Gurney’s Montauk Resort & Seawater Spa

HOTEL OVERVIEW

Look, I’ve stayed at a lot of places in the Hamptons over the years, but Gurney’s Montauk feels different – and I mean that in the best way possible. You know how most “luxury” beach resorts try so hard to impress you that they forget about actually being comfortable? Well, this place gets it right. The moment you pull up (and yes, parking is included, thank god), you’re literally facing the Atlantic Ocean. Not a glimpse between buildings or some distant view – I’m talking about waves practically lapping at the property line.

The seawater spa is honestly the main reason I keep coming back. They pump actual ocean water into the treatments, which sounds gimmicky until you experience it. There’s something about soaking in those heated seawater pools while watching surfers catch waves just beyond the glass that makes you forget you’re only two and a half hours from Manhattan. The spa gets busy on weekends – I learned to book treatments for weekday mornings when it’s quieter and you can actually hear the waves instead of conversations from the next room. The resort itself has this weathered, authentic feel that works perfectly out here on the tip of Long Island. You’re right at the end of Old Montauk Highway, which basically means you’ve gone as far east as you can go without needing a boat.

What really sets Gurney’s apart is how it fits into Montauk’s whole vibe. This isn’t the Hamptons proper – it’s grittier, more real, with working fishing boats mixed in with the vacation crowd. The resort embraces that instead of fighting it. Their restaurant overlooks Montauk Point, and on clear days you can see Block Island in the distance while eating surprisingly good seafood (though honestly, it’s hard to mess up lobster rolls when you’re this close to the source). The rooms vary quite a bit – some of the newer oceanfront suites are stunning, while others feel a bit dated, but even those have character. Pro tip: spring for an ocean view if you can swing it, because waking up to nothing but water stretching to the horizon never gets old. The sound of waves is your constant soundtrack here, which either puts you to sleep instantly or keeps you up all night – depends on the person, I guess. During summer the whole area gets packed with day-trippers heading to Montauk Point Lighthouse, but the resort feels somewhat insulated from the chaos. Winter’s actually my favorite time here – fewer crowds, dramatic storm-watching from the spa, and room rates that won’t make you question your life choices.