Hamptons

LVH luxury Hamptons rentals are found in some of the most prestigious and captivating neighborhoods. The region’s bewitching maritime hamlets and time-forgotten villages abound with comfort and nostalgia. Our favorite method of discovering the Hamptons’ charms is via its burgeoning network of artisanal shops and bakeries, we’ve lovingly dubbed the “sweet trial.”

When staying in the Hamptons, be sure to visit the following eight areas:

Amagansett

This charming and refined seaside community is a marriage of easy living and alluring elegance, characterized by the stunning architecture defined by properties such as Villa Mariah. The hamlet is about 6.5 square miles and is home to a charming Main street, tranquil sands like Indian Wells beach, with miles of rolling dunes. Amagansett is for those who crave luxury against an exclusive and serene setting.

Bridgehampton

For lovers of everything equestrian, Bridgehampton is a celebration of life's finer moments. Some estates such as Villa Sandcastle are close to alfresco dining establishments, expansive outdoor spaces, and tree-lined avenues. However, Bridgehampton is best known for its world-class riding events such as the Hamptons Classic and matches at the Bridgehampton Polo Club.

East Hampton

Sophisticated living along the ocean is what East Hampton Village is all about. It is the ultimate upscale seaside retreat when looking to lounge in luxury. Located just 36 minutes from Hampton Bays, Villa Priscilla is a modern mansion with an exclusive movie theater, private gym, and yoga studio. This postcard-perfect village is a favorite for artists, writers, and other creatives. Premier shopping and dining beckon visitors, as do some of the most exclusive beaches in the country, such as Georgica, Main, Wiborg, and Egypt Lane beaches.

Montauk

Montauk is replete with ocean-centric vitality. This is the land of bare feet, boards, and bikes with a laid-back atmosphere perfect for those who love water activities. Keep in mind, too, that the dining and nightlife scenes have grown to storied status here in recent years. Think chill days and sweltering nights!

Sag Harbor

Sag Harbor is a cultural mecca for writers, intellectuals, and artists. Art galleries, an independent movie theater with an art deco front, and an impressive variety of Main Street establishments. Expect beautiful beaches with breathtaking sunsets. Sag Harbor is devoid of pretense yet is still polished and chic. This understated allure is translated from its neighborhoods into homes such as Villa Alexa. There are many open-air or waterfront dining restaurants in the area from which to choose.

Southampton

Southampton has quietly made a name for itself as the Hamptons' epicenter of arts and culture. Great artists like Jackson Pollock and Ray Lichtenstein both had studios here, and author Tom Wolfe has a residence in the village. It's easy to see why vacationers choose to make Southampton their home away from home, especially when they have options such as the stunning Villa Filomena.

Water Mill

Water Mill is a hamlet that has become somewhat of an art hub over the last few years, yet it's not short on terrific restaurants and makes the ideal family getaway. The main beach is called Flying Point, but there's also The Cut where Mecox Bay cuts through to the ocean where the tides rise and fall, and the water flows in and out of the bay. Enjoy seaside views with close proximity to five beaches when you stay at Water Mill homes like Villa Zarina.

Westhampton Beach

Westhampton's low-key tranquility adds to its bygone era charm. The community has a healthy commitment to the arts. Westhampton is a place where time slows down, and the energy is easy and relaxed. Being the closest village to New York, travelers from the city often choose to make this their settlement during the holidays and summer. There are many shops and restaurants, with favorite waterfront areas like Cupsogue Beach and Pike's Beach. Many of the homes, such as Villa Amelia, have direct beach access.

Some of the finest restaurants on the east coast are located in the Hamptons. Dine in style while renting a luxury mansion or villa from LVH. Here five of our favorite eateries:

Almond

Almond is often known for attracting locals, celebrities, and tourists who enjoy locally sourced, fresh, artisanal cuisine. Expect to find everything from Korean-style short ribs to mac and cheese with prosciutto and shaved Umbrian truffles.

Cowfish

Those wanting a bountiful choice from land or sea should try Cowfish. The seared Ahi tuna is always a favorite; however, save room for dessert since the skillet cookie with vanilla ice cream is a must.

Highway

For an elevated dining experience with zero pretense, Highway is the place. The focus is on classic American food with delicious signature dishes like the steamed pork buns filled with a healthy slice of pork belly, served with spicy red cabbage slaw.

Nick & Toni's

This fine dining establishment has the air of an old farmhouse in Tuscany. Nick & Toni's has rustic Italian and Mediterranean dishes sourcing ingredients from local farmers and fishermen. The wood-roasted mussels come highly recommended. To garner more information on this establishment and other equally spectacular gastronomic experiences, click here.

Stone Creek Inn

Much of the cuisine at the Stone Creek Inn is French-inspired. The dining experience is memorable with choices such as oven-roasted halibut, rack of lamb with Mediterranean spice, and braised Montauk lobster with baby vegetables.

The Hamptons has a vibrant and healthy arts scene. Here are five top arts venues visitors should investigate:

Bay Street Theater

If taking in a terrific live production is on your itinerary, the Bay Street Theater in Sag Harbor is the "it" place. CBS Sunday Morning called it one of the country's preeminent regional theaters.

Dan Flavin Art Institute

The work of light artist Dan Flavin is front and center at the Dan Flavin Art Institute. This modernist pioneer revolutionized the use of fluorescent light as an art form. His "situations," as he called them, manipulate space. Flavin has been named one of the most important visual artists of the 20th century.

Guild Hall

This cultural cornerstone has been a part of the Hamptons since 1931. The museum mounts between eight and 10 exhibitions a year focusing on artists affiliated with the area. Visiting Guild Hall with its jewel-box proscenium theater and fine art galleries should be on everyone's to-do list while visiting the Hamptons.

Hauser & Wirth

This by-appointment-only gallery recently opened its new 5,000-square-foot space in Southampton. Many art collectors are enticed by the number of well-known artists, such as Pipilotti Rist and Jenny Holzer, whose works can be found here.

Parrish Art Museum

Some awe-inspiring collections make their home at the Parrish Art Museum. The world's most important collections of works by the preeminent American Impressionist William Merritt Chase and the groundbreaking post-war American realist painter Fairfield Porter can be viewed here.

Nightlife in the Hamptons can be quite the scene as popular places fill up quickly. LVH recommends checking out these three venues as great places for nightlife when wanting a little excitement after dark away from the Hampton villa:

Gurney's Beach Club

This club is happening. It’s replete with breezy beachside cabanas, a nautical-striped outdoor bar, and an influencer-styled crowd getting down to a live DJ. As they say, Gurney's during peak season is peak Montauk.

The Surf Lodge

Here, partiers will feel the sand beneath their toes as they take sunset pics over Fort Pond, hear live music and run into a dizzying array of beautiful people. The Surf Lodge is one of the most well-known hotspots in all of Montauk.

The Stephen Talkhouse

The Stephen Talkhouse has weathered years of history – 50 to be exact. It has been touted as Long Island's best live music club and brings scores of A-list performers to Amagansett. VIP tables can be purchased for most shows.

There is never a shortage of things happening in the Hamptons with something for everyone's tastes. Even its periphery is home to one of sports’ most monumental tournaments: late summer’s US Open is 90 minutes away in Queens.

These four are among the most popular events in the Hamptons:

Great South Bay Music Festival

The Great South Bay Music Festival in Long Island is the largest, longest-running four-day music, art, and cultural event. More than 60 performers on four stages present legends and local emerging artists in classic rock, jazz, jam-band, country, folk, zydeco, hip hop, and funk.

Polo Hamptons

People who enjoy sports and horses might wish to spend an exciting afternoon at Polo Hamptons. You will enjoy the thrill of a polo match with preferred seating and a VIP cocktail party. You will also have access to an open bar paired with hors d'oeuvres.

The Hamptons Classic Horse Show

One of the largest outdoor horse shows in the United States; the Hamptons Classic Horse Show is a premier destination for horse enthusiasts and a much-anticipated stop on the summer tour for competitors. In addition to watching world-class equestrian riders, you can enjoy more than 80 onsite shops and delectable international food options.

Westhampton Beach Festival of the Arts

Attendees at the Westhampton Beach Festival of the Arts can explore an extraordinary outdoor gallery of original artwork in such mediums as sculpture, jewelry, painting, photography, glass, ceramics, mixed-media, metalwork, fiber art, woodworking, and more. Artists with works found in the top private and public art collections in the nation are on hand.

There's more to the Hamptons than the beach and great restaurants. Check out one of the many nature preserves like the Quogue Wildlife Refuge and antique shops not far away. Here are two exciting things to do while visiting the Hamptons:

Wine tastings/Winery

Connoisseurs of fine wine would savor a personalized and private tour of some of the best wineries the Hamptons have to offer. Take in wineries such as the magnificent Wollfer Estate Vineyard in Sagaponack and smaller vineyards such as Channing Daughter, where wine offerings are no less stellar. Guests may satiate their oenophilic desires with more vineyards listed here!

Montauk Point Lighthouse

Climb to the top of the oldest lighthouse in New York state for the magnificent view. Make sure to bring a camera to capture the magical moments. After that long climb to the top, there are plenty of swinging benches to relax and watch the scenery before heading back to your villa in the Hamptons.