Gurney’s Montauk Celebrates 100 Years on the Hamptons Beachfront

Summer is always bustling at Gurney’s Montauk Resort & Seawater Spa, which draws guests in with its prime beachfront location and wellness programming year-round. 

But this summer will be extra special as Gurney’s Montauk celebrates its 100^th anniversary. Travel Market Report heard from Michael Nenner, president of Gurney’s Resorts, about the evolution of the Hamptons’ only luxury resort situated directly on the beach. 

“Gurney’s Montauk has been part of the fabric of the Hamptons since 1926, and this milestone is both a celebration of that enduring legacy and a testament to how the property has continued to evolve over time,” Nenner said. “It’s an opportunity to honor our history — from Maude Gurney’s original inn to the iconic resort it is today — while also looking ahead to the next chapter, defined by new experiences, partnerships, and continued innovation.” 

A Century of Beachfront Fun and Relaxation 

The once-modest summertime inn, founded by Maude Gurney in 1926, is now a full-fledged resort featuring 158 guestrooms, suites, and beachfront cottages. It is also a rare year-round, luxury destination with direct beach access in New York’s desirable Hamptons shoreline. 

Gurney’s Montauk transitioned to a year-round hotel 30 years after its opening, in 1956, which Nenner called “a natural evolution” and “distinction continues to set us apart today.” The coastal retreat has attracted some high-profile visitors, including Richard Nixon, who wrote his RNC acceptance speech inside the property’s Skipper’s Cottage. 

“During the summer months, we welcome a dynamic mix of travelers — from New Yorkers seeking a beachfront escape to destination guests drawn to the energy of our dining, beach club, and social scene,” he said. “In the off‑season, the resort takes on a more relaxed, restorative character, attracting wellness‑focused travelers, families, couples, and guests looking for a peaceful coastal retreat centered around our spa, ocean views, and thoughtfully curated seasonal programming.” 

Another big development for the resort came in 1979, when the Seawater Spa first opened, expanding the possibilities for the types of relaxation and wellness experiences guests could have at the resort. Today, the 30,000-square-foot spa wraps around the signature, seawater-fed indoor pool.  

More recently, Gurney’s Montauk underwent major modern renovations that began in 2013. The spa was renovated, as well as the public spaces and guest rooms. The resort also refreshed its private beach club experience, now a huge draw for guests, and opened the Dune Café & Lounge. 

Last year, Gurney’s Montauk also debuted a new oceanfront restaurant, gigi’s, which will be serving shareable New American dishes with a coastal twist for the first full summer season this year. 

“Together, these updates are designed to elevate the guest experience while remaining true to the property’s original character and iconic oceanfront setting,” Nenner said. 

How Gurney’s Is Celebrating This Summer 

Gurney’s Montauk is doubling down on its luxury and wellness offerings as it celebrates 100 years, during which time the resort has established some high-end partnerships with brands to deliver the best for guests. 

With Cadillac as the property’s official luxury auto partner, guests receive complimentary car service to and from the train station, jitney, or downtown Montauk.  

This year, Gurney’s Montauk is also bringing back the Dolce & Gabbana Beach Club. The luxury fashion designer has taken over the beach club by adorning the loungers, umbrellas, cabanas, and beachside bar, as well as setting up a pop-up boutique shop from June 9 to Sept. 26. 

Lots of programming will take place at Gurney’s Montauk this summer, especially for those seeking wellness and fitness. The resort welcomes the return of The La Prairie Summer Pop-Up from June 15 to Sept. 11, which will include limited-time facial and full body treatments at the oceanview spa. There will also be an expanded Summer Fitness Series of workout classes, including pilates, HIIT, yoga, and more on the spa deck. Plus, the Smoothie Bar with Lifeway will be available at Dune Café & Lounge. 

And finally, the resort will offer Voyage Through the Vineyards, a curated weekly wine tasting series, every Thursday from July 2 through Sept. 3, from 5-6 p.m. 

“What truly sets Gurney’s apart is the rare combination of location, scale, and experience,” Nenner concluded. “Coupled with curated offerings such as weekly wine tastings, standout dining, and seamless amenities like our Cadillac house car service, it creates a fully immersive, multifaceted stay that resonates with today’s luxury traveler.”