Who hasn’t experienced a case of wanderlust? The yearning to travel, observe and be inspired —and, when planning a getaway, is all the better if the place you stay sets your dreams in motion, too.
The North Fork’s coastal beauty, abundant farm stands and award-winning vineyards have lured many east to take in its pastoral charms, so it’s no surprise the area has seen a recent influx of remarkable hotels and resorts ready to amp up its undeniable allure.
The designs are as unique to each place as the East End is to the Empire State, uniquely blending cutting-edge architecture with sophisticated interiors or leaning into a laidback cabin vibe, with reimagined options for families, couples, accidental tourists, solo business travelers and wanderers. When it comes to interior design, these establishments raise the bar for temporary accommodations, evoking a sense of place and creating memorable experiences.
We spoke with the owners and designers behind these innovative lodgings and the empowered property directors who ensure their clientele feels at home when they’re not. Whether you seek inspiration for future travels or simply admire exceptional design, this curated journey through some of the most captivating North Fork destinations will awaken the explorer in you — even if they’re just a stone’s throw away.
Silver Sands Motel & Beach Bungalows
1400 Silvermere Road, Greenport, 631-997-1957, silversandsmotel.com
“The design approach was deeply intertwined with the sense of place that is Silver Sands, its history, and emotional connections with people,” explains owner Alexander Perros. “If I had to give it a name, I would call it ‘context-driven’ design or development, guided by a deep respect for Silver Sands’ 1950s origins and the generations of guests who built cherished memories here.”
Overlooking Pipes Cove in Greenport on 45 native landscaped acres designed by Hollander Design Landscape Architects, the thoughtfully reimagined resort with 20 motel rooms and 14 cottages evokes a nostalgic ambiance with its 1950s-inspired furnishings, cheerful fabric choices and unique touches. Books, matchboxes and found objects you wouldn’t normally expect to see in a hotel room invoke a playful, personal experience. “I think this attention to detail resonates with guests, creating a sense of intimacy and connection with just enough escapism to make it special,” says Perros. “We took a residential approach to the design of Silver Sands because we wanted people to feel at home here.”
When reimagining the smaller, original footprint of the motel rooms, thoughtful and creative elements provided living and bedroom spaces with equal privacy with half walls and half headboards. In comparison, touches like daydream-inducing upholstered window nooks in the waterfront cottages invite guests to settle in. Bath amenities by Flamingo Estate, a unique and sustainable brand exclusive to Silver Sands, and charming bathrobes bring in a luxe element. However, Perros insists it isn’t the design details that drive the seamless blend of nostalgia and creature comforts. “I don’t want a guest to walk into the room and think, ‘Oh, I love that chair or lamp.’ Instead, I want them to feel that they love and want to be in this place — [are] drawn to it. The design is complete only when the guest enters and inhabits the space.”
Hotel Moraine
62005 County Road 48, Greenport, 631-477-1776, hotelmoraine.com
Hotel Moraine in Greenport
“Our goal was simple: guests should feel immediately connected to the water when they arrive,” says Kristen Pennessi, who opened the eye-catching Hotel Moraine in Greenport with her husband, Dan, in June 2023 after an 18-month renovation. The design of the standalone building that houses the lobby is reminiscent of a modern barn, softened with rows of beach grasses softly blowing in the breeze. Upon entering, its floor-to-ceiling windows provide expansive views overlooking a gunite saltwater pool and, beyond it, Long Island Sound. It certainly makes for a dramatic first impression.
But while the look is bold and luxe, the hotel is known for offering a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere, with bocce ball on the lawn, fireside s’mores and, perhaps most interesting, a communal cottage that provides stunning sunset views. Set apart from the other buildings and perched on a bluff, the little house provides a peaceful a retreat for those seeking solitude or, conversely, a fantastic gathering spot for friends and family.
“There’s something wonderful about lounging there with a good book, surrounded by the sea breeze and sweeping views,” Pennessi says. “Historically, the former owners rented the cottage out as a single residence. It’s the best spot on the property, so we wanted to open it up for all guests to unite and enjoy what they choose, whether it’s happy hour, kids crafts, corporate retreats or yoga classes.”
Working travelers’ needs were also considered in the design of each water-view guest room within the adjacent two-story buildings, complete with built-in cabinetry, a desk and an eating nook with a well-equipped mini-bar. “If the past few years taught us anything, it’s that people need a place to work while on vacation,” says Pennessi. “Since they were relatively small rooms, we knew that built-ins would maximize functionality without compromising style.”
Work aside, each room has luxurious spa bathrooms with soaking tubs or walk-in showers, Anatome toiletries, plush Kassatex robes and Bellino bed linens. “For me, luxury starts with a dreamy night’s sleep,” says Pennessi. “We just introduced our pillow menu, allowing guests to customize their sleep experience to perfection.”
The Pridwin Hotel & Cottages
81 Shore Road, Shelter Island, 631-749-0476, caperesorts.com
Colleen Bashaw, Cape Resort’s vice president of interior design, carefully oversaw the revamp of the 33 rooms and 16 cottages nestled among the trees at The Pridwin, the beloved 1920s-era waterside hotel on Shelter Island presided over for decades by the Petry family, island locals who now co-own the property with Cape Resorts. “It was important to incorporate photos and objects about their family’s past into the design,” says Bashaw, “while keeping the spaces comfortable and relaxed with quirky elements that remind you of childhood.”
With an inherent sense of detail, Bashaw gave the Pridwin a needed shot in the arm, incorporating bold wallpapers, antique wicker and bright, vintage-inspired floral fabrics into the spaces, reimaging its timeless seaside resort vibe. “I like to use quality fabrics from established brands that I know will last, especially linen fabric, because the color saturation differs from cotton and feels more layered,” she says.
The studio and two-bedroom cottages have a classic Adirondack aesthetic that pays homage to the Pridwin’s history, including the exterior white paint color with signature hunter-green trim. “I wanted the design to feel nostalgic and summer camp-like but completely fresh,” Bashaw says. As has always been the way here, an extended stay is undoubtedly encouraged in a select few cottages with the addition of kitchenettes. “I think they are just wonderful,” says Bashaw. “The option to have cereal or coffee in the morning without leaving your cottage is a little luxury.”
The camp-like nostalgia, Bashaw’s attention to textural and aesthetic detail, stunning views of Peconic Bay and daily activities akin to Catskills resorts of days gone by make staying at The Pridwin Cottages an easy pick for a family vacation — although the solo traveler isn’t immune to its charms. “Our first summer, we had a single gentleman book a cottage for a week,” recounts Bashaw. “He loved it so much, he stayed a month.”
Lake, Sand + Sound
Southold, 718-309-1305, [email protected], bungalowouteast.com
“Our vision for the bungalow is to provide the luxury of a hotel, the intimacy of a home and the tranquility of a spa,” says Greenport’s RICA Bath + Body’s owner and holistic practitioner Dr. Kristina Ivy of her rental cottage in Southold. Overlooking Great Pond, the 1940s bungalow is set back from the rustic narrow road and has an almost barrier island landscape due to its proximity to Long Island Sound, just a block away.
The petite 850-square-foot cottage feels surprisingly spacious, partly due to the serene, neutral palate, comfortable seating and large windows facing the water. Initially designed as a showcase for her brand RICA after customers frequently expressed their desire to “live” inside the store, Ivy furnished the vacation rental with linen-covered furniture, home accessories and RICA bath and body products that she insists are a “top priority,” enveloping guests in sensory comfort. Signature RICA room sprays such as Tarragon + Bitters immediately set the tone upon arrival, with notes of clementine, lime zest and verbena in the mix. “Scent equals memories,” explains Ivy. “I hope to inspire that within the space for guests to enjoy and appreciate time together.”
The cottage also offers a full kitchen and farm-table dining area, a luxury typically unavailable at hotels. “For a well-appointed rental, you need to think of what your guests do at their home so there is nothing that they will miss,” says Ivy. “I like to think of it as ‘provisions for relaxed living.’ For the cook, you need a fully stocked kitchen, for the reader great books, and kids, great board games.”
For all the attention to detail, most visitors familiar with the RICA brand will check in for the natural skincare and bath amenities. “I find the psychology behind vacationing fascinating, the process of allowing oneself permission to leave what is familiar, embrace something new and grow,” Ivy says. “We try to make this easy so you feel like you are home, but better.”
Aqua Beach Hotel
15 Bay Ave., Aquebogue, 631-722-3212, aquahotelbeachclub.com
“The calm, almost Mediterranean-like atmosphere of Flanders Bay is a major draw for those staying at Aqua,” says property director Ryan Farrell. “Guests often return for the breathtaking sunsets, gentle waters and the quiet charm of our location, which stands apart from the busier parts of Long Island.”
With playful, sexy design choices (the hallway ceiling features wallpaper depicting bathing-capped swimmers, while giraffe lamp bases and rope-hanging monkey sculptures tucked into palm trees punctuate the sense of fun), this adults-only hotel attracts couples searching for a romantic getaway — and Argentinian-born fashion designer Alex Vinash originally designed these elements with that in mind. With each suite offering a secluded sun terrace that converges into a spacious garden, rattan day beds and a private beach, there is no shortage of spaces to unwind.
Farrell — who is also general manager of American Beech, Aqua’s sister property in Greenport — describes the oasis vibe at the 18-room beachfront boutique hotel in Aquebogue as a sensory experience, invoked in part by the Sicilian luxury brand Ortigia’s natural bath and body amenities and scent diffusers found in each room.
“The goal was to craft an elegant aesthetic that merges tropical escapism with easy adventure while maintaining harmony with the North Fork’s natural beauty,” Farrell explains.
