WHAT’S NEW THIS SUMMER 2015 IN THE HAMPTONS

By Ann Grenier

The serene seaside villages that make up the Hamptons are best known for their white, sandy beaches and fabulous homes. This summer, explore some of the East End's hotspots, where you'll find some of the finest restaurants, clothing boutiques, and luxury oceanfront resorts. Here's a look at some highlights on where to stay, where to eat, and what to do:

WHERE TO STAY

SOUTHAMPTON

New this season: renovated guest rooms, THE new ballroom for your perfect Hamptons wedding or corporate retreat, and a new outdoor patio for socializing are all part of the allure of the new Southampton Inn this summer 2015. Hungry for more? Then why not experience breakfast, lunch, and now dinner at the reinvigorated Café Oso, under the talented hand of Chef Peter Ammar, serving small plates using local fish and farm produce daily from 07:00am to 9:00pm. Boasting several acres of manicured lawns and gardens in the heart of the Village of Southampton on Long Island's stunning East End, Southampton Inn provides an idyllic, year-round escape for bustling city-dwellers. Winner of numerous awards, including "Best Breakfast," "Best Hotel," and "Best Wedding Location," Southampton Inn is a warm and welcoming haven with an exemplary reputation that is richly deserved. Celebrate the art of pure relaxation, indulge in a romantic get-away, or enjoy precious time with the entire family—Southampton Inn has everything for the discerning traveler. With 90 well-appointed guestrooms, many of which were renovated this past winter, the Inn is located just steps away from the town's fine dining restaurants, designer boutiques, art galleries, parks and museums, and a short drive from highly-rated Coopers Beach. The outdoor patio and ballroom were also renovated to ensure the Inn is the perfect home-away-from-home to explore the scenic Hamptons.

AMAGANSETT

Four acres of nature preserve surround this oceanfront resort with private beach access and within walking distance of upscale Amagansett. Rent one of Ocean Dunes Resort's one- or two-bedroom units and survey the surrounding environment from your private balcony, relax by the outdoor heated pool, or dine al fresco at the on-site picnic area. The resort is also within walking distance of transportation, making travel between Ocean Dunes and NYC fast and convenient.

MONTAUK

Located on the beach in popular Montauk, Panoramic View Resorts & Residences offers cozy accommodations with in-room kitchenettes, close to the village's popular restaurants, nightclubs, shopping, and surfing areas. Set within a 10-acre nature sanctuary with 1,000 feet of pristine beaches, Panoramic offers towel, chair, and umbrella service for lounging on the sand as well as an on-site heated pool with cabanas and pool house. The property also is home to a number of one- to five-bedroom turn-key luxury residences with access to an on-site fitness center, massage therapists, personal trainers and year-round staff.

WHERE TO DINE

WAINSCOTT

A stunning new location for the established masters of Sicilian cuisine at Osteria Salina. After three years of creating a loyal following and serving authentic Sicilian dishes highlighting the specialties of Salina, located in the Aeolian islands, Osteria Salina has moved from 95 School Street in Bridgehampton to 108 Wainscott Stone Road in Wainscott. The new Osteria Salina has undergone a thorough refurbishment that has restored the grandeur of this iconic location, known formerly as Sapore di Mare.  Experience the intimate private dining room, La Saletta.  Enjoy the Georgica Room, with panoramic views of bucolic Georgica Pond.  Socialize in the main room against the backdrop of a castle-like fireplace and hand-hewn beams. Osteria Salina offers features including a wood-burning pizza oven in addition to a classic baby grand piano bar lounge, and will continue its tradition of serving fresh, clean local fare coupled with genuine Sicilian hospitality. Having opened this Memorial Day weekend, followed by a private invitation gala on June 5th & 6th, 2015, Osteria Salina, helmed by Executive Chef & Owner Cinzia Gaglio and Host Tim Gaglio, can now accommodate private events; guests will enjoy live entertainment in the piano lounge and dine in one of its many old world dining rooms.

SOUTHAMPTON

Recognized as one of Long Island's best brunch spots by USA Today, 75 Main has attracted such high-profile clientele as Barbara Walters, Pierce Brosnan, Leonardo DiCaprio, Joe Biden, and Alex Rodriguez, with James Beard Award-winning Executive Chef Mark Militello's menu of creative classics. Tuck into seasonal items including watermelon salad with arugula, crumbled feta, chopped pistachios, red onion and passion fruit vinaigrette; truffle crumb stuffed chicken breast with broccoli rabe and Portobello mushroom fries; or Mark's Burger—a massive sandwich topped with onion-tomato jam, bacon, arugula, Gruyere, blue cheese and a secret sauce—then stay into the wee hours to toast the summer with specialty cocktails like the 75 Main Cosmopolitan or Tuscan Sunset Martini while well-known DJs spin the hottest tracks of the summer.

WHAT TO DO

WESTHAMPTON BEACH

Built in 1965 by Francis J. Duane, a past president of the American Society of Golf Course Architects and former course co-designer with icon Arnold Palmer, Hampton Hills Golf Course respects the natural splendor of the Hamptons while offering a challenging par-71, 18-hole course.  The members-only establishment has hosted a number of esteemed New Yorkers, including Michael Strahan, Justin Tuck, David Tyree, Tommy Hilfiger, and Rudy Giuliani for golf and al fresco dining on the patio that overlooks the scenic 18th hole. Set on 209 acres of rolling hills, Hampton Hills also offers a wonderful serene, private, and low key atmosphere to its exclusive membership.