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Coastlines, Castles, Sips & Stays: The Art of Escaping into Long Island Luxury

From wine weekends and wellness retreats to autumn escapes and winter hideaways, Suffolk County Long Island offers unmatched luxury with authentic charm

May 1, 2025

Montauk Lighthouse / Photo: Courtesy

The Hamptons have long been synonymous with summer glamour, where Manhattan’s intensity gives way to coastal elegance. Just beyond the skyline, Suffolk County Long Island blends old-world sophistication with modern indulgence. Here, Gatsby-era mansions meet world-class vineyards, surfers share beaches with jet-setting elites, and every detail, from your morning bagel to your sunset sail, feels handpicked. Do not wait to plan your next luxury escape; Long Island is waiting to welcome you.

Where Gatsby’s Gold Coast Meets Modern Glamour

Vanderbilt Museum

Vanderbilt Museum / Photo: Courtesy

An hour from Manhattan, Long Island’s Gold Coast offers a window into the Jazz Age. Explore iconic mansions like Oheka Castle, Sands Point Preserve, Old Westbury Gardens, and the Vanderbilt Museum. In 2025, celebrate The Great Gatsby’s 100th anniversary by visiting the region that inspired Fitzgerald’s timeless novel.

Montauk: Surf, Spa, and the New Wave of Wellness

Gurney’s Montauk Resort & Seawater Spa

Gurney’s Montauk Resort & Seawater Spa / Photo: Courtesy

Montauk’s rugged surf town vibe has evolved into a luxury wellness destination. Gurney’s Montauk Resort & Seawater Spa recently refreshed its public spaces and added new dining concepts like Gigi’s Montauk. Oceanfront suites, Roman thermae baths, Himalayan salt rooms, and sea-inspired treatments create a perfect wellness escape. Top it off with curated beach picnics and sunrise surf lessons for the ultimate barefoot luxury.

Savor & Stay in Long Island Wine Country

Long Island Wine Country

Long Island Wine Country / Photo: Courtesy

The North Fork’s wine country, with over 60 boutique wineries, is one of Long Island’s best-kept secrets. Stay at The Menhaden Hotel in Greenport and book private vineyard tours at spots like Kontokosta Winery, Croteaux Vineyards, and Macari Vineyards. For a more immersive escape, Sannino Vineyard B&B offers wine classes and private barrel tastings surrounded by the vines.

Island-Hopping with a Twist: Fire Island & Shelter Island

Fire Island Beach / Photo: Courtesy

Escape to Fire Island for a car-free, carefree getaway. Accessible only by ferry or boat off the South Shore, Fire Island charms visitors with nostalgic beach towns and lively waterfront scenes. Shelter Island, nestled between the East End’s Forks, offers boutique inns like the Rams Head Inn and unforgettable sunset dining at Sunset Beach, all wrapped in old-school coastal charm.

The Scene: Summer Festivals, Art, and Equine Elegance

Hampton Classic Horse Show

Hampton Classic Horse Show / Photo: @ghfhamptons on Instagram

Long Island’s cultural calendar is as dazzling as its coastline. Each August, the Hampton Classic Horse Show draws equestrian elites to Bridgehampton. The Hamptons International Film Festival transforms the East End each October into a cinematic hotspot. Art lovers can visit the Parrish Art Museum or tour private studios that carry forward the region’s artistic legacy.

The Great Outdoors, In Style

Bethpage Black Golf Course

Bethpage Black Golf Course / Photo: Courtesy

Nature meets luxury on Long Island. Meander through East Marion’s lavender fields or Baiting Hollow’s sunflower farms, perfect for dreamy photo ops and romantic picnics. Charter a private catamaran, paddle Peconic Bay, or play championship golf at Bethpage Black, host of the 2025 Ryder Cup. For aerial thrills, experience the Bethpage Air Show with VIP beachside views.

Taste the Island: From Lobster Rolls to Legendary Bagels

Long Island Lobster Roll

Long Island Lobster Roll / Photo: Courtesy

Long Island’s seafood is as fresh as it gets—refined lobster dinners, casual lobster rolls, and classic clam chowder await. For a true local treat, start your day with a Long Island bagel or the beloved “BECSKP” (bacon, egg, cheese, salt, pepper, ketchup), a breakfast staple that’s uniquely delicious.

BeLong Here

From wine weekends and wellness retreats to autumn escapes and winter hideaways, Suffolk County Long Island offers unmatched luxury with authentic charm. It’s where timeless traditions meet fresh trends—and every visit feels like a new beginning.

Discover more at DiscoverLongIsland.com