Luxury Hotel · USA
Shou Sugi Ban House
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At a glance
Shou Sugi Ban House is a five-star Japanese-inspired wellness resort and destination spa in Water Mill, in the Hamptons.
Shou Sugi Ban House opened in 2019 as the first destination spa in the Hamptons, a gated compound on a few quiet acres two hours from New York City. The design follows Japanese wabi-sabi: charred wood, natural materials, calm. There are 13 standalone studios with soaking tubs, gas fireplaces, and garden patios.
The wellness programme is the focus here, covering massage, facials, hydrotherapy, sound baths, Reiki, yoga, and meditation, by the day or over several nights. Dining is plant-forward, from Michelin-starred chef Mads Refslund, a Noma co-founder. There is a saltwater pool and an outdoor dining orchard.
This is an adults-only place built for slowing down, and it suits couples, gay or straight, and solo travellers alike, for a short reset or a longer stay. The ocean is three miles away, and the Hamptons’ galleries and vineyards are close.
Highlights
- The Hamptons’ first destination spa and wellness resort
- 13 Japanese-inspired studios with soaking tubs and fireplaces
- Plant-forward dining by Noma co-founder Mads Refslund
Accommodation
Accommodation
The guest studios are spread out over 13 buildings. They all embody the minimalist asthetic, featuring wabi-sabi influences, clean lines and light, warm colours. It’s an ideal setting to clear your mind. The rooms are free of clutter.
All rooms have pool views and open onto private gardens with a massage area. The beds have Cocuchi and Morihata linen. The bathrooms feature Hinoki Ofuro bathtubs with in-built air massage.
Further information
Spa
An extensive selection of spa treatments are available. These include hydrotherapy, thermal suite, a solarium deck and spa lounge. Try the apres-sauna ice fountain, watsu and plunge pools and a thermal suite with an infrared sauna.
Wellness is the essence of this retreat, and it’s one of the finest wellness resorts in New York State. You’re guaranteed to leave with mind and body feeling fully rejuvenated.
Food And Drink
The food and drink at Shou Sugi alone justifies the visit. The executive chef was a co-founder of Noma, the iconic Copenhagen restaurant. The restaurant inaugurated the New Nordic dining trend. All the food is very healthy – obvs – and made from locally sourced ingredients.
Dining takes place around a single long table – cue Last Supper jokes. Breakfast features Scandi favorites, such as avocado with eggs and rye bread.
Location
Shou Sugi Ban House is in Water Mill, one of the quieter Hampton villages on the South Fork of Long Island, about 90 miles and two hours from Manhattan. It is a gated compound next to the Parrish Art Museum, three miles from the Atlantic beaches at Mecox and Flying Point. The surrounding area is classic Hamptons: farm stands, vineyards, art galleries, and the towns of Southampton and East Hampton a short drive in either direction.
USA
Getting Around The US is best navigated by a combination of air and ground transport. Domestic flights are frequent and reasonably priced, making them the practical choice for covering long distances, particularly between the coasts.
Our Experts
The thing about the USA is that it's just so diverse. It doesn't matter what you're looking for, you can find it in the USA. I personally love San Francisco because it's hotels are arty and luxurious at the same time.
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Frequently asked questions
What does Out Of Office do?
Out Of Office is a luxury LGBTQ+ travel company specialising in tailor-made holidays and extraordinary journeys around the world. We create bespoke luxury holidays, LGBTQ+ honeymoons, safaris, cruises, beach escapes, private tours and group trips, with every itinerary designed around you. Our travel specialists combine global expertise, first-hand destination knowledge and trusted local partners to create seamless, highly personalised experiences.
Is Out Of Office a gay travel agency?
Out Of Office is an LGBTQ+ owned and run luxury travel specialist, with particular expertise in gay and LGBTQ+ travel. We understand the additional considerations that can come with travelling as an LGBTQ+ person or couple, from local laws and customs to finding genuinely welcoming hotels and experiences.
We welcome every traveller, including friends, families and allies. Many of our clients are not members of the LGBTQ+ community, but choose Out Of Office for our luxury travel expertise, personalised service and discretion.
Do you create tailor-made LGBTQ+ holidays?
Yes. Every tailor-made trip with Out Of Office is designed from scratch around your interests, travel style, budget and the way you want to experience a destination. We can arrange luxury hotels, private transfers, flights, guides, excursions, cruises and special experiences as part of one personalised itinerary. The journeys shown on our website are there to inspire you rather than restrict you; only clearly identified group departures operate as fixed itineraries.
How do you choose LGBTQ+ friendly hotels and destinations?
We combine first-hand destination knowledge with trusted local expertise to recommend luxury hotels, resorts and experiences where LGBTQ+ travellers can feel informed and welcome. We also consider the laws, customs and attitudes of each destination, because LGBTQ+ rights and experiences differ around the world. Our team regularly visit many of the properties we work with and where a destination requires greater awareness, we give you clear and considered advice so that you can make an informed decision about where and how you travel.
We plant trees for every booking
For every booking made with Out Of Office we commit to planting trees in your name to help reduce the impact of travel on future generations. You'll even get a link to see where your trees are planted in the world via our partner Ecologi.
We donate to Rainbow Railroad with every booking
Rainbow Railroad helps LGBTQ+ people escape state-sponsored violence and persecution. A donation goes with every trip we sell, funded by us and never added to your price.
Start Planning Your Trip
Tell us where you would love to go, when you are thinking of travelling and what kind of trip you have in mind. One of our LGBTQ+ travel specialists will create a tailor-made itinerary designed around your destination, style and preferences.
One named specialist, first enquiry to homecoming. No call centre, and nothing is charged until you decide to book.