The Panoramic View:
A Seaside Escape On One of the Nation's Most Beautiful Beaches
It isn't often that I can take advantage of a weekend away, but I couldn't pass up the opportunity when I was invited to the Panoramic View on Old Montauk Highway in Montauk. This spectacular resort was originally built in 1954, and is situated on one of the nation's most beautiful beaches.
Panoramic View has recently undergone a $26 million renovation, and now primarily features luxury oceanfront residences. Most of the guestrooms have been transformed into magnificent condo villas ranging from $1.8 million for a one-bedroom to over $5 million for a five-bedroom. There are 20 units, and they have been going fast.
This truly is resort living, with each home overlooking a "Panoramic View" of the beach, ocean, and lush landscaping throughout the property. With concierge service, a sparkling blue pool, and a beach right in your backyard - complete with lounge and towel service - you feel like you are on a year-round vacation.
There's no need to ask for any upgrades in these units, because they are all included. Panoramic offers the best appliances, a fireplace, hard wood floors, marble baths, a top-of-the-line alarm system, and sprawling terraces with a built-in gas grill. The lower deck off the master bedroom has an outdoor hot tub for soaking after a long day at the beach. Maid service is available, and you can even have your refrigerator stocked with your favorite foods. With a new state-of-the-art Fitness Center and on-call massage therapists available day or night, you certainly are basked in luxury living. They thought of everything!
The good news for those of us who are not quite ready to jump into a purchase is that there will still be a portion of the resort reserved for guest suites. After this summer the guest suites will all be totally renovated to the same design as the residences, and the Panoramic View will be the only luxury resort in the Hampton area. I must say the rooms are not too shabby now, either. Each room is currently decorated with new carpeting, painted white wood walls and furniture, and simple fluffy white bedding on all new beds. Magnificent water views from every terrace make waking up in the morning an event in itself.
The beauty of visiting the Panoramic View in summer is that you can continue to stay in shape by taking your routine to the beach. Walking or jogging on the beach in the early morning seems to be the exercise of choice for many, although there is a fully equipped fitness center. The all-new outdoor pool is a peaceful place to swim laps or you may opt for a skin quenching dip in the ocean. After a long day at the beach I suggest taking a long hot shower and having your pre-booked massage on the terrace.
While in Montauk you are not very far away from all the best restaurants the Hamptons has to offer. While I was there I chose OSO at the Southampton Inn for dinner. I always like to begin with a glass of wine and a garden salad. Organic, flavorful fresh picked vegetables are all you will be eating here. I had the Lobster Pot Pie as my entree because it sounded too good to pass up - and it did not fail to deliver. Dinner could not have been complete without the dessert selection from Executive Chef, Bryan Naylor (oh my, a warm chocolate molten cake that oozed with chocolate from within!). The dinner was superb, and although we ate inside, there is outside seating and dining by the pool as well. The restaurant was warm and inviting, and the service was good. The chef cared to visit with his guests to thank us all for coming as if we were at his home. It just topped off the perfect weekend.
The Hamptons is always a favorite destination for me in summer. It is a short ride to paradise, and there is everything or nothing at all to do - but I know the moment my car hits Route 27 heading east, the stress of daily life stays behind. IMAGE
YORK'S
