The moment you arrive at Montauk Yacht Club’s breathtaking property, you are transported into a realm of luxury and sophistication. Perched on Star Island Road, just 10 minutes from lively downtown Montauk, the resort offers the largest marina in the Hamptons with a first-class 219-slip marina that can accommodate vessels up to 300 feet. The glamorous ambiance and intoxicatingly beautiful seaside setting creates a spectacular resort destination for summer getaways, private events, and yachting.
In July of 2022, Safe Harbor Marinas acquired Gurney’s Star Island Resort & Marina. After nine months of investment and preparation, the company announced the official reopening of the storied property this spring and began welcoming guest to the resort’s world-class waterfront hospitality.
“The history of Montauk Yacht Club is as rich as the location is stunning. Our teammates in Montauk and throughout the country have been working to prepare for this moment. It is our great honor and joy to bring the Montauk Yacht Club back to Long Island, to her many patrons, and to our tens of thousands of boating families in the region,” said Baxter Underwood, CEO of Safe Harbor Marina.
After hearing the great buzz about the newly opened resort, I was eager to visit and experience the property for myself. Upon arrival, my traveling companion and I were shown to our elegant room, a Water View King overlooking the Montauk Yacht Club’s private beach. Our personal deck offered expansive views of Lake Montauk and a sense of tranquility. Spread out across the 35 acre property, the resort offers a total of 107 rooms and villa suites designed as peaceful waterside retreats. The welcoming and modern space was decorated with touches of white, navy and natural wood. The expansive bathroom offered a large and inviting shower and a spacious vanity to enjoy while primping for the day’s adventures.
After dropping off our luggage, we were ready to explore the picturesque property. The pathway outside our room led to one of the resort’s three inviting pools located at the center of the picturesque grounds. Next to it, the lively Pool Club Bar provided one of the most sensational settings in the Hamptons to enjoy excellent cocktails while admiring views of the marina.
That evening, we had the pleasure of dining at Showfish, Montauk Yacht Club’s celebrated fine dining restaurant. Focused only on the freshest locally-sourced ingredients, Showfish presents a unique take on east-end dining that embraces fresh fish, farm-to-table vegetables, and unique culinary concoctions cooked to serve in a stunning seaside setting.
Executive Chef Matt Murphy came to Showfish from the renowned Shelter Island Ram’s Head Inn. Previously, he held sous chef positions at the Ritz Carlton, the Rainbow Room, the Russian Tea Room, and executive chef positions at the Centerport Yacht Club and the famed La Colombe D’or.
We enjoyed the Tuna Tartare and Burratina, followed by the Butter Poached Lobster and the Montauk Cod served with Japanese turnips, yuzu beurre blanc, smoked trout roe, and pine nuts. For dessert, the Chocolate Temptation made with chocolate cake and cream was excellent. While enjoying our outstanding meal, it was beautiful to watch the moon go in and out of clouds above the resort’s lighthouse.
After dinner, I highly recommend grabbing a drink from Showfish’s indoor bar and taking it outside where you can lounge at your own private fire pit while admiring the night sky filled with stars.
In the morning, it felt like we were in our own slice of paradise as we opened the curtains to our room and saw a swan standing on the hotel’s private beach by the edge of the still waters of Lake Montauk. The resort’s second restaurant, Il Forno serves award-winning pizza in the afternoons and evenings. For breakfast, the casual eatery is the prefect place to pick up Jack’s Coffee and delicious pastries delivered from Montauk Bake Shoppe.
While staying at Montauk Yacht Club, there are countless activities to fill your stay with relaxation and adventure. From indulging in the soothing private beach, to relaxing by the poolside, playing pickleball on two courts, exploring the town with complimentary bikes, and enjoying kayaking and fitness classes. Guests are also offered a complimentary one hour cruise on one of the resort’s X Shore all-electric yachts. We absolutely loved this excursion and highly recommend speaking with the concierge about this truly memorable experience.
If you crave something sweet, A La Mode Ice Cream Shop serves tasty waffle cones with all nut-free flavors and vegan options. I recommend Cooks (a combination of vanilla and chocolate cookies, chocolate vanilla ice cream, and chocolate fudge) and Partly Cloudy (blue cotton candy ice cream with mini marshmallows).
Before you leave, definitely stop by the Montauk Yacht Club’s thoughtfully curated gift shop which sells fashion & accessories, as well as, stylish t-shirts, water bottles, and sweatshirts with the yacht club’s eye-catching logo.
The new Montauk Yacht Club is a resounding success. Since the property reopened its doors, Safe Harbor Montauk Yacht Club has been named a “Top Ten marina destination in North America, Mexico, and the Bahamas” by Yachting Magazine. There is no other place in the Hamptons that so beautifully marries hospitality with the world of yachting.
Montauk Yacht Club; montaukyachtclub.com
