Montauk And Beyond – Why You Should Visit These Beachfront Gems

If you’re seeking a close by getaway where you can unwind by the beach and beautiful sea, here are 2 spots you don’t want to miss.

An Oasis In Montauk

Montauk, located at the eastern-most point of Long Island, is known for its pristine sand beaches, abundant natural beauty and fishing which yields spectacular seafood. It’s no surprise that this unspoiled hamlet has become a coveted escape for celebs wanting to unplug amid the splendor of the Hamptons, without the crowds. Robert De Niro, Julianne Moore, Ralph Lauren and music superstar Paul Simon are some of the many A-listers who have homes here. The fall is also a great time to visit this bucolic paradise with even less people around.

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Marram, an ultra chic boutique resort situated directly on the Atlantic which opened last August is a true Montauk gem. That the hotel is beachfront is a rarity here where the prime waterfront real estate is occupied by grand houses and mansions. The resort takes its name from the wild grass growing on the sand dunes surrounding the property. The 96 rooms boast balconies or outdoor seating areas and are done in a light color palette of white, cream and beige with Frette bed linens and bath towels. Hand woven jute rugs, white oak ceiling beams and furnishings fashioned from solid Suar wood reclaimed from old homes and fishing boats create a breezy seaside ambiance. Art works from acclaimed beach and surf photographer Brian Bielmann, adorn the walls.

Guests swan around the grounds in fashionably understated resort wear. The vibe here is barefoot luxury. A spacious out-door, heated freshwater pool – socially distanced and with a limited number of guests permitted – is perfect for cooling off on hot summer days. Everything at Marram is done with adherence to strict guidelines and protocols for cleanliness so guests feel completely relaxed and at ease in this stylish outdoor playground.

Just steps from the pool lies the beautiful beach where you can loll on a lounger – socially distanced of course – swim, take a dip or float in the ocean. To feel the soft silky sand between my toes, the breeze on my face with uninterrupted views of the Atlantic was something! It was so refreshing and healing to be outside reveling in life’s simple pleasures and reconnecting with nature.

Around 5 o’clock when the waves are the most dramatic, the surfers appear and the show begins. A bevy of young, tanned males and females with exquisite bodies and impressively toned tummies plunge their boards into the water, displaying dazzling aquatic feats. The resort offers lessons so you too can join in the fun. For those who prefer a more serene experience on land, socially distanced morning meditation overlooking the beach is also offered.

As for evening activities: For my pre dinner cocktail I curled up with a gin & tonic in the comfy seating around the fire pits on the patio. Next up; an alfresco dinner at il Buco at Mostrador Marram where owner Donna Lennard and chef Justin Smillie of acclaimed NYC restaurants Il Buco and Il Buco Alimentari, treat guests to culinary delights this summer. The changing menu at this all day outdoor café showcases the east end’s local fisheries and organic farms. Here, I savored the most delectable tuna tacos gazing at the sun cast a shimmering glow on the water as it made its descent toward the horizon.

If you want to explore: Marram is a five-minute walk from the main stretch of town; and the property is located alongside Shadmoor State Park, which offers hiking and biking trails throughout its scenic bluffs. Guests can use the complimentary cruiser bikes and discover Montauk’s many treasures. However, it’s hard to leave the oasis, which this year will be open past Thanksgiving.

Escape To Long Island’s Laid Back North Fork

Just 100 miles from New York and accessible by ferry from Connecticut, the North Fork with its picturesque landscape and unhurried vibe makes a great escape where you can relax in a pleasant, socially distanced way. Here, the country life offers vineyards and wineries with tastings at outdoor tables set far apart, a lavender field, plenty of farm stands selling all varieties of goodies, state parks, antiques and pretty beaches – without the jam packed Hampton’s scene.

Lunch Overlooking The Harbor

I can’t think of a better spot to lunch in the Northfork than the deck of Claudio’s, overlooking the harbor. Situated in the quaint town of Greenport, this waterfront eatery has long been a favorite of locals and visitors alike. Grab a table out on the breezy pier and relish tastiest oysters, steamers and lobster rolls while watching sailboats and yachts pass by.

A Beachfront Escape In Greenport

Sound View, a newly renovated and revamped waterfront hotel designed by Brooklyn-based firm Studio Tack, located in charming Greenport is ideally situated on a quarter-mile of private beach. This means you don’t have to drive, get a beach permit or set up chairs and umbrellas. The sand, water and loungers are right at your doorstep. And the hotel has put new serious procedures for cleanliness in place and protocols for social distancing throughout the property to create a safe environment for guests.

From the outside, Sound View looks like a hip updated roadside motel. Step inside and you’ll see touches of New England and nautical flourishes that nod to the town’s fishing and boating history. And the new spacious one and two bedroom suites with full kitchens featuring Carrera marble countertops, open-concept living and dining room, flat screen TVs and glass doors opening onto a large private deck overlooking the private beach – are impressive. Stylish interiors are tricked out in a palette of blues and maroons with white oak furniture, wooden accents in teak and cedar and modernist artwork by Brooklyn artist Marleigh Culver.

You can relax at the private beach, take a dip in the bay or the sizable waterfront pool (socially distanced with a limited number of guests permitted). Famous cocktail institution Death & Co, along with new beach bar Low Tide, will be serving up creatively crafted libations to sunbathers during the day and around the fire pit in the evening. I especially enjoyed reading, meditating and unwinding in a lounger on my private beachfront deck, enjoying the tranquility and gorgeous view. It’s all so cushy.

Sound View’s The Halyard Restaurant offers beach vistas at lunch and spectacular sunset views at dinner from its deck overlooking Long Island Sound. It’s utterly romantic. Executive chef Stephan Bogardus showcases local purveyors in dishes that dazzle. Some of his standouts: luscious striped bass with carrot, cashews, harissa and cilantro along with melt in your mouth Shinnecock sea scallops with roasted tomato risotto and Parmigiano Reggiano. Bogardus is welcoming some chef friends out including a beach cookout on August 16th with Marc Anthony Bynum, former owner of Long Island restaurant Hush Bistro. Halyard is so impressive – from the superb cuisine to the stunning setting – I would come here for the restaurant alone.

Sound View is open year round.

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