Gurney’s Montauk Resort and Seawater Spa
HBA’s refreshed design for Gurney’s Montauk Resort and Seawater Spa in Montauk, New York, harmoniously blends modern luxury with coastal charm, utilizing warm woods, tactile materials, and thoughtful detailing to create inviting spaces that celebrate the serene beauty of the Atlantic shoreline.
Where the Atlantic’s rhythmic pulse meets the tranquil shores of East Hampton stands Gurney’s Montauk Resort and Seawater Spa, a storied resort with refreshed design by HBA San Francisco across its lobby, two new food & beverage concepts—gigi’s montauk and Dune Café & Lounge—and The Firepit outdoor gathering space.
Warm woods, woven elements and polished accents intertwine to craft a modern luxury experience equally familiar and innovative. Light, texture and materiality engage in a dialogue reminiscent of sun and sea, establishing a dynamic atmosphere. Architectural elements transform poetry into tangible form, enhanced by the delicate detailing of handcrafted materials and a rich color palette drawn from the natural surroundings.
Lobby & Arrival
The visual vocabulary stirs an emotional response of homecoming upon arrival in the lobby. Muted ocean hues, sandy neutrals, and deep grounding tones of the cliffs and shoreline whisper serenity, greeting guests with a welcoming embrace. An art wall exhibits historical ephemera tying the hotel’s legacy to its modern present. Furniture, anchored by custom area rugs, exudes elegance and repose with upholstered pieces that invite relaxation. A combination of plush textiles and tactile surfaces feels approachable yet refined.
Sleek metal embellishments along the architectural beams lend a sophisticated touch, while the sheen of handmade tiles evokes sunlight reflecting on the ocean’s surface. Striking and tactile, these elements foster a seamless flow between the interior and exterior environments.
gigi’s montauk
Inspired by the spirit of the sea, gigi’s montauk introduces navy blue tones and nautical finishes. Richly hued millwork in a high-gloss finish envelops guests in refined comfort while grounding the palette with a moody sophistication. A coffered ceiling in natural wood spans overhead, its geometry characteristic of luxury marine interiors. Inlaid metal accents catch the light with a discreet shimmer, adding visual rhythm and a sense of movement above.
At the dining room’s center, an expansive channel-tufted banquette wrapped in caramel leather extends visual warmth and tactility for savoring moments over shared coastal cuisine. Fluted wood panels encircle the central seating group and rise like the horizon meeting the sky, forming an expressive backdrop for clean stone-topped tables. Integrated lighting embedded within the millwork casts a gentle ambient glow to enhance the layered textures.
Dune Café & Lounge
Dune Café & Lounge takes its cues from the ocean and presents a more casual yet elevated experience for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Seafoam greens and sandy neutrals recall hushed colors of the sea, balanced with sleek design elements. Woven light fixtures, natural stone surfaces and airy fabrics combine in a textural interplay of understated elegance with residential ease, encouraging guests to linger.
The Firepit
Located on the expansive main deck, the renovated fire pits serve as the centerpiece of the outdoor experience, fostering camaraderie against sweeping ocean views. A central pergola provides shelter from cool evening breezes, while a new VIP fire pit area offers a luxurious enclave with cozy seating and soft lighting perfect for intimate conversations beneath starlit skies. Materials like driftwood, stone and metal maintain the resort’s integration with its spectacular landscape through nature-inspired warmth.
Interior Design: HBA
Architect: DiSunno Architecture
General Contractor: Structure Tek Construction Inc.
Art: RAREculture
Photography: Noah Webb
