More people are seeking getaways where they can travel by car, get back to nature and relax outdoors enjoying life’s simple pleasures. It’s part of a growing trend called ‘ travel that’s good for you’. Recent studies in ecopsychology, which explores the relationship between people and the natural world, show that spending time in nature reduces stress, improves feelings of well-being and happiness, raises your energy level, stimulates your creative center and even increases your capacity for caring. Sure sounds good to this city gal whose field of vision is filled with skyscrapers and cement sidewalks.
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It’s not surprising that The Hamptons – with its lush greenery, roadside farm stands, nature preserves, glorious light that attracted artists like Jackson Pollock and Winslow Homer to paint here, and the fabulous ocean – is no longer solely a summer escape. The picturesque locale on eastern Long Island’s South Fork, close to New York City and the metropolitan area, is sure to become a coveted outdoorsy getaway for the fall and beyond. It’s hard not to swoon over the landscape from South Hampton, East Hampton, Bridgehampton and Amagansett to Montauk, marked by long stretches of beach, charming homes surrounded by leafy foliage and huge estates hidden behind tall hedges. I could actually feel my body relax while driving through the verdant enclave sprinkled with the Hampton’s signature pink and blue hydrangeas beneath a wide open sky.
Journey East Hampton
There are plenty of places to unwind amid nature’s splendor for families, couples, friends, or individuals wanting to take some time alone. Journey East Hampton, built in 2018, situated between the villages of East Hampton and Amagansett, just over a mile from the beach, makes a lovely escape. The intimate hotel features 3 spacious, secluded cottages and 22 rooms done in contemporary beachy chic décor. Amenities include a stylish pool with loungers, large lawn with cozy places to sit and take in the serenity, plus a fire pit at night.
Guests can use the complimentary bicycles to explore and also go to the beach. The place is immaculate, maintains strict health and safety protocols and social distancing is practiced throughout the property. After a couple of days here with the sun and the sea, refreshing dips in the pool which I amazingly had mostly to myself and their scenic outdoor living spaces I felt delightfully rejuvenated. Journey is open year round.
Il Buco Pops Up at Marram In Montauk
Next up: I headed to their sister property, the new, Marram resort. Set on a gorgeous beach with dramatic bluffs, fronting the Atlantic, it perfectly captures Montauk’s unspoiled natural beauty. If that isn’t enough, foodies will love this season’s pop up at Mostrador Marram – an outpost of New York’s acclaimed Il Buco and Il Buco Alimentari. This was my second visit to the restaurant and kudos to award winning chef Justin Smillie who has elevated the cuisine to even greater heights.
The all-day al fresco café’s rotating menu which supports local farmers, fishermen, and purveyors, features items like home baked semolina blueberry muffins, avocado, red onion and labneh on buckwheat toast at breakfast. Lunch and dinner showcase a daily selection of fresh market vegetables, grains and legumes; Montauk’s famous seafood such as fluke crudo with tumeric, currants and seared yellowfin tuna; grilled dishes including Long Island duck with apriums, pistachio, mint; and a variety of cast-iron pizzas, such as tomato and hand-pulled mozzarella or one with zucchini flowers and fontina cheese.
Sitting at a table overlooking the golden sand and crashing waves, I savored a delectable salad of tastiest local poached tuna, olives, cuerno de toro peppers, sun gold tomatoes and pickled onion. And the overflowing luscious lobster roll seasoned to perfection on house baked buttered focaccia may be the best in the East End.
Marram plans on staying open through October, possibly later. Il Buco plans on staying open through, at least, mid October, hopefully later.
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