HOTEL BUZZ: Surf's Up in Montauk

Looking for somewhere cool to escape to this Labor Day weekend? Check out the uber-hip Surf Lodge Hotel located on the furthermost tip of Long Island. Here, the surfing spirit lives on in vintage style and Kodachrome color (think flip-flops, vintage Land Rovers, great music, surfboards on the roof and impromptu lakeside bonfires) in a relaxed and undeniably cool atmosphere.

Guests can kick back in the Den–a sunken seating area with a projection screen showing classic surf films 24 hours a day–watching films, reading their iPad’s or playing board games. The indoor/outdoor Bar and Restaurant offers a Hawaiian lunch service from 11am to 4pm, courtesy of Top Chef’s Sam Talbot, whose menu focuses on fresh, local seafood caught daily and dishes designed around seasonal ingredients. On select days, The Food Truck also serves up Hawaiian teriyaki plates and lobster rolls to guests and patrons for lunch and late night snacks. The 2,600-square-foot Deck is the heart of the joint, featuring an outdoor lounge area and cocktail tables with full bar and stunning sunsets overlooking tranquil Fort Pond. On weekends, there are live music performances and concerts from top artists featured in an intimate setting as part of the hotel’s popular Summer Concert Music Series. (August 29: Ocote Soul Sounds / September 4:  The Beautiful Girls / September 5:  See-I.)

There is also a film season at The Surf Lodge featuring surf classics and new documentaries such as The Endless Summer, the critically acclaimed A Fly in the Champagne, The Cove, and others. Projected on an outdoor screen, the Surf Cinema Series is a great way to enjoy a summer evening flick. During the daytime, in-house surf pro Dustin Franks not only entices guests to Surf Lessons and stand-up paddle excursions, but this surfer and singer/songwriter also gives performances on the deck two nights a week during the summer season. For the body conscious, weekly yoga classes are held on a private deck overlooking the water and bicycle rentals, horseback riding, kayaking, and fishing are also on offer, as well as in-room massages, facials, and other detoxifying spa services.

Finally, what would a summer holiday be without a spot of shopping? The Store at The Surf Lodge stocks all the best designer collections inspired by the ocean, beach and nature, including the exclusive Surf Bazaar label as well as pieces from Suno, Alexandra Cassaniti, Jill Platner, Loomstate and lots more.

Rates: July- Sept: weekday-$350 p/night; weekend-$400 p/night. / May-June: weekday-$275; weekend-$350. For reservations, call 631 668 1562 or visit www.thesurflodge.com for more information.