The Hamptons, the glamorous summer escape for New York’s glitterati. But it’s not just a summer town. Christmas is when the Hamptons gets to really show off.
Just a few hours’ drive from Manhattan, the Hamptons are one of the most exclusive resorts in the USA. See in Christmas or the New Year here, and you could be rubbing shoulders with the rich and famous, from Wall Street billionaires to the likes of Paul McCartney, Steven Spielberg, Calvin Klein and P Diddy.
Here is the Simplexity guide to enjoying the holiday season like you never have before.
Where to stay
The Mill House Inn in East Hampton offers some of the most luxurious accommodation in the Hamptons, with bespoke, comfortable lodgings that emphasise traditional decor. Personal assistants are at hand to arrange every aspect of your stay from the moment you arrive, whether you want impromptu beach picnics or a babysitting service. Our Travel Manager Klara recommends Mill House especially for the quality of its homely breakfasts, as well as a well-stocked snack bar perfect for hungry youngsters.
Nearby, the Baker House an award-winning bed & breakfast – selected by Conde Nast Johansens, as the “Most Excellent Inn of the Americas” for three years – offers a range of magnificent individual accommodations, sharing a deeply refined sense of style. Here you’ll find a beautiful and revitalizing spa area, and a well-stocked bar.
Topping Rose House in Bridgehampton is conveniently positioned right in the heart of the Hamptons. The only full-service hotel in the area, it provides a pool, a wellness centre and a restaurant serving farm-to-table cuisine. There is also a fleet of Lexus at their guests’ disposal, ideal for making the short drive to the ocean.
Where to eat
Grab breakfast on the go at the famous Hampton Coffee Company, which features everything from authentic Irish oatmeal to freshly baked scones, cinnamon rolls and croissants, and not forgetting some of the best hand-roasted coffee on the East Coast.
Union Cantina is one of the latest restaurants to hit the Hamptons. This seriously hip hangout serves contemporary Mexican cuisine such as deconstructed enchiladas filled with either skirt steak, striped bass or spicy shrimp. Stop in for a tequila cocktail to warm yourself up.
75 Main is probably the quintessential after-hours Hamptons hangout, with a constant flow of celebrity diners and New York weekenders. The restaurant serves up traditional Italian cuisine, making great use of the fresh seafood that arrives daily. On peak dates you can struggle to get a table here – let Simplexity Travel book ahead for you.
Where to play
As you might expect, the Hamptons harbour a vibrant colony of artists. You can join a guided walking tour or make you own way around – most galleries will be happy to arrange for any purchases you make to be shipped back. Don’t miss Stony Brook, former home and studio of Jackson Pollock and Lee Krasner.
There are over 60 vineyards in the East End, producing red, whites, rose and sparkling wines. Your Simplexity Travel Manager can arrange for you to take a tour or a private tasting, where you can send a few cases home, or eat in the restaurants with stunning coastal views.
With the weather likely too cold for golf, you can drive out to the interesting Sag Harbor Whaling Museum as well as the historic lighthouse at Cedar Point, shop the many boutiques in the area, or simply find an inn where you can cosy up in front of a roaring fire with a glass of something bubbly.
Naturally, you’ll find plenty of fun festive events in the Hamptons over Christmas, from tree lightings to Santa parades. If you’re bringing the family then head for the Montauk Lighthouse which is providing carol services, face painting, pony rides and a visit from Santa Claus himself.
The one thing you must do on a holiday in the Hamptons at any time of year is take a stroll on the beach. Don’t let blustery weather put you off exploring golden sands, wavy sea grass and running along the dunes.
Getting there
There are dozens of daily flights to New York from London. Let Simplexity handle all of your travel arrangements, from booking flights that fit into your schedule to arranging a private car to get you out to the Hamptons. We can find you a selection of first-class accommodation and dining options to choose from, then arrange activities and experiences for you ahead of time. Plus – you can count on us being available 24/7 over the Christmas period in case there’s anything else you need while in resort.
Travel like a VIP should, with Simplexity Travel. We provide a professional end-to-end, bespoke service to clients travelling all around the world. Whatever you want to do, wherever you want to go, we’ll be happy to take care of everything, saving you time and hassle.