The Hamptons, New YorkWater Mill
Shou Sugi Ban House
Minimalist ryokan compound
Water Mill The Hamptons, New York
Renovated
2023
Price
$$$$
Rated for
Design Wellness LuxeOutside the door
Minimalist ryokan compound
The estate translates the quiet rituals of a Japanese ryokan to Long Island, centering stays on silence and communal tea.
“Inspired by the Japanese ethos of wabi-sabi and openness, a stay at SSBH encompasses a spa, healing arts, nutrition, fitness and complete wellness experiences.”
What it’s good at
Remarkable
Glass-walled meditation pavilions and pale timber cottages among sculpted dune gardens.
Remarkable
Contrast saltwater plunge pools and an outdoor Watsu pool frame daily hydrotherapy.
Notable
Dedicated retreat hosts guide daily schedules alongside private in-studio soaking rituals.
What they say
Also in Condé Nast Traveler, Softer Volumes and Wallpaper*.
Its aesthetic is minimalist, clean, and Japanese/Scandinavian-influenced while also incorporating the beachy aesthetic of the area.
Tucked away
A place apart: the property is the destination.
The Parrish Art Museum sits right next door. A short drive down Montauk Highway leads to the shops and cafes of Southampton Village.
The rooms
Studios have Kobe-style wood bedframes beside traditional tokonoma display alcoves. Deep soaking tubs look straight out onto private garden patios.
The pool and gym
Bring a swimsuit.
A saltwater swimming pool sits ringed by loungers, and the fitness studio opens directly onto gravel courtyard gardens.
The spa
Nine treatment rooms across Yin and Yang spaces host Ashiatsu barefoot massages and botanical bodywork beside quiet fireplace lounges.
At the table
Hyper-seasonal meals from the organic garden are served under vaulted barn timbers, and the tea lounge pours Kyoto green teas.
Spa and wellness retreat inspired by Japanese design and principles, thoughtfully curated private and communal spaces designed to inspire reflection and relaxation.
How it began
The name draws from the Japanese craft of charring wood with fire, chosen after an original barn burned down on site.
The Hamptons
More like this
Faraway Sag Harbor
“Harborside coastal compound”
Gurney's Montauk Resort & Seawater Spa
“Oceanfront seawater citadel”
Canoe Place Inn & Cottages
“Restored canal-side inn”
A Room at the Beach
“Redwood motel hideaway”
The Reform Club
“Shingle-style garden estate”
Marram
“Oceanfront dune lodge”
The Roundtree Amagansett
“Pastoral Hamptons farmstead”
Topping Rose House
“Historic Hamptons household”
The app
Like this one? There are so many more.
Swipe any city’s hotels and heart the ones you love. The app gets your taste.
Our shorthand
How we rate hotels.
The medals
Gold
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Silver
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
Bronze
They did this well. You’ll notice.
Listed
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Design
Built around a vision. Even the door handles have a designer.
Luxe
Cared for at every turn. The bath is drawn before you ask.
Local
It could only be here. You wake up knowing where you are.
Social
Where the city goes out. The bar is full and the night is young.
Heritage
A building with a story. Once a palace, a monastery, a station.
Wellness
You leave feeling new. Rest, sweat, soak and sleep like a stone.
Classic
The city grew up with it. Same rituals, same regulars, same bar.
Resort
A world of its own. Something to do from breakfast to nightcap.
The scene
Lively
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Central
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Secluded
A place apart: the property is the destination.