Point Dune: Now in its second season, Discovery Land Company’s only property with members-only accommodations establishes itself as the spot to be in the Hamptons.
Since its inception in 1995 with the launch of its first resort community, the Estancia Club in Scottsdale, Discovery Land Company has grown to a portfolio of 23 signature resort communities, from the Big Island of Hawaii to the Bahamas, but has never opened a property with overnight accommodations. Until now. With the launch of Dune Deck, a 5.7-acre beach club located on Westhampton Beach, the brand has entered its next phase of development.
“There is no greater location to visit during the summer than the Hamptons,” says Mike Meldman, Discovery Land Company’s CEO and founder. “We were offered a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to rebuild an iconic beach club, and we know that many of our existing members from New York City spend their summers here, so it made perfect sense. Dune Deck is an extraordinary beachfront property that operates as a small luxury hotel for our members. It is the first in a plan to develop an expanding collection of Discovery-branded boutique hotels throughout the world.”
The property offers just 70 lodging memberships, which grant access to the club’s 33 Beach Club Suites, each 600 square feet and comprised of a living room with a bar, pullout sofa, and full bath, and a bedroom with a California king bed and full en suite bathroom. Architecture is in a traditional shingle-clad Hamptons style from Hart Howerton, with interiors by Denton House. There are also 205 Beach Club memberships, granting access to the club’s facilities and amenities, as well as secondary access to the suites.
Those not staying overnight at the club will still enjoy Discovery’s signature Outdoor Pursuits program, which facilitates surfing, kayaking, paddleboarding, sailing, cycling, horseback riding, and more. Culinary options at the club include an ocean-view restaurant and poolside Deck Bar. The club’s season runs Memorial Day through Labor Day, with limited hours just before and after. Membership starts at $350,000 for the beach club and $1M for the lodging.
“I think of the Dune Deck as The Beverly Hills Hotel of the Hamptons,” Meldman says. “The club has a wonderful history and vibe and offers a casual elegance that appeals to our members. It’s a great place just to hang out in the Hamptons throughout the summer.” dunedeckclub.com
Hot Spots: A guide to the events, benefits, and galas everyone was talking about this season.
Polo Hamptons
Saturday, July 6, 2019
Spend an unforgettable afternoon enjoying polo with players such as Martin Pepa and Mariano Gonzalez in the Hamptons as philanthropic power couple Maria and Kenneth Fishel host Polo Hamptons. The third annual event will take place for the second time at the Fishels’ beautifully landscaped Bridgehampton estate, which is also an agricultural reserve. Highlights from last year include fashion designer Rachel Zoe posing with fans and speaking about her Rachel Zoe Collection. In addition to prime viewing for the polo match, guests will enjoy an open-bar cocktail party with hors d’oeuvres by Elegant Affairs. From $175, polohamptons.com.
Samuel Waxman Cancer Research Foundation 15th Annual Hamptons Happening
Saturday, July 13, 2019
Lidia Bastianich, Nicole Miller, Ian Duke and Antonella Bertello are the honorees at this year’s event, one of the East End’s most anticipated summer fundraisers thanks to the combination of fine food and entertainment. This year’s live music will come from Pat Farrell and the Cold Spring Harbor Band’s Billy Joel Tribute Show. The evening also offers a “Tour de Cuisine” featuring food, wine, and spirit tastings from The Baker House 1650, Bastianich Family of Restaurants, MarieBelle New York chocolates, Union Cantina, and Southampton Social Club. Proceeds support groundbreaking cancer research. From $425, waxmancancer.org.
Dancers for Good
Friday, July 19, 2019
This year’s performers at Dancers for Good include The Verdon Fosse Legacy, Paul Taylor Dance Company, Madboots Dance, and Carolyn Dorfman Dance. Proceeds support The Actors Fund and its vast array of services, including helping actors finding employment and career stability. Broadway director and choreographer Jerry Mitchell (Kinky Boots) will be honored and the evening will be hosted by Cady Huffman (The Producers). Dancers for Good will also honor dance legends Bob Fosse (Cabaret, Chicago) and Gwen Verdon (Damn Yankees, Sweet Charity) for Lifetime Achievement in Dance. From $150, dancersforgood.org.
Southampton Animal Shelter Foundation’s 10th Annual Unconditional Love Gala
Saturday, July 20, 2019
The tents at Wickapogue and Old Town Roads in Southampton will host this year’s signature event for animal lovers, hosted by philanthropist Jean Shafiroff, which will kick off with cocktails, followed by dinner catered by Stone Creek Inn. Guests will also enjoy music by dance band Nation and a silent auction that include packages for five-star European hotels, outings at the East End’s most prestigious golf courses, and more. From $500, southamptonanimalshelter.com.
Prostate Cancer Foundation’s Annual Gala and Tennis Tournament
Saturday, August 24, 2019
This year, the annual gala will be held at the Parrish Art Museum in Watermill and highlight the PCF Pro-Am Tennis Tournament. The gala is a celebration featuring cocktails, dining, and special performances. All funds raised will support groundbreaking discoveries in cancer research. Last year’s event raised more than $4M. From $2,500, pcf.org.
