Article and Photo By Sherry Amatenstein
Montauk, situated at the tip of Long Island’s South Fork, is a mere six miles from the Hamptons scene but the vibe is more chill than chic. While the last few years have, alas, seen the once sleepy fishing village gentrify, at its core Montauk remains a sea of bait shops, pristine beaches, seafood shacks and rolling farmland. Of course the iconic Montauk Point lighthouse, authorized by George Washington, remains a beacon to locals and visitors.
A 60-foot replica of the lighthouse welcomes guests to Montauk Yacht Club Resort & Marina (MYC), the perfect spot for a tranquil long weekend or midweek sojourn. Opened in 1929 and situated on Star Island in Lake Montauk, the Club is renowned for hosting storied families like the Astors, Vanderbilts and Whitneys. More star power from a bygone era: Charles Lindbergh periodically parked his seaplane here!
Much more recently, MYC was dubbed by Yachting Magazine one of the top 10 marina destinations in North America, Mexico and the Bahamas.
After a multi-million dollar sprucing, the 35-acre property has 104, spacious, blue, nautically accented guestrooms, suites and villas. Throw in three pools (two outdoors), a sailing school, four tennis courts, full service spa (hot stone massage, anyone?), and numerous nooks and crannies to sit and ponder the yacht-filled waterfront, and you have nirvana.
Our first stop was to gather sustenance. The resort’s restaurants include The Gulf Coast Kitchen where new Executive Chef Ron Duprat from Top Chef Las Angeles presides. Chef Duprat’s influence is also felt at what quickly became my new favorite hangout- the indoor/outdoor Hurricane Alley where people- and yacht-watching at the 232-slip marina is on the menu while munching delicacies like a lobster and caviar roll with truffle steak fries.
When you tire of looking at the sparkling azure harbor, get on the water courtesy of the Mon Tiki. Choose between booking spots on this eco-conscious 49-person catamaran’s daytime or sunset cruises or indulge in a private charter. If you choose an evening outing, glory in the moment as you watch amazing colors chase each other across the sky.
Other water-based activities at MYC include soaking up the sun at one of the two outdoor heated pools or the small private beach, group surfing or paddleboard lessons, or chartering a fishing boat. Hook something on the latter, and the kitchen will clean, cook and serve your catch.
Activities on land include lounging on the Great Lawn (where every Sunday the Koch brothers–Derek and Daniel of DMK Entertainment Group host a fabulous lobster bake brunch), playing horseshoes or bocce ball, biking around the grounds, strolling along the ocean, cocktail-ing it at the Barracuda Bar, taking a siesta on your private porch or-my favorite- having a treatment at the spa. In addition to the hot stone massage mentioned earlier, consider the divinely decadent foot treatment with a raw sugar and tangerine-infused jojoba scrub. Your tootsies will thank you!
Your inner child will thank you if you end your evening with a bonfire on the beach or gather ‘round the fire pit and make some s’mores while playing charades or warbling some tunes.
While MYC has an elegant, refined air it’s folksy spirit is exemplified by the slogan on your room’s key card: “Welcome home.”
Sherry Amatenstein, LCSW, is an author, therapist, journalist, writing professor and lover of travel and, of course, friendship! Her website is marriedfq.com
