By Nancy Kane
The classic Pridwin Hotel & Cottages are ready to welcome the next generation. Cape Resorts (Baron’s Cove in Sag Harbor) partnered with the Petry family, who have owned and operated the property since 1961. The Pridwin itself is 95 years young, sits on 7 acres overlooking Crescent Beach and features a private beach and pool, a host of water-centric amenities and a full-service spa with a hammam. The Terrace restaurant and adjacent horseshoe-shaped Crescent Bar under the direction of executive chef Drew Hiatt serve up locally sourced dishes with an emphasis on seafood, and Pridwin’s famous homemade doughnuts make a triumphant return. A restoration of the 49-room hotel with 16 private cottages was conducted under the direction of Colleen Bashaw, vice president of design for Cape Resorts, evoking a playful, yet classic eclectic mix of old and new. The result is a timeless seaside summer escape, complete with pieces from the original hotel repurposed and proudly displayed, including three dramatic chandeliers salvaged from the original 1927 dining room. 81 Shore Road; caperesorts.com/pridwin
The Chequit celebrates its 150th year (and is one of the oldest continuously occupied buildings on the island). Its reopening includes renovations of 19 guest rooms (two more buildings house 16 more rooms) and public spaces, as well as three new restaurants. At Weakfish Sushi & Noodle, sip sake and dine on “New Asian” cuisine (think fresh sashimi and ramen) from a new back terrace with stunning water views. Grab a coffee and pastry in the morning from Heights Café & Wine Bar, and return later in the afternoon to enjoy rosé. The Tavern is a warm and welcoming spot for New American fare, complete with an antique billiard table from the hotel’s original dining room. Patrons can dine on the quintessential wraparound porch, showing off the Gothic Revival style of architecture that defines the area. 23 Grand Ave., Shelter Island Heights; thechequithotel.com
Ram Design Home is worth a stop when you’re on the island. The owner of Ram Design, an interior design firm based on Shelter Island, is launching a collection for the former EVP/CCO of Retail and Home at Ralph Lauren, Alfredo Paredes, whose luxury line of furnishings will be offered this season, as well as chic home accessories and vintage treasures curated by Ram Design owner Cristina Peffer. Artwork by local artists will also be showcased. Peffer is planning talks about the arts, environment and history of Shelter Island and accommodation in Shelter Island in a summer series starting this month. 181 North Ferry Road, Shelter Island Heights; ramdesign.com