By Beth Landman
Hotels have been upended by this year’s health crisis, and while they may not book weddings or other catered events this season, local getaways are going to great lengths to ensure summer visitors feel safe and comfortable. They have upped their sanitization regimens, and although some activities have been curtailed, creative alternatives are offered.
The Baker House 1650
You will feel like a guest at an English country estate at this grand house across from the pond in East Hampton. The massages and facials you’ve craved for months are available in your room, and complimentary restorative yoga classes are given on the lawn (each mat has a little skin care gift bag with sunscreen, serum and other goodies from Luzern Labs). Don’t worry about taking a magazine to read by one of the two pools; each issue is sealed in plastic. bakerhouse1650.com
Baron’s Cove
This mini-resort right on the water in Sag Harbor provides everything you might want in a Hamptons stay. A 60-foot saltwater pool is perfect for laps. Tennis courts are available by reservation, and the gym is open to guests—only one person or couple at a time. The hotel features complimentary bikes and weekend yoga on the outdoor deck or terrace. Outdoor dining affords spectacular views. A new “Linger Longer” program offers adjusted rates for extended stays. caperesorts.com
A Butler’s Manor
A saltwater pool and extreme privacy are the lure at this five-room inn in Southampton. The decanter of sherry has been removed from each room, along with the comforters, which have been replaced by washable blankets in the name of safety. Breakfast is served downstairs, at socially distanced tables, and guests—as well as staff—wear masks in common areas. You remove them, of course, when strolling the grounds and taking a deep breath in the rose garden. abutlersmanor.com
Gurney’s
The spa and pool may be closed for renovation this summer, but the resort makes the most of its outdoor space, as well as offering in-room streaming workouts and in-room activities for kids. Wellness kits, including weights and yoga mats, are available upon request. The fire pit will be transformed into a venue with food and music, with reservations required and social distancing emphasized. Lobster bakes are also available to be enjoyed in the room, or on the beach. gurneysresorts.com
The Maidstone
In addition to the main hotel, you’ll find quaint little cottages surrounded by gardens at this dog-friendly getaway in the village of East Hampton. A new filtration system that mists the air with probiotics has been added to all rooms, which are also sterilized with UV lights and left empty for 24 to 48 hours between bookings. Yoga classes are given outside on the patio, adorned with a large Buddha. themaidstone.com
Marram
Opened along the ocean in Montauk at the end of last summer, the boutique spot has introduced yoga, singing bowl and morning meditations, guided nature walks and Reiki. Common spaces have been reconfigured to maximize social distancing, and a Latin American café provides food for guests. Just sitting in one of the chic rooms with muted tones and staring at the ocean from your balcony is plenty restorative. marrammontauk.com
Millhouse Inn
Located in the village of East Hampton, this pristine spot with 10 suites has now implemented a face mask-wearing policy for guests and staff in common areas, along with pillow protectors that are washed before each visitor arrives. Guests are provided with masks (KN95 if requested), and the legendary breakfast is now delivered picnic-style, so it can be enjoyed in-room, on the grounds or on the beach. Bikes are available upon request. millhouseinn.com
Shou Sugi Ban House
Opened last year as a destination spa in Water Mill, this 13-room retreat offers movement and yoga classes outdoors, as well as tennis, wellness programming and spa services with enhanced safety protocols. Dining is now offered in-room, as well as in several outdoor dining areas. Guest rooms are perfect for social distancing; each has two private entrances. shousugibanhouse.com
The Surf Lodge
The famed free minibars are still there—now fully loaded with specialty coffees and hand sanitizers—but the rooms have been gut-renovated and updated for extended stays (book a full month, or the full season), with new white cedar closets and artwork curated by Max Levai of Marlborough Gallery Downtown. One thing founder Jayma Cardoso smartly kept: the hammocks tethered to each room’s outside deck overlooking the lake. thesurflodge.com
White Fences Inn
Since restaurant space is limited this summer, this high-end Water Mill inn offers evening meals to its guests from Thursday to Sunday, serving in two dining rooms as well as on two patios. Accommodations feature Frette sheets and Malin+Goetz products, along with carts containing disinfectants. Lounge at the picturesque pool out back, or use the inn’s beach pass. whitefenceswatermill.com