If you’re looking to vacation in the lap of luxury, it easily falls in your lap on Long Island. After all, the rich and famous flocked here during the Roaring Twenties, and that continues a century later.
Extravagant estates and castles from the past mix with high-end hotels and resorts, still offering fine wine and gourmet dining but also modern-day amenities and chic decor. Indulge yourself and escape to Long Island’s affluent ambiance among the beauty of nature’s riches.
Stay in a Luxury Hotel
Drift away nestled in the softest linens after a day lounging at the pool with an exotic cocktail or an in-room massage after aperitivo hour at Long Island luxury hotels.
Be Sleeping Beauty at a fairytale castle, such as Oheka Castle and Montauk Manor Resort, both restored to their original 1920s grandeur or go a tad smaller with the Topping Rose House, a modernized 19th-century mansion. Other historic properties where you’ll be treated like royalty include the Hedges Inn and the 1708 House.
Let lapping waves lull you to sleep at waterfront retreats, such as the Inn Spot On the Bay, Marram Resort, Hotel Moraine, and Baron’s Cove. For the yacht scene, float on cloud nine at the Montauk Yacht Club, EHP Resort & Marina, and Danfords Hotel & Marina.
Cozy meets fancy at bed and breakfasts such as the Mill House Inn, with its signature “personal assistants” instead of concierges, and Arbor View House, a romantic favorite for couples. Sophisticates will favor Vanderbilt – a name that says it all – while those who crave countryside quiet will have breakfast in the garden and s’mores around the nightly campfire at the Roundtree Amagansett.
Relax in Splendor
Stress melts away, and beauty surfaces amid the peaceful music, calming scents, and healing hands at spas. Beyond decadent massages, facials, serene pools, and eucalyptus-infused steam rooms, some Long Island spas and resorts take relaxation and wellness to a more lavish level.
Reserve the entire spa by the hour for yourself and maybe one more person for a private paradise at the Baker House 1650. Soak in a hydrotherapy tub with a loved one, champagne, and strawberries, followed by a couples massage at the Spa and Studio at East Wind.
Overlooking the ocean, the Seawater Spa at Gurney’s Montauk Resort features marine-based healing treatments, a bathhouse of thermal pools, and a seawater-fed pool.
Shou Sugi Ban House is a sanctuary with plunge pools, an ice fountain, and healing arts such as sound baths and energy balancing.
Wine and Dine
In addition to the gourmet fare at your accommodations, there’s a mélange of fancy Long Island restaurants plus wine straight from the barrels it was aged in. Savor mouth-watering steak, fresh seafood, signature sushi, and Italian food better than mama could ever dream to make.
Fine Dining destinations include Prime: An American Kitchen & Bar, Spiro’s, Insignia Steakhouse, Carpaccio, the Halston, and the Southampton Social Club. One10 Restaurant & Lounge has an “M” bar featuring the finest mozzarella. Limani makes the Mediterranean diet decadent. Fogo de Chão has gaúcho chefs preparing Brazilian churrasco before your eyes. Tellers: An American Chophouse is in an old bank with a vault used as the wine room.
Long Island wine tours feature beautiful acres of vines as the view while you swirl and sip. Highlights include the Macari, Duck Walk, and Wölffer Estate vineyards, Channing Daughters Winery, Suhru & Lieb Vineyards, and Sparkling Pointe.
Long Island’s luxury is sure to provide an unforgettable experience. So pack your bags and prepare for an elegant journey.