Montauk Yacht Club: Casual Elegance In The Hamptons

Montauk: Truly East End

Although officially part of the fabled Hamptons, Montauk’s distinct character derives from its rich maritime history and geography. The community is often characterized as more relaxed, down-to-earth, and less crowded than its trendy neighbors.

Its beaches on the Atlantic Ocean and Block Island Sound are more rugged, and visitors are more likely to find surf shops than posh boutiques. The downtown area looks like a fishing village with less pretentious eateries than elsewhere in the Hamptons.

However, Vanessa Gordon, founder and publisher of East End Taste magazine, who resides on the East End, observes that Montauk has been changing over the past few summer seasons.

“More and more high-end properties, and upscale brands and businesses are heading further East, and the crowds are certainly booming more than ever,” she says. “Although it still has that seaside charm and a strong local community, Montauk is getting a significant ‘bougie’ uplift.”

The Renaissance of Montauk Yacht Club

Montauk Yacht Club has a storied history. In the 1920s, Developer Carl Fisher purchased 10,000 acres of land, hoping to create a “Miami Beach of the North.” The developer is credited with putting Montauk on the map as a resort destination, investing in the area’s infrastructure and roads.

Fisher created the Montauk Yacht Club, a private social club on Lake Montauk that attracted wealthy families like the Astors, Whitneys, and Vanderbilts among its members. But his own wealth was short-lived. He was left virtually penniless after the Stock Market Crash of 1929 and the club he founded struggled over subsequent decades with multiple changes in ownership.

The club’s renaissance began in 2018 when it opened as Gurney’s Star Island Resort & Marina, following significant renovations aimed at restoring the grandeur of the past.

The 35-acre resort’s second rebirth began when Safe Harbor Marinas, owner of the largest boating network in the world, acquired the property in 2022 for $149.4 million, making it the largest realty sale in Hamptons history.

The company made a massive investment, estimated at $13 million, in a total facelift of the guest rooms, villas, indoor and outdoor pools, restaurants, and other public spaces.

The Montauk Yacht Club reopened under its historic name on Memorial Day Weekend in 2023. Proper Hospitality, which operates a collection of independent, luxury, design-driven hotels, took over management. The property includes 219 slips on Lake Montauk at the largest marina in the Hamptons, which can accommodate vessels as large as 300 feet.

An Immersion In Nature

Set on a scenic peninsula extending into the lake, the resort includes 106 guest rooms housed in two separate two-story buildings. Rooms have private balconies or patios with views of the lake, a private sandy beach, or the courtyard and gardens.

Families and groups can stay in one or more of five fully restored “cottages,” each with 2-9 bedrooms. Originally built in 1928, this enclave is located on the former Ziegfeld Estate, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The cottages have access to the Great Lawn, a Great Lawn Pool, and tennis courts.

The tasteful guest room renovation includes natural white woods complemented by soft colors—grays, tans and pale blues—that reflect nature’s coastal palette.

Floor-to-ceiling glass doors draw attention to expansive water views and invite you to sit on comfortable outdoor lounge furniture. Spacious bathrooms have plush linens and Aesop amenities.

The rooms are not only beautiful but also functional, with more than adequate drawers and horizontal space. Euro-top Chadfield Beautyrest mattresses assure restful sleep. Bathrooms with stall showers are spacious and thoughtfully curated minibars featuring local products, and each room has a Nespresso machine with aromatic Lavazza capsules.

Gourmet Dining at Montauk Yacht Club

Ocean Club Montauk is the resort’s signature restaurant and bar, open for breakfast, lunch and dinner seven days a week. A favorite of locals, too, guests can dine inside, outside, or beside the pool, all with 180° views of the marina.

The seasonal menu from award-winning South African Chef Jarad McCarroll emphasizes fresh, local seafood and produce from nearby farms. Many dishes prepared in the open kitchen are wood-fired over a grill.

In partnership with Turin-based coffee maker Lavazza, The Market looks like a cross between a mercato and an Italian coffee bar. Its vibrant colors and colorful decor make you feel like you are living La Dolce Vita. In addition to gourmet groceries, the market serves up sandwiches, snacks, freshly brewed specialty coffees and more, either for a quick bite or to take on a picnic or boat ride.

A Unique Wellness Haven

Like other Proper hospitality locations, Montauk Yacht Club prioritizes health and well-being. Guests have 24/7 access to a gym with state-of-the-art equipment, and the Cabana Spa, partnering with Sisley Paris, provides massages, yoga, and breathwork, with instructional programs available seasonally.

Scenic walkways and jetties invite leisurely sunset strolls. The resort boasts indoor and outdoor pools, tennis and sand volleyball courts, and new Padel courts. Other complimentary offerings include kayaking, paddle boarding, a harbor cruise on a private boat (owned by Safe Harbor) and use of Linus bikes for exploring.

The marina is easily accessible for boating, fishing expeditions, and leisurely excursions. The attentive staff readily assists guests in finding nearby beaches, surf spots, hiking trails, and golf courses.

Ultimately, Montauk Yacht Club offers a pampered, stress-free environment that entices first-time guests to return and stay longer, drawn by Montauk’s relaxation and recreational allures.

Read more at Forbes.