Montauk – situated on the easternmost tip of the South Fork in Long Island – was long a fringe destination, overlooked by the chic Hamptons crowd, known more for surfers and fishermen than celebrity sightings and summering Manhattanites. The stylish Sole East Resort (www.soleeast.com) is a sign of change: Poolside DJs and mimosa-fueled weekend brunches define the hotel. Even so, accommodations are appropriately laid-back. The refashioned American Tudor home contains 69 bungalow-style rooms, each outfitted with stark white furnishings, 300 thread-count linens, and Aveda bath products; hammocks set up in the gardens offer daytime respite. Montauk’s beach and village center are accessible via a speedy bike ride (a fleet of on-site “beach cruisers” are available for rent) or a fifteen-minute walk, though sun-seekers need not travel far to catch rays, chow down, or party on: Oversized beds surround a heated outdoor pool; the poolside lounge and restaurant, Backyard, dishes locally caught seafood and farmers' market-fresh veggies; and weekend pool parties (in season) bring out guest DJs, summery cocktails, and barbecued treats. Rooms from $269/night. For a cheaper option, try Sole East Beach, a beachfront property just 15 minutes away from the resort. Rates start from $189/night, and guests have full access to the resort’s facilities and services.  

— Molly Fergus

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