The pleasure of a New England summer is as close as a Hampton Jitney ride out east to the gorgeous beaches, tasty brunches and music festivals of the Hamptons. If you’re heading out east this summer, we’ve rounded up all the new restaurants, wellness programs, hotel updates and other essential info for 2018.
The world’s premier tropical party pops up in the Hamptons
After 20 years of throwing fabulous tropical parties with live music and amazing food, Nikki Beach is finally doing a Hamptons pop-up this summer. Taking over the Oreya at the Capri Hotel for just one glorious week, expect sushi boats, table-dancing saxophonists, champagne, sparklers, DJs and dancing all night. June 29-July 4, 281 County Road 39A, Southampton
Weekends are for sushi omakase
Acclaimed Japanese omakase and kaiseki restaurant Shuko is heading East for a weekends-only pop-up called Shuko Beach at Highway Restaurant & Bar. Open on Friday and Saturday evenings starting July 6, then adding thursday service in August through the 31st, you’ll find an intimate (just six people) 16-piece omakase experience of local fish for $150, as well as bento boxes ($180 for two, $360 for four) for dine-in or takeout. 290 Montauk Hwy, East Hampton, Resy
SoulCycle takes wellness off the bike
Wellness hub Bridgehampton Barn has grown over the winter. Its SoulCycle studio now has more room for bikes and a new SoulAnnex that will “elevate the way we move off the bike.” The Barn has also made room for a new studio called The Class by Taryn Toomey, plus an outpost of Juice Press and more pop-ups to come all summer. 264 Butter Lane, Bridgehampton
Try a Greek brunch
After a successful opening last summer, Mykonos-inspired Calissa is back on the East End with a new Sunday brunch, along with an Aperol Spritz Bar and an outdoor marketplace called the Agora, featuring vendors such as Pared Eyewear and Tai Jewelry. In keeping with the festive spirit of the Greek islands, Calissa will continue hosting live music weekly winemaker dinners. 1020 Montauk Hwy., East End
Sushi by the seaside
Manhattan’s acclaimed omakase bar Sushi by Bou is popping up in Southampton from May 23-Sept. 3. The buzzy sushi spot by Zagat 30 Under 30 chef David Bouhadana will be on a new patio behind Jue Lan Club, with drinks available from a full bar, serving 30-minute tasting menu of 12 pieces for $50 and a 60-minute menu of 15 pieces for $100. Open Wed-Sun, 268A Elm St., Southampton, reserve by text at 631-408-8339
Gurney’s takes the reins at Montauk Yacht Club
What was Montauk Yacht Club Resort is now Gurney’s Yacht Club. The new ownership has done a total refresh of its Beach Club for a more sophisticated vibe, added a full-service salon run by celebrity darling brand OUAI and three new infrared saunas by Higher Dose at the resort’s award-winning Seawater Spa, will host a beachside fashion series as well as wellness pop-ups, and bring in new food and drinks by LDV Hospitality. Tons more changes to come after the property undergoes another $13 million upgrade after the summer season ends. 32 Star Island Road, Montauk
A Japanese classic returns
Sag Harbor’s Japanese restaurant and sushi bar Sen has undergone some extensive renovations after the owners took an extended trip to Japan and will reopen in June. Just ahead of its 25th anniversary, Sen’s dining room has tripled in size, with a new cocktail list featuring the first New York City-based sake brewery Brooklyn Kura and a late-night menu including handmade soba offered until 2 a.m. on weekends. 23 Main St., Sag Harbor, 631-725-1774
French food has an elegant new home
Sit under the cathedral-like ceilings of Maison Vivienne for a reverent trip through the French culinary landscape. The elegant new restaurant led by executive chef Florian Hugo with a modern take on French classics, with a large wine cellar and outdoor patio with champagne and seafood bar. The restaurant is part of the Inn, which can accommodate 100 guests and private events. Daily noon to midnight, 136 Main St., Southampton, 631-500-9276
Eleven Madison Park loved it out east so much, it’s back
The world’s best restaurant came out east last summer because its home location was closed for renovations. Eleven Madison Park is back open now, but chef Daniel Humm had so much fun he and Will Guidara are bringing it back for a second edition of EMP Summer House. The menu is strictly decadent starring lobster and steaks, plus seafood pastas and truffled apps. May 25-Sept. 3, American Express cardmembers can make a reservation, the rest of us can walk in and bring cash. 341 Pantigo Road, East Hampton
A Greenport classic gets a facelift
After 148 years, Claudio’s on the Greenport waterfront is under new ownership. The restaurant’s vibe will remain the same casually elegance, with revamped food and drink options like Mediterranean Grilled Octopus and Arctic Char & Avocado Poke. 111 Main St., Greenport
A new way to get away
Visitors to the city can now bundle in a weekend in the Hamptons with the Martinis & Montauk summer package. The package starting at $1,299 gets you two nights at the Loews Regency New York Hotel with a welcome pair of Brooklyn Gin martinis at the on-site Regency Bar & Grill, then transportation aboard the Hampton Jitney out east for a two-night stay at Gurney’s Montauk Yacht Club Resort & Marina (or you can do the Hamptons first, then come into the city). Through Aug. 31, 855-417-5267
