Patio at Montauk Yacht Club with view of the sandy beach

Especially enchanting in summer, Montauk Yacht Club blends contemporary flair with its classic coastal heritage. Set on a glimmering lake with a sandy beach, this seaside sanctuary is luxurious but understated.

Montauk: Truly East End

Montauk is a hamlet on the easternmost tip of Long Island’s South Shore, administratively part of the town of East Hampton. Conde Nast Traveler named Montauk one of the 17 best beach towns on the East Coast.

Although officially part of the fabled Hamptons, Montauk’s distinct character derives from its rich maritime history and geography. The community is often characterized as more relaxed, down-to-earth, and less crowded than its trendy neighbors.

Its beaches on the Atlantic Ocean and Block Island Sound are more rugged, and visitors are more likely to find surf shops than posh boutiques. The downtown area looks like a fishing village with less pretentious eateries than elsewhere in the Hamptons.

However, Vanessa Gordon, founder and publisher of East End Taste magazine, who resides on the East End, observes that Montauk has been changing over the past few summer seasons.

“More and more high-end properties, and upscale brands and businesses are heading further East, and the crowds are certainly booming more than ever,” she says. “Although it still has that seaside charm and a strong local community, Montauk is getting a significant ‘bougie’ uplift.”

The newly renovated Montauk Yacht Club is leading the pack.

The Renaissance Of Montauk Yacht Club

Discover the Montauk Yacht Club, a historic haven where luxury meets natural beauty. Originally launched in the 1920s by Carl Fisher, a visionary developer who envisioned Montauk as the “Miami Beach of the North,” the club quickly became a prestigious retreat for the wealthy elite—including the Astors, Whitneys, and Vanderbilts. Fisher’s investments transformed Montauk into a renowned resort destination, developing infrastructure and roads that still serve the area today.

After facing hardships following the 1929 Stock Market Crash, the club’s legacy waned but was reborn in 2018 as Gurney’s Star Island Resort & Marina, following extensive renovations aimed at restoring its historic grandeur. The second renaissance began when Safe Harbor Marinas acquired the property in 2022 for a record-breaking $149.4 million, marking the largest real estate sale in the Hamptons. With an investment of around $13 million, the resort’s guest rooms, villas, pools, restaurants, and public spaces underwent a stunning transformation.

Reopening as Montauk Yacht Club on Memorial Day Weekend 2023, it now operates under the management of Proper Hospitality, known for its luxury, design-driven hotels. The property boasts 219 marina slips at Lake Montauk, capable of accommodating vessels up to 300 feet — truly a boater’s paradise.

An Immersion in Nature

Nestled on a scenic peninsula, the resort offers 106 elegantly designed guest rooms in two-story buildings, each with private balconies or patios overlooking the lake, sandy beaches, or lush gardens. For families and groups, five fully restored “cottages” (each with 2-9 bedrooms), originally built in 1928 on the historic Ziegfeld Estate, provide a cozy yet luxurious retreat. These cottages connect to the Great Lawn, a pool, and tennis courts, offering an authentic experience amid history and nature.

Renovated rooms feature a coastal palette of soft grays, tans, and pale blues, with floor-to-ceiling glass doors inviting breathtaking water views. Spacious bathrooms include plush linens, Aesop amenities, and walk-in showers. Thoughtful touches like local minibars and Nespresso machines with Lavazza capsules ensure comfort and convenience. The Euro-top Chadfield Beautyrest mattresses promise restful sleep.

Gourmet Dining & So Much More

Experience exceptional gourmet cuisine on the beautiful grounds of Montauk Yacht Club, where every meal is complemented by stunning waterfront vistas. Whether dining seaside or relaxing poolside, you’ll indulge in a menu that celebrates local flavors and fresh ingredients in an atmosphere of effortless luxury.

Ready to experience the timeless elegance and natural splendor of Montauk Yacht Club? Book your dream vacation today with MWR LIFE and turn your escape into an unforgettable adventure!

Chef Jarad McCarroll in the open kitchen of the Ocean Club

Ocean Club Montauk is the resort’s signature restaurant and bar, open for breakfast, lunch and dinner seven days a week. A favorite of locals, too, guests can dine inside, outside, or beside the pool, all with 180° views of the marina.

The seasonal menu from award-winning South African Chef Jarad McCarroll emphasizes fresh, local seafood and produce from nearby farms. Many dishes prepared in the open kitchen are wood-fired over a grill.

Intimate nook for coffee and snacks at The Market

In partnership with Turin-based coffee maker Lavazza, The Market looks like a cross between a mercato and an Italian coffee bar. Its vibrant colors and colorful decor make you feel like you are living La Dolce Vita. In addition to gourmet groceries, the market serves up sandwiches, snacks, freshly brewed specialty coffees and more, either for a quick bite or to take on a picnic or boat ride.

A Unique Wellness Haven

Like other Proper hospitality locations, Montauk Yacht Club prioritizes health and well-being. Guests have 24/7 access to a gym with state-of-the-art equipment, and the Cabana Spa, partnering with Sisley Paris, provides massages, yoga, and breathwork, with instructional programs available seasonally.

Scenic walkways and jetties invite leisurely sunset strolls. The resort boasts indoor and outdoor pools, tennis and sand volleyball courts, and new Padel courts. Other complimentary offerings include kayaking, paddle boarding, a harbor cruise on a private boat (owned by Safe Harbor) and use of Linus bikes for exploring.

One of the boats in the house fleet that takes guests on sunset cruises

The marina is easily accessible for boating, fishing expeditions, and leisurely excursions. The attentive staff readily assists guests in finding nearby beaches, surf spots, hiking trails, and golf courses.

Ultimately, Montauk Yacht Club offers a pampered, stress-free environment that entices first-time guests to return and stay longer, drawn by Montauk’s relaxation and recreational allures.