"Why did this hotel catch your attention? The arrival is discreet in an area known for its excessive summertime behavior. Off a Hampton's back road, a large gate swings open to reveal a giant buddha – a serendipitous leftover from the estates former life as a statue warehouse. Beyond Buddha is the first glimpse of a thoughtfully pebbled landscaped three acres. A blond wood, low-slung spa stands in front of the main house, where large, plump white sofas, soaring ceilings and a table laid with (exquisite) fresh tomato and carrot juices set the scene for a weekend of taking care of yourself in a blissfully easy going pace. You feel good just being there. What's the backstory? Shou Sugi opened last year as the first higher end wellness retreat in the Hamptons (we know, weird there was not one there before, right?). The project is the brain child of former corporate lawyer Amy Cherry-Abitbol, who assembled a team of high flying creatives from Manhattan and beyond to create a retreat that felt more an extension of a relaxing weekend than a bruising, top-to-toe medi-spa. From food to design, Shou Sugi feels tasteful, non-invasive, gentle and considered. You could do the grueling full body work out in the gym annex, led by a former Romanian Olympic coach, or you could blow it off for some pool time. Tell us all about the accommodations. Any tips on what to book? The rooms – 13 standalone villas dotted across the three acres, are as calming as that main house you enter into. A cream palette, large white beds and spacious bathroom anchored by a Japanese wooden soak tub create a space you want to spend a long, lazy day inside, if you could. Tech is where it needs to be, but you are not here for gadgets and connectivity. Instead, the little touches like snug white slippers that you can take home, and carefully selected Japanese bathroom products make it feel like your own mini spa. Each room is the same; I would not place too much importance on which you get. Is there a charge for Wi-Fi? It's free and fine. Drinking and dining—what are we looking at? Oh, this a standout. First up – Shou Sugi is dry. Don't let that throw you. Honestly, you won't even miss that wine or martini we've all grown accustomed to on a vacation. In an example of the many prime partnerships here, Abitbol partnered with Noma co-founder Mads Refslund on the food and it's a highlight. Dinner may be roasted Long Island duck breast and grilled Japanese eggplant, while lunch is a quails egg atop foraged greens and cooked grains. Breakfast, though, was a stand out. Mounds of perfectly ripe avocado. Steaming bowls of congee. The most delectable Danish seeded bread. What makes it all better is that meals are shared around the large communal tables and the conversation with fellow guests keeps them stretching long into the night And the service? Service was excellent and the right amount of casual to suit this type of a retreat, which is more about being relaxed and comfortable than having 7 different forks in a dinner setting. It's all first names and friendly. The staff feel more like an extension of the group than the team that keeps the place running. You may be as likely to swap numbers with them as you would other guests you bond with over the weekend. What type of travelers will you find here? Upper middle class urbanites, largely from the East Coast. The kind of crew you may run into at, say, Lilia back in Brooklyn. They are well traveled (so much of the dinner conversation centers around where we've all been and its utterly delightful). A crowd that likely, easily takes the subway but also can afford (and buys) Isabel Marant. Unfussy and unpretentious, with some coin to spend. What about the neighborhood? What else is nearby? Shou Sugi is in a remote part of the southern Hamptons, not walking distance from a town, but a short drive. Except for heading for hikes on the beach, you are staying on property the whole time. Is there anything you'd change? Not really...You could feel at risk of being overly scheduled if you weren't given the out clause from any and all activities. It's both relaxing and motivating. Wellness retreat-light, so to speak. Any other hotel features worth noting? The spa has stellar programming, including hydro therapies and hot and cold plunge pools Bottom line: Worth it? For New Yorkers needing a nearby reset, absolutely." - Erin Florio
