For decades, Montauk held onto its image as a quiet fishing village tucked at the far edge of Long Island. Locals cast their lines into the Atlantic, surfers waited patiently for the perfect swell, and only those “in the know” considered it a hidden gem. Fast forward to today, and Montauk has evolved into one of the East End’s most coveted destinations — a place where understated charm now collides with high fashion, A-list gatherings, and the unmistakable buzz of New York’s creative class.
This cultural shift has brought with it a renaissance in hospitality, and at the center of it all is the Offshore Hotel. Once the humble Sands Motel — a low-key retreat for over 70 years — the property has been reimagined for a new generation of travelers who crave both authenticity and indulgence. Since its reopening in June 2025, Offshore has quickly established itself as Montauk’s latest icon of surfside luxury.
Montauk, But Make It Chic
Ask anyone who frequents Montauk and they’ll tell you: insider culture runs deep here. From snagging a near-impossible table at Crow’s Nest just before sunset, to waiting in line for Left Hand’s iced strawberry matcha (yes, it lives up to the hype), there’s a rhythm to this seaside enclave that regulars know by heart. Offshore has tapped directly into that rhythm, blending the laid-back soul of Montauk with an elevated sensibility that caters to the city crowd escaping east.
Within weeks of reopening, the hotel was already hosting the type of events that cement a place on the social map. Think JoJo Fletcher’s Saint Spritz summer soirée, complete with glittering guest lists, and Saint James Iced Tea’s poolside brunch, where influencers lounged between dips in the sunlit pool. Far from being a static backdrop, Offshore is now part of Montauk’s cultural conversation.
Design That Marries Past and Present
Step inside Offshore, and the property’s transformation feels both dramatic and seamless. The bones of the 73-year-old Sands remain, but they’ve been reimagined with a design-forward approach that honors Montauk’s coastal DNA. Think: breezy textures, clean lines, and an understated elegance that whispers luxury rather than shouting it.
Each room feels like a private sanctuary, with marble countertops stocked with Byredo’s Bal d’Afrique amenities — the kind of thoughtful touch that speaks volumes about the hotel’s attention to detail. Outside, guests can alternate between the sauna, the cold plunge, or simply basking by the pool, Aperol spritz in hand.
A Social Hub for the East End
Part of Offshore’s magic lies in its partnerships, which reflect Montauk’s own evolution. Teaming up with Mary Lou’s Montauk, the hotel brings fresh energy to the dining and nightlife scene, offering guests a seamless way to experience the best of the Hamptons without leaving their retreat. Whether it’s a low-key breakfast before a day at the beach or a lively night out, Offshore manages to balance both sides of Montauk’s personality.
Where “The End” Feels Like a Beginning
It’s no accident that Montauk is affectionately known as “The End” — the last stop before the land gives way to ocean. But spending a weekend at Offshore feels more like a beginning. A beginning for a new era of Montauk, one that respects its roots as a fisherman’s town while embracing its role as a playground for tastemakers, editors, and city-dwellers looking for something beyond the predictable Hamptons scene.
For me, the long weekend unfolded as the perfect mix of relaxation and discovery. Mornings were spent sipping coffee while the ocean breeze drifted in, afternoons alternating between the pool and sandy shoreline, and evenings savoring cocktails as the sun set in fiery streaks over the Atlantic. Each moment carried that rare quality of feeling both spontaneous and perfectly curated.
Redefining Coastal Luxury
Offshore Hotel isn’t just another stylish property opening its doors in the Hamptons. It represents a shift in how luxury is defined on Long Island’s East End. Here, it’s not about ostentation or exclusivity for exclusivity’s sake. It’s about creating experiences that feel rooted in Montauk’s laid-back essence while adding layers of polish, creativity, and connection.
In many ways, Offshore mirrors Montauk itself — a place once known only to fishermen and a few surfers, now reborn as a destination where tradition and trend meet in harmony. And if my weekend there proved anything, it’s that Montauk’s story is still being written — and Offshore is helping pen its most exciting chapter yet.
