August 4, 2025

Private Beach, Seawater Spa, and Picture-Perfect Sunsets: Inside the Hamptons’ Best Hotel

Hotel Snapshot

In a region defined by gloss and grandeur, Montauk has always been different from the rest of the Hamptons. Located at the farthest tip of Long Island before it slips into the Atlantic, it’s known (rightfully) as ‘The End.’ Windswept, weathered, and briny in all the right ways, this area has clung to its roots while the rest of the South Fork polished itself into a playground of shingled estates and cold rosé. 

By the 1920s, the first New Yorkers looking to escape the city had already started making Montauk their getaway spot. Around the same time, Gurney’s Montauk Resort & Seawater Spa opened as a seasonal retreat right on the edge of the world. Fast forward a hundred years, and Gurney’s is still one of the Hamptons’ most iconic stays. 

Design & Character

In terms of design, Gurney’s wears its coastal roots like a badge of honor. The style looks like it was pulled straight from the shore: think weathered wood, soft neutrals, and the kind of blue that makes you dream of a dip in the ocean, which is just steps away. The recently revamped Seawater Spa, reimagined by architect Ignacio Alonso (the mind behind NYC’s AIRE Ancient Baths), has a cool, fresh edge without being too modern. The whole vibe is polished yet comfortable, upscale yet effortlessly relaxed–just like Montauk itself.

The Rooms

Every one of Gurney’s 158 rooms, suites, and beachfront cottages faces the Atlantic, with most opening onto private balconies or terraces. Inside, the palette stays true to the coast, featuring soft neutrals and wood furnishings. The Oceanfront King is a personal favorite, thanks to floor-to-ceiling windows and a balcony that brings the ocean right into the room. Suites have extra space and oversized terraces perfect for sunset drinks, while the beachfront cottages come with full living rooms, kitchenettes, and decks that all but spill onto the sand.

The Food & Drink‍

Dining at Gurney’s is as much a part of the scene as the ocean breeze. The newest hotspot, gigi’s montauk, has a fresh coastal Mediterranean menu focused on mouthwatering, shareable plates. (Don’t miss the Angry Lobster—it’s over a pound of lobster drenched in sriracha butter and ginger–and yes, it’s as good as it sounds.) For something more casual, Dune Lounge has you covered all day, shifting from a laid-back coffee stop in the morning to a lively raw bar and cocktail lounge by night. It’s the perfect spot for fresh oysters, sushi bites, and creative cocktails whenever the cravings strike. Add in a full Beach Club right on the sand, well-curated wine lists, and tons of local ingredients, and dining here becomes a true treat.

The Amenities

Gurney’s knows exactly what it’s doing when it comes to amenities. The private Beach Club is a fan favorite, complete with cabanas, chairs, umbrellas, and a full menu that makes spending a day by the water almost too easy. Just a short walk inland, the new outdoor pool by the Residences is the perfect spot to relax while soaking up the sun and ocean views.

Spa & Wellness Scoop

Inside, the massive Seawater Spa has a (you guessed it) seawater-fed indoor pool that’s ideal for swimming any time of year. The wellness offerings continue with steam rooms, saunas, and treatment suites, all complemented by a curated menu of relaxing therapies. As for the newest hit? The Bathhouse, a multi-dimensional thalassotherapy wellness experience that guests won’t want to miss.

Location & Neighborhood Recs‍

Set right on Old Montauk Highway, Gurney’s is perfectly placed between the laid-back surf culture and the small-town charm of Montauk Village. Grab a classic lobster roll (or three) at The Lobster Roll Restaurant (known simply as “Lunch” to locals), a must for seafood lovers. When the sun starts to dip, head to The Montauket for picture-perfect views, laid-back vibes, and great local eats. For a livelier evening, The Crow’s Nest is the place to be, made more fun by cocktails and live music. Whether the mood calls for fresh seafood, sunset cocktails, or a night out, everything’s just a short drive or bike ride away from the resort.

Fast Facts

Location: 290 Old Montauk Hwy, Montauk, NY 11954

Vibe: Upscale coastal retreat with laid-back Montauk edge

Rating: Four-star

Room Count: 158 rooms, suites, and beachfront cottages

Pricing: Starting around $700 per night in peak season

Our Favorite Thing About The Hotel: The private Beach Club with private beach access, chairs, umbrellas, and a full menu.

Dining: gigi’s montauk (coastal Mediterranean, shareable plates), Dune Café & Lounge (all-day casual with raw bar and cocktails), full-service Beach Club dining

Amenities: Private Beach Club with cabanas, new outdoor pool by the Residences, indoor pool, two-story fitness center, full-service thalassotherapy BathHouse spa, steam rooms, saunas, treatment suites

Nearby Attractions: Ditch Plains Beach, Montauk Village, Gosman’s Dock, Surf Lodge, The Crow’s Nest, Inlet Seafood

Airport: Long Island MacArthur Airport (ISP)

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Gurney's Montauk

Lauren Harano

Lauren Harano

Contributing Writer

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