Story by Lisa Arcella
 

You have to pass through the most upscale towns in the Hamptons to get to Montauk -- the world class restaurants, Tiffany’s, Saks and just about every other well heeled shopping experience Manhattan would also have to offer. But once you leave Amagansett in your rear view mirror, there is a stretch of beach highway on Rt 27 that lets you know you are leaving that world behind. The side of the road stands offering the best chowder and lobster rolls hint that you are headed for a much more low key experience.

That’s not to say you can’t find luxury in Montauk. The famous Gurney’s Inn is here on Old Montauk Highway, complete with its signature spa treatments and dining on the beach. But right next door I discovered a quiet gem in the gorgeous Panoramic View resort.

The place certainly lives up to its name. The accommodations are understated elegance; pickled pine floors and pristine white bedding and furniture set the stage.  But the real star of this room is the huge picture window that looks our over a small private yard and beyond to sweeping views of the Atlantic Ocean and the beach down the hill below.

There are studios, one and two bedroom units on the property, private beach homes for rent and private residences for sale here, all with the same amazing view of the ocean and the resort’s more than 1000 feet of expansive beach front. The surrounding gardens filled with hydrangeas and pine trees had gave me the feeling of spending a peaceful afternoon in Martha’s Vineyard rather than on the tip of bustling Long Island. Even at night the view is spectacular as an expanse of stars comes into sight over the sound of the crashing surf below.

It’s all about quiet relaxation. The configuration of the rooms gives the illusion of being at your own private property. There is a heated pool with cabanas, again offering an amazing view of the ocean below. There is concierge service and a business center etc, but no lounge or restaurant here. Those things would somehow distract from the serene setting and when you begin to crave some additional human companionship, you can easily walk next door to Gurneys or take a short bike ride or 5 minute car trip into the center of town to see everything else that Montauk has to offer.

The village of Montauk seems more laid back beach hamlet than it’s sophisticated, high style sisters down the road. There are surf shops and lots of places to find a great breakfast. There was actually a line waiting to get their hands on the buttermilk loaf and breakfast wraps at the Montauk Bake Shop when I passed one morning.

We loved The Sloppy Tuna for lunch right off the beach on South Emerson Road. Check out their amazing collection of vintage surfboards before heading upstairs for lunch on the terrace overlooking the sea. Of course it also a popular spot to get sloppy with the party crowd late at night here too. If you’d rather grab a take out for the beach, take a look at Herb’s Market.

To work off those calories after lunch there are six state parks here to take in the ocean bluffs and sweeping hills. The place is a paradise for bird watchers, bikers and hikers who inevitably make there way to Montauk State Park to check out the view from on top of the lighthouse, which by the way was originally commissioned by George Washington. A really fun place to visit near here, particularly with kids, is the Deep Hollow Ranch which is the oldest working cattle ranch in the country and brags that it’s the “birthplace of the American cowboy.”

Of course Montauk is famous for its fishing and locals like to brag that they lay claim to more saltwater fishing records than any other port in the world. While that point is hard to verify, there’s certainly no shortage of fishing or party boats to charter here that have caught monster tuna, cod, bluefish and many other sport fish. The Flying Cloud or the Miss Montauk are just two of the many companies to choose from and it seems like every month, particularly during the summer and fall, there is another fishing tournament on the docket.

And the best places to eat all that fish? I particularly like Gosman’s Dock along with lots of others who crowd this waterfront hot spot. Luckily there are lots and lots of tables to accommodate everyone who loves really fresh seafood. Nearby at Navy Beach there’s delicious casual dining and the best views of a romantic Montauk sunset. The Sea Grille at Gurneys and the Montauk Yacht Club are also good choices for dinner.

The best thing to say about a trip to Montauk is that it’s easy, fun and relaxing, while still preserving all that makes this spot so close to New York City  beautiful and pristine. And yes of course, it’s still close enough to all that’s fabulous to hit up on the way home too.

To get there:

Montauk is about a 2 hour car ride from Manhattan on a good traffic day, but it is also accessibly by the Long Island Railroad and the Hampton Jitney. Panoramic View is open year round and rates run from $245 to $895 a night. www.panoramicview.com

© October 2011 LuxuryWeb Magazine. All rights reserved.