Back to Montauk & The Hamptons

Solé East Resort

From $265/night • Score: 4.5★ (1420 reviews)

Exterior 1Exterior 2Interior 1Interior 2Surroundings

First Impressions & Architecture

Approaching Solé East Resort along Second House Road feels akin to peeling back the frenetic, neon-tinted layers of modern Montauk to reveal a softer, more bohemian heartbeat. Set back from the highway and shielded by a dense, whispering canopy of mature oak trees and towering bamboo stalks, this historic property operates in an entirely different register from the high-octane, scene-heavy mega-resorts that so often dominate the South Fork conversation. At an approachable $265 a night, Solé East offers an extraordinary value proposition in a destination where five-figure weekend rentals and exorbitant nightly hotel rates are increasingly the norm. Yet, despite its accessible price point, the resort sacrifices nothing in terms of character, aesthetic integrity, or that elusive sense of privileged seclusion that defines true luxury in the twenty-first century.

The architectural narrative of Solé East is rooted in a fascinating juxtaposition. The property anchors itself around a landmark 1929 American Tudor estate, a grand structural nod to a bygone era of East Coast leisure. Originally conceived nearly a century ago, the historic main building cuts a stately, romantic silhouette against the flat, verdant expanse of the Hamptons landscape. Its pitched gable roofs, dark timber framing, and stucco facade whisper tales of jazz-age weekends and unhurried coastal retreats. However, rather than leaning into a stuffy, historically precious interior design scheme, the visionaries behind Solé East have brilliantly juxtaposed this classic architectural foundation with a sun-drenched, Hamptons-meets-Ibiza aesthetic.

Sprawling across two-and-a-half meticulously manicured, park-like acres, the resort feels less like a commercial hotel and more like the sprawling private estate of an eccentric, well-traveled artist. The grounds are an exercise in sensory layering. As you step out of the classic Tudor lobby, the crisp scent of salt air mingles with the earthy, calming aroma of aged wood and manicured lawns. Sunlight filters through the dense overhead foliage, casting dappled, cinematic shadows across winding gravel pathways and hidden garden nooks. It is an environment engineered for decompression. There are no oppressive concrete block corridors or sterile corporate hallways here; instead, guests navigate a sprawling, campus-style layout where nature is an active, omnipresent participant in the design. Whether you are catching a quiet moment on a shaded lawn bench or walking back from the pool as dusk paints the sky in bruised shades of lavender and gold, the architecture and landscaping of Solé East conspire to lower your heart rate within minutes of arrival.

The Room Experience

Accommodations at Solé East continue the property's masterclass in relaxed, coastal-bohemian elegance. Eschewing the predictable, maritime-cliché nautical stripes and heavy mahogany furniture found in countless regional inns, the guest rooms and bungalows lean heavily into a palette of sun-bleached whites, organic linens, warm woods, and artisanal touches that evoke a barefoot luxury sensibility. It is a design philosophy that prioritizes tactile comfort and visual serenity above all else, ensuring that guests feel instantly untethered from the stresses of urban life.

Upon entering your room, the first sensation is one of light and space. Large windows frame views of either the lush, bamboo-shaded courtyards or the vibrant central pool area, flooding the interiors with natural daylight. The flooring—often wide-plank distressed wood or cool, polished concrete—invites you to kick off your shoes the moment you cross the threshold. Beds are dressed in crisp, high-thread-count white duvets and piled high with plush pillows, guaranteeing a restorative night of sleep underscored by the profound, country-quiet silence of the property's woodland perimeter.

Thoughtful design details elevate the rooms from simple places to sleep into true sanctuaries of rest. Custom driftwood and rattan furnishings introduce organic textures, while abstract local artwork on the walls nods to Montauk’s enduring legacy as a haven for painters and creators. Modern conveniences are seamlessly integrated without disrupting the aesthetic harmony: flat-screen televisions are subtly mounted, high-speed Wi-Fi is effortlessly reliable, and individually controlled air conditioning ensures your micro-climate is precisely to your liking.

The bathrooms offer a spa-like respite, featuring rainfall showerheads, ample counter space, and a curated collection of botanical bath products that smell faintly of eucalyptus and sea salt. Step outside onto a private patio or shared veranda—features attached to many of the ground-floor rooms and bungalows—and you will find a pair of Adirondack chairs or lounge seating waiting for you. It is the ideal spot to enjoy a quiet cup of artisanal coffee at sunrise, wrapped in one of the resort’s plush terrycloth robes, listening to the morning birdsong before the rest of the world wakes up. Every square foot of the room experience is calibrated to make you feel as though you are staying at the private guesthouse of a remarkably stylish friend.

Signature Amenities & Atmosphere

If the rooms are designed for inward retreat, the outdoor spaces at Solé East are where the social, sun-worshipping soul of the resort comes alive. At the very center of the two-and-a-half-acre property sits the crown jewel of the resort: a magnificent, heated outdoor swimming pool that serves as the undisputed social hub of the estate during the sun-drenched summer months.

Surrounding the shimmering turquoise waters is an expansive wooden pool deck lined with pristine white canvas cabanas and oversized, deeply cushioned daybeds that practically demand an afternoon of uninterrupted lounging with a hardcover novel and an iced cocktail. The atmosphere here manages a rare hospitality magic trick: it is effortlessly chic yet entirely unpretentious. There is none of the aggressive, bottle-service-fueled posturing that characterizes pool scenes further west in the Hamptons. Instead, the vibe is closer to a chic Mediterranean beach club transposed onto the East End of Long Island.

As the weekend approaches, the energy shifts delightfully. Curated acoustic DJ sets drift across the lawn, providing a sophisticated, downtempo sonic backdrop that enhances rather than overwhelms the afternoon. It is the kind of music that makes a crisp rosé taste just a little bit better.

Beyond the pool deck, the sprawling lawns encourage a playful, analog lifestyle. Guests can often be found lounging on oversized blankets, engaging in lazy games of cornhole or bocce under the shade of the grand oak trees. For those eager to explore the surrounding terrain, the resort provides complimentary loaner bicycles—sturdy cruisers painted in cheerful hues, perfect for peddling down to the nearby village or catching a glimpse of the Atlantic surf. The pervasive atmosphere throughout the grounds is one of unstructured freedom; whether you choose to socialize by the cabanas or lose yourself with a book in a secluded garden corner, Solé East accommodates your preferred rhythm with effortless grace.

Food, Drink & Local Nightlife

Culinary offerings at Solé East are anchored by The Backyard Restaurant, an open-air dining destination that captures the effortless, rustic-chic ethos of the resort and translates it directly onto the plate. Housed in an environment that feels like an enchanted garden party, the restaurant utilizes a wood-fired oven to impart rich, smoky depths to a menu heavily inspired by the sun-drenched coasts of the Mediterranean.

Dining at The Backyard is an immersive sensory experience. Tables are scattered across a wooden deck and manicured lawns, illuminated by the warm, flickering glow of overhead string lights and candles as evening descends. The menu changes seasonally to highlight the bountiful agricultural and maritime resources of the East End, showcasing locally caught fish, hyper-fresh vegetables from nearby North Fork farms, and prime meats kissed by wood smoke. Expect dishes like charred octopus with lemon and oregano, artisanal flatbreads blistered to perfection in the wood-fired oven, and pristine striped bass accompanied by seasonal summer succotash.

The bar program is equally compelling, focusing on inventive, craft cocktails that incorporate fresh garden herbs, cold-pressed juices, and top-shelf spirits. The signature spicy mezcal margarita and the refreshing lavender-infused gin fizz are perennial crowd favorites, perfectly suited for sipping while the sun dips below the bamboo line. Breakfast and brunch are similarly stellar affairs, offering everything from fluffy ricotta pancakes with local berries to perfectly poached eggs over smashed avocado on artisanal sourdough.

When you are ready to venture beyond the property lines, Solé East places you within striking distance of Montauk’s legendary nightlife and dining scene, while still offering a peaceful sanctuary to retreat to when the bass becomes too heavy. Within a short drive or bike ride, you can find world-class seafood shacks like The Lobster Roll, upscale dining institutions like Duryea’s Lobster Deck overlooking Montauk Harbor, and vibrant nightlife hubs like the Surf Lodge. Yet, the greatest luxury of dining and drinking at Solé East is knowing that at the end of the night, you can leave the chaos of the town center behind and return to your quiet woodland oasis for a nightcap under the stars.

Who This Stay Is For

Solé East Resort occupies a very specific, highly desirable niche in the hyper-competitive landscape of Hamptons hospitality. Understanding whether this property aligns with your travel style is the key to unlocking an unforgettable vacation experience.

Conversely, those seeking a traditional, marble-lobbied luxury hotel with 24-hour room service, a subterranean spa, and direct beachfront access might find the laid-back, motel-chic roots of Solé East slightly too casual. This is a property designed for travelers who measure luxury not in gold-plated fixtures, but in space, quiet, aesthetic harmony, and the freedom to unwind entirely on their own terms.

Practical Travel Notes

A seamless stay at Solé East requires just a touch of practical logistical planning, particularly given the seasonal rhythms of the Montauk market. The resort operates primarily as a warm-weather destination, with its peak vibrancy occurring between Memorial Day and Labor Day, though the shoulder seasons of late spring and early autumn offer a profoundly peaceful, crowd-free alternative for those seeking solitude.

At $265 per night, rooms book out remarkably fast during the summer months, especially for weekend getaways. It is highly recommended to secure your reservation several months in advance, particularly if you have your heart set on a specific room category or ground-floor bungalow with patio access. Weekend rates and minimum-stay requirements are standard for the Hamptons region, so planning a Thursday-to-Sunday or Friday-to-Monday itinerary will yield the best experience.

While the property provides complimentary loaner bicycles for local transit, having a car—or utilizing rideshare services—is advisable if you plan to explore the farther reaches of the South Fork, from the lighthouse at Montauk Point to the vineyards of the North Fork. Parking is available on-site for guests. Finally, pack smartly: while the daytime aesthetic is strictly high-low chic (think designer swimwear paired with vintage denim and straw hats), evenings by the wood-fired oven under the oak trees can get breezy, making a lightweight sweater or linen blazer an essential packing list inclusion for those cool coastal nights.