Spying on marine life with a pair of binoculars or just having a fancy spa day, here’s how the better half does Long Island’s better half.
Vision quest
See it to believe it. Montauk’s boutique resort Marram has a new marine program in partnership with luxe binocular brand Swarovski Optik. The goal? To zoom in on the local coastal ecosystem.
The 96-key hideaway has tapped New York marine biologist Ryan Mahoney to guide and educate guests on quests to view local wildlife, using the power of the Austrian optical instrument maker’s binoculars and stationary ST Vista scope ($16,200 retail). Pop them on your peepers and take in wild whales, seabirds and maybe even a mermaid, all while Mahoney talks you through the circle of life on the water.
Talk about going clear.
Spa day
After the harrowing commute, a weekend in the Hamptons needs to be healing.
For the last three decades, the wellest swells on the East End have headed straight for the Naturopathica spa in East Hampton. This summer, the holistic brand is opening its latest healing center at Topping Rose House in Bridgehampton. Both guests and locals can stop by for botanically backed treatments, like the brand’s signature Defy Facial or Chill Massage.
Meanwhile, the original East Hampton address is offering a fresh City to Sea Membership, a $225 per month program that gets you spa credit on either the East End or in Naturopathica’s Tribeca flagship, plus discounts galore.
Sun-chic safe
Eventually actress and Hamptonite Lois Robbins got the bad news: carcinoma. The doctor’s orders? Stay out of the sun.
But how? She took matters into her own hands and — with the help of a sewing machine, an eye for design and reams of UPF 50+ fabric — Watskin was born in 2023.
This season, the sunwear brand has released fresh looks for the Hamptons, including colorful swimwear — try tops, bottoms and catsuits in “Midnight Flora” (from $145) — and tennis looks — slip on the Ivy dress in white and navy ($365) — for both women and girls. Sun safe, while making a splash? It’s never looked so good.
Wedded bliss
There’s an art to planning the perfect East End “I do.” It requires careful planning, a flexible budget and, occasionally, sharp elbows. Even then, pleasing all those opinionated aunts and second-cousins-once-removed is easier said than done.
But there’s a universal cheat code: good food. This season, Art of Eating — a dream team of the Hamptons’ top caters and event planners — is adding Montauk Manor to its list of exclusive wedding venues.
Their goal? To make your persnickety in-laws swoon over custom menus that highlight “local growers, baymen and foragers” at a Montauk icon that’s sure to impress your Brooklyn besties.
