton) and Tutto Il Giorno—and many al fresco spots in between—there’s no shortage of fabulous restaurants in the Hamptons. Book now to secure a reservation at your favorite spots—and in the meantime, these are the new (and new-ish) openings to add to your list:

North Fork

Little Fish: Can’t get a seat for brunch at Montauk institution 668 The Gig Shack? You might have better luck across the sound at new sister restaurant Little Fish in Southhold, which will serve the same surf-inspired global cuisine, under chef Gregory Ling (and managed by Gig Shack owners the Gardell family). Coming Soon
Southold Social: Francois Payard (former pastry chef at Manhattan’s Le Bernardin and Daniel) continues his Southhold expansion with a French bistro envisioned in partnership with restaurateurs Adam Lovett and François Latapie. Coming Soon

South Fork

Enchanté: From the team behind EHP Resort & Marina (and its main restaurant Sí Sí), Enchanté is taking over Southampton’s historic Red Bar with French bistro fare—and a hint of Côte d’Azur elegance. Coming Soon
Sunset Harbor: At EHP Resort & Marina in East Hampton, the waterfront Sunset Harbor will join the dining program with family-style plates inspired by local produce and seafood, as well as craft cocktails and playful desserts. Expect a lively atmosphere and “endless summer” vibes.
Roberta’s: Bushwick’s famous wood-fired pizza arrived in Montauk over Memorial Day on Fort Pond Road with an edited version of its signature menu (don’t worry, they still serve the Bee Sting!) as well as a raw bar, cheeky cocktails and new-age wines.
Crash Cantina at The Inn Spot: New Hampton Bays boutique motel The Inn Spot is debuting its waterfront indoor-outdoor restaurant, Crash Cantina. With ocean views and an expansive patio ideal for catching the golden hour, Crash Cantina will highlight a menu of Latin American fare (with an emphasis on seafood, tacos and salads) and a curated list of mezcal and tequila (which can be sipped straight or in an inventive margarita featuring flavors like tamarind and hibiscus).
The Living Room at The Maidstone: Chef Andrew Doran (formerly of SALT and Inlet Seafood) leads the charge at the new seafood-focused restaurant at The Maidstone in East Hampton.
O by Kissaki: The Bowery’s acclaimed sushi restaurant Kissaki will return to East Hampton with a pop-up for yet another season, this time with a menu by chef Chris Jaeckle (of the now closed All’onda).
Il Buco al Mare: After a pop-up in 2020 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, though there is a wine list.
La Fin: Overlooking Montauk Harbor, La Fin is a 2021 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 daily) 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 EHP Resort & Marina in East Hampton, this Mediterranean waterfront spot from former Gurney’s chef Dane Sayles is quickly becoming a mainstay, celebrating the culinary heritage of Italy and Greece as well as Spain and Morocco.
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.
Rita Cantina: In the Springs area of East Hampton, next to Maidstone Park, a coastal Mexican restaurant from Chef Eric Miller is a new spot for a margarita and tostadas, thanks to its sunny outdoor patio, complete with sand, picnic tables and bright yellow fringed beach umbrellas.

Plus: You can sample bites and sips from many of these establishments and others during the Dan’s Taste Summer Series, including a tasting party at EHP Resort & Marina, a Chefs of the North Fork showcase, a Rosé Soirée and a Champagne party! Learn more and RSVP here.

Where to Shop & Explore

Photo courtesy Market Art and Design Fair

Photo courtesy Market Art & Design Fair

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 art, fashion and culture in the Hamptons:

Hamptons Fine Art Fair: From July 14 – 17 on the Southampton Fairgrounds, the Hamptons Fine Art Fair returns with special events like a “Francophile-themed” Bastille Day; a moving exhibition from the Kyiv-based Lysenko Gallery “War-torn Gallery: The Last Show, from Kyiv to Southampton” (which features pieces that were on display in Kyiv for an exhibition cut short by Russia’s invasion); and a contemporary sculpture show on the Pollock Pavilion.
The Church: Last spring, 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. Among the many events scheduled for this summer is the Hampton Jazz Fest, a seven-concert series taking place on select Thursdays in July, August and September at 6:30 p.m.
Peter Marino Foundation: Last summer, architect Peter Marino unveiled 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 features enchanting gardens dotted with contemporary sculptures. This summer, upcoming exhibitions include: Anselm Kiefer, Vik Muniz, Melvin Edwards and Jean-Michel Othoniel.
Market Art & Design Fair: From August 11 – 14, the 12th installment of the Market Art & Design fair will return to The Bridgehampton Museum, with an exhibition featuring work from 90 modern and contemporary galleries across the United States and around the world.
Sunset Music at Wölffer Estate: Beloved Sagaponack winery Wölffer Estate will once again host live music sessions on Friday and Saturday evenings (walk-in only, beginning at 4:00 p.m.). With lounge and lawn seating, a selection of bites and, of course, sips will also be on offer.
Alimentari Flaneur at Suzie Kondi: Opening July 1, this gourmet market pop-up at Amangansett’s Suzie Kondi boutique is the place to source luxe ingredients for a sophisticated summer soirée.
Alfredo Paredes Studio: The former Chief Creative Officer for Retail and Home at Ralph Lauren (and Shelter Island resident) Alfredo Paredes is opening an art and design collection within Ram Design Home—which is also scheduled to host a Thursday evening summer series featuring local creatives.
Additional shop openings include: Cartier in East Hampton; LoveShackFancy in Sag Harbor; Indy Home in Sag Harbor; and The Seven in Sag Harbor.