Number of Rooms: 13

Location: Tucked into the shadow of the Parrish Art Museum in Water Mill, New York.

The Hamptons have long been an escape for weary and overworked New Yorkers, thanks in part to their proximity, but with the opening of Shou Sugi Ban House in the summer of 2019, suddenly a weekend out east can take you a lot further. The architecture at this Southampton enclave is salt box meets ryokan, but the Japanese influence is felt even more in the holistic and sensory approach to wellness. Instead of trekking up, up, up into scenic hills like you might at other retreats, you'll start the day with tea meditation and a guided beach walk; meals, which are designed by Noma co-founder Mads Refslund, are mostly plant-based, and incorporate those magic blue-zone ingredients, prepared with a Japanese bent. "Shou Sugi Ban" describes the process of strengthening wood by setting it afire, but the only thing we're burning is rubber as we floor it east on I-495.

What We Loved: The words “The Hamptons” immediately conjure images of weathered grey shingles and voluptuous white hydrangeas; of Wölffer rose and lobster rolls from the Seafood Shop. This can be either a blessing or a curse, depending on the escape you’re seeking. Shou Sugi Ban feels worlds away from that citronella-scented, linen-clad blur – the infusion of Japanese influences (yes, that’s a tea pun) means this is actually an escape within a few hours of the city (and not just the Upper East Side East.)

What We Didn’t Love: While the food is incredible, there’s no alcohol served on property. Wind down at the end of the day with a custom herbal blend from the property’s tea barn instead.

Right For: New Yorkers who want to pack a restorative punch with a quick trip – think couples, girls’ trips, or even solo travelers.

Wrong For: If you wake up on Saturday morning in Amagansett and think “I can’t wait to see my friends at Soul Cycle,” Shou Sugi Ban may feel too removed from the scene.

Best Time to Visit: When you’re out east to detox instead of just ‘tox, there’s no time like Autumn for brisk beach walks and evenings by the fire.

TLF Tip: Take a turn on the Vibroacoustic treatment table, which uses various subtle frequencies to reduce stress and muscle tension.