As the summer heats up, the Hamptons are experiencing a cultural clash between the area’s historic tranquility and new, high-energy establishments. Historic inns in these wealthy enclaves are being taken over by a nightclub owner and a cannabis mogul, stirring up the locals.
For some visitors, the East End of Long Island offers a retreat from city life, with fresh air and upscale beach experiences. The allure includes spending lavishly on beachside amenities in Montauk or trying to catch a glimpse of themselves on the HBO Max show “Selling the Hamptons” spinoff, “Serving the Hamptons.” However, for many long-time residents, the Hamptons are a serene escape, a far cry from the hustle and bustle of New York City.
This tension came to a head when Zero Bond, a private nightclub in New York City frequented by celebrities like Elon Musk, Taylor Swift, and Kim Kardashian, announced plans to take over East Hampton’s 18th-century Hedges Inn. The announcement met with immediate resistance from locals who value the area’s quiet charm. Led by the village mayor, residents managed to enforce an 11 p.m. curfew for the town’s hotels, blocking Zero Bond’s nightclub plans for now. In response, Zero Bond owner Scott Sartiano decided to convert the space into an outpost of his Italian restaurant, Sartiano’s.
“Mr. Sartiano has greatly watered down his proposal so that it will simply be an Italian restaurant, and if that’s the case, we will roll out the red carpet,” said East Hampton Village administrator Marcos Baladrón.
Meanwhile, another historic inn, The Maidstone, has been acquired by pharmaceutical and cannabis mogul Irwin Simon and hotelier Mayank Dwivedi. Now operated by LDV Hospitality, known for their lively restaurants and clubs, The Maidstone is set for a vibrant transformation.
In Southampton, nightlife impresario KyKy Conille has taken over the former Blu Mar restaurant, transforming it into an outpost of his New York Italian restaurant, Il Pellicano, with TV chef Rocco Dispirito at the helm. The establishment promises an exclusive lounge where clientele will be selected based on their attire. “We will pick the clientele for the lounge,” said Conille. “My doormen will choose by the way they dress. We don’t want people coming in the lounge in the evening wearing shorts.”
The Hamptons scene continues to evolve with several new culinary and fashion ventures. Cedric Vongerichten and his wife, Ochi, are hosting pop-ups of their Southeast Asian spots, Made and Wayan, in East Hampton. Jean-Georges Vongerichten is adding a pop-up of his Latin concept, ABC Cocina, at the Topping Rose House hotel in Bridgehampton. Additionally, a sibling of the West Village’s Arthur and Sons has opened in Bridgehampton, attracting notable figures like Chris Cuomo and Donny Deutsch.
Fashion in the Hamptons is also seeing a shakeup. New stores, including first-time East Coast locations of L.A.-based Grey/Ven and British brand ME&EM, have opened. Sag Harbor’s Sage & Madison shop is hosting a season-long activation by Los Angeles fashion line Libertine.
Traveling to the Hamptons has always been challenging, but Blade is offering luxury motor coach services, providing a more comfortable and upscale alternative to traditional options like the Hampton Jitney. Roomier seats, cashmere blankets, and gourmet breakfast are part of the Blade experience.
The Hamptons are not just a playground for the wealthy but also a haven for their pets. New wellness offerings include a dog sanctuary providing red-light therapy and sound baths, while Edward Alava’s Dog Store in Wainscott offers swimming lessons and massages for dogs.
Human wellness is also booming, with new spas and treatments catering to the area’s affluent residents. Salon Xavier in Sag Harbor has added lymphatic drainage and microcurrent facials, while Blue Water Spa in Southampton offers slimming techniques like Cryo T-Shock therapy.
A major new wellness club, Bond Lifeclub, has opened in East Hampton with a hefty initiation fee and lifetime membership costs. Offering sports, cold plunges, and other wellness activities, it has been warmly welcomed by locals, contrasting sharply with the reception given to Zero Bond.
As these new ventures continue to shape the Hamptons, the balance between preserving its historic charm and embracing modern luxury remains a contentious issue.
