Your Next Summer Destination: The Montauk Yacht Club Resort & Marina

Summer is around the corner, and that means it's time to plan that weekend escape. Lucky for you the Montauk Yacht Club Resort & Marina is only a short train or bus ride away. Step into this iconic Hamptons hotel and you'll immediately feel the stress of the city leave your body. By Carly Petrone.

The friendly staff and laid back atmosphere at the Montauk Yacht Club Resort & Marina makes it the perfect weekend or wedding destination for the summer and beyond. Grab a cocktail at the Barracuda Bar and hit the pool upon arrival or make a reservation at the spa for a luxurious massage later on. The best part? You never have to leave the resort because everything you need is located on this beautiful 35-acre property.

Cozy up in one of their 103 nautically-inspired guestrooms or rent out one (or all) of their five private villas that are just steps away from both the spa and the marina.

Boat enthusiasts can set sail with Captain David Ryan aboard the Mon Tiki, the catamaran that he helped build himself and the only Inspected Sailing Vessel that calls Montauk its home. Book a private charter or reserve your spot on one of their daytime or sunset cruises. The boat can fit up to 49 people and guests are encouraged to bring on their own refreshments for the excursion.

When it comes to this particular shoreline, Captain Ryan appreciates his role in the community. "They just don't have places like this anymore. It's a real opportunity but it's also a true responsibility."

If you're still looking to explore your adventurous side, grab some friends and hit the private lake beach located just steps away from the back patio area. Enjoy a free paddleboard lesson or sign up for group surfing lessons. Tap into your competitive side with a game of volleyball, horseshoes, or bocce ball or swing by the Har Tru Lighted Tennis Courts and let a tennis pro teach you a few signature moves. Feel free to grab a bike from reception and explore the area – like the 232-slip marina that houses some of the most beautiful yachts and boats in the world.

When it's time to refuel, make your way to Hurricane Alley – the waterfront restaurant serving an all-day menu - or Gulf Coast Kitchen – the charming indoor restaurant that is open for dinner only. You may recognize Executive Chef Ron Duprat from Top Chef Las Vegas. He's busy cooking up seasonal coastal cuisine like the local favorite: The Montauk Yacht Club Famous Lobster and Caviar Roll with Truffle Steak Fries. The Grilled Shrimp Burger with Avocado and Roasted Corn Salsa is also a popular dish. Don't miss out on starters like the Amagansett Sea Salt Crusted Jumbo Scallops or the Lobster Bisque with Lobster Fritter and Crème Fraiche at Gulf Coast Kitchen. The Wild Salmon with Parsnip Puree, Spinach, and Citrus Butter at Gulf Coast Kitchen is a great seafood dinner option while the Long Island Ducks Breast with Sweet Potato Mash, Sautéed Figs, and Rum Sauce will leave you wanting to return the next night.

Cap off your night with a nice bonfire on the beach or gather around the fire pits and show off your s'more making skills. But the party doesn't stop there. This summer, the Koch brothers – Derek and Daniel of the DMK Entertainment Group - are bringing their infamous brunch parties to the club every Sunday afternoon. Daniel Koch definitely sees the potential in partnering with the MYC. "We see a future here. A big one. We're all about making that emotional connection."

Ultimately, what makes the Montauk Yacht Club Resort so special is the staff. Lynne Lulfs, Director of Sales, & Marketing, wants every guest to have the best and most memorable vacation possible. For her, helping create traditions among family and friends is the ultimate goal. "I met a grandfather who was teaching his grandson how to fish along our dock because it's where he first taught his own son. We love hearing stories like that because we're all about starting traditions here."

Speaking of traditions, the Montauk Yacht Club is also a great place to get married because it gives the bride and groom many options when it comes to venues. The Farmhouse Ballroom, located next to the beautiful lighthouse, offers seaside views while the Great Lawn area can be tented for a more elaborate ceremony. Those looking to get married barefoot on the beach can have their intimate service along the waterfront. The culinary team can also create a customized gourmet menu for the big day while Wedding Specialist Amanda Feta will be on site to make sure everything runs smoothly.

Make your trip extra special by traveling in style. From April through October, the folks at Fly the Whale offer chartered seaplane flights from New York Skyports Marina. Yep, take off along the East River, get a glimpse of the amazing city views, and enjoy the short 35-minute flight directly into Montauk Airport. Another way to skip traffic is by taking the train. Grab a $14 ticket (one-way) at Penn Station and you'll be sitting on the beach in less than four hours. The Hampton Jitney takes the longest (roughly 4 hours without traffic) but it leaves the most often from mid and uptown Manhattan.

It's no surprise that influential families like the Vanderbilts, Astors, and Whitneys flocked to The Montauk Yacht Club more than eight decades ago. Whether you're looking for a weekend getaway or a wedding is on the horizon, this resort offers excellent service, family-friendly activities, and luxurious amenities that only Long Island's East End can provide. Now all you have to do is make a reservation.

Room rates range from $499-$579/night. Learn more about special packages and villa rates here.

Montauk Yacht Club Resort & Marina
32 Star Island Rd.
Montauk, NY 11954
888-692-8668
http://www.montaukyachtclub.com